When I say that I don't simply mean the graphics alone.
PC games are simply more deep and rewarding for the commited player than most console games are.
PC has a range of genres that never were quite there on the consoles like flight sims, military sims, racing sims, strategies of various shapes and forms, ect.
While there are console games that are extremely fun as well as well designed and rewarding, they do not match the level of various PC games in terms of complexity and commitment required to master them. (possible exception being fighting games)
This is very appealing for the "hard core" gamer who usually seeks games that present a challenge to him.
But not only is the game library on the PC much larger, it also supports mods, has generally cheaper games, huge online communities, support for all sorts of controllers and peripherals, ect.
The better visuals are just a cherry on top.
Here are some examples of games you cannot find on the consoles and demonstrate the might of the platform well:
- DCS: A-10C Warthog (combat flight sim)
Most console gamers probably aren't interested in realistic flight sims but what they don't know is that they're missing out on what is likely the most authentic combat flight simulator to date.
Not only is the flight model great, it's also a looker in terms of visuals. (sans for the ground details - here's hope future updates put more effort in ground details)
If played in dark, it's quite easily mistaken for a real simulator. (the ones that cost millions of dollars)
Plus there is a "game mode" where it's easier for newcommers to play and get used to the game.
Of course you will need a decent flight stick for the game but it's worth it if you are willing to commit your time to it.
And the beauty of the game is also that it has a "modular" design, meaning that you can buy additional addons (or "games") and make your DCS experience complete.
There simply isn't anything on consoles that would come close. (Ace Combat is basically "CoD in air")
- ArmA 2 (military sim/shooter)
Arma is a "love it or hate it" type of game.
It's a huge military sandbox simulator with capable editing tools, mods, ect.
While it has it's share of shortcommings (i.e. gitches, performance issues, ect.), it also has a huge open world, capable AI (not without problems but better than in 99% of other military shooters), accurate simulation of infantry combat (less so for combat vehicles which feel a bit unreal), ect.
The real beauty of the game is to play it with mods and a team of experienced players but also to create content for it. (i.e. missions, addons, mods, ect.)
The console version was planned but got scrapped due to console hardware and control limitations.
People who are interested should keep an eye out for Arma 3 which looks promising. (it will be only on PC as well)
- Total War: Shogun 2 (strategy game/real-time tactics)
Total War is a series of acclaimed massive real-time strategy games with tactical turn-based parts.
It's the culmination of all that is good about strategy games. (only thing cooler would be taking direct control over the units - here's an idea for the future)
From the spectacular visuals to the massive battles and impressive AI, the Total War is "cutting-edge" in every aspect and showing of PC hardware well.
Shogun 2 is especially nice for fans of the Japanese culture and historical battles but there is also a new Rome-based Total War game in the works (Rome 2) which strategy fans should keep an eye on.
Consoles are basically too weak to handle the large battles and advanced AI in this game without taking any big cuts in those areas.
- rFactor 2 (racing sim)
Consoles may have their fair share of racers, but only the PC has trully authentic race simulations.
There is quite a few out there but I have chose rFactor 2 which is shown here.
The game is still in beta state, however it's comming along nicely.
The beauty of PC race sims is that not only they are much more "in-deepth" than their console peers (i.e Forza, GT), they are also moddable and fully customizable.
For your money's worth you get years of support and tons of user-made content.
A steering wheel with pedals is needed to trully experience these type of games but it's worth it if you're a home race enthusiast.
Other upcomming PC race sims worth looking forward too are Project Cars (will be also on consoles), GTR 3, ect.
- PlanetSide 2 (massive-multiplayer online shooter)
I admit I'm not a big fan of MMO games but this game is an exception to the rule.
It's both, a fun shooter as well as a massive battlefield game.
The huge battles it features are probably not possible on current consoles but there are also some nice visuals and best of all - it's free of charge.
So you really get your "money's worth" with this game.
Apparently, there's a slight chance of a PS3 port happening but I'm not sure if it'll be the same game or cuts will have to be made.
But this is not nearly everything that's awaiting the PC.
For example the highly promising Star Citizen is also something to look forward to.
To be completely honest, console games haven't even matched old PC games like Operation Flashpoint, GP Legends, Total War Shogun and Falcon 4.0
These old games may look dated (mods can improve them) they showcase things still not present in current console games.
It's simply a fact the PC is not just a gen ahead of consoles and I'm aware of that despite not being a PC-elitist or console hater.
I just think consoles should rather capitalize on the genres that suit them best (i.e. platformers, fighters, arcade racers, sports games, party games, action-adventures, JRPGs, puzzlers, ect.) rather than trying to be "dumbed-down PCs".
Because your average "run-of-the-mill" wannabe authentic military arcade shooter is just presenting them in that way...
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