Discussion
Sell me a PC over a console for gaming.
I know the graphics are a bit better but aside from that, and possibly the difference in control methods, why would I choose to game on a PC rather than a plug n play console?
I would love to play the zombie game mentioned here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
but I reckon a good third of the posts in that thread are about server problems, hackers, install problems, patch updates to rectify this and that etc etc. I just couldn't be arsed with all of that, not being into PC's in any kind of meaningful way that would enable me to 1. know what the problem is and 2. know where to find the solutions.
So let's hear why you game on the system you do.
I know the graphics are a bit better but aside from that, and possibly the difference in control methods, why would I choose to game on a PC rather than a plug n play console?
I would love to play the zombie game mentioned here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
but I reckon a good third of the posts in that thread are about server problems, hackers, install problems, patch updates to rectify this and that etc etc. I just couldn't be arsed with all of that, not being into PC's in any kind of meaningful way that would enable me to 1. know what the problem is and 2. know where to find the solutions.
So let's hear why you game on the system you do.
I built a PC for gaming and general use and upgraded it as and when i wanted but now i've bought a laptop and decided its a console for gaming. Will free up a load of space as no need for desk, chair etc etc.
One problem with a PC build when you upgrade is parts, i went for a bugger HDD just at the time Thailand was under water and prices had quadroupled. Also there is a lot of inferior GFX cards, i've gone though 3 in the past couple of years that randomly failed.
One problem with a PC build when you upgrade is parts, i went for a bugger HDD just at the time Thailand was under water and prices had quadroupled. Also there is a lot of inferior GFX cards, i've gone though 3 in the past couple of years that randomly failed.
The game in that topic isn't even at Alpha yet I don't think.
Alpha is a pre-pre-pre-pre (You get the idea) release of a game. Its used to go out,for people to play it and report back bugs, errors and issues for the creator to rectify prior to official release.
That is why there are many people talking about their issues, so to use it as an example is unfair.
Alpha is a pre-pre-pre-pre (You get the idea) release of a game. Its used to go out,for people to play it and report back bugs, errors and issues for the creator to rectify prior to official release.
That is why there are many people talking about their issues, so to use it as an example is unfair.
Difficult one.
For me, the key thing I prefer about PC gaming is:
1. Mods - games like Skyrim are gives many (many) times more playability and lifespan through the mod community.
2. Control variation - I can use either my XBox controller, or Mouse and Keyboard.
3. TRUE multitasking - while bored/waiting I can tab out, check emails, browse internet, run another app. Even better with 2 monitors...
4. Better FPS, RTS and Sim gaming - doesn't work on anything other than M&K.
5. Better communities - difference in player maturity on games like BF3 is staggering.
Downsides are increased complexity, updating drivers, patching (although Steam makes this easier).
COST tends to be a big sticking point - but what people don't consider is that they buy a normal PC anyway for home use - stick a decent GFX card in it (for the price of a console) and you've got a good gaming PC. Add on the fact that games are a good £10-15 cheaper, and there really isn't as much in it as it first appears.
Funny you should mention Skyrim, it must be unplayable on consoles. One quest glitch and you'd lose hours of play time whereas on the PC you can usually fix it.
I challenge the OP to play an FPS or strategy game on the PC and still want to go back to using a control pad.
You don't actually need a megapowerful PC, most games are designed to run on consoles so a sub £400 PC game run just about everything with the graphics turned up to full.
I challenge the OP to play an FPS or strategy game on the PC and still want to go back to using a control pad.
You don't actually need a megapowerful PC, most games are designed to run on consoles so a sub £400 PC game run just about everything with the graphics turned up to full.
Edited by EDLT on Sunday 2nd September 00:17
EDLT said:
I challenge the OP to play an FPS or strategy game on the PC and still want to go back to using a control pad.
I've done both, and swung back and forth. Sitting back in comfort on the sofa with a 55" TV and surround sound beats being hunched over a desk though so both have advantages. You get used to the controls.I was a console fan all my life because when you bought a console you knew it would last 6 years or so and cost a fraction of the price. Then I saved up for a gaming PC and I haven't touched my PS3 or Xbox for 2 months now. The mods are great for games, so much more variety, FPS and strategy games just work better with a mouse, I can play iracing which is lovely on it.
Also you can hook up a xbox controller to your PC and my PC (Alienware X51) is the size of an Xbox so I can hook if up to the tv in my living room if I really want to.
Also you can hook up a xbox controller to your PC and my PC (Alienware X51) is the size of an Xbox so I can hook if up to the tv in my living room if I really want to.
