Gaming Platform - How to decide PC vs XBox 360 versions?

Ultramontane

Ultramontane

CAGiversary!
Feedback
1 (100%)
Hey Cags, needs some advice on this one.

I broke down and ordered my first XBox 360. I've been a PC gamer for quite a long time but felt it was necessary to take the plunge.

For those who own multiple gaming platforms, how do you base your decision on purchasing a cross platform release?

I'm assuming price would be the largest factor, but is there a time when a higher priced console game is worth the cash?

I'm used to buying bundles on Steam for the PC so I need some motivation for future Xbox purchases.

Thanks for the help.

-Ultra
 
Shitty DRM is the main reason I'd buy a console game over a PC release. Crappy port would be another (SW Force Unleashed comes to mind).

Otherwise, some games are just more enjoyable from a "couch" environment. Racing games, for example, are more enjoyable to me on a console.

PC games usually have better graphics, if your system can handle it) and the controls (mouse/keyboard) are just better suited for some games like RPGs.

I don't play online much, but a service like XBL probably would factor into others' decisions as well.
 
First person shooters are the ones I buy on the PC. Everything else I get on the 360.
 
For me it comes down to performance. If the performance on the game is decent I'll pick it up on a console, either PS3 or 360. It doesnt have to have as good of graphics as the PC version, just be decent in its own right.

For example, I picked up Risen and Divinity 2 on PC rather than the 360 since the 360 versions are both a horrible choppy mess for the most part. I originally picked up GTA IV on the PS3 but have since moved over to the PC version and it's almost a different game with the smoothness and clarity that it has.

Things like Just Cause 2 I picked up on consoles. Even though it doesn't look as good as the PC version, it still looks great and more importantly plays smoothly.
 
I buy all my FPS games on the PC as I hate a controller for aiming. Also, if most of my friends are buying on the PC, that's obviously the version I'll grab as well. Platformers and sports games I'll buy for the PS3.
 
I have Gamefly and I usually add all the games I'm interested in to my queue when they're announced or way before their release date. This way, I get to play all the new release games and is a much cheaper option then buying all of them new. If I don't like it, then I don't lose much (besides, the $25/month). If I do like it, I look into the PC version (if there is one) and usually end up buying it on Steam when it's a deal. Usually when it's about $10 or less.

This doesn't apply to Valve/Bioware/Bethesda and certain games that I'm REALLY looking forward to that I just snatch up on PC when they're released (Borderlands, BF:BC2).
 
After I got a ps3 I only buy the console versions of the game. The games work perfectly on the console, but on the pc you have to have all the latest graphics cards and processors, and keep upgrading the ram. If you got a 360, get the 360 version of the games, you wont be disappointed. Plus if you ever decide to sell any of your games, the console games sell fast, but the pc games sell slow and cheap.
 
[quote name='Stainless Alloy']After I got a ps3 I only buy the console versions of the game. The games work perfectly on the console, but on the pc you have to have all the latest graphics cards and processors, and keep upgrading the ram. If you got a 360, get the 360 version of the games, you wont be disappointed. Plus if you ever decide to sell any of your games, the console games sell fast, but the pc games sell slow and cheap.[/QUOTE]

"..."
 
Dont have a modern console anymore, just a ps2. But i usually just got the ps2 exlusive titles on that system.

[quote name='Stainless Alloy']After I got a ps3 I only buy the console versions of the game. The games work perfectly on the console, but on the pc you have to have all the latest graphics cards and processors, and keep upgrading the ram. If you got a 360, get the 360 version of the games, you wont be disappointed. Plus if you ever decide to sell any of your games, the console games sell fast, but the pc games sell slow and cheap.[/QUOTE]
And here I thought the brainwashed consolekiddies stayed in the xbox & ps section...
 
[quote name='Stainless Alloy']After I got a ps3 I only buy the console versions of the game. The games work perfectly on the console, but on the pc you have to have all the latest graphics cards and processors, and keep upgrading the ram. If you got a 360, get the 360 version of the games, you wont be disappointed. Plus if you ever decide to sell any of your games, the console games sell fast, but the pc games sell slow and cheap.[/QUOTE]

100% lies.

I don't know how anyone who actually plays consoles can come out of their face and talk like it's the days of the SNES.

