Why PC?

Ok, please don't get mad, but why buy games for the PC when you can get games for consoles without installing the game first and you have to lay down major dollars for graphicscards almost every other year? Don't get me wrong Iliketo play PC games, but I play a majority of my games on my consoles, so why is PC gaming so huge? I also know this is a touchy subject, I don't think PC game is a waste of time but why is that you pay so much more for graphics that rival next-gen systems?

Ok, please don't get mad, but why buy games for the PC when you can get games for consoles without installing the game first and you have to lay down major dollars for graphicscards almost every other year? Don't get me wrong Iliketo play PC games, but I play a majority of my games on my consoles, so why is PC gaming so huge? I also know this is a touchy subject, I don't think PC game is a waste of time but why is that you pay so much more for graphics that rival next-gen systems?

brandonthesaint

Theres a number of reasons, Consoles don't have the library of strategy games that PCs do. Shooters are much more easily played on a keyboard and mouse. Its only been recently that WRPGs became even remotely common on consoles, and the PC still easily has the largest selection of that genre.

Online play is also a big deal. I mean consoles have it too, but it doesn't have the history that PC has. Alot of people, including myself, have been playing games online with the PC for over a decade now, and some people can claim to be playing for 15+ years. All of that interactivity builds alot of community. Its created the mod, maping, and hacking communites, and you don't just break those up overnight, just because theres something a little similar thats a little cheaper.

I also think you overestimate how many "PC gamers" keep up to date rigs (and the need to do so)You don't need to replacea video card every year or evenevery other year. I'm using a 6600GT that I bougt 2-and-a-half years ago for $160, and am still enjoying playing new games like World in Conflict and Orange Box. WiC doesn't look as good as it would running on a GeForce 8 card, but its still just as fun.

Basically, because they do certain things better than consoles. Really the best way to go would to have both, as both compliment each other nicely. PC's have more precision in FPS and RTS, and consoles are better for puzzlersandplatformers.

PC's are alot more expensive, there's really no way anyone can argue that, but what you're paying for is improved graphical capability. The consoles look pretty much the same as PC's at the moment, but over time the differences will become more and more apparent until the next generation of consoles come out, and the cycle will repeat

let me start by saying this post is probably going to be the short version, and if it ends up under a thousand words, then it's the super short version - just to put it in perspective

control scheme - the people who play and love pc games, they play, live and love the controls - the keyboard and mouse gives so much more freedom, so more more precision... with a pad you have shoddy, awkward aiming, you have aiming assistance, you have no zoned damage - half the firefight is done for you

community - all communities has its... more colourful... characters - but the pc community is generally more intelligent and more mature... a lot of people don't want to play with, don't want to talk to and most especially don't want to listen to fourteen year olds whose vocabulary consists of the words "halo", "halo wars", "n00b"and "fanboy"

modding - one of the best things about pc gaming is the user created content, some of the best gaming experiences we have had have been from user created content - the pc readily gives tools to the player and invites them to make the most of them, to change the game as they see fit, do fix the mistakes the developers left in, create levels, missions, tweaks and additions that can far extend the lifespan of a game beyond anything an as-is boxed console game could ever manage

technology - the consoles were powerful, and they pretty much caught up... but all those console kiddies - those who said pc technology was done, those guys who probably never owned a console before a 360, sure as hell never owned a pc and know nothing about the industry - are suddenly falling silent as dx10 and vista is finally out... the pc is going togreatly surpass the 360 in the remainder of the machine's lifespan to the extent that the technological debate will end. period.

still rules the roost - the pc is still the place to go for fps, rts and rpg - we have more, we have better, i don't see this changing, and i feel i need to say nothing more on the topic

original, unique and deep games - you want serialised sports franchises, you hit the consoles - you want original, unique titles with gameplay you aren't ready to throw away six hours later like some used tissue, you turn to the pc - god games, sim games - games like spore, they may hit the other platforms, but they start on the pc, and they're best on the pc... played portal? sure, it's a multiplat game, but it's derived from a game that never would've existed without the pc indie community... it's a pc game on consoles, not a multiplatform game

