PC gaming vs console gaming

Spooce-aholic · #1 12-15-2011, 10:26 PM

Which do you think is better?

I prefer PC gaming because they're more powerful and can do much more.

MeechMunchie · #2 12-15-2011, 10:50 PM

PCs, because they're an open platform without one controlling company, they get indie games first a lot of the time because its the same platform the games were built on, you get mods for almost everything, the average modern PC is more powerful than any console, plus the versatility of them being fully upgradeable, with a free choice of control method as well as the best default one IMO, plus them already being able to do everything you use a computer for besides gaming.

DarkHoodness · #3 12-15-2011, 10:50 PM

Neither. It's like the pointless debates over computer peripherals vs controllers, or comparing consoles, both of which can never be won - Some games work better on consoles, others work better on PCs. There's also the issue of some games being exclusive to some platforms. You may as well be comparing colours.

EDIT: As Meech Munchie said, PCs are generally more powerful and more open-ended and you can use them for more than just playing games on, however they vary a lot and that can cause headaches for game developers, as JAW found out with their earlier attempts at porting Stranger.

Consoles, while being less powerful and with more limitations than PCs, are generally cheaper, don't need as much technical know-how to run and maintain, and are standardized, which makes them easier to develop for.

Pros and cons for each, neither is better.

moxco · #4 12-15-2011, 10:51 PM

PC, It's more convenient and less expensive.

:

You may as well be comparing colours.

I prefer green over purple, surely you have opinions on colours.

DarkHoodness · #5 12-15-2011, 11:00 PM

:

I prefer green over purple, surely you have opinions on colours.

My point being that there are so many colours - Each do more or less the same thing but have different uses, while there are also as many people with as many personal preferences as there are colours. Debates over "which colour is best" can't ever be solved because there is no overall "Best" for every single situation IMO. And it's an analogy that can be applied to many things, consoles vs PCs being one of them.

Spooce-aholic · #6 12-15-2011, 11:00 PM

:

Consoles, while being less powerful and with more limitations than PCs, are generally cheaper, don't need as much technical know-how to run and maintain, and are standardized, which makes them easier to develop for.

Actually, PCs are easier to develop for because there's free software you can get for it that's very decent such as Blender and Python.

Console games are also developed on PCs.

But consoles are good for their exclusives.

DarkHoodness · #7 12-15-2011, 11:09 PM

:

Actually, PCs are easier to develop for because there's free software you can get for it that's very decent such as Blender and Python.

Console games are also developed on PCs.

But consoles are good for their exclusives.

(lol, both my points need re-enforcing).

I meant to say that PCs have lots of different components - Different graphics cards, different motherboards, different processors, different performances. Unlike consoles, there is no "standard". For example, the Stranger PC port still has a particular problem on ATI graphics cards, yet with other brands of graphics cards it isn't a problem.

Consoles on the other hand have standardized parts and standardized performance - No two of the exact same model and brand of console perform differently, therefore developing a game for a console is a lot easier.

moxco · #8 12-15-2011, 11:56 PM

:

My point being that there are so many colours - Each do more or less the same thing but have different uses, while there are also as many people with as many personal preferences as there are colours. Debates over "which colour is best" can't ever be solved because there is no overall "Best" for every single situation IMO. And it's an analogy that can be applied to many things, consoles vs PCs being one of them.

This is not about what is best but what you prefer. I like PCs because they can be used for many other things and I see owning a separate machine for gaming as pointless as owning separate machine for word processing. That is my opinion and I respect your right to one also.

Mr. Bungle · #9 12-16-2011, 07:35 AM

I much prefer console gaming because I don't feel like shelling out close to a grand just to play one game, especially when it'll most likely end up lagging anyways. Fuck that. Plus, I'd rather sit on my big, comfy couch/bed and relax, controller in hand, and get immersed in my game.

Not to say I don't enjoy PC games; I won't play most shooters and RTS game any other way.

AlexFili · #10 12-16-2011, 07:42 AM

I think it depends mainly on the games provided and the tools available.
Let's take my gaming habits for example. Previously I owned a Megadrive, Nintendo 64, Gamecube. I regarded the PC as a bit of a novelty that I could use to make fancy spreadsheets or powerpoints. This was at a time when graphics cards were still new and finicky bits of hardware.