Many consoles games launch with BUGS, Errors, Glitches and Exploits. On top of this once those units YLOD or RROD you have to rely on the company to repair - If they do at all. Vanishing features too...

Come on, son!

Consoles LOL! Pay more get less.
 
If it is an FPS get it on PC
If it is an RPG get it on PC (because it will more than likely have more features)

all other can go on console

:D
 
Well even if I had a 360 or PS3 I would buy PC except for these cases...

Horrible Port (with no reason to buy it on PC)
Same price as console (With shitty DRM aka Ubi Style)

Other than that I usually buy PC. If the controls are bad for keyboard and mouse I just use the gamepad. I like aiming on the PC a lot better with keyboard and mouse than controller.
 
Your main choice for FPS, RTS and many RPGs should be your PC. Given if you have a decent rig you will always have much better graphics, but above that a smoother gaming experience. Like another CAG pointed out, Racing games and Sports games are a much better fit for the console.

I helped my roommate upgrade his PC a few months back with a new videocard, memory and power supply. Since then his PSN ID says "Last Sign-In: 5 months ago".
Go figure.
 
[quote name='freddy_']Dont have a modern console anymore, just a ps2. But i usually just got the ps2 exlusive titles on that system.


And here I thought the brainwashed consolekiddies stayed in the xbox & ps section...[/QUOTE]

I am not a console kiddie, I still play pc games. I do not have the latest gaming rig, I have to play Crysis on minimum settings. I used to hate consoles because they were expensive and the games cost more. It gets harder to play older games on newer computers, or even the same computer with a newer operating system. I still buy strategy games and simulators for pc. I only buy pc exclusive titles for the pc, if it comes out for pc and console, then I will get it for console. The pc has better graphics than the console, but I don't care for graphics, having all the controls close together on one controller is very convenient. I switched to consoles because of the garbage DRM systems in play. On PC install the game, activate it if activation works or wait a week or two, keep calling tech support and be on hold for a couple hours and then they don't want to help you because they think that you are a pirate. On console to just pop the disk in and play, you don't need internet.
 
I was so pro pc until the 360 came along.. Then I was like although the game might be better looking on the PC and in most cases you can mod the game (new user created stuff), after awhile playing a 22 inch monitor on a high end PC vs a 58 inch plasma with the 360, guess who won? I still buy PC games, but only if it's dirt cheap (clearance) and pc exclusive.
 
[quote name='Stainless Alloy']I am not a console kiddie, I still play pc games. I do not have the latest gaming rig, I have to play Crysis on minimum settings. I used to hate consoles because they were expensive and the games cost more. It gets harder to play older games on newer computers, or even the same computer with a newer operating system. I still buy strategy games and simulators for pc. I only buy pc exclusive titles for the pc, if it comes out for pc and console, then I will get it for console. The pc has better graphics than the console, but I don't care for graphics, having all the controls close together on one controller is very convenient. I switched to consoles because of the garbage DRM systems in play. On PC install the game, activate it if activation works or wait a week or two, keep calling tech support and be on hold for a couple hours and then they don't want to help you because they think that you are a pirate. On console to just pop the disk in and play, you don't need internet.[/QUOTE]

Another lie.

Nearly 24 hours after a leap-year bug hit PlayStation 3 videogame systems, gamers around the world still can’t play games on their crippled consoles. In fact, Sony recommends they don’t even try.

Read More http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2010/03/apocalyps3/#ixzz0sts3p7sv
Click to expand...

It's one thing to say you prefer consoles because of X, Y and Z...but you are making outlandish statements that are untrue. Many single player consoles games still require you to be online...

While all of the multiplayer consoles require internet connection...split screen and hotseat gaming is largely Wii only for the most part.

It's pop the disk it, hope it's not bugged, hope your unit does not fail, hope they allowed you to play offline...possibly play.

Everything has a con. 'Consolekiddies' talk about consoles as if they have no flaw...despite their own encounters with them...

Older games are harder to play on PC??? Have you seen STEAM, GoGAMER, Impluse or played with emulators...Come on, son...*smh*

[quote name='ITDEFX']I was so pro pc until the 360 came along.. Then I was like although the game might be better looking on the PC and in most cases you can mod the game (new user created stuff), after awhile playing a 22 inch monitor on a high end PC vs a 58 inch plasma with the 360, guess who won? I still buy PC games, but only if it's dirt cheap (clearance) and pc exclusive.[/QUOTE]

Not everyone is stuck playing PC games on desk.