MMOs - love them or hate them, they're a very well established - and popular - genre and a major growth sector, that will probably hit consoles in a big way eventually... but for now, at least - and due to their nature, probably forever - the pc has the quality, and the pc has the quantity

cost - that's right, the pc has high hardware costs, but who stops to consider the software costs? pc games are almost half the price, and their depth, lifespan, greater multiplayer options, mod capacity and DIY level editing means games last much longer, the garden variety hardcore gamer needs to buy far fewer games to keep him or herself occupied... those costs, they balance out, in my experience, console gaming ain't cheaper

lifestyle accessory - when the game ends on a console, it's a dvd player or a cd player... and that's about it - the pc? it's a lifestyle accessory - it's your technology centre, it's your media hub, it's your window to the internet, it's your social life (if your social life is my social life) - and maybe it's your sex life too... when the game ends on pc, you're using it for other things, which definitely scores big points on cost

the gaming library is enormous - the pc gaming library is huge and while moving through the OS generations may be compared with console generations, backwards compatability (native or user-created, or developer created) is in much greater supply - i'm playing 13 year old pc games on my pc... and i don't have to go hunting for some dusty old machine that may not even work in my attic, or even rebuy the damn thing just to play some game i quickly realise i didn't want to play much anyway because console games are so shallow

emulation - it may be frowned upon by the multinational corporation backed sites, like gamespot, but emus give me old games, they give me games i cannot get anywhere else for love nor money... games for many systems

indie games - run a search for adrian's indie guide to 2007, play ten games with his little three stars, and my point is made... i spent half of today playing a flash version of portal (coursey of PredatorRules)... they range from simple browser games to full blown highly professional, albeit clearly amateur - works, some of which are the finest games i've ever played

the home for new out-of-game technologies - episodic gaming, digital distrubtion... other systems may get it, but the pc gets more, and gets better, and gets it first- platforms like steam and gametap are changing the way some people buy and play games

i could continue, but it's six am and i've been awake all night marathoning rescue me and eating far too much, my head is screaming at my to stop thinking - so i'll close with why i like consoles

it's plug and play - never have to concern yourself with if a game will run, or how well it will run... granted, some 360 games are pushed way beyond what the machine is capable of, and that will never improve... but at least it's consistent and you know when it'll happen - but that aside, anyone can plug a wire into a tv and be playing five minutes later, hassle free (until your machine bricks a week later)

same room multiplayer - there's nothing - nothing as fun in gaming as shoulder to shoulder jostling with pals as you battle eachother in some epic competition to prove who is the greatest football player or driver or even dancer, and then rubbing their face in your beautiful victory (or vehemently blaming the pad upon losing yourself!)

the best place to go for driving and sports - as the pc rules the fps, rts and rpg roost, so does the console dominate in the fighting, driving and sports markets - as well as japanese rpgs and third person adventurish games like tomb raider and silent hill just play better on a console

benefitting from the pc - irrational, ensemble, valve, id, epic, bioware, bethesda, monolith, rockstar - the list of pc developers, the best the planet has to offer, turning to consoles is really something - they're watering it all down a little, but they're bringing their unique talent and style of gaming, genres that didn't even exist - to machines, to gamers, who didn't know what they were missing... console gaming is becoming more like pc gaming, and it's all the better for it (console gaming, not pc gaming

both formats have their strengths and weaknesses - i love both, i play both

its funny Ive always wondered why play consoles. Pcs not only have better games and controls, but the games are usually way more customizable and easy to patch. Other than maybe playing party games with some friends I really dont understand the attraction of console games, its mostly the same games but with shotty controls. but bleh whatever.IZoMBiEI

I've been playing consoles since I was 3 or 4, and it seems to me that Story is bigger focus on consoles, and as a result the stories seems to be better. Sure there are plenty of PC RPG's that have great stories, but there's a major focus on multiplayer on PC's, which (in my opinion at least) leads to lower quality plotlines. I'll be the first to admit that I haven't played as many PC games as I'd like (I only started serious PC gaming a few years ago), but it's hard to compare to games like Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask (or Wind Waker, or any Zelda game, for that matter..), Paper Mario, KotOR (will always be a console game to me, even though it was released on the PC), Jade Empire, Halo, etc.

