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Thank you for your understanding! I too prefer well-founded reasons (and some decent evidence) in a debate. Expressing oneself with too much emotion and opinion is not the best method of putting forth an arguement.
Incidently, whilst we are on the subject of PCs vs. Games consoles, and in referral to Atomic 77's post:
"PC market as gaming platform as slowed down quite abit these last few years."
Looking back at recent releases on PCs, I have noticed large improvements in games - indicating, if anything, an acceleration of game improvement. Games have suddenly got much larger (e.g. Elder Scrolls Oblivion is really big) and vast improvements to gameplay and graphics have resulted. It seems, nowadays, that many PC gamers own a games console as well - because they are designed purely for gaming (indeed, one only needs to press a few buttons to begin gaming, and no installations are necessary).
I think that computers will continue to go strong for many years - they are still being improved and developed. I also stick to my belief that PCs and games consoles will become the same - in the same way that other technologies are being merged.
An example of 'merging technologies' already exists in the MP3 and phones market - brands such as Nokia and Sony Ericsson are fighting a never-ending war to include the most features possible in their phones (e.g. MP3 players etc.). The public is already awaiting the day when Apple will release an iPod phone.
Essentially, a company that can produce a device, which can perform the functions of both a games console and the PC (including communication ability and music), will be a very powerful one indeed - thus there is an urgency for technology firms to develop this kind of device.
I don't know if you notice this at all but I think consoles seem to draw more kids these days while computers are more geared towards more adults it seems.
Maybe your just growing up.
As I have said in other posts, they jsut offer a different perspective to "Gaming" I say "Gaming". Comparing individual consoles is different, but comparing two different ways of playing games, I mean, it's almost like comparing driving a real car, to driving a car on your xbox; while we all have a definitive preference (I mean, in this particular debate, I prefer the PC gaming, for my own reasons) However, I also enjoy the Xbox, Its easier and more laid back to play, and your not as englufed in the game, I mean, sitting in a sofa a few feet from the screen witha comfortable controller isn't the same as close to a screen, with the keyboard and mouse, and headset offer two equally good, and different perspective to gaming.
I agree, that computers will contine to grow strong, and the games will advance with the advance of computer power; there are limitless possibilites, its just a case, where developers are waiting for technologies.
in a debate, I love looking from both side's perspective.
How does the PC gaming experience differ from that offered by consoles? PCs have a long precedent for online multiplayer gaming, something that's only just coming to Xbox and PS2. This is the most profound difference between gaming on the two different types of machine. But, for someone used to joypads, there's also the significant factor of the interface. Playing on a keyboard (which has its origins in typing for heaven's sakes) is a very different experience, and something that in many ways defines the viability of genres. So, are some games better suited to consoles and others to PCs?
Sure, Half Life is a classic first-person shooter. A benchmark. Roll on the sequel. However, the act of controlling Gordon Freeman with both your mouse and your keyboard, digits scampering around, is a drag compared to guiding Halo's Master Chief or your TimeSplitters 2 protagonist, by way of a reassuringly clutched joypad and a well-designed control system. (Sure PCs have joypad peripherals, but they're not the default.)
When playing other genre games – notably simulation and strategy games – PC is, thus far, the only option. For the while, the elaborate control system of a real-time strategy game like the majestic Rise Of Nations (the recent game from the designer of Civilization II) demands the keystroke versatility of a keyboard and the grunt of a PC memory. (Plus, there are those online opportunities.) With The Sims on a PS2, the gameplay feels awkward thanks to the commands having been squished into the joypad controls. And frankly, if you associate your console more with exploration, fighting and racing, The Sims feels turgid. Play a Sim on a PC and your expectations are different - you expect to commit to the game differently, interacting via your keyboard almost as if you're working.
