Why do you guys play a console instead of PC?

[EvilComputer92]

Originally posted by: BenSkywalker

Like what? Let's get some examples going here. I have hundreds of PC titles and console titles, owned almost every gaming platform ever, please point out these games. Feel free to list exacting examples too. Elder Scrolls saw a fairly huge improvement in quality although the games became far more difficult to actually play through when consoles became a priority(ES:3 took all of what, an hour to make yourself a god?

Deus Ex: Invisible War is an prime example. A sequel to an excellent game dumbed down so much for the Xbox. A terrible UI and unoptimized engine accompanied with levels that were obviously built around the fact that the Xbox had only 64mb RAM.

Unreal Tournament 3 is another example. Horrible interface on the PC ported straight over from the PS3. Lack of options and customizations that just scream consolizing. This was the one of the reasons why the game was hated so much on the PC. For example, your individual map settings like bots and mutators are erased each time you exit the game.

Oblivion has a terrible interface on the PC, clearly designed for consoles. Along with many other stupid things like entering a shop thats about 5 feet big requires a loading screen to enter, an obvious effect from the constraints of the 512mb of RAM the 360 has.

I know, requires reflexes way too fast for the typical PC gamer, 1/100th of a second reflexes may get you into a pre school tourney, if you are lucky. PC gamers have trouble realizing how 10ms ping would completely ruin a good fighting game, they just don't understand that that is a lifetime to a skilled gamer.

Ever played Unreal Tournament or Quake III? You know that the game speed of UT3 on the Playstation 3 was intentionally slowed down so the controller would be manage the reflexes that are required to play the game?

 

[Jules]

Why do i play a console instead of PC? Well i like the games alot better. Theres only 1-2 games i really play for the PC.

 

[BenSkywalker]

Deus Ex: Invisible War is an prime example. A sequel to an excellent game dumbed down so much for the Xbox. A terrible UI and unoptimized engine accompanied with levels that were obviously built around the fact that the Xbox had only 64mb RAM.

So Ion Storm sucks, what does that have to do with the XBox exactly? Halo's levels were pretty huge, so was Morrowind's outer world, not seeing how Ion Storm being a below average PC dev team in terms of technical merit has anything with IW not being up to your standards. As far as the control scheme goes- the first game's sucked. You may not like that, but it was the case. IW certainly wasn't the best, but it isn't like they had a great interface and replaced it with something lousy, they took a poorly planned sloppy interface and replaced it with a poorly planned slimmed down interface.

Unreal Tournament 3 is another example. Horrible interface on the PC ported straight over from the PS3. Lack of options and customizations that just scream consolizing. This was the one of the reasons why the game was hated so much on the PC. For example, your individual map settings like bots and mutators are erased each time you exit the game.

U2K4 was good? Is that what you are honeslty saying? I was a HUGE fan of the original UT- the series went to shit without any help from the consoles whatsoever. As far as losing settings everytime you exit the game- the PS3 comes with a HD by default, you can install, patch and mod games just like on the PC. A game dumping settings is the fault of piss poor coding, the PS3 has everything needed to fully support all the elements the old school UT games do(INCLUDING mouse/kb support). It can't go beyond the numb/slow mouse/kb setup to true aiming, but certainly MUCH faster then a controller.

Oblivion has a terrible interface on the PC, clearly designed for consoles. Along with many other stupid things like entering a shop thats about 5 feet big requires a loading screen to enter, an obvious effect from the constraints of the 512mb of RAM the 360 has.

I laughed when I read this. I take it you aren't a fan of the ElderScroll series? Bethesda is probably the poorest code writers in the games market- all of their games suck in those exact ways- even the ones that didn't ever make it to the PC. Also- you fail to compare the interface to Morrowind or ESII if you want to eliminate all links, nor did you mention the fact that Oblivion owed the fact that you could, rather shockingly- play the game the day it came out without having to wait half a year for it to be patched to a beta state. On the 360 the entire outer world streams without issue from the media- but a shop is too much to handle? The reality is that the game only requires 512MB of RAM to run on the PC, due to OS overhead the PC in actuality uses less system resources by default then the 360 version, by quite a bit. If they were pushing for the 360 as baseline hardware 1GB of RAM, a DX10 vid card and a multi core processor would be required, not the lowly specs they do use(3GHZ P4, 512MB RAM, 128MB GeForce FX.... WAY below 360 levels of hardware). If anything, that game was held back on the 360 due to its PC connection.