I personally use a projector with screen size ranging from 72 inches or higher...from my couch or bed with 4 wireless controllers ready to rumble when ever....16 speaker surround sound. I have a main rig on a desk for some RTS and a few MMORPGs but nothing beats HTPC goodness.
 
I have both a 360 and I like to think a decent pc gaming rig. Both are hooked up to my 52" Toshiba via HDMI. How I decide which version I pickup changes all the time. I rarely buy games at launch anymore because they do drop in price so quickly. I know I'm against the norm but I like to use my 360 controller on my PC. What immediately decides, for me, between 360 and PC is if a game can or can't use the 360 controller. If I can't, I get the 360 version. There are a few exceptions. If they both can use the 360 controller then I will move on to DRM type on the PC version. I'm not overly picky on this but DRM schemes like the one used on Assassin's Creed II and Splinter Cell: Conviction, will also push me to the 360 version. Games like Fallout 3 or Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, I will get on the PC because of their typically large modding communities. Sometimes though, it just comes down to which one is cheaper. I rarely play a lot of online multiplayer so that doesn't factor for me a lot of times.
 
I will only buy on pc if I can buy the disc and not have to verify the game online every time I want to play. Hell, I never downloaded the free dlc for Dragon Age Origins and Mass Effect 2 when I read that it tied you to EA's servers and you couldn't play when those servers were down. I always apply a nocd crack too, so I don't have to mess with the disc. The biggest reason I try to avoid downloadable games is the fact that publishers take away every right you, as a consumer, have with the product. I buy GOG games because they allow you to basically do as you please. But have you ever read the TOS for Steam? Sure, Valve probably won't take away your license to a game (although they will take away the licenses to all of your games if you have a payment problem for one game), but it's complete BS that they do give themselves that right. I'll put up with crap DRM, as long as a nocd patch cures the problem. But this trend for always online causes me to buy more games on consoles.
 
[quote name='Megazell']

Not everyone is stuck playing PC games on desk.

I personally use a projector with screen size ranging from 72 inches or higher...from my couch or bed with 4 wireless controllers ready to rumble when ever....16 speaker surround sound. I have a main rig on a desk for some RTS and a few MMORPGs but nothing beats HTPC goodness.[/QUOTE]

Well not everyone is rich like you...besides i've read that it's not a good idea to run a pc on a plasma tv.
 
[quote name='freddy_']


And here I thought the brainwashed consolekiddies stayed in the xbox & ps section...[/QUOTE]

QFMFT.

I prefer FPS games on PC. I generally only play exclusives on my PS3.
 
[quote name='iKilledChewbacca']If it is an FPS get it on PC
If it is an RPG get it on PC (because it will more than likely have more features)

all other can go on console

:D[/QUOTE]

What RPGs are you talking about? Dragon Age was a much better game on the PC than on consoles.
 
I'm a big fan of game sales, and I find that a lot more retailers are willing to put PC games on sale over console games (nobody buys them in most Brick and Mortar), and being a huge slut for Steam, I tend to buy more games for my PC because of some ridiculous sale, regardless of genre.

That being said, I would pick a Console version over the PC if:

1. My PC doesn't meet the system requirements (which is rare/hasn't happened yet).
2. My friends/family play the game over the PSN/XBL (actually, I just cancelled my XBL subscription...).
3. It's what I consider a 'party game' (Like Rock Band/Guitar Hero).
4. My significant other plays, or has interest, the game (She's almost an exclusive console-player).
5. My Hard Drive is too full (which is a bullshit reason, but I've used it before for Modern Warfare 1 and 2).

That being said, I do tend to go PC since playing on the PC means that I wouldn't have to wait for "Next Top Model" to end before I could get my frag on, or that I could just hide myself in my man-cave when the 'girls are over', getting my frag on.

That and most of my fave games are either Indie PC games, or a Steam-release game (NEVER EVER play a Valve game on the consoles. That's like paying for a high class hooker/escort and only asking for a mediocre hand-job).
 
Thanks for all of the feedback. Other than a demos, I haven't picked up any 360 games yet. Times are tight right now. Might have to stick to rentals in the mean time
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
bread's done
Back
Top