Consoles Have Just Become Sh*tty PCs
Discussion
Article:
http://www.gamefront.com/consoles-have-just-become...
What are your thoughts on this? I haven't had a console since the PS1, so can't really comment - however the staggering cost of a PS3 put me off buying one a few months ago.
http://www.gamefront.com/consoles-have-just-become...
What are your thoughts on this? I haven't had a console since the PS1, so can't really comment - however the staggering cost of a PS3 put me off buying one a few months ago.
But the DLC issues are affecting PC's too, so thats a moot point.
And its still a hell of alot easier than managing PC games too. Yes, you get patches, and yes, you get online keys, but its still a long way from the current PC situation where you have copy/DRM protection, various driver versions, firewall and permission issues, IP addresses and custom servers...
Its an age-old arguement clearly written by a someone with a PC bias. PC's and Consoles will always have their places, and while I think I'll always prefer the true multitasking abilities and customisation the PC can offer, I'll still use my console purely for its straightforward approach to gaming.
I use my console because I can sit down, pop a game in and start playing in seconds. I don't have to upgrade the console with new graphics cards, RAM, cooling systems (!!!) etc, just to find that some other program on my computer is causing some internal conflict and causing the game to run poorly anyway. So much easier and more convenient, and Xbox Live is excellent. The 360 also has an amazing joypad, with all of it's games designed to be used for it, rather than just plugging one in on an adaptor and trying to map something to fit.
PC gaming might have it's place for some, but I'm a hardcore gamer and it's not for me!
PC gaming might have it's place for some, but I'm a hardcore gamer and it's not for me!
Mastodon2 said:
I use my console because I can sit down, pop a game in and start playing in seconds. I don't have to upgrade the console with new graphics cards, RAM, cooling systems (!!!) etc, just to find that some other program on my computer is causing some internal conflict and causing the game to run poorly anyway. So much easier and more convenient, and Xbox Live is excellent. The 360 also has an amazing joypad, with all of it's games designed to be used for it, rather than just plugging one in on an adaptor and trying to map something to fit.
PC gaming might have it's place for some, but I'm a hardcore gamer and it's not for me!
This exact reason. As a kid(around when I was 11 etc) I always used to game on the computer, but we just got fed up with games not working, having to calibrate this and that. Oh wait it isn't compatible. My laptop was happily playing TDU earlier this year when I got it, but now it just likes to close it down after a while. I really can't be bothered with it all and I too once a hardcore gamer got fed up.PC gaming might have it's place for some, but I'm a hardcore gamer and it's not for me!
DanielJames said:
Especially against the cost of a gaming PC! and the constant upgrades that go with it..
Although don't forget you do need to buy a TV too.. 
The thing which surprises me though is how dated the graphics on the 360 look nowadays, especially when compared to a PC. There is no comparison at the moment really.I am of the opinion that consoles do seem to be becoming limited PC's (hell the 360 is basically a pc inside) - my mate has a PS3 and the hilarity he had playing GT5 with its seemingly constant downloads - content and patches. Doesn't seem too much difference to a PC really.
I did like the PS1 for its turn on play aspect though; although given that my computer is normally on to surf the net anyway that doesn't really matter - load time on a PC are faster than a console anyway; and I use a 360 controller on it
vonuber said:
Although don't forget you do need to buy a TV too.. The thing which surprises me though is how dated the graphics on the 360 look nowadays, especially when compared to a PC. There is no comparison at the moment really.
I am of the opinion that consoles do seem to be becoming limited PC's (hell the 360 is basically a pc inside) - my mate has a PS3 and the hilarity he had playing GT5 with its seemingly constant downloads - content and patches. Doesn't seem too much difference to a PC really.
I did like the PS1 for its turn on play aspect though; although given that my computer is normally on to surf the net anyway that doesn't really matter - load time on a PC are faster than a console anyway; and I use a 360 controller on it
The PS3 is the same as the PS1. Turn on and play. Yes there's the off update for GT5, but all you have to is click download. No farting around or upgrading. I had a quick go as always on Bad Company 1 earlier and all I did was turn on and insert disk. Simple. The thing which surprises me though is how dated the graphics on the 360 look nowadays, especially when compared to a PC. There is no comparison at the moment really.I am of the opinion that consoles do seem to be becoming limited PC's (hell the 360 is basically a pc inside) - my mate has a PS3 and the hilarity he had playing GT5 with its seemingly constant downloads - content and patches. Doesn't seem too much difference to a PC really.
