Buying Multi-platform Games: PC vs Console

[AtomicSpark]

In the past, if a game had a PS3 version, I would choose that one without a second thought. It would look and run a lot better than it could on my PC. However, I'll soon have a decent computer and it should be able to handle any game. So now I'm stuck with a little predicament.

My Current Rulebook:

• FPS, RTS, Point-n-Click = PC
• Third Person (or basically anything that should have a controller) = Console

I always keep in mind that ports are usually done poorly. So if a game comes out for the PS3 and then later PC, I'll get the PS3 version (and vice-versa).

Exceptions will always happen. For example, take the game Dead Space. It was a beautiful third-person shooter on the PS3. However, even though it was third-person, it might of been better with a keyboard and mouse. Things to consider would be how well it would run on a PC, whether or not it was a bad port, and if the Steam version came with SecuROM.

So Halflife2.net, how do you decide what to purchase when you're faced with a game that's multi-platform? Are there any real good rules to go buy? Are there any websites that compares the releases?

 

[theotherguy]

I only play console games if they are exclusive to consoles, and even then, only the major franchises.

 

[DEATHMASTER]

I only bought PC stuff almost exclusively. Have a 360 and really only get the games I want real bad. $60 a pop is ridiculous. (The console is mainly my brother's, and the stuff I want real bad, which has only been a couple games so far, is stuff he wants so the parents end up buying ). Did get a DS for myself recently so my wallet will suffer.

 

[Qonfused]

If it's on PC, I'll usually buy that version first because for most games I prefer the mouse and keyboard configuration against a gamepad. This is especially true when it comes to shooters.

 

[Warped]

I buy all types of games, either on Steam nowadays or from Gamefly/Gamestop/Walmart at cheap prices

over the last year I've become a bargain bin shopper and a patient person. I can wait longer for some games, but others I still need to buy on day 1

 

[Narcolepsy]

There are certain kinds of games that demand hunkering down with my monitor and a pair of headphones, completely immersed. Bioshock, for example. My TV is in a public area, so I can never completely get sucked out of reality there.

Other than that, your guidelines are pretty much spot on for me too.

 

[Warped]

RTS games on Consoles generally suck. Pixel Junk Monsters is a Strategy game on the PS3 and is probably the only type I'd play on a console....unless something better comes along

 

[Dinnesch]

As long as I have the proper hardware to get the same graphics as the console versions, I would always say PC. FPS games are unplayable for me with a controller, I've had Far Cry 2 on my 360 and it was almost impossible to aim.

Other games like GTA IV were great on my 360, and probably even better than the PC version in control, but because you can't mod it ruins half the fun for me. When I get bored with a GTA game I like to play around with things like flying or very heavy cars, godmode, rocket SMG's and other stuff.

 

[bam23]

always PC unless its completely console exclusive

 

[Dog--]

Whatever you prefer. I have a Wii, PC, and 360.

With an hours practise you can aim with a controller in an FPS unless you're a retard. I used to be purely PC gaming for FPSs, then I switched when the 360 came out.. It's not hard at all. Both have good games, if you can get both, just get both. If not, it's whatever one has more to offer you as a gamer. At the moment I refer 360 because it has better games (not talking about cross platform games), it seems no devs care about the PC these days which is a shame because I think it is the best console if handled correctly (and it's not being handled correctly).

 

[Darkside55]

If the game is a:

FPS
RTS
Adventure
Sim
MMO
WRPG

Buy it for PC.


If the game is a:

Fighter
Platformer
Action
SHMUP
Party (including music)
JRPG

Buy it for console.

 

[Deleted member 56031]

Unless it is PC exclusive I will generally buy it for Ps3 because alot of the time the PC versions just aren't supported as well or don't get DLC like the new POP

 

[Letters]

Of all that multi-platform games I can think of, they're all far better on PC assuming you have a computer that can actually run games better than the consoles.

 

[KagePrototype]

If it's obviously designed for consoles, then I just get it on a console. It's just more fun that way. I've had enough of playing rushed console ports on the PC.

 

[VirusType2]

So Halflife2.net, how do you decide what to purchase when you're faced with a game that's multi-platform? Are there any real good rules to go buy? Are there any websites that compares the releases?

I would only buy games for consoles that will obviously never come to the PC, like Metroid. But yet, I would wait until they are dirt cheap, yesterday's news, and buy used.

For some reason, the only consoles I seem to have been willing to support were the dying ones: TurboGrafx-16, SEGA Saturn, SEGA Dreamcast, X-Box[1], and now PC. It wasn't by intention, I just really liked those systems.

