PCs vs. Consoles: Who munches who?

[Extremecriticiser]

I've been wanting to ask thsi question for a loooooooooong time: in pure gaming terms (DO NOT include any other functions other than gaming, as that would be unfair to consoles), which Console is the best, and which is better btween PCs and Consoles?

BTW, is Microsoft XBox released? Not that I'm interested in getting it...

[AlieXai]

So far, the PS2 is the best console i've seen (DVD movies, as well as DVD & Cd Games.) Really good graphics, and fast loading.

Between the Pc and console? Which is the best? Well it depends on what aspect your considering. Of course consoles a usually game dedicated/oriented, So they are often better in playing games. But then again, you can do ALOT more with a PC (Vast amount of controller devices), And they can be considerably faster than consoles. They can also handle more complex games.

[AlieXai]

Originally posted by Extremecriticiser
BTW, is Microsoft XBox released? Not that I'm interested in getting it...

Naw, I dont even think they resolved all issues as to who is going to provide specific hardware components for the XBox. (I could be very wrong) But I think it releases after Q2,3 next year.

[bizznit]

once you realise the benifits of computer games, it's much better than what any console game can offer. You can create patches for the games you play. for example, Quake and Command and conquer games allow you to modify the game rules and graphics. and after you finish making a patch, it gives you some insights to how the game was created. of coarse if that isn't your thing than gamecube and playstation 2 are probably going to be more fun to play because they have a more arcade type of feel. but if you are asking which is best based on technical merits than it would be without a doubt the PC because video card makers are constantly cutting each others throats to improve graphics. even though the playstation 2 and x-box are new consoles, there are already new cards in stores that could easily outperform them. my favorite console would be dreamcast since i used to own one. games i liked best were soul calibur, crazy taxi, and dead or alive 2. those were really fun to play and the music and graphics were awesome.

[M²]

The upgrade/patch/mod factor makes the computer a better gaming factor, as does the fact that video cards are getting better so fast, that consoles are having a hard time keeping up performance-wise. All though, NVidia buying 3dfx will slow the video card market if they use their new power to crush ATI. :(

[AlieXai]

Didn't the company that makes 3dfx cards say they were bailing out of the video card market?

[M²]

Originally posted by AlieXai
Didn't the company that makes 3dfx cards say they were bailing out of the video card market?3Dfx itself is, if that is what you mean.

[Bilbo Baggins]

Surely though, the fact that PC's are used to code the games for consoles wins the argument for PC's?

Not to mention:
1) Better Graphics
2) Better Sound
3) Patching
4) Upgrading of Hardware
5) All console technologies came to PC first...

[AlieXai]

Originally posted by AlieXai
Didn't the company that makes 3dfx cards say they were bailing out of the video card market?

Something like that yea, I read that a while ago and vaguely remember the details.

[AlieXai]

Why cant I edit my own posts? As you see, I messed up on that last post.

[xephyris]

It depends, really. All arguments for PC above console are valid, and quite solid. However, i'll argue for the consoles since no one else has...

Consoles offer features that PCs do not.

1) Direct Conversion of popular arcade games
eg: The Sega Dreamcast has conversions of almost every popular game on the Naomi arcade system hardware today. Games like Soul Calibur, SNK vs Capcom, Virtual Tennis and NBA live (to name a few) are arcade perfect. How long is it going to take before such games are released for the PC?

2) Easy to play
This should be obvious. Instead of having mucho problems with game installation, hardware configuration, system configuration, video card tweaking etc... You simply pop your cartridge / cd and start playing. Also, you need not upgrade your console. Its buy once, and keep playing (unlike PCs, damn, my 600mhz pentium3 is getting outdated...)

3) Prices
Consoles are generally cheaper than PCs. A typical gaming pc would perhaps go for $1500, more if you want a high end pc. A playstation 2 (the most expensive console at the moment) retails for $600.