Unfortunately, the focus on multiplayer is getting alot more pervasive, to the point where games are criticised for not having multiplayer(like Bioshock) and others are given over-inflated ratings on the strength of their multiplayer (Halo is good, but not that good). Consoles are seen as only useful for party games, which isn't the case at all.

I disagree with Consoles being better for racing games as wellMediocre_man90

i say racing games are better for two reasons alone:

one: wipeout 2097 (aka wipeout xl in usa): the greatest driving game ever made now and forever

two: same-room multiplayer - that's what racing is all about for me, i love playing (older) colin mcrae games by myself, since that's how rally games work - but when it comes to all other driving games, i take no pleasure in playing single player, i take no pleasure in playing online.. for me, it just has to be with a friend, and they have to be sitting next to me

but hey, it's all preference - we can't argue with opinions, only present them, each to their own

yeah theres alot of great stories in console games, especially in the older ones, but its the same for the pc, games like balders gate, planescape torment, and the longest journey which probably has one of the best stories Ive seen in a game. But yes I agree, the single player games suffers, especially in the story, as developers focus more and more on the multiplayer aspect of games, which unfortunatly seems to be happening more and more especially on the PC. Multiplayer games rock, but unless its coop, Id prefer a single player game not to bother with multiplayer.IZoMBiEI

Yeah, I do acknowledge that I'mslightly biased in favor of consoles, but I did make the distinction that there are plenty of PC RPG's with great stories. I guess my stance hasn't really beenchallenged by the popularity of Counter-Strike, the Battlefield series, MMO's... Not that they're bad games, they're just completely lacking in story. I'm with you on the multiplayer, though. I enjoy a good game of CS or BF2 periodically, but a well thought out story is always higher on my list, it doesn't even have to be particularly brilliant.

mfsa: I see your point. I don't like racing games much at all (too boring for me) but there's not much better than Burnout 3 with my cousin at 2 in the morning.. of course, Burnout's not much of a racing game.

uh? PC Games HAVE the greatest game stories.
Max Payne, Mafia, Alan Wake, Elder Scroll's seriesAssassin's Creed soon... and I forget many.

Don't assume the only reason PC gamers boughta machine is for games. Take any hard-core console gamer in the world - look around the rest of their house - and you'll find a computer. Computers are a MUST for communication and basic work. Sure, a console gamer might have spent $1000 ontheir computerwhen a gamer would spend $1500 or more, but that extra $500 or so is pretty close to the cost of a next-gen console. Secondly, with the newest batch of consoles, PCand console gamers alike were surprised at how even moderately-ranged computers were keeping up w/ thegraphics and frame rates of their console brothers. A game like Oblivion looked just as good on console as it did on PC when it debuted - there's no need for computer technology to play catch-up. Computer gamers didn't have to wait a year and say "Finally! Oblivion looks as good on PC as it does on 360!" While console gamers are dealing with graphics from 2005 in 2010, PC gamers will actually be playing 2010 graphics.

Also - the controls are FAR superior on computer. You can map dozens of actions to the keyboard, whereas console controllers have limited options for customizability. The intricate, delicate precision of a mouse will always beat clumsy stick controls.

Consoles worked wonders for games like Contra or Zelda...but once you want to play with the big boys, you have to go PC. You can map keys to your finger-tips and not have to worry about fumbling with a controler. And why would you want to play any FPS game on console? All you get now is aiming help with console FPS...look at Halo 3. I've played it with my little brother (who went out and stood in line on the release day to get a copy) and I notice that you get quite a bit of a aim help in it....that's weak and pathetic if you ask me. I don't need any aim help with my mouse and keyboard.

If you haven't played Shadowrun yet, then you're completely missing out on the auto-aim help that console users are getting, to help bring their playing level up to par with PC players. It's a sad, sad world when you try to pit PC vs console in FPS and the consolers need auto-aim help to allow them to keep up to par with PC players.

PCs dominate. Even if we get a ported game that works better on the console, we can just plug in our 360 controller and have at it like we are actually playing an Xbox360!

You poor saps loose out on consoles. PC is the way to go....and it will forever be that way!

two: same-room multiplayer - that's what racing is all about for me, i love playing (older) colin mcrae games by myself, since that's how rally games work - but when it comes to all other driving games, i take no pleasure in playing single player, i take no pleasure in playing online.. for me, it just has to be with a friend, and they have to be sitting next to memfsa

Yeah, I agree with ya :) although I do enjoy single player racing at times, I really enjoy multiplayer racing and I'm not big on playing online either.