Fast forward a few years, I still use my Wii, but I get a bit jealous of the HD games on 360 and PS3. Then about a year ago I got a good PC and got the following games: Fallout 3, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, Team Fortress 2, Minecraft, Project Zomboid.

I dunno, for me it's a real mix right now. I love my Android phone, Wii, PSP and DS a lot... but then I also love games like Fallout 3 and Minecraft which you just don't get the same vibe from on a console or portable system. Generally consoles are cheaper than PCs, play games better and are better with mates round. So for me it would be Just Dance 2, Rock Band 3 and Black Ops that I spend my time on (for Wii). Whereas on PC it's more about the online multiplayer and ability to multitask. Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, Downloads, Music, DVDs, etc.

Best choice? Get both. Win, win.

Dynamithix · #11 12-16-2011, 08:36 AM

It's a hard question to answer to.

Me personally, I'm going with consoles because I've spent a lot more time playing games on consoles and I really enjoy them more on consoles than I do on the PC. Also, my PC isn't good enough to run games on max graphics so if I want to play new games, I get them for the consoles.

But in general, I'd go with PC because of the variety of great indie games that come out for it, the ultimately better graphics of games and mods.

Wings of Fire · #12 12-16-2011, 08:41 AM

Consoles all the way.

Crashpunk · #13 12-16-2011, 08:49 AM

I started out playing Console games and I love a lot of console exclusives.
I've played on a PC for about 3 years now, Steam has really made PC gaming million times better.

Arrrgh! I can't decide between the two!

Though I've always played by this rule.

1st person games = PC
3rd person games = Console

AlexFili · #14 12-16-2011, 09:02 AM

I'd generally agree that first person games are good on PC, however I like Black Ops and Metroid Prime's control scheme on the Wii. It's like using a 3D mouse. PC & Wii is a powerful combo since you have access to casual games and hardcore games.

Wings of Fire · #15 12-16-2011, 09:11 AM

I cannot imagine playing Metroid Prime on anything other than the Gamecube's controller, but then a Gamespot review comes to mind where Metroid Prime 3 was criticized because the controls were too good.

Crashpunk · #16 12-16-2011, 09:18 AM

I always find the movement in a FPS console game to be too slow. The turning is smoothed which I can never work with.

Metroid Prime would be even more amazing if it was on PC.

Mr. Bungle · #17 12-16-2011, 09:28 AM

I'm not sure about that, actually. I thought that games controls were perfect with the Gamecube controller. I couldn't see it any other way.

Dammit. Now I want to play Metroid Prime again. This always happens when I reminisce on how amazing that game was. Oops, getting nostalgic again.

Bullet Magnet · #18 12-16-2011, 09:32 AM

You've asked two different questions. Your OP asks the better platform, your poll asks our preference. I prefer consoles, but PC gaming may well be superior. My bias makes it difficult to judge objectively.

MeechMunchie · #19 12-16-2011, 02:51 PM

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Plus, I'd rather sit on my big, comfy couch/bed and relax, controller in hand, and get immersed in my game.

Have you ever tried using a PC while sprawled on a pile of beanbags?

It's a hell of a way to live, my friend. Long-cabled peripherals are a must though.

AlexFili · #20 12-17-2011, 12:30 AM

I couldn't imagine playing Black Ops with a classic controller or gamecube controller. I'm just so used to the Wii controls that it's become second nature to me.

As for beanbags, they are not comfortable for long periods of time. With no back support you'll turn into a hunched wreck. Trust me, good pc chairs are much better.

Crashpunk · #21 12-17-2011, 04:05 AM

I need to get a Gaming Chair

skychase2rebirth · #22 12-17-2011, 07:28 PM

If I want to spend hours on a game, I choose consoles. Almost every games I play on PC (except Portal 1&2, Oddworld, DOS oldies and Gothic) are roms and iso of games that I already have, but only for quick plays (and I play with a sixaxis for a real console feel). I'd say consoles.