Just realizing, all those systems had one thing in common. They came out being more powerful [graphically] than their rivals, but didn't have enough support to compete. I'd like to see the PC back in the game.

 

[Darkside55]

the only consoles I seem to have been willing to support were...SEGA Saturn, SEGA Dreamcast...

Moment of silence for the two greatest consoles ever.







Anyway, PC isn't dying. Every generation of consoles someone always declares that PC gaming is dead. PC gaming will never die. Not now, not next generation, nor the generation after that, never.

Only consoles die.

 

[VirusType2]

Moment of silence for the two greatest consoles ever.

...

Anyway, PC isn't dying. Every generation of consoles someone always declares that PC gaming is dead. PC gaming will never die. Not now, not next generation, nor the generation after that, never.

I know, but I'd like to see it compete with the consoles more. There have been too many games that should have come out for the PC but didn't. And too many that come too late.

Only consoles die.

Music to my ears.

 

[Fishlore]

I used to be a PC only gamer. Then my PC died and this generation picked up momentum so I bought a PS3 and still haven't gotten a new PC. The only PC games I did buy and would buy in the future are games exclusively for the PC and only for the PC. I can't stand playing console ports on a PC.

I was actually going to start a new thread to see if there were any PC only games due on the horizon that people were pumped for. I'm tossing around the idea of putting together a new gaming rig, but right now, I'm not sure I can justify it since everything seems to be console ports, but I'll be the first to admit I'm out of the PC loop.

 

[VirusType2]

I've still never played Street Fighter 4, Resident Evil 5, Assassins Creed, Grand Theft Auto 4. These are already out or coming out for the PC.

There are a few other games like Modern Warfare 2 coming, and these are reason enough to build a good game PC IMO. I can get a decent last years video card for about $79 and play all of them I would think.

I don't play a lot of games. I pick a few I like and that's all I need.

 

[kupocake]

I don't really have a dilemna here, since I don't have a current generation console. It's decent DS games for the DS, everything else for the PC. Not really much overlap between those two.

edit: I do generally pay attention to whether my housemate has the PS3 version of something. I've intended to play CoD 4 and Dead Space for quite some time now though.

 

[mortiz-Redux]

GTA4 was garbage, waited ages for the PC version to be released and it turned out just to be a stripped down version of San Andreas. Many sites gave it 9/10 scores, personally I'd give it an 8 at most. The port wasn't bad either, the game itself just bored me.

 

[PimpinPenguin]

GTA4 was garbage, waited ages for the PC version to be released and it turned out just to be a stripped down version of San Andreas. Many sites gave it 9/10 scores, personally I'd give it an 8 at most. The port wasn't bad either, the game itself just bored me.

This.
Being a PC gamer listening to all the hype and praise that GTA 4 was getting when it was launched i was really disappointed with it when i got it. This has been the first GTA game to bore me, never before have i had to force myself to play though the missions.

The only issue i have with the PC is there is no one to back it up, you got Sony and Microsoft spending millions to get exclusives on their platforms yet the PC has no one to that. The only thing the PC has is the PCGA which hasn't got any of the main PC supporters and instead has the much beloved SecuROM guys backing it.

Personally for me i have no reason to get a console. There aren't enough exclusives on them to justify the cost of the console, i also love mods and the use of a Keyboard and Mouse. I have a PS2 controller connected to my PC to play console ports and PC ports are usually better than the console counterparts.

 

[Krynn72]

I have a 360 for any exclusives that arent on the pc, for everything else I buy the pc version and if it needs a controller, then i use my wired xbox 360 controller with my pc.

 

[Asus]

If it is something I'm on the fence about regarding being immersed in the game (big screen TV vs computer controls) I'd pick the mouse if it keeps gameplay fluid (FPS). Could always turn off the lights in the room and put on some headphones. A big screen isn't a must for that.

I don't mind 3rd person games on PC if there is no need for accurate acceleration. I didn't mind GTA3 and VC on PC. Although I'm really glad I got GTA4 for PS3 since it is more realistic regarding the controls. GTA3 and VC had a ton of mods which was nice on PC. Not sure how many GTA4 has...
Also

I always keep in mind that ports are usually done poorly. So if a game comes out for the PS3 and then later PC, I'll get the PS3 version (and vice-versa).

 

[Sledgehammer]

There are hardly any games that come out both on Wii and PC, so I don't have that dilemma.