Symbolica said:
Just buy whichever one your mates have, genuinely.
This. The key for me is multiplayer as I don't do any single player really. I used to be a pc gamer, I've now switched to console. Would like to have a pc gaming machine for I racing and half life but don't have the money or space!
To be honest a lot of the old problems with PC gaming are a thing of the past...gone are the days you needed to be an IT expert to get the damn things running..nowadays they just work, especially with steam.
Also gone are the days of having to spend a fortune upgrading or of having to spend £1500 on a PC..although you find the temptation is there when buying one just to get a bit more memory or a slightly better graphics card.. 'tis easy to blow a budget
you can plug a PC straight into most modern TVs and use an xbox controller, so you don't have to sit hunched over a desk
The big advantages for me are the mods, and to some extent the more complex and mature games, although consoles have caught up a bit in that respect.
and the huge number of innovative, fun, imaginative indie games that are available, anyone who knows their stuff can make a PC game and release it.
Also gone are the days of having to spend a fortune upgrading or of having to spend £1500 on a PC..although you find the temptation is there when buying one just to get a bit more memory or a slightly better graphics card.. 'tis easy to blow a budget
you can plug a PC straight into most modern TVs and use an xbox controller, so you don't have to sit hunched over a desk
The big advantages for me are the mods, and to some extent the more complex and mature games, although consoles have caught up a bit in that respect.
and the huge number of innovative, fun, imaginative indie games that are available, anyone who knows their stuff can make a PC game and release it.
Why do you have to make it one or the other?
I have a PC and a PS2, and wouldn't choose one over the other for gaming as they serve different purposes. Yes i prefer Mouse + Keyboard for FPS and RPG games on the PC, but i don't have difficulty using a gamepad on the console either.
Incidently before you start spouting about X360's and PS3's; the latest generation of consoles offer exactly the same game experiences and choice as the previous 2 generations. And i refuse to succumb to the "newer is better" myth.
The main differences are consoles have a bigger library of (let's leave out webgames for this comparison) platform and 3rd person adventure games. The PC has no equivalent of Ratchet & Clank, Okami or Shadow of the Colossus.
But then on the flipside of that serious gaming is best done on a PC. For example driving games; Gran Turismo and Forza may claim they're the most realistic thing going, but they're developed with gamepad-users and people with short attention spans in mind. So have to be dumbed-down to maintain user interest.
PC's do simulations better than anything else; whether that be cars, boats, planes, or street sweepers.
I'd say if you enjoy a huge variety of genres and gaming purely for having a laugh then a console is the best way to go. But if you want to "be" something (pilot, racing driver, Gordon Freeman) then you're better off on a PC.
I recommend both.
I have a PC and a PS2, and wouldn't choose one over the other for gaming as they serve different purposes. Yes i prefer Mouse + Keyboard for FPS and RPG games on the PC, but i don't have difficulty using a gamepad on the console either.
Incidently before you start spouting about X360's and PS3's; the latest generation of consoles offer exactly the same game experiences and choice as the previous 2 generations. And i refuse to succumb to the "newer is better" myth.
The main differences are consoles have a bigger library of (let's leave out webgames for this comparison) platform and 3rd person adventure games. The PC has no equivalent of Ratchet & Clank, Okami or Shadow of the Colossus.
But then on the flipside of that serious gaming is best done on a PC. For example driving games; Gran Turismo and Forza may claim they're the most realistic thing going, but they're developed with gamepad-users and people with short attention spans in mind. So have to be dumbed-down to maintain user interest.
PC's do simulations better than anything else; whether that be cars, boats, planes, or street sweepers.
I'd say if you enjoy a huge variety of genres and gaming purely for having a laugh then a console is the best way to go. But if you want to "be" something (pilot, racing driver, Gordon Freeman) then you're better off on a PC.
I recommend both.
Edited by BarbaricAvatar on Sunday 2nd September 11:32
Got an xbox 360
Bought a gaming PC about 2 months ago.
Struggled to find PC games in shops. Only place in York selling games is PC world and they are all the £2.99 train/plane/digger simulators. You can download games but tbh for me thats a pita.
Bought in mainly for the PC racing, i.e iracing & rfactor over the xbox offering Forza 4. Got put off iracing due to the subscriptions, having to buy cars, tracks etc. So much easier to flick on the xbox and have a graphically better game, very quick to get into and 500 car selection instead of 8.