These distinctions are not rigid, doubtless. Boundaries are blurred by the porting back and forth of games. And these days, both PCs and consoles are increasingly becoming “home media centres”. But the associations of plugging a console into your TV (something long associated with leisure) compared with those of playing on a PC (a machine with more explicit work connotations) mean that the experiences provided by consoles and PCs remain distinct
How does the PC gaming experience differ from that offered by consoles?
I was in a computer/videogame/technology store and I saw these Xbox controllers for PC. Shown below:
It connects via USB, and is used as a gamepad (well, it is a gamepad).
I would assume, therefore, that gameplay can be made more similar - controls would be the same, and therefore gameplay. Halo on the PC should therefore be very similar to Halo on the xBox. I don't have the controller - does anyone here have it? I would be interested to know how the "PC gaming experience" differs from "that offered by consoles". I would assume that there should not be too much difference.
There is quite a difference in Xbox and PC games, however. Take the new(ish) Matrix game on the xBox. I would much rather play that on the xbox, than on a computer - the controls are suited to the type of game (it's sort of like an RPG/Action - not really FPS). Would the xBox controller allow us to play this kind of game to such a similar extent on a PC? (assume that the game has been released on PC). Or would gameplay be different.
I think that, in terms of games such as RTS/Strategy, there is a big difference in gameplay - the controls are suited to different types of game. However, for types of game such as RPGs/Third-person/Simulators/Action etc.. gameplay seems similar (or better on the xBox).
Well There is one thing I do have to say yet on this matter. Ive been in the world of gaming since the pong system and atari 2600. I may not be a so call expert on this but I do think that when It comes to some games some work better on the computer platform while others fit better on the console. I did not mean to offend anyone by any of my replys to this topic But I am in no fact a console basher. I do like consoles But I prefer the look and feel of gaming on the pc over all. as to the statement about the pc market slowing down I live in a small town and don't get to see as many pc and console games as some of the big cities would thats all im saying there with that.
Part of the reason that consoles are considered better at handling games, may be that a PC is more likely to be running background processes that can disturb a game's performance, but the real big one that will nearly always tip the performance scale in favour of a console is homogeneity. With a console, you know exactly what hardware each and every one of your buyers will be running, so optimizing your game is far, far easier.
Maybe Vista will have some better handling of games, so you can optimise backround tasks; instead of having to use task manager.
This is the only issue I can think of when it comes to consoles vs Games, but my computer for the reasons i've already expressed in this thread, along with flexibility and software, and the fact I am not just using it for games, but for creative tasks, design, image handling, media, entertainment, outweighs any console, although the 360 comes close to that; you seem to be able to have more flexibility and control over a PC.
The main difference is also the controller, but also the culture behind it; you generally play around a TV on a sofa, not at a computer desk, that would be the main difference as I have already said.
I also enjoy the Xbox, Its easier and more laid back to play, and your not as englufed in the game, I mean, sitting in a sofa a few feet from the screen witha comfortable controller isn't the same as close to a screen, with the keyboard and mouse, and headset offer two equally good, and different perspective to gaming.
Different games and different people and gaming styles are suited to consoles (not forgetting handheld) and computers, otherwide they wouldn't be sucessful would they? Games like The Sims and Commander and Conquer fail on consoles, and I prefer driving games (unless you have a contoller/streering wheel) on consoles.
Computers have better graphics cards (If not you can always switch)
They have WAY more games then PS2/Xbox ext...
Computers can always be upgraded
They have internet, allthough PS3 and other consoles may have internet, its a standerd for computers to have internet while consoles is a great improvement for them to have internet
Computers can basically do almost everything if not everything.
Although if you read above, there are some complex reasons why some chose Consoles, to do with lifestyle and gaming preferences, which I have gone in to.
Your reasons, however, are not dissimilar from the reason I use a PC and not a console, and I'm sure most other PC gaming users.
COMPUTERS
yes games on comuters are good....
*Because if you have a better graphics card and high end pc, you can increase the details of the game plus the game runs smooth.
*You can download more stuff and mod the game, incase you feel bored of the same old gameplay.
The problem about computer games is that...