I did like the PS1 for its turn on play aspect though; although given that my computer is normally on to surf the net anyway that doesn't really matter - load time on a PC are faster than a console anyway; and I use a 360 controller on it
DanielJames said:
Especially against the cost of a gaming PC! and the constant upgrades that go with it..
Well to keep a reasonable gaming PC, you need to spend about £600 every 3 years, although you could possibly get away with spending less if you were happy to run lower resolutions/detail.However, two other points to consider:
1. PC Games are cheaper - £25 compared to £40 on consoles.
2. Non-PC gamers tend to buy a PC to go along with their consoles anyway for general use.
So in reality there isn't much in it. The thing that swings it is that to get the cutting-edge, multi-AA, 1920x1080 PC gaming experience requires frequent and relatively expensive outlays.
MattyB_ said:
DanielJames said:
Especially against the cost of a gaming PC! and the constant upgrades that go with it..
Well to keep a reasonable gaming PC, you need to spend about £600 every 3 years, although you could possibly get away with spending less if you were happy to run lower resolutions/detail.However, two other points to consider:
1. PC Games are cheaper - £25 compared to £40 on consoles.
2. Non-PC gamers tend to buy a PC to go along with their consoles anyway for general use.
So in reality there isn't much in it. The thing that swings it is that to get the cutting-edge, multi-AA, 1920x1080 PC gaming experience requires frequent and relatively expensive outlays.
I get his point, but it's just a rant really.
It's more a problem with individual games than with any particular platform. For example I fell out with GT5 a while ago ,but a friend was coming over so I thought I'd give it a second chance and we'd have a go on it. I even had the presence of mind to power up the PS3 early. There were 5 updates waiting ,and it took 3 hours and a load of keypresses to update. Frustrating beyond belief. I frequently get that - I don't often have a long time to play games so if I can grab an hour to fire up a game I don't want to spend the first 30 mins on a firmware or game update.
I can't say I've had the 'online pass' problem, but EA are a massive faff with their various registrations and account logins.
Steam has overall improved PC gaming, some developers seem to be going out of their way to sell Console games that are effectively broken and need endless patching, codes, DLC etc just to be playable. Hopefully market forces will weed them out. A big reason I'm moving from Modern Warfare over to Battlefield this 'round' is Modern Warfares hideously expensive and lazy Map Packs.
I have a 360, a PS3 and a laptop that will play Most new games (somewhere between minimum and recommended specs for BF3 for example) and I have no particular bias. I just prefer console gaming as a recreational experience.
It's more a problem with individual games than with any particular platform. For example I fell out with GT5 a while ago ,but a friend was coming over so I thought I'd give it a second chance and we'd have a go on it. I even had the presence of mind to power up the PS3 early. There were 5 updates waiting ,and it took 3 hours and a load of keypresses to update. Frustrating beyond belief. I frequently get that - I don't often have a long time to play games so if I can grab an hour to fire up a game I don't want to spend the first 30 mins on a firmware or game update.
I can't say I've had the 'online pass' problem, but EA are a massive faff with their various registrations and account logins.
Steam has overall improved PC gaming, some developers seem to be going out of their way to sell Console games that are effectively broken and need endless patching, codes, DLC etc just to be playable. Hopefully market forces will weed them out. A big reason I'm moving from Modern Warfare over to Battlefield this 'round' is Modern Warfares hideously expensive and lazy Map Packs.
I have a 360, a PS3 and a laptop that will play Most new games (somewhere between minimum and recommended specs for BF3 for example) and I have no particular bias. I just prefer console gaming as a recreational experience.
vonuber said:
Although don't forget you do need to buy a TV too.. The thing which surprises me though is how dated the graphics on the 360 look nowadays, especially when compared to a PC. There is no comparison at the moment really.
i) Most people have a TV already. (They will most likely also have a PC, but it will most likely not be of a really high gaming spec. More a net browser, so they would have to spend a lot on a new PC or upgrades) The thing which surprises me though is how dated the graphics on the 360 look nowadays, especially when compared to a PC. There is no comparison at the moment really.ii) It's no surprise that 360 graphics are not as good as current PC graphics. Here's why:
1 - XBOX360 came out in 2005, that's 6 years ago. PC's tech is evolving monthly.
2 - XBOX360 costs less to buy than the gaming rig that you'd need to outperform it graphically. (i.e. £ for £ on hardware, I reckon the 360 would hold it's own.)
Given the choice, I like gaming on the PC because:
1) With good hardware, I can use every native pixel in my 2560x1440 screen. 1080p? Meh.
2) I occasionally revisit the classics. Civ, UFO: Enemy Unknown etc.