 

[Blackthorn]

I learn more towards console purchases these days, unless it's an FPS or a Valve game. I find myself worrying too much when I'm playing on PC. When there's some graphical error or flaw on a console you can shrug it off, safe in the knowledge you're running the same software on the same hardware as everyone else. But on PC, I immediately look for solutions to try and get it all running and looking as perfect as possible. I simply find myself enjoying the experience more on a console. With Valve games being the obvious exception because they always run absolutely perfectly.

 

[Darkside55]

With Valve games being the obvious exception because they always run absolutely perfectly.

This is what Valve fans actually beli-beli-beli-beli--

Hello, Steam support? My game is stuttering again. Yes I have the latest drivers. My video card is from 3 years after your game was released. I have more ram than the Rocky Mountains. You'll file me a ticket and get back to me in a few weeks? Ok thank you.

 

[Acepilotf14]

I don't think I've ever had a Valve game fail on me without it being my fault.

It's always my fault.

 

[Darkside55]

That's what Gabe wants you to believe!

 

[MorganFreeman911]

*looks at the title*
BUYING games, you say?
EDIT:
All of my half-life games are purchased though. I love valve :3

 

[TwwIX]

I always go with the PC version unless it is a console exclusive.
Anyway, PC gaming is here to stay. Console gaming is too restrictive for me.
I originally used to be heavily into consoles until i got to experience gaming on a PC.
It is much more immersive compared to consoles.
No controller beats a Mouse and Keyboard. Well, unless it is a fighting or vehicle based game. Even then, you can still get a controller of your choice. Shooters are a mess on consoles. The last enjoyable, non frustrating shooter that i have played on console was Goldeneye.
Console gaming just isn't what it used to be. For me, anyway. It just isn't fun to me unless there are friends involved. My 360 is doing nothing but collecting dust. I wish that i would have gone with the Wii instead of the 360. At least there is a certain fun factor to it.

 

[Saturos]

PC versions clearly do have advantages such as flexibility and customization, and to many people who prefer PC keyboard and mouse control over a joypad. (tbh, I too prefer the keyboard and mouse for many genres, including FPSs and will always appreciate the elegance over the joypad.)

But imo PC gaming's biggest Cleveland steamer is also it's biggest advantage. All the updating, tweaking, signing-up and customizing required to even start playing. I got tired of all that shit after many years of PC gaming and all I want to do is play the damn game these days. Futhermore, due to the fact that PCs will never be as optimized as a dedicated console, and in turn lending to a console's insane lifespan before obsolescence, keeping up with PC hardware to play newer games is a must, and that's hard to do for many people.

Therefore, I've jumped ship from PC to console for the time being and I actually enjoy the change from not having to maintain and manage every little hardware/software detail when all I want to do is game. Lately, all I'd rather do is skip tweaking and customizing and save all the details for in-game specs.

Having said all that, there are still genres that are shite on a console vs. PC and vice-versa.
For example, I just bought Command & Conquer:The First Decade for PC. Well, how else are you gonna play an RTS other than keyboard & mouse?
I remember playing the PSX version of Red Alert to this day and thinking back to how big a mess it was without a keyboard.
Or try playing Resident Evil 4 with nothing but a keyboard. For a PC port that offers no mouse support, it sure needs it.

 

[Wanted Bob]

PC:

FPS
RTS
Western RPG
Hardcore Sims
Puzzle
MMO
Any games that are primarily multiplayer (L4D)

Console:

Platforming/Action
Third Person Shooter
Casual Racing/Flying Sims
Fighting Games
JRPG

 

[Krynn72]

But imo PC gaming's biggest Cleveland steamer is also it's biggest advantage. All the updating, tweaking, signing-up and customizing required to even start playing. I got tired of all that shit after many years of PC gaming and all I want to do is play the damn game these days. Futhermore, due to the fact that PCs will never be as optimized as a dedicated console, and in turn lending to a console's insane lifespan before obsolescence, keeping up with PC hardware to play newer games is a must, and that's hard to do for many people.

Protip: A PC is usually only ever out of date by PC standards. Consoles go out of date just as quick, and stay out of date for a much longer time. If you have a PC that performs to the capacity of an xbox, and you judge it compared to the xbox, your pc will never be obsolete. No matter what games come out, because the only time you need to upgrade a PC is when you want it to look better than your xbox can make it look. Newer games just let you make them look better than its console counterpart, but if dont want to upgrade, you can keep the game's settings on medium or whatever the xbox version has and get very similar performance.