Since I have a number of PCs, racing over LAN on the PC against a buddy is way more fun for me than using a console. For one, I really dislike split-screen, regardless of tv size.

Ok, please don't get mad, but why buy games for the PC when you can get games for consoles without installing the game first and you have to lay down major dollars for graphicscards almost every other year? Don't get me wrong Iliketo play PC games, but I play a majority of my games on my consoles, so why is PC gaming so huge? I also know this is a touchy subject, I don't think PC game is a waste of time but why is that you pay so much more for graphics that rival next-gen systems?

brandonthesaint

The pc is the top of the food chain and consoles are 2nd rate sure I have a ps3 and 360 but they pale next to my pc even with a hdtv.When console gaming gets all the AAA/AA exclusives on pc maybe I might think about it but I doubt that will happen anytime soon. So while you play halo 3 I will play crysis,while you play forza 2 I play gtr2/race 07,while you play oblivion I play oblivion with mods and the witcher/hellgate london ect, I will even get dmc4 on pc

I could play ut3 on the 360 but it's gimped, no kbam/missing maps/no mods/no dx10 graphics/cost $60 ect, look at what happened to TF2 on the 360 only 16 players and there are 9 player types. Sure there are some good console games I have my eye on but pc is where I spend most of my time with good reason.

First, everyone needs a PC. Now, just guessing, im gonna say everyone needs atleast a 600 dollar Costco PC. Then you need an xbox 360, thats like 450. Then, to get PC-quality visuals, you need an HDTV. Thats 900 dollars for a cheap, small HDTV. So the total runs over 2000 dollars generally.

Now consider a gaming PC. You can build a great PC (Dx10) for about 1100 dollars, or buy one for a bit more from ibuypower or cyberpower. Slap on a 22 in screen for 200 bucks, and then a 500 dollar TV for Southpark and the Daily Show and the PC is cheaper.

Oh, and our games cost an average of 40 bucks, with new ones being 50. Consoles cost like 60 bucks.

Theres a number of reasons, Consoles don't have the library of strategy games that PCs do. Shooters are much more easily played on a keyboard and mouse. Its only been recently that WRPGs became even remotely common on consoles, and the PC still easily has the largest selection of that genre.

Online play is also a big deal. I mean consoles have it too, but it doesn't have the history that PC has. Alot of people, including myself, have been playing games online with the PC for over a decade now, and some people can claim to be playing for 15+ years. All of that interactivity builds alot of community. Its created the mod, maping, and hacking communites, and you don't just break those up overnight, just because theres something a little similar thats a little cheaper.

I also think you overestimate how many "PC gamers" keep up to date rigs (and the need to do so)You don't need to replacea video card every year or evenevery other year. I'm using a 6600GT that I bougt 2-and-a-half years ago for $160, and am still enjoying playing new games like World in Conflict and Orange Box. WiC doesn't look as good as it would running on a GeForce 8 card, but its still just as fun.

ProudLarry

totally agree with you.

Theres a number of reasons, Consoles don't have the library of strategy games that PCs do. Shooters are much more easily played on a keyboard and mouse. Its only been recently that WRPGs became even remotely common on consoles, and the PC still easily has the largest selection of that genre.

Online play is also a big deal. I mean consoles have it too, but it doesn't have the history that PC has. Alot of people, including myself, have been playing games online with the PC for over a decade now, and some people can claim to be playing for 15+ years. All of that interactivity builds alot of community. Its created the mod, maping, and hacking communites, and you don't just break those up overnight, just because theres something a little similar thats a little cheaper.

I also think you overestimate how many "PC gamers" keep up to date rigs (and the need to do so)You don't need to replacea video card every year or evenevery other year. I'm using a 6600GT that I bougt 2-and-a-half years ago for $160, and am still enjoying playing new games like World in Conflict and Orange Box. WiC doesn't look as good as it would running on a GeForce 8 card, but its still just as fun.

ProudLarry

totally agree with you.

What people forget is that with a PC, you have access to every single game that has been released on the PC, and with the use of emulation and *legal* ROMs, you can emulate pretty much any console from the past too.

