Traitor to the Cause

[Fasckira]

I think if they were to begin matching PC gamers against console gamers in multiplayer matches (of games in general), it would prove this.

I wouldn't be so sure about this one. Ive seen some 360 FPS gamers who flat out rape their PC counterpart players (in terms of approximate skill levels) with the dual-analog controls. I personally find that gaming with a mouse and keyboard feels so much more natural, but theres some gamers out there who feel the same with the controllers.

 

[Hurr Durr Derp]

I'm mainly a PC gamer myself (only occasionally buying console games if I really want to play something that's just not available on the PC), and I have to say that between obvious examples as the ever-present consolewars on messageboards, the abusive Xbox live kiddies, and the Nintendo crowd massively buying titles that would make even most casual gamers shake their heads, I'd say that yes, the 'console gamers' are responsible for a lot of negative stereotypes associated with 'today's gamers'. But that's not the consoles' fault, nor that of someone who just happens to prefer consoles. As said, they're stereotypes, propagated by a relatively small but vocal (or otherwise attention-grabbing) group. And let's not forget that there are at least as many negative stereotypes associated with PC-gamers (I only have to mention the acronyms WoW, CS, or SC to invoke the image of the shut-in geek who spends 80% of his life glued to the computer screen in his parents' basement).

The entire PC vs console argument is only slightly less retarded than the console wars themselves. Sure, the PC offers many unique advantages over console gaming, but consoles offer several distinct advantages as well. In the end, it's not even a matter of power vs convenience. It's a matter of what games you like. In my opinion, it's the games that make the system. So in this case, if you want to play Dragon Age and you have a PC that will run it, just get the PC version. But if you want to play for example Saint's Row 2, you'd be mad not to get it on console.

 

[DTWolfwood]

*patpats
Just remember at the end of the day the betrayal you feel will amount to nothing, unless there is someone in your house saying "I told you so," then yes you are a traitor XD

Aren't you writers like filthy rich from all the gaming press y'all release?
Can't there be room in your house for both? XD

I have a sweet PC rig i use to play FPS'/RTS'/MMOGs and i have my consoles for everything else. WIN on all fronts

p.s. if yall wanna bring up the "well we aren't all rich like you" argument just stick to your consoles. Y'all can't lose at this point anyways, since Consoles get the lion's share of the games development pie. ^_^

 

[SamElliot'sMustache]

I think if they were to begin matching PC gamers against console gamers in multiplayer matches (of games in general), it would prove this.

I wouldn't be so sure about this one. Ive seen some 360 FPS gamers who flat out rape their PC counterpart players (in terms of approximate skill levels) with the dual-analog controls. I personally find that gaming with a mouse and keyboard feels so much more natural, but theres some gamers out there who feel the same with the controllers.

I definitely fit into the "controllers feel more comfortable" category. I've tried using mouse and keyboard for gaming and it feels...wrong. Practically had to contort my wrist just to make actions that were simple on consoles.

The graphics also looked significanly better, even on my 3 year old PC (that runs this game flawlessly) as compared to the Xbox version.

Maybe it's because I'm not as sophisticated as PC gamers, but I can honestly say that when I looked at screenshots of different console and PC versions of the same game, they all looked the same to me. Yes, yes, some things look slightly more detailed and have a slightly greater draw distance, but the emphasis is on slightly. It only matters if you're looking for them, and most of the time, I'm too busy actually playing the game. And that's pretty much my argument: any improvements in PC gaming over consoles is largely superficial, and the controls are largely subjective.

 

[Dyp100]

Wow, there is WAY too much hate on this thread. ._.

Good article, Susan, and I have to agree I am a console gamer foremost, but I also playing a couple of games on my PC as well, mainly RPG and RTS's since I feel there easier to control with a mouse and keyboard. For some odd reason I've always enjoyed controller more for FPS's.

And I agree, getting a work computer together is a pain, loads of PC games I've tried on here have had errors, bugs and all that, and all the modern ones look like crap because I need a GPU update.

 

[Doug]

Traitor to the Cause

Dragon Age: Origins just may make Susan Arendt turn her back on her console gaming ways.

Read Full Article

*intones in zombie like voice* You're one of us now Susan. Welcome to the club...