Also, gtfo with that "pcs suck because of the patches" crap. I spent more time waiting for the ****ing PS3 updates at my friends house in one night than I have spent on all my pc games in the past year.

 

[ríomhaire]

RTSs and adventure games are always PC. Anyone who argues that needs his head checked.

I preffer FPS on the PC but I'll play one on a console if needs be. Consoles are handy because you know it will run well and you don't have to worry about shitty CTD, DRM or freezing.

Third person games generally console but can be PC (Psychonauts was perfect on the PC).

Don't really own games from other genres. Not that I can think of anyway.

 

[Saturos]

Protip: A PC is usually only ever out of date by PC standards. Consoles go out of date just as quick, and stay out of date for a much longer time. If you have a PC that performs to the capacity of an xbox, and you judge it compared to the xbox, your pc will never be obsolete. No matter what games come out, because the only time you need to upgrade a PC is when you want it to look better than your xbox can make it look. Newer games just let you make them look better than its console counterpart, but if dont want to upgrade, you can keep the game's settings on medium or whatever the xbox version has and get very similar performance.

Also, gtfo with that "pcs suck because of the patches" crap. I spent more time waiting for the ****ing PS3 updates at my friends house in one night than I have spent on all my pc games in the past year.

All true, but upgrading to a new video card with tons of memory and dual GPUs + a new quad-core CPU + 8 gigs of RAM in order to get the game to play by my standards which are pretty high, as I can't stand lag at all, and I don't like butchering graphics to compensate, would break my bank account right now. (I still have a single-core )

As far as patching is concerned, I understand why it's necessary because no PC configuration is the same as the next and it's next to impossible for developers to compensate for every single config, but I just hate doing it. Tacking on the fun stuff like mods though is different and is one of the things I like about PC games. It offers flexibility in games that no console version can offer. The ES: Oblivion modding community for example is excellent and I would've never gone back to playing vanilla Oblivion, which sucks by itself.

I never could feel good about any PC game I'd play unless I could play it to the maximum capacity and surpass a console's capability, which means the best in cutting-edge gaming hardware. I guess it's just OCD or something. At least consoles have a valid excuse to why late-generation games can't compete with a PC version's graphics.

Maybe once I get a foothold into a better paying career and start making better money though, (which is soon I hope) I'll jump back into PC gaming, because I do miss playing the latest games on PC. Around that time, which would be perfect timing, the current gen consoles will have started showing significant signs of aging and PC gaming will once again leave consoles in the dust.

 

[VirusType2]

All true, but upgrading to a new video card with tons of memory and dual GPUs + a new quad-core CPU + 8 gigs of RAM in order to get the game to play by my standards which are pretty high, as I can't stand lag at all, and I don't like butchering graphics to compensate, would break my bank account right now. (I still have a single-core )

That's such an exaggeration it's absolute bullshit. I think it's funny you only have a single core processor (Pentium4 =2003ish) and wonder why your computer can't play brand new games in highest settings. (2009's latest software technology). What graphics card you are using, I'll bet it's older than Moses.

Also, if your standards are that high, then why did you get a console?

 

[PimpinPenguin]

All true, but upgrading to a new video card with tons of memory and dual GPUs + a new quad-core CPU + 8 gigs of RAM in order to get the game to play by my standards which are pretty high, as I can't stand lag at all, and I don't like butchering graphics to compensate, would break my bank account right now. (I still have a single-core )

I managed to survive very well with my P4 and X740XL for a very long time. Granted towards last year i couldn't max out games, but it could still do as well as the current gen consoles. Even now my PC isn't the greatest but it can still max out games and will last me for a quire a few years. If your standards are so high why go console? Then your stuck with Meduim/low settings for the whole generation.

 

[B_MAN]

My Current Rulebook:

• FPS, RTS, Point-n-Click = PC
• Third Person (or basically anything that should have a controller) = Console

pretty much the same for me
i won't play FPS' without a mouse and keyboard

 

[PimpinPenguin]

My Current Rulebook:

• FPS, RTS, Point-n-Click = PC
• Third Person (or basically anything that should have a controller) = Console

You can use a controller on a PC so why get a console for Third person just because of a controller. I mean on the PC you actually have a choice in the type of controller you can use, on the 360 your stuck with the 360 controller and on the PS3 your stuck with the PS3 controller on the PC you choose. I use my PS2 pad for Third person games, my steering wheel for racing games and my joystick for flight simulator.