 

[imported_Imp]

Cause PC had nothing coming out for nine months prior to this September. I remember these droughts for as long as I have owned a PC. Having a console opens up a new avenue. I prefer PC though; nothing like crashing to desktop, then doing some surfing/other stuff, then reloading the game. Whenever I'm on my console, I feel so 'disconnected'. For this reason, I think I'm going to sacrifice graphics in order to play Fallout 3 on an older PC.

 

[Thraxen]

Originally posted by: EvilComputer92
Unreal Tournament 3 is another example. Horrible interface on the PC ported straight over from the PS3. Lack of options and customizations that just scream consolizing. This was the one of the reasons why the game was hated so much on the PC. For example, your individual map settings like bots and mutators are erased each time you exit the game.

I love how UT3 is always brought up, yet I'll then play a game like STALKER which, beyond being a buggy overrated combo of a poor RPG + a poor FPS, has a similar menu and comparable array of options. Yet many PC gamers will praise the game and hold it up as an example of the superior games on PC.

But beyond that, your examples are all just examples of poor porting. The exact same thing occurs between consoles themselves too. None of them really answer why you think PC games are better than console games.

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: dighn
different game selections. I game on the PC too.

This.

I have a PS3 and own games for it that aren't on the PC.
I do not own a 360 because the games I like on the system are also on the PC.

I game on PC, PS3, and rarely Wii.

 

[EvilComputer92]

Originally posted by: Thraxen

Originally posted by: EvilComputer92
Unreal Tournament 3 is another example. Horrible interface on the PC ported straight over from the PS3. Lack of options and customizations that just scream consolizing. This was the one of the reasons why the game was hated so much on the PC. For example, your individual map settings like bots and mutators are erased each time you exit the game.

I love how UT3 is always brought up, yet I'll then play a game like STALKER which, beyond being a buggy overrated combo of a poor RPG + a poor FPS, has a similar menu and comparable array of options. Yet many PC gamers will praise the game and hold it up as an example of the superior games on PC.

But beyond that, your examples are all just examples of poor porting. The exact same thing occurs between consoles themselves too. None of them really answer why you think PC games are better than console games.

Where did I say PC games are better than console games? I own an Xbox 360 since it launched and a gaming PC and use both.

When it occurs between consoles its to a lesser degree than when it's ported to a PC. Developers rarely take the time redo the UI and optimize the engine when the game is ported. So when a game is announced as a multiplatform release, naturally people are going to assume PC gamers will get a shoddy porting job. The fact is that most of the time they do. I'd like to see some examples of games that were well ported from the console to the PC.

Obviously it occurs in games that are PC exclusive as well, but its far more common when games are ported from the console to the PC.

 

[Dumac]

I play both. The primary reason is that each system has it's own exclusives. That is why I must have them all. I can't miss out! Some other reasons...

PC:
Better connectivity (I don't like XBL or PSN)
Multitasking (chatting, internet surfing, etc)
Better for some genre's (RTS, FPS)

Console:
Comfort factor (aaaaah couch/bed)
Big TV
Better for some genre's (action games, racing games, etc)
Easier to start
No upgrading

 

[skyofavalon]

Console gaming is turning south.The worst things about PC gaming have begun to sneak over to the other side.Having to install games.Developers releasing broken games because they know they can path em later on.I'm glad the Wii didnt come with a Hard drive.The MMO explosion hasnt happened yet,but it will with the next wave of systems.Look forward to everyone on your buddy list on whatever the WoW equivalent is.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: skyofavalon
Console gaming is turning south.The worst things about PC gaming have begun to sneak over to the other side.Having to install games.Developers releasing broken games because they know they can path em later on.I'm glad the Wii didnt come with a Hard drive.The MMO explosion hasnt happened yet,but it will with the next wave of systems.Look forward to everyone on your buddy list on whatever the WoW equivalent is.

Yeah, a few things are creeping in, but the overall convenience factor is still light years ahead of the PC, which hasnt changed since the last century.

 

[ed21x]

not having to worry about compatability, system requirements, knowing that your game is optimized exactly to the specs of your console. in addition, larger game selection, better exclusives, plug n play, cheaper, etc...

 

[biggestmuff]

I used to play console NES, PS and PS2 with an occasional PC game. I then went strictly PC for several years. October 2007 I bought a 360 followed by a Wii then a PS3. Now, I only game on my consoles. It is more comfortable sitting on a sofa and playing on a 61" HDTV with a nice Onkyo receiver and Klipsch speaker setup...not to mention the SVS sub. There's no way I'd go back to how I was playing on a PC; desk chair in front of a 19" screen with small, near-field speakers.