Thats about all I can think of for the moment. IMHO, (as a self proclaimed gaming fan) both PC and Consoles have their unique points. Both have genres that they really shine at (like RTSs and FPSs on PC, fighting games and shooters on consoles). I think that playing with both PCs and Consoles are important :D

[e144539]

the only beef I have with computer games is that they aren't programed for the harware they're played on; they're programed for software that is compatible with many types of hardware.

they don't make games that interface with the hardware directly, they make games that interface with DirectX (which sucks) or OpenGl or Glide. And in my machine (win2k) no software can control the hardware without going through the OS (which really sucks). I guess I got stability at the cost of preformance.

How many consoles have incompatabilities with their games?
or viri?
or take two minutes just to boot up
and as far as consoles go I still think the best will be
Indreama (http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=20377)
which would be a good value just for having a PVR and DVD player in one, not to mention E-mail and browsing.
I think it will be a great alternative to the PC for alot of people.
the best part is no microsoft BS :)
and what should be the ability to emulate their games :D

I'm so in love with the idea of this machine you might think I invented it or something.
yeah but thats what it is I guess an idea.
I'll just have to wait to see if it actually gets to market.

[s1138]

PC no question about it.
Updates/Patches is one of the bog reasons.
You can play console games on a computer. using ROMs and such.
Multiplayer over the internet!! (can PS2 do this?)
with consoles you have to buy the new system to play the new games. PC-if you run Win98, with a good video card, your all set.

Like my sig?

[Extremecriticiser]

Originally posted by s1138

Like my sig?


Please, ASPCA, don't sue him. He's just an ignorant little God's creation, suing him will hurt his feelings, and that's what you people do, don't you? Saving little critters from hellish torture?

[s1138]

you have problems.
Raping is an adjective. it describes what the monkeys are doing.

[Kezman]

Originally posted by s1138
you have problems.
Raping is an adjective. it describes what the monkeys are doing.

maybe you have to change it in monkeys who are raping or something like that..:) oh and PC i think dunno why..

[s1138]

It sounds stranger, Monkeys who are raping sounds boring

[ReDVsion]

xephyris: 600 for a PS-2? Funny, I can get a computer that's just as good for cheaper, I believe:

AMD Duron 850: 109
MB w/ sound: 73
8X DVD/40X CD: 54
8.4 GB HD: 71
GeForce2 MX: 87
ATX Case: 12
Modem: 9
128mb RAM: 39 (DAMN! I'm in chile and had NO idea it was that cheap!)

Total: 454 + S&H

Want a little more power?
MB w/o sound: 77
SB Live!: 39
20gb HD: 99
GeForce2: 160
256mb RAM: 75

Total: 634 + S&H

[fish]

PCs by far. I like to have good 3D graphics and sound. on my boston accoustics BA735 digital, I don't have a problem with sound.

I like Boston Accoustics! (and Harmon Kardon, too!)

I also like loud music.

[Xerxes]

If you are into more arcadelike games... Consoles are better.

But for strategy "connosieurs" like myself, the console is completely inadequate - strategy games for Consoles are more often than not... dumbed down versions of great PC games.

Therefore for me and my representive demographic - the
PC is superior, regardless of any hardware/technical differences.

:eek: Xerxes :eek:

[Kezman]

Originally posted by s1138
It sounds stranger, Monkeys who are raping sounds boring

why not raped monkeys...

[Somebody]

PCs win over consoles....


consoles nowawdays are PCs :P

so it's pretty much PCs vs. PCs for the masses

[fish]

does that mean off-the-shelf vs. ones you build yourself?


/edit/I need to learn me summat english

[Somebody]

no, heh.

PCs vs PCs for the masses (consoles :P)

[fish]

Oh okay. still PCs.

[Mister Bill]

Consoles are good for the Mario/Sonic/Lara Croft's sexy ass type game, but PC's own for everything else. Try to play Quake III Arena, Starcraft, and Half-Life with a joypad.

[bizznit]

you guys forgot the most important reasons...selection. consoles offer more games and variety than computer games do. but it's also true of the oppposite. i mean, games like red alert 2 (which is my favorite) could never be played as good on a console. and most console games aren't available for PC so it all depends which kinds of games you like, or if you like them all then it depends on what kind of budget you have

[Winsane]

My vote goes for consoles on PCs (via emulation). Lots and lotsa free (sorta) games, no worries about sloppy installations, more configurable than console games on real consoles, a bit of a nostalgia factor, and, in my opinion, generally more fun than PC games.