I'm still looking at rfactor with a member from here. So far borrowed a wheel (rrp £200) still need to buy the game and get it installed which apparently doesn't work too well with Windows 7, requires patches and all sorts of other stuff I'm not really interested in spending time finding.
The attraction of PC racing is the league set ups and the logevity of racing a season. Forza seems to be more arcade based in terms of 1 race events.
The PC does have benefits but you seem to have to do a lot of work and setting up to make to most of the games. Too much messing about with compatability, drivers, patches etc. If you're like me and just want to flick on a machine and be gaming within a few seconds and everything working as it should, buy a console
Would I buy a 'gaming' PC again, probably not, but it's nice to have a decent spec if you want to dabble.
Am I considering buying a 2nd xbox for when I'm working away, yes. Works as it should, loads of games available, does what it says on the tin.
Bought a gaming PC about 2 months ago.
Struggled to find PC games in shops. Only place in York selling games is PC world and they are all the £2.99 train/plane/digger simulators. You can download games but tbh for me thats a pita.
Bought in mainly for the PC racing, i.e iracing & rfactor over the xbox offering Forza 4. Got put off iracing due to the subscriptions, having to buy cars, tracks etc. So much easier to flick on the xbox and have a graphically better game, very quick to get into and 500 car selection instead of 8.
I'm still looking at rfactor with a member from here. So far borrowed a wheel (rrp £200) still need to buy the game and get it installed which apparently doesn't work too well with Windows 7, requires patches and all sorts of other stuff I'm not really interested in spending time finding.
The attraction of PC racing is the league set ups and the logevity of racing a season. Forza seems to be more arcade based in terms of 1 race events.
The PC does have benefits but you seem to have to do a lot of work and setting up to make to most of the games. Too much messing about with compatability, drivers, patches etc. If you're like me and just want to flick on a machine and be gaming within a few seconds and everything working as it should, buy a console
Would I buy a 'gaming' PC again, probably not, but it's nice to have a decent spec if you want to dabble.
Am I considering buying a 2nd xbox for when I'm working away, yes. Works as it should, loads of games available, does what it says on the tin.
Rick101 said:
Sorry don't follow you?
What reasearch could I have done?
The best way to get experience is to try something.
Too many on here post fact about nothing more than hearsay.
No, the best way to get experience is to look at all options and base your decision on those that best suit you.What reasearch could I have done?
The best way to get experience is to try something.
Too many on here post fact about nothing more than hearsay.
Although I can agree that sometimes PC gaming is hit and miss, due to customisation, but a lot of what you're describing sounds like you're making it more difficult for yourself than it needs to be. The reason you can't find games in many shops is because there isn't many shops that are still open. Most game purchases are now online, and with purely-online merchants like Steam etc, it's cheaper to buy online than to go to high street retailers who rarely have a great selection.
My only real gripe with PC gaming is the frequency of improvements/developments which, as you say, means changing certain hardware to keep up with the demand on graphics/memory/processing speed etc. However, spending a reasonable sum on some good kit should see it last a good 3 years at least, with the possibility of only having to spend another £100-150 on a better card, should the time come.
Having said that, I rarely use my 360 at the moment and even less so my PC for gaming these days. I
Centurion07 said:
Sell me a PC over a console for gaming.
I know the graphics are a bit better but aside from that, and possibly the difference in control methods, why would I choose to game on a PC rather than a plug n play console?
I would love to play the zombie game mentioned here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
but I reckon a good third of the posts in that thread are about server problems, hackers, install problems, patch updates to rectify this and that etc etc. I just couldn't be arsed with all of that, not being into PC's in any kind of meaningful way that would enable me to 1. know what the problem is and 2. know where to find the solutions.
So let's hear why you game on the system you do.
It's a really great game and unmatched for thrill anywhere as far as I am concerned, even in its early stage. Unfortunately it is very rough around the edges; the patches can be a pain, the hackers are frustrating and the current graphics glitches even more frustrating.I know the graphics are a bit better but aside from that, and possibly the difference in control methods, why would I choose to game on a PC rather than a plug n play console?
I would love to play the zombie game mentioned here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
but I reckon a good third of the posts in that thread are about server problems, hackers, install problems, patch updates to rectify this and that etc etc. I just couldn't be arsed with all of that, not being into PC's in any kind of meaningful way that would enable me to 1. know what the problem is and 2. know where to find the solutions.
So let's hear why you game on the system you do.
Watch some videos on YouTube and see what you think; I can't see this game making it to console any time soon so if you want to play it you'll have to buy a PC.
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