If you look at it like that, the PC doesn't just play a handful of recent games (like the consoles do), it covers everything that has preceeded it.

Sure we may need to play with compatability settings, but I've yet to find a game that is impossible to get working. :)

uh? PC Games HAVE the greatest game stories.
Max Payne, Mafia, Alan Wake, Elder Scroll's seriesAssassin's Creed soon... and I forget many.

JDFS

like all of those are multi platform

Ok, please don't get mad, but why buy games for the PC when you can get games for consoles without installing the game first and you have to lay down major dollars for graphicscards almost every other year? Don't get me wrong Iliketo play PC games, but I play a majority of my games on my consoles, so why is PC gaming so huge? I also know this is a touchy subject, I don't think PC game is a waste of time but why is that you pay so much more for graphics that rival next-gen systems?

expansion packs for one. the mouse is bril for shooting and strategy games. and its more sensitive than any joypad. and for games that you dont like with keyboard you can just get a controller(like me for gta sa). patches and mods as well.

you cant get a mouse for a console.although you it is easier with a console. just stick it into the console. no messing about with system requirements etc

Ok, please don't get mad, but why buy games for the PC when you can get games for consoles without installing the game first and you have to lay down major dollars for graphicscards almost every other year? Don't get me wrong Iliketo play PC games, but I play a majority of my games on my consoles, so why is PC gaming so huge? I also know this is a touchy subject, I don't think PC game is a waste of time but why is that you pay so much more for graphics that rival next-gen systems?

brandonthesaint

A. upgrabeability, which does not exist on consoles.

B. My system beats the PS3 and XBOX360 in terms of graphics, easily. I have compared Lost Planet on my buds 360 and then on my PC. Even with DX9 effects, my rigs held higher FPS at higher graphics settings than his did on the 360. Nothing on the PS3 yet comes even close to the best on PC.

C. Mouse + Keyboard.

PCs suck, consoles are better. I mean you spend like $10k for a PC and you can get the same quality from a $600 PS3.

PCs suck, consoles are better. I mean you spend like $10k for a PC and you can get the same quality from a $600 PS3.

dracolich666

I was a bout to utter an obscene word towards your comment, but I think I know where you are going ;)

Anyways, the controls alone make my decision for me. I cannot stand any kind of controllers for racing, shooting, RTS or RPG because they feel unnatural and awkward for me, despite being friends with console gamers for a long time. About the only genre I can accept on consoles is fighting games, mainly because they are non-existant on the pc.

PCs suck, consoles are better. I mean you spend like $10k for a PC and you can get the same quality from a $600 PS3.

dracolich666

Don't be silly.

It cost me800 euros for AMD X2 3800+ 2.0 (OC@2.31mz), 2gb DDR2 800mz, 8800gts 320mb (OC@649mz/ 1749mz), Creative 5.1 usb + a good PSU.

The processor &MBare 14 months old, the memory 6 months, the gfx card is 1 month old.This kit should last me18 months more b4 I upgrade again.

By that time you'll be looking at buying a new console too. Add in the $$$ I save on the games being around $20 cheaper on PC I can't see how running a PC (visually better than a 360 btw) is any more expensive than a console. Plus, I can do so many other things with my PC (including writing this). Only thing aconsole is good for, except games / DVDs, is a doorstop.

I think that the Wii idea is great though. At least it's different &, atm, I can't play games on my pc like you can on the Wii.

1. PC's are always ahead.

PC's always have the edge over consoles in graphics if you have the equipment

2. PC's don't become obsolete

Consoles are constantly changing, who see's games for the XBOX(1) anymore? While you can have a outdated PC, and still run the most recent games. (at lower gfx of course, but thats better than not being able to run them at all)

3. Cheap to upgrade

Getting a extra 512 MB of ram every year, and another video card every 2 years can pretty much ensure your PC will be up to date 80% of the time. And its much cheaper than buying a console every 2-4 years. You eventually will have to upgrade things like CPU as well though.

4.Bigger library of games

As said above, RTS games practically don't exist on consoles, and they happen to be some of my favorite type of games. FPS are PC dominated (crysis anyone?)