[carlito_au]

well i prefer gaming on PC's but the only problem is u have to constantly upgrade your pc or the games will be sloppy, etc.

[sgtfuzzbubble011]

Anyone remember the original Nintendo? And the original Legend Of Zelda?

If the answer is no, then you haven't experienced true gaming...

If the answer is yes, then you should know that no PC game could ever compete with it...

[Extremecriticiser]

Zelda on N64 rocks the earth!!!!

I'm a hardcore strategist who loves spending my free time artillery bombarding people and normally hates Adventure games.

But Zelda is just simply, well, I couldn't say. Let's say if ANY adventure game can get someone like ME to love it so much I can't explain to feeling of playing the game, then that's gotta be THE BEST ADVENTURE GAME EVER!

Why is it so good?

1. The graphics: oooooo, the graphics. Cartoony, but awesome.

2. The gameplay: oooooo, the gameplay. It managed to be as fast-paced as a shooter but as smooth, detailed but deadly as adventure games ALL AT THE SAME TIME.

3. The puzzles: oooooo, the puzzles. Simply mind-boggling. Very diffcult, but keeps you from getting bored with enemies to slash. Many puzzles involve running the length of the world!

4. The scenary: oooooo, the scenary. Vast outdoors, rolling hillsides, distant cities and towns dominates the scene, while forests, ponds, grasslands and animals offers variety. Sun sets in all its mighty orange sky glory, while moon rises high, shining soft shadows on the ground, then suddenly the sun rises, complete with distant cockerels' call.

...and (pant!) lot's (pant!) more...

Damn I wish it could be available on PC. BTW, is Outcast any good?

[sgtfuzzbubble011]

I too, love The Ocarina Of Time...

Anyways... I'm kinda partial to Nintendo. I had the first NES (my sister has it now), I have a Super NES, I have an N64, and I have a Gameboy. I love them all. Don't get me wrong: I love playing GT2 on my PSX and playing Q2 and Q3:A on my puter, but I like my Nintendos the best... I can't wait until the Gamecube hits the market! Mmmmmm.....

[EvilTenster]

Consoles rock: When you are drunk, have 4 mates in the flat and you are playing goldeneye.

PC's rock especially when you have free 10MBps Inet and all your friends have the same... (and quakeIII :-))

[s1138]

i still say PC's. i mean emulation solves all problems.
the only consoles i ever liked were the original Nintendo and Atari. but sadly both of mine have passed on:(

i changed my sig!

[piesupreme]

i used to have the snes, which was the funniest thing ever. starwing kicked ass!

i believe pc's will always be better, but not because of power: because they are so damn versatile, you can get mods off the internet, download patches, use different programs at the same time.

hey, where would we be if we couldn't listen to winamp during a fragfest on UT? :D

[bizznit]

console emulation is weak at best. the best one so far is "BLEEM!" and it's got really choppy picture and the controls are awful with a gamepad, and it crashes freuqently. although i heard there's ways to copy dreamcast and playstation games with a cd burner with some software like cloneCD, as long as your burner supports reading hidden tracks from cd's and can write in DAO raw mode.

[xephyris]

ReDVision:
wow, i never knew PCs were that cheap :) you've defeated one of my arguments.

The PS2 may not have much online multiplayer capabilities, but it will have online capabilities in the future. For a more current example, theres a game for the Dreamcast called Phantasy Star Online. It is similiar to current Massively Multiplayer Online Games (Like Ultima Online) etc. and is a good example of what sort of multiplayer online games will come to the consoles soon.

The type of multiplayer that is fun on consoles is the type where you invite 3 friends or more over and play 4 player party games like Powerstone 2, Chu Chu rocket, Goldeneye, Bomberman, and stuff like that. Even playing fighting games and getting beaten by or beating your friends is fun, as you can spend some time with friends together as well :)

Also, I believe that Final Fantasy 10 or 11 (one of them, i'm not sure which) will be an online only game.

And yeah, Nintendo games are nice, if you like Ocarina of Time you should definitely get Majora's Mask (did i spell that right?).