 

[JPB]

1) Do not have to upgrade the machine in order to play new titles.
2) The game selection is much better imo.
3) 98% of the time *on current gen consoles* there is no fps drops.
4) My couch is a hell of a lot softer than my computer chair.
5) Multiplayer games with my family are 100x better. Ex: Buzz Quiz , Wii Bowling , various party games.
6) Games like Devil May Cry 4, on the big screen = greatness *requires controller*.

 

[JE78]

I was strictly a PC gamer until earlier this year. My wife wanted a Wii so we got one and the social aspect was great. We would have people over and spend hours playing Wii sports and Guitar Hero. Shortly after that I bought a PS3 for its blu-ray capability's, I also picked up MLB 08 The Show and it blew me away. It was the first console sports game I had played in years. After that I picked up Burnout: Paradise City and its nice to sit on my couch with a wireless controller, a 42" HDTV and surround sound. My PC is no slouch, and I have a 22" monitor but for games like that I would rather play them on a console. I still play FPS on my PC because I can't get used to the controls on consoles, I need a keyboard and mouse. I also play Race SIMS on my PC with my G25 wheel/pedal combo because all the race games on a console are very arcadeish.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: JE78
I was strictly a PC gamer until earlier this year. My wife wanted a Wii so we got one and the social aspect was great. We would have people over and spend hours playing Wii sports and Guitar Hero. Shortly after that I bought a PS3 for its blu-ray capability's, I also picked up MLB 08 The Show and it blew me away. It was the first console sports game I had played in years. After that I picked up Burnout: Paradise City and its nice to sit on my couch with a wireless controller, a 42" HDTV and surround sound. My PC is no slouch, and I have a 22" monitor but for games like that I would rather play them on a console. I still play FPS on my PC because I can't get used to the controls on consoles, I need a keyboard and mouse. I also play Race SIMS on my PC with my G25 wheel/pedal combo because all the race games on a console are very arcadeish.

I was an FPS snob about the dual sticks for the longest time. I still think the mouse and keyboard has better control. But there's one thing I didnt realize at the time - the control might not be as precise, but the games are just as fun with the dual sticks once you get used to them. And when you're online, everyone has the same handicap, so its all fair.

 

[JE78]

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: JE78
I was strictly a PC gamer until earlier this year. My wife wanted a Wii so we got one and the social aspect was great. We would have people over and spend hours playing Wii sports and Guitar Hero. Shortly after that I bought a PS3 for its blu-ray capability's, I also picked up MLB 08 The Show and it blew me away. It was the first console sports game I had played in years. After that I picked up Burnout: Paradise City and its nice to sit on my couch with a wireless controller, a 42" HDTV and surround sound. My PC is no slouch, and I have a 22" monitor but for games like that I would rather play them on a console. I still play FPS on my PC because I can't get used to the controls on consoles, I need a keyboard and mouse. I also play Race SIMS on my PC with my G25 wheel/pedal combo because all the race games on a console are very arcadeish.

I was an FPS snob about the dual sticks for the longest time. I still think the mouse and keyboard has better control. But there's one thing I didnt realize at the time - the control might not be as precise, but the games are just as fun with the dual sticks once you get used to them. And when you're online, everyone has the same handicap, so its all fair.

I've rented COD4 for the PS3 and just can't get used to the control, a buddy of mine plays Halo better on his 360 than I play COD of my PC. So everyone might use the same control but some people do it alot better than others. lol

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: Baked
It just works. I don't have to worry about driver problems. I just turn the system on and play the game.

Bingo! Same reason. But for serious gaming I still play on PC. COD4 and the like. Just cant do it on a console.

 

[coreyb]

Same here, I've tried many times but I just can't accept using a controller for fps' games.

 

[Jules]

Originally posted by: JE78
I was strictly a PC gamer until earlier this year. My wife wanted a Wii so we got one and the social aspect was great. We would have people over and spend hours playing Wii sports and Guitar Hero. Shortly after that I bought a PS3 for its blu-ray capability's, I also picked up MLB 08 The Show and it blew me away. It was the first console sports game I had played in years. After that I picked up Burnout: Paradise City and its nice to sit on my couch with a wireless controller, a 42" HDTV and surround sound. My PC is no slouch, and I have a 22" monitor but for games like that I would rather play them on a console. I still play FPS on my PC because I can't get used to the controls on consoles, I need a keyboard and mouse. I also play Race SIMS on my PC with my G25 wheel/pedal combo because all the race games on a console are very arcadeish.

Then you really haven't played many of them at all.

