Console v PC

[JeriRat]

I know I should not have read this forum, I've avoided RP games because I *know* I'll spend a lot of time playing.

I purchased a Playstation for my son when he was about 6yo just so he wouldn't be hogging *my* PC. We've pretty much kept it that way. The kids have their own very old 98 PC that plays very basic games and lets them surf.

My question is why do you play games such as Oblivion on your PC instead of a game console such as X-Box? Are the games better or different? Are there advantages or disadvantages?

Just curious.

[rio_bugarin]

I would say its just a matter of preference. There are people who like playing games with their pc's (they spend a lot to run the game smoothly) and some like to play in consoles

There are also developers who develop games exclusively for pc and some exclusively for consoles. (more jobs available dont you think?)

Pros and Cons? Here are what I came up with

Compatibility is not an issue with consoles as long as the game is designed for the console (example, final fantasy X will run on PS2 with no problem).
In Pc's, games must meet the the system requirements to be able to play the game. In worst cases, there are hardware issues that cant be resolved that you cant play the game at all.(example, some chipsets makes the game "Not Playable")

Consoles don't do Multi Tasking. In pc's some games allow Multi Tasking, like Ragnarok Online, which allows a player to play while using other apps like word, messengers, or even internet explorers.

Consoles Always needs a disk to load (different disk for different games). In PC's, some game are copied to the hard drive so disk swapping is eliminated.

"I think" consoles are cheaper than pc's.

I havent heard any viruses infecting Consoles. There a lots of viruses for PC's.

These are all I can think off.

[madad2005]

I have a PS2 sitting unused and this PC. The reason I don't buy games for my PS2 anymore is a few:

1) Games are CHEAPER for the PC than games consoles.

2) I do a lot of work on my pc. PC gaming therefore means I don't have to switch machines to play.

3) I find RPG and shooter games easier to play on the pc. Fighting games (like Tekken) and football games I prefer to play on a console (ie single players on pc, group gaming with friends, console. However, this may have more to do with space to sit people and not being restricted to a 17" monitor more than anything else!).

4) PC's are multi-purpose and can fulfil many roles. Consoles are trying to become the centre of home entertainment, but imho failing.

5) PC upgrading can also be addictive!

[i an not a nerd]

Its all about a few things.

First is control. The mouse/keyboard combo provides infinatly more control than a gamepad can ever proivide. Even the Nintendo Revolution will not be able to provide the same sheer amount of buttons.

Second is graphics quality. My current system blows the newest consoles out of the water!

Third is multifunctionality. My system is currently hooked up not only to my LCD, but to a projector and a 5.1 surround system. If I want to play games on a big screen, I simply move to the next room and turn the projector and speakers on. I can also use it for movies or photo viewing. If I want to watch some TV, no problem. I just turn on the appropriate program and I get cable TV thru my computer. Not only does my ATI card enhance the quality, but I can also record stuff for later viewing.

Bad things about consoles:

First, games for one will not work on the other.

Second, storage space is limited.

Third, Console plays games (and sometimes DvDs as long as you buy the addon) and thats it. That money can be used on upgrading your computer to give it even more functionality.

Fourth, console games cannot be updated where computer games can.

Lastly, consoles have to be rebought every few years, and you must rebuy all the controllers, memory packs/HDs, etc. Where on a computer you just have to upgrade one part or so every few years.

Now i'm not saying that consoles are worthless. They are a cheaper means of playing games with friends at a party, or just hanging out. The only console that I use is a Gcube (my 360 is unused at the moment) and even then I only play Super Smash Bros. Melee. Otherwise my Gcube just sits there...

Console makers are trying to make consoles more attractive by attempting to outdo PCs in functionality, such as attempting to be a media hub. They are failing, however, and are only being kept alive by the occasional good game and hardcore console fanboys.

[JeriRat]

Thanks for the replies, I don't want to get into gaming but many, many years ago I played D&D when it first came out (remember all fuss about D&D = Satan?) as a board game and spent many a night in college playing that instead of studying (maybe that's why it took me 8 years to finish?)

I will definitely keep possible gaming in mind when I build a new PC just to leave open the possibility.

[saphalline]

Yeah, I think it really comes down to personal preference. There's no doubt that consoles provide a better visual experience per dollar spent than PC's can. PC hardware costs a ton! But I like the fact that I can play tons of games on my one system. I can play PC games from the 1980's (with appropriate compatibility software) all the way to Oblivion on this thing. Plus, the types of games that work better on PC's (like shooters and strategy games) appeal to me a lot more than the console games (like sports games and platformers).

Right now, there's also a very distinctive line between the two in terms of what they do better. I don't think there's any reason to think that PC games are dying out or consoles companies are losing money. That's just plain not true. The gaming industry passed up the movie industry over a year ago in terms of pure revenue, so the fact of the matter is that more money is constantly being spent on games vs movies. And it's easy to see why. Games are continuing to improve in visuals and game-world ambience, and I think the current trend worldwide is a focus on interactivity. Why do you think DVD's have interactive menus and content? Maybe they're trying to copy games? ;)

Because they serve different roles, there's really no technical reason to proclaim that PC's are better than consoles, or vice versa. It's all about what type of gaming machine you like better! I work with PC's a lot, and fronting the money for a complete XBox 360 set-up + buying the XBox 360 version of Oblivion doesn't make much sense with all the money that my friend and I already spend on our PC's. But if you only use a PC or two for work and internet, then a console makes much more budget sense. I know quite a few people who knew that their PC's weren't up to the task of Oblivion, so they just went the XBox 360 route. Nothing wrong with that! It's a great game either way. But in my experience talking with people, you have to pick either PC's or consoles. I don't know any non-gaming professionals that have the time and interest to play on both.

[Boxo]

I think PC's are more useful because of everything they can do. I have an X-box and i still play it, but ever since i really upgraded my PC i have been using it less and less. I just like the mouse/keyboard combination for most games instead of the controller. I prefer my X-box for sports games, and when i have a crowd over.

Its really what you prefer. However, console prices (both the games and the systems) are on the rise, meanwhile, PC part cost is dropping (Just look at CPU's).

What does a fully loaded 360 + 2 games cost? Around $400 or $500? For that price you can buy a decent PC that you won't have to completely replace in a few years.