Strangely, almost everyone on this board is arguing for the PC, so i'll stick up for the consoles for now :D That doesn't mean i don't like my PC tho :P

btw, sgtfuzzbubble99, are you referring to the zelda that came in a gold cartridge? The VERY first nintendo game that allowed saving? Cuz i've got me one of those *big grin*

[ReDVsion]

Hey, you and me both, xeph, though I have an excuse: I'm in CHILE. You shoulda known about this shit.

Ah, the old NES w/ the cool gun/duck hunt and a game genie... THOSE were the days...

Anyone remember the running game for NES where you got this wierd floor pad and ran in-place on it?

[implode]

Originally posted by ReDVsion
Anyone remember the running game for NES where you got this wierd floor pad and ran in-place on it?

The PowerPad! I think it was an Olympics game :D
My friend also had some crappy dance aerobics game that used the pad.

[a-arse]

You can't take a bit of a PS2 and put it in your Dreamcast where as you can swap bits of your PC's around,
As far As I know theres no way to network consoles or get ADSL or fast internet connections on them. Upgrades (e.g USB cameres, etc., etc.,) are coming out all the time but All you can get for consoles is new games.

Xbox: It's an X shape for godsake who in their right mind's gonna buy that? Also Its made by Microsoft and I think it's gonn run a copy of windows!

PS2: Excellent backwards compatiable, DVD, everything

Dreamcast: Nice, very nice but still no DVD

Gamecube: Looks like a toaster, but still looks good, at least Nintendo have switched to Cd, good for them :) that means cheaper games and ability to copy them. woohoo

Someones probably already written something like this but thats my opinion :D :) ;)

[sgtfuzzbubble011]

Originally posted by xephyris
btw, sgtfuzzbubble99, are you referring to the zelda that came in a gold cartridge? The VERY first nintendo game that allowed saving? Cuz i've got me one of those *big grin*

:D Si, amigo.

[xephyris]

As far As I know theres no way to network consoles or get ADSL or fast internet connections on them. Upgrades (e.g USB cameres, etc., etc.,) are coming out all the time but All you can get for consoles is new games.

I think theres a broadband adaptor for Dreamcast. You pull out your Dreamcast modem, and plug that in instead...
http://www.ebworld.com/ebx/categories/products/product.asp?pf%5Fid=194890&mscssid=C0R5U0J09HSK9P08LQ5NJPN0NW822HJ6

[Xerxes]

The reason the Zeldas have always been so good... is because they have always had that same Japanese guy behind them from day one (His first name is Hideo i believe) and he is a genius as far as game creation goes.... he also basically made all the mario games as well....

The original for me was the most compelling - i remember
when i finally got past all the wizzards shooting you
in labyrinth number 6 and got the magic wand - I was
screamed "FINNNAAAAALLLLLLLLYYYY!!!!" so loud my parents
came in the room ;)

:eek: Xerxes :eek:

[bizznit]

Originally posted by a-arse
Xbox: It's an X shape for godsake who in their right mind's gonna buy that? Also Its made by Microsoft and I think it's gonn run a copy of windows!

man you're hilarious. the X-box demo with bill gates showing the x-shaped console was a mock up demonstration. the real console box is not going to look like a letter of the alphabet. in magazines they show the x-shaped box too, but the company hasn't showed any pictires of their machine, it's going to be in the design stages for a looong time. and if they do use windows it's gonna be the equivalent strip down model of speedracer's Mach 5 versus a geo metro. but with it's specs, it sounds like it should be really good.

[HardRane]

1. X-Box is not shaped like an X. No One knows what it looks like yet. Also it uses only a small portion of the windows 2000 Kernel so it can use Directx.

2. Dreamcast Runs on Windows CE (HA). Emulation Dream!
http://www.arcadeathome.com

3. Sony should die a long painful death, and make only CD Players and Shitty Car Stereo equipment.

4. Ive got a AMD k6-3 500 and a Voodoo 5. Skrew you and your console.

BTW Gran Turismo using Bleem! at 1024x768 with all graphics enhancement runs perfect

Viva La Emulation
Viva La Voodoo

[Flynnz]

Zelda 3, Final Fantasy 3, Super Metroid, and Tetris.