*You will have to upgrade your computer components each time, because newier games require higher computer power.
*Patches, Patches, Patches. When you install games they will always need patchs and so called special files for it to work
*Control...you will need mouse and keyboard not for all games but various. Some people like me...at not good with the W.S.D.A. movement. I like the Up, Down, Left, Right control keys. Some games are not good playing them with mouse/keyboard
*Crashes...depending on the comuter system...games always crash
*INSTALLATION! newier games are now coming with complete 3-4 cd...just of installaltion. Only disc 1 works for the actual game
*Upgrading is good but cost money!
CONSOLE:
yes games are good for console:
*Plug n Play! No need to install or sh*t! Just input the cd and play it!
*No need for patches or no extra installation cd required!
*the controls is tight, fits your palm and buttons are together and close, making it easier to reach
the bad things about console...
*no mods or anything...just gets boring!
*Some games require alot of controls especially First Person Shooters!
*The same applies too the First Person Shooter games...they are better on computers
*Some games are getting better and better, consoles are limited creations, for an xbox: the Xbox is designed for 2001-2004 games, beyond 2004 games, the Xbox won't be able to run games after that year. Why do you think they had to reduce Half Life 2's graphical qualities
I still stick with PC!
Consoles are easy and easy way of playing game, but the system is designed for limited year games.
Computer may not play well with some games due to the Keyboard/Mouse, but remember gamepad can be inserted. Computer isnt limited to games, as it can be upgraded each time but cost money!
Hmm lets see what else can I say that hasn't been all ready said? Well um one thing that computers have is a high quality precision lazer gaming mouse such as the Razer Copperhead. Now I would like to see you console fanboys try to beat that.
You missing the point of consoles then; consoles are for reaxed gaming, where you can sit in a sofa? That, among other differences I have expressed, is why people choose either or favor either... also the fanboy attitude is because people like consoles or computers, it is just bundled with the culture I guess I like both for the reasons I have said, Atomic77, you can wait for someone else to comment
Well Im not really one to argue but I guess you are right consoles are good for somethings while computers are good for things as well. Considering I grew up with a Atari 2600 and then Nes I just always seemed to prefer the PC when I got one. I have nothing agianst consoles they are good it is just that I wouldn't put my money on those considering im going to be 30 in 2007 and ive spent most of my life out side of working making sure my computer kept doing what i needed it to do. I do have my trusty Gameboy Advance SP for when I am away from home and I also do play my step brothers PS2 while hes away in the navy. Basically all Im saying is consoles are for the younger generations and PC are for more my type of people. Thats enough of my rave and rant for now.
Consoles were good as long as they were cheap, you get a gaming PC for 600€ and a next gen console for the same, maybe the console will be faster at that point, but you can't upgrade it, you can't overclock it, etc...
I prefer consoles. They are better so far because it doesn't need any upgrades at all.
If I buy a PC today, next month it will get old, and I'll have to payat least 100 dollards to upgrade it! and today, a MODERATE PC cost 700 Dollards (In lebanon)
But the console cost at the max 450 Dollards, and we don't need to upgrade it at all!
there isnt a better one for gaming it all depends on what style of games you like, say if your a big Dead or Alive fan or teken then you will go for a console where as if your a total war or Dawn of War fan you will go for the PC. they both have there pros and cons for instance a console as said before you dont need to upgrade BUT in 4 or 5 years you will have to pay alot more money for a new one where as the pros of a PC are you will never have to buy a new one you just upgrade it, but those upgrades can cost up to 300 pounds. but for gaming it mainly comes down to the style of games you like. I personally dont prefer one from the other i have A PC a PS2 and an Xbox 360 i dont go on my ps2 as much now but i do go on my xbox alot and also my PC.
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I agree, that computers will contine to grow strong, and the games will advance with the advance of computer power; there are limitless possibilites, its just a case, where developers are waiting for technologies.
and today, a MODERATE PC cost 700 Dollards (In lebanon)