5. Better online support.

6.multi-purpose

Consoles are only used to play games and watch movies, PC's have endless amount of purposes, pay a little more initially, and get a much better "machine" that serves all types of purposes, and is much easier to mantain up to date.

Ok, please don't get mad, but why buy games for the PC when you can get games for consoles without installing the game first and you have to lay down major dollars for graphicscards almost every other year? Don't get me wrong Iliketo play PC games, but I play a majority of my games on my consoles, so why is PC gaming so huge? I also know this is a touchy subject, I don't think PC game is a waste of time but why is that you pay so much more for graphics that rival next-gen systems?

brandonthesaint

First, everyone needs a PC. Now, just guessing, im gonna say everyone needs atleast a 600 dollar Costco PC. Then you need an xbox 360, thats like 450. Then, to get PC-quality visuals, you need an HDTV. Thats 900 dollars for a cheap, small HDTV. So the total runs over 2000 dollars generally.

Now consider a gaming PC. You can build a great PC (Dx10) for about 1100 dollars, or buy one for a bit more from ibuypower or cyberpower. Slap on a 22 in screen for 200 bucks, and then a 500 dollar TV for Southpark and the Daily Show and the PC is cheaper.

Oh, and our games cost an average of 40 bucks, with new ones being 50. Consoles cost like 60 bucks.

mrbojangles25

People underestimate that 10$ difference.

It means that for every 40 games I buy on a PC instead of a console, I save the exact price of the 360 itself.

Also, since PC games pricedrop sso much faster, in reality you could cover the cost of 360 with 20-35 games,

[QUOTE="dracolich666"]

PCs suck, consoles are better. I mean you spend like $10k for a PC and you can get the same quality from a $600 PS3.

IMP_ACT

Don't be silly.

It cost me800 euros for AMD X2 3800+ 2.0 (OC@2.31mz), 2gb DDR2 800mz, 8800gts 320mb (OC@649mz/ 1749mz), Creative 5.1 usb + a good PSU.

The processor &MBare 14 months old, the memory 6 months, the gfx card is 1 month old.This kit should last me18 months more b4 I upgrade again.

By that time you'll be looking at buying a new console too. Add in the $$$ I save on the games being around $20 cheaper on PC I can't see how running a PC (visually better than a 360 btw) is any more expensive than a console. Plus, I can do so many other things with my PC (including writing this). Only thing aconsole is good for, except games / DVDs, is a doorstop.

I think that the Wii idea is great though. At least it's different &, atm, I can't play games on my pc like you can on the Wii.

I was kidding. :lol:

Ok, please don't get mad, but why buy games for the PC when you can get games for consoles without installing the game first and you have to lay down major dollars for graphicscards almost every other year? Don't get me wrong Iliketo play PC games, but I play a majority of my games on my consoles, so why is PC gaming so huge? I also know this is a touchy subject, I don't think PC game is a waste of time but why is that you pay so much more for graphics that rival next-gen systems?

brandonthesaint

Tell me,why not pc?

PCs suck, consoles are better. I mean you spend like $10k for a PC and you can get the same quality from a $600 PS3.

dracolich666

Theres a number of reasons, Consoles don't have the library of strategy games that PCs do. Shooters are much more easily played on a keyboard and mouse. Its only been recently that WRPGs became even remotely common on consoles, and the PC still easily has the largest selection of that genre.

Online play is also a big deal. I mean consoles have it too, but it doesn't have the history that PC has. Alot of people, including myself, have been playing games online with the PC for over a decade now, and some people can claim to be playing for 15+ years. All of that interactivity builds alot of community. Its created the mod, maping, and hacking communites, and you don't just break those up overnight, just because theres something a little similar thats a little cheaper.

I also think you overestimate how many "PC gamers" keep up to date rigs (and the need to do so)You don't need to replacea video card every year or evenevery other year. I'm using a 6600GT that I bougt 2-and-a-half years ago for $160, and am still enjoying playing new games like World in Conflict and Orange Box. WiC doesn't look as good as it would running on a GeForce 8 card, but its still just as fun.

ProudLarry

Try playing Crisis with that superfast 6600 gt you have

mfsa, on your above post.......well said ! ......8)DieselCat18

Yeah I find I don't need to make awesome logical posts as long as mfsa has posted in the thread...lol...and I mean that in the best possible way.