Mass Effect: PC, or Xbox 360?

[Cowabungaa]

Sooo fellow Escapists, I'm looking for all your expert gaming opinions. I just got my next paycheck, and I've been looking at Mass Effect for a while now. Now the problem is: do I want it for my 360, or the pc. Ofcourse I looked up some things, and I read that the PC version fixes small things from the 360 version. However, I also heard that the PC version has some technical issues, that it's a resource hog. Ofcourse I used systemrequirmentslab, but I rarely trust system specs nowadays. For that I'll give my own system details, for comparison:
AMD Athlon 64X 6000+ 3.0Ghz (dual core)
GeForce 8800GT 512 MB
3 GB RAM
Running on 1650X1050

The final thing to consider is the fact that my 360 is hooked on a pretty crappy tv, and my pc has a shiny 22" flatscreen.

Soooo, all of this taken into account, what's the ME version to go for?

 

[-Seraph-]

I'd say go for the PC version. I have it, and really it never seemed to be a resource hog. The DRM is annoying and stupid BUT the whole limited installs bullshit has been counterbalanced by EA de-authorization tool so limited installs is non existent for it.

As for tech issues? eh..nothing you wouldn't find in any other game. I have had a few collision detection issues and the game seemed to like to crash sometimes when loading at some point but that has not happened to me after the very early sections of the game. Latest "issue" I had was today's when I fell through the map..pretty funny.

The interface of the PC version is also a whole lot more convenient and friendlier. It doesn't hinder the game like it does on the xbox version. Why? I'll tell you why....HOTKEYS. Also the PC controls just work, although this is coming from a PC person..I hate controllers but the PC control is just smooth and more fitting.

Overall the smoother interface and control scheme with minor technical bugs just makes the PC version a better choice. So yea..PC version FTW!!

 

[The_Prophet]

Sooo fellow Escapists, I'm looking for all your expert gaming opinions. I just got my next paycheck, and I've been looking at Mass Effect for a while now. Now the problem is: do I want it for my 360, or the pc. Ofcourse I looked up some things, and I read that the PC version fixes small things from the 360 version. However, I also heard that the PC version has some technical issues, that it's a resource hog. Ofcourse I used systemrequirmentslab, but I rarely trust system specs nowadays. For that I'll give my own system details, for comparison:
AMD Athlon 64X 6000+ 3.0Ghz (dual core)
GeForce 8800GT 512 MB
3 GB RAM
Running on 1650X1050

The final thing to consider is the fact that my 360 is hooked on a pretty crappy tv, and my pc has a shiny 22" flatscreen.

Soooo, all of this taken into account, what's the ME version to go for?

Actualy, I have a pretty similar computer and mass effect runs fine here.

Go for teh PC

 

[CIA]

I choose to read your topic like this: Mass Effect, PC, or Xbox 360?

Mass effect every time.

 

[sadpolice]

Xbox 360, hands down.

 

[skathe]

Uh, being that it has a targeting reticle, you automatically go for PC. Fuck trying to aim with the thumbstick.

 

[Worr Monger]

I say PC... controls are probably easier too.

But don't make the same mistake I did.... I thought my PC couldn't run it because it would crash and run very choppy... turned out my PC was just overheating due to Mass Effects awesomeness.

So I opened the side of my PC to let some air in while playing.... fixed that problem.

 

[AceDefective]

Xbox 360

 

[Kirra]

I would say go for the PC version. Mass Effect isn't much of a resource hog, my PC is a lot crappier and i can run it with everything maxed (Exept motion blur, i hate motion blur. I always feel drunk when it's turned on.). Also i don't really understand how you can play a shooter without a mouse.

 

[darktheif28]

Uh, being that it has a targeting reticle, you automatically go for PC. Fuck trying to aim with the thumbstick.

it's really not that hard to do

 

[-Seraph-]

Xbox 360. The game was meant to be played on a TV screen with a controller, plus the PC version has DRM on it and limited amount of installs.

They no longer have that problem due to the De-authentication tool EA made to give you back your installs so that point is somewhat moot.

 

[Pendragon9]

PC. Just make sure it's up to date and without that Securom bull.

 

[scotth266]

Sooo fellow Escapists, I'm looking for all your expert gaming opinions. I just got my next paycheck, and I've been looking at Mass Effect for a while now. Now the problem is: do I want it for my 360, or the pc. Ofcourse I looked up some things, and I read that the PC version fixes small things from the 360 version. However, I also heard that the PC version has some technical issues, that it's a resource hog. Ofcourse I used systemrequirmentslab, but I rarely trust system specs nowadays. For that I'll give my own system details, for comparison:
AMD Athlon 64X 6000+ 3.0Ghz (dual core)
GeForce 8800GT 512 MB
3 GB RAM
Running on 1650X1050

The final thing to consider is the fact that my 360 is hooked on a pretty crappy tv, and my pc has a shiny 22" flatscreen.

Soooo, all of this taken into account, what's the ME version to go for?

Actualy, I have a pretty similar computer and mass effect runs fine here.

Go for teh PC

Trust this man. The 360 version's inventory system was a blundering mess, but since the PC version fixed that up(or so I hear), I'd grab the comp. version unless it can't handle the job.

The reticle never annoyed me on the 360. Felt natural enough.

 

[Danny Ocean]

PC version, if only to save you from the soul-destroying inventory system. Patch it before you play it.

 

[Isalan]

I'd have to say PC. I got it on the 360 and it was a damn good game, but the inventory/upgrade system is hellish and aiming can be a pain in the ass unless your used to playing shooters on your 360.

Either way, its a spanking brill game, so have all sorts of fun.

 

[Graveking]

Sooo fellow Escapists, I'm looking for all your expert gaming opinions. I just got my next paycheck, and I've been looking at Mass Effect for a while now. Now the problem is: do I want it for my 360, or the pc. Ofcourse I looked up some things, and I read that the PC version fixes small things from the 360 version. However, I also heard that the PC version has some technical issues, that it's a resource hog. Ofcourse I used systemrequirmentslab, but I rarely trust system specs nowadays. For that I'll give my own system details, for comparison:
AMD Athlon 64X 6000+ 3.0Ghz (dual core)
GeForce 8800GT 512 MB
3 GB RAM
Running on 1650X1050

The final thing to consider is the fact that my 360 is hooked on a pretty crappy tv, and my pc has a shiny 22" flatscreen.

Soooo, all of this taken into account, what's the ME version to go for?

xbox 360

 

[MarxonSR1]

I've got the game on PC running at lower specs. But if this were a more complex RPG say Neverwinter Nights 2 where you have to select form a variety of spells abilities etc...Then it might make sense to use a computer as with RTS the controls are too varied to get the full experience on a console. But Mass Effect will usually not have the, I have to access 15 different hotkeys to prepare for a fight that say, World of Warcraft does. The combat in Mass Effect, though you can develop it will usually not require enormous complexity. With some exceptions.

 

[Cowabungaa]

Haha you guys aren't making it any easier for me Thanks for all the help so far though. But to sum it up:
Pro's from the PC version:
Better inventory system, with hotkeys.
Smoother/easier/more relaxt combat.

Cons from the PC version:
DRM, though debatable.
It's a port, debatable again.

Pro's from the 360 version:
'Made for a TV screen'
'A true console game'

Cons:
Aiming, debatable (I doubt I'll have problems with it, I'm used to shooters on the console)
Crappy inventory.

Now I've got one question about it: how does the fact that it's a true console game *ahem* manifest itself? How do you notice, when you're playing the PC version, that it's really a game made for the console, apperantly.

 

[Gormers1]

Of course it depends on how well ported it is. There are games out there in which the tutorial shows an xbox 360 controller on the pc version and so on. If you look at the reviews (see metacritic), you see that reviews in general thinks that it is ported and made better on the pc.

I love people who post posts containing only the words "xbox 360", or "PC". Anyway, since they say you should have no problem with it on the pc, go for it. Maybe then you will have lower loadingtimes and less texture popups.

 

[Ancientgamer]

Haha you guys aren't making it any easier for me Thanks for all the help so far though. But to sum it up:
Pro's from the PC version:
Better inventory system, with hotkeys.
Smoother/easier/more relaxt combat.

Cons from the PC version:
DRM, though debatable.
It's a port, debatable again.

Pro's from the 360 version:
'Made for a TV screen'
'A true console game'

Cons:
Aiming, debatable (I doubt I'll have problems with it, I'm used to shooters on the console)
Crappy inventory.

Now I've got one question about it: how does the fact that it's a true console game *ahem* manifest itself? How do you notice, when you're playing the PC version, that it's really a game made for the console, apperantly.

This basically, especially the question at the end.

Also, Mass effect is know and often referenced for being an amazing port for actually taking the time to take advantage of the new system, e.g. improved graphics, fewer glitches ect.