That's all I care about in terms of non-pc games. :D

The emulators for the old Nintendo and SNES are perfect. Haven't ever had any problems. (My computer's veeeerrry slow - I haven't bothered to try emulators for the Playstation or the 64, much less the Dreamcast.) Nothing beats the new Tetris for color gameboy. (TetriNET is good, but just doesn't always cut it.)

Everyone's already said it all: game updates, mods, multiplayer, emulation, the fact that the PC world moves at light speed compared to the console industry... :)

[Rx]

SEGA decided to stay pure to the tradition of >gaming< and chose not to have a DVD Add-on for the DreamCast..atleast that's what I heard from a particular website. (Some people say it will be released and be connected on a serial port or something, whatever)PS2 may be a great system, but it's near impossible to find since Sony is lagging like a snail at a track meet on supplying/the Chaotic Holiday Season. (Foo! I ain't payin' 600+ dollars on eBay for a PS2!) Lots of third-party developers find it hard to make games on PS2 as well, maybe that explains the amount of games still being developed for PSX.

As for the PC, I'd call it a "neutral" system since it's in a category of its own, speaking of the many purposes it serves. Don't get me wrong. The PC and Consoles are excellent for gaming. But the PC serves multiple purposes. (Internet, Work, Communication, Home Office) The Consoles are basically in an arena of their own, IMHO.. They were designed for one reason, and that was to provide hours of entertainment for the casual and hardcore gamer alike.

[Extremecriticiser]

Originally posted by HardRane

4. Ive got a AMD k6-3 500 and a Voodoo 5. Skrew you and your console.


Hey! :D I use a Cyrix to heat my neighborhood in winter, but I use a K6-3 to heat my house! That's why my house is always warmer than that of my neighbors! A friend of mine once tried to steel my radiator's insulation pipe. When I asked him why he wanted it, he said "To make a home-made liquid cooling system for my K6-3!"

Athlon aren't as bad, though (damn, just as I planned to get a warmer radiator!).

[sgtfuzzbubble011]

Originally posted by Xerxes:
...they have always had that same Japanese guy behind them from day one (His first name is Hideo i believe) and he is a genius as far as game creation goes.... he also basically made all the mario games as well....

His name is Shiguru Miyamoto. And yes, as far as games are concerned, he is God. Not just a god, The God. :D

[HardRane]

Originally posted by Extremecriticiser

Hey! :D I use a Cyrix to heat my neighborhood in winter, but I use a K6-3 to heat my house! That's why my house is always warmer than that of my neighbors! A friend of mine once tried to steel my radiator's insulation pipe. When I asked him why he wanted it, he said "To make a home-made liquid cooling system for my K6-3!"

Athlon aren't as bad, though (damn, just as I planned to get a warmer radiator!).

Ha Ha...
All i want for X-mas is a Athlon 1.1 and a GB of ram
wooo... its hot in here...

P.S. When its really cold out, I use WMP 7 , Crank the cpu to 100%

[xephyris]

*grin*

Another talented game designer with Hideo as his first name is Hideo Kojima - he's responsible for Metal Gear Solid and i think some part in Vagrant Story as well. Is that who you're referring to, Xerxes?

I worship Shigeru Miyamoto.

Originally posted by HardRane

2. Dreamcast Runs on Windows CE (HA). Emulation Dream!

Not really, it has Windows CE, games can use it, but they don't need to. Most dreamcast games usually access the hardware directly. The only few games i can think of which use WinCE are Rayman 2 and MDK2 (i think, but i'm not sure), which are developed by PC game companies :D

Hardrane, you may be able to play Gran Turismo at full speed, but just try playing Final Fantasy VII, or even Final Fantasy Tactics. ^_- Emulation just isn't up to standard yet, and especially NOT the nefarious bleem.

And a Geforce 2 just whips the Voodoo 5's ass. I'm sorry, but thats the truth. Nvidia has acquired 3dFX... so that leaves us with 1 major graphics chip company, i'm not sure if thats good or bad...