Originally posted by: coreyb
Same here, I've tried many times but I just can't accept using a controller for fps' games.

You mean you just suck at it? Ive played COD4 for the PS3/360/PC and didn't have a issue with any of them.

 

[Golgatha]

Originally posted by: Jumpem
Seems the graphics would be worse. Gameplay being the same/worse is debatable.

I'm contemplating an Xbox 360 simply to game on my 61" tv.

Ease of use, social aspect, and because I can't play a game on my PC while I'm playing on the console

 

[RandomFool]

Originally I was mostly a PC gamer but these days I'm all about console gaming.

The biggest reason I switched is the social aspect. It's easier to get others people to play consoles. A lot of my friends got out of gaming or started playing WoW and it's much easier for me to buy a copy of Soul Caliber we can all play than trying to get everyone to buy a copy of COD4 and make sure their computer can handle it.

It's also less of a headache to get games running the way they're meant to be played. My $400 and $250 consoles are guaranteed to run every game that comes out for then without having to lower setting, update parts and tweak it. Really the only games I buy for the PC anymore are Valve games because they don't have a good history of supporting consoles.

Controller wise the KB/Mouse wins for FPSs. I never thought I could use a controller in an FPS but I bought Halo 3 and played through it just to learn. I still suck at it but at least now I can occasionally shoot at something other than the ground or sky.

 

[Wuzup101]

Originally posted by: JE78

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: JE78
I was strictly a PC gamer until earlier this year. My wife wanted a Wii so we got one and the social aspect was great. We would have people over and spend hours playing Wii sports and Guitar Hero. Shortly after that I bought a PS3 for its blu-ray capability's, I also picked up MLB 08 The Show and it blew me away. It was the first console sports game I had played in years. After that I picked up Burnout: Paradise City and its nice to sit on my couch with a wireless controller, a 42" HDTV and surround sound. My PC is no slouch, and I have a 22" monitor but for games like that I would rather play them on a console. I still play FPS on my PC because I can't get used to the controls on consoles, I need a keyboard and mouse. I also play Race SIMS on my PC with my G25 wheel/pedal combo because all the race games on a console are very arcadeish.

I was an FPS snob about the dual sticks for the longest time. I still think the mouse and keyboard has better control. But there's one thing I didnt realize at the time - the control might not be as precise, but the games are just as fun with the dual sticks once you get used to them. And when you're online, everyone has the same handicap, so its all fair.

I've rented COD4 for the PS3 and just can't get used to the control, a buddy of mine plays Halo better on his 360 than I play COD of my PC. So everyone might use the same control but some people do it alot better than others. lol

Sticks take a while to get used to. I used to play FPS strictly on my PC... and I've since moved over to consoles. It took a long while to get used to sticks over a kb/mouse; however, I'd much rather play on my sofa now that I'm used to it (well at least the 360 controller... I still suck with the PS3 controller!). In any case, everyone is in the same boat with a console. With some practice, sticks can be damn good.

As far as my personal tastes. I generally will buy the console version of a game for several reasons:
1) Social aspects
2) Compatibility with friends (most have a 360 or PS3... not a gaming grade computer)
3) Plug n Play
4) NO DRM to deal with ++++++++

I will buy the PC version of the game for several reasons too:
1) Controls (RTS type games... things that don't play well with a controller... which is pretty much just RTS and some RPGs...)
2) Game can be made much better with the external modding community (I will never buy a TES game on a console... morrowind + oblivion have too much added content via the modding community)

Other than being an exclusive title, those are really the only two reasons that I can think of that I would buy a game on the PC vs my consoles (own a 360+ps3). Consoles also have the HUGE added pluss of a nice resale market and used market. I buy a lot of my "new" games a month or two after they come out (because I have a huge backlog of games waiting to be played... fecking 70 hour work week). I often snag $60 games for $30 or less on craigslist. Furthermore, I can rent a game from blockbuster, beat it, and move on (especially important for those short games with no multiplayer!!!).

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: Wuzup101
As far as my personal tastes. I generally will buy the console version of a game for several reasons:
4) NO DRM to deal with ++++++++

You do not think that consoles have DRM?

 

[Rudee]

I don't own a console so maybe someone can tell me why a console can run a game with good fps whereas the same game on a PC is slow? What kinds of processors/ram/video cards are on consoles such as PS3 that can make them perform better than a PC?

 

[ViviTheMage]

console is old school imo.

It's nice to sit down, turn the thing on and play with the wireless controller ( I think this is the coolest thing in the world, no more corded controllers ).

computer games seem to require a bit more attention, but I still play PC games more then my console.