2) I can run trainers to "enhance" the games (I only play offline single player). I simply don't have the time to play games properly, but I enjoy them nontheless and enjoy working through the story and experiencing the game design through the levels. So if I decide a game is somewhat worth playing but not worth investing too much time on, I whip out the trainer and zip through it and have a lot of fun in the process. I think the last time I turned my 360 on was six months ago, though will find the time to play through GOW3 soon enough (properly).
1) With good hardware, I can use every native pixel in my 2560x1440 screen. 1080p? Meh.
2) I occasionally revisit the classics. Civ, UFO: Enemy Unknown etc.
2) I can run trainers to "enhance" the games (I only play offline single player). I simply don't have the time to play games properly, but I enjoy them nontheless and enjoy working through the story and experiencing the game design through the levels. So if I decide a game is somewhat worth playing but not worth investing too much time on, I whip out the trainer and zip through it and have a lot of fun in the process. I think the last time I turned my 360 on was six months ago, though will find the time to play through GOW3 soon enough (properly).
-DeaDLocK- said:
Given the choice, I like gaming on the PC because:
1) With good hardware, I can use every native pixel in my 2560x1440 screen. 1080p? Meh.
2) I occasionally revisit the classics. Civ, UFO: Enemy Unknown etc.
2) I can run trainers to "enhance" the games (I only play offline single player). I simply don't have the time to play games properly, but I enjoy them nontheless and enjoy working through the story and experiencing the game design through the levels. So if I decide a game is somewhat worth playing but not worth investing too much time on, I whip out the trainer and zip through it and have a lot of fun in the process. I think the last time I turned my 360 on was six months ago, though will find the time to play through GOW3 soon enough (properly).
Ok, I like console gaming because:1) With good hardware, I can use every native pixel in my 2560x1440 screen. 1080p? Meh.
2) I occasionally revisit the classics. Civ, UFO: Enemy Unknown etc.
2) I can run trainers to "enhance" the games (I only play offline single player). I simply don't have the time to play games properly, but I enjoy them nontheless and enjoy working through the story and experiencing the game design through the levels. So if I decide a game is somewhat worth playing but not worth investing too much time on, I whip out the trainer and zip through it and have a lot of fun in the process. I think the last time I turned my 360 on was six months ago, though will find the time to play through GOW3 soon enough (properly).
1) Level playing field. (Yes people will still have different sized TV's and internet speeds, but at least we're all using the same hardware so get the same detail and frame rates)
2) No need to bugger about with drivers/compatibility. (But yeah, per OP's linked rant, downloads/updates do suck but at least they don't need a computer science degree to install)
3) No fiddling about with settings (res/antiailias/features etc) to try to get a decent frame rate on a sub £1k machine.
4) Less chance of mods/hacks spoling games.
5) Simple. I get in, turn on TV and Amp and hit the XBOX button on my controller... everything fires up and the TV/Amp flip over to Xbox channel and Black Ops boots me directly into the multiplayer lobby. Takes about 60secs from cold, just enough time to get a drink.
SOME PEOPLE PREFER ONE BOX OF ELECTRONICS TO ANOTHER SHOCKER!
The one thing that really amuses me is that some people have to seek validation in their choices, and then have to go on the warpath to justify their choices.
PC is the right answer for some peoples needs. PS3 is the right answer for others. Xbox for others still. It's no big deal. I don't feel short-changed that my PS3 doesn't ahve the Graphics capability of my laptop. I don't feel the need to bang on endlessly that my choice was the ONLY WAY and anyone who feels anything different is a LESSER HUMAN and a NOOB and not L337 because they didn't follow my path...
Perhaps I'm just lucky that I can afford several systems. I can see why it's an issue in the playground, but not on PH.
The one thing that really amuses me is that some people have to seek validation in their choices, and then have to go on the warpath to justify their choices.
PC is the right answer for some peoples needs. PS3 is the right answer for others. Xbox for others still. It's no big deal. I don't feel short-changed that my PS3 doesn't ahve the Graphics capability of my laptop. I don't feel the need to bang on endlessly that my choice was the ONLY WAY and anyone who feels anything different is a LESSER HUMAN and a NOOB and not L337 because they didn't follow my path...
Perhaps I'm just lucky that I can afford several systems. I can see why it's an issue in the playground, but not on PH.
mrmr96 said:
4) Less chance of mods/hacks spoling games.
.
Actually on the pc you can run extra programs to catch cheating as well as having dedicated servers with good server admins welding the banhammer you end up with less cheating. It is easier and more effective to use lag switches on the consoles than it is to cheat on the pc..
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