Anywho, bleh, what's it manner? Us PC gamers have had to deal with exclusives on consoles for many years now, and even though this isn't an exclusive, its like RTS's and it was pretty obvious it'd run better on the PC.

I agree, but my agreement extends to just about any game. Everything's better with a mouse and keyboard. 'Cept Street Fighter and racing games. Both of which, to me, have the lasting appeal of a mayfly.

True, I prefer the mouse and keyboard for just about everything - especially FPS's. The Wii's controls are often fairly cool, and its understandable some games are Wii first, but overall, I prefer the PC's monitor, mouse, and keyboard to the consoles.

 

[GonzoGamer]

I honestly don't get that whole PC gamer vs. Console gamer bullshit. I have both, I play both. If I don't feel like upgrading my computer I'll get the console version, if it only comes out on PC I'll suck it up and buy more shit for the computer. I don't think PC gaming is superior or inferior to console gaming and I am baffled that anyone else would.

I essentially feel the same way.

Both have their pros and cons so I keep up on both. Sometimes I'll even get both versions of a game (if I really like it and there are good mods for it) like Fallout 3.

What this article does illustrate is why it took me so long to get into this generation of console gaming (besides those launch prices) while keeping my PC up to date: this sort of cult like loyalty to a particular console. Why should she feel bad? Does she think her expensive console at home will get neglected because she's going to be glued to the pc for one game? The thing isn't sentient, it doesn't care.

It's that kind of cult like loyalty (to particular consoles) that seem to fan flame wars.
I like my ps3 but I don't feel any sort of loyalty to the brand, in fact I kind of hate the Sony corporation. The machine is tight but the people who are in charge of it and market it are completely retarded.

I guess I'm just amazed that gamers in particular need to be reminded that they should be practical consumers. Then again, look at how much gamestop pulls in: gamers apparently do need to be reminded.

 

[CrystalShadow]

Mwhahaha... Welcome to the dark side, Susan...

Heh.

Jokes aside, I've never understood the whole argument anyway.
I play games on PC because I own a PC anyway. (that, and I program games, which requires a PC even for creating console games.)

In any event, the only thing stopping me from owning every console in existence is cost.

(That, and I absolutely loathe the Playstation controller... Don't ask me why. Sometimes it just feels like I have some kind of allergy to certain types of plastic. I've hated that particular controller design since the PS1 came into existence, and despair knowing Sony won't even attempt to create a new design the way Nintendo, Sega, and even Microsoft do...)

Ahem... See? I can't even make a basic statement without ranting randomly.

Did I mention I hate Microsoft yet? Still, that's neither here nor there, since that applies equally to PC and Xbox...

Where was I again? Never mind.

 

[Lordpils]

I honestly don't get that whole PC gamer vs. Console gamer bullshit. I have both, I play both. If I don't feel like upgrading my computer I'll get the console version, if it only comes out on PC I'll suck it up and buy more shit for the computer. I don't think PC gaming is superior or inferior to console gaming and I am baffled that anyone else would.

I essentially feel the same way.

Both have their pros and cons so I keep up on both. Sometimes I'll even get both versions of a game (if I really like it and there are good mods for it) like Fallout 3.

What this article does illustrate is why it took me so long to get into this generation of console gaming (besides those launch prices) while keeping my PC up to date: this sort of cult like loyalty to a particular console. Why should she feel bad? Does she think her expensive console at home will get neglected because she's going to be glued to the pc for one game? The thing isn't sentient, it doesn't care.

It's that kind of cult like loyalty (to particular consoles) that seem to fan flame wars.
I like my ps3 but I don't feel any sort of loyalty to the brand, in fact I kind of hate the Sony corporation. The machine is tight but the people who are in charge of it and market it are completely retarded.

I guess I'm just amazed that gamers in particular need to be reminded that they should be practical consumers. Then again, look at how much gamestop pulls in: gamers apparently do need to be reminded.

I agree with everthing said, but the sentiance of the console is debatable I occassionaly have the creeping feeling that my 360 gives me guilty looks when I get on the computer, lately the feeling is more like a glare since I've been looking into buying a PS3. I swear I heard it whisper "whore..." while I was on Amazon yesterday.

 

[GonzoGamer]

I honestly don't get that whole PC gamer vs. Console gamer bullshit. I have both, I play both. If I don't feel like upgrading my computer I'll get the console version, if it only comes out on PC I'll suck it up and buy more shit for the computer. I don't think PC gaming is superior or inferior to console gaming and I am baffled that anyone else would.

I essentially feel the same way.

Both have their pros and cons so I keep up on both. Sometimes I'll even get both versions of a game (if I really like it and there are good mods for it) like Fallout 3.

What this article does illustrate is why it took me so long to get into this generation of console gaming (besides those launch prices) while keeping my PC up to date: this sort of cult like loyalty to a particular console. Why should she feel bad? Does she think her expensive console at home will get neglected because she's going to be glued to the pc for one game? The thing isn't sentient, it doesn't care.

It's that kind of cult like loyalty (to particular consoles) that seem to fan flame wars.
I like my ps3 but I don't feel any sort of loyalty to the brand, in fact I kind of hate the Sony corporation. The machine is tight but the people who are in charge of it and market it are completely retarded.

I guess I'm just amazed that gamers in particular need to be reminded that they should be practical consumers. Then again, look at how much gamestop pulls in: gamers apparently do need to be reminded.

I agree with everthing said, but the sentiance of the console is debatable I occassionaly have the creeping feeling that my 360 gives me guilty looks when I get on the computer, lately the feeling is more like a glare since I've been looking into buying a PS3. I swear I heard it whisper "whore..." while I was on Amazon yesterday.

That glare? It's called the red ring of death, it's the 360 telling you it needs repairs.
Just kidding.

But seriously, I do believe sentience (or I should say simulated sentience) is something we might see even in this generation of gaming but even then, it's probably going to be a stunted version of those kind of simulations done with computers already. Japan is really into it now: I think they're building skynet.

I believe I can think of something that all gamers can agree on: Macs are way overpriced and relatively useless.

I just can't relate to the article, but it is amusing and at least now I know that if I do get Dragon Age O, I'll get it for my PC. It's just that I'm so into Demon Souls right now and there's so much other stuff coming out, I don't even think I'll remember about DAO until next year.

 

[PlasticTree]

Hmm. This topic sure delivers a lot of wall of texts and long words..but it still looks one hell of a lot like a console vs pc flamewar to me.

Oh, and I'm still getting Dragon Age for the console. Not because I think it's better, but because I don't have a suitable pc. So if you all excuse me, I'm gonna look for any bit of text I can find that says something positive about the consoleversion.

 

[douglatins]

If my insticts are correct and susan corresponds to a girl, i'm like WTF, a girl playing a hardcore rpg? In Love? Maybe....

 

[Byers]

I think if they were to begin matching PC gamers against console gamers in multiplayer matches (of games in general), it would prove this.

I wouldn't be so sure about this one. Ive seen some 360 FPS gamers who flat out rape their PC counterpart players (in terms of approximate skill levels) with the dual-analog controls. I personally find that gaming with a mouse and keyboard feels so much more natural, but theres some gamers out there who feel the same with the controllers.

Haha, well. I remain fairly confident I'd be able to beat just about any controller fiend with a mouse and keyboard, but I guess I'll never be able to prove that unless they open up cross platform multiplay.

I think developers recognize the inferiority of gamepads as well, nearly every FPS or shooting game I've tried on a console has had various things to make up for the controls, like assisted aiming, target locking or the infamous chest high walls.

 

[Byers]

I think if they were to begin matching PC gamers against console gamers in multiplayer matches (of games in general), it would prove this.

I wouldn't be so sure about this one. Ive seen some 360 FPS gamers who flat out rape their PC counterpart players (in terms of approximate skill levels) with the dual-analog controls. I personally find that gaming with a mouse and keyboard feels so much more natural, but theres some gamers out there who feel the same with the controllers.

I definitely fit into the "controllers feel more comfortable" category. I've tried using mouse and keyboard for gaming and it feels...wrong. Practically had to contort my wrist just to make actions that were simple on consoles.

The graphics also looked significanly better, even on my 3 year old PC (that runs this game flawlessly) as compared to the Xbox version.

Maybe it's because I'm not as sophisticated as PC gamers, but I can honestly say that when I looked at screenshots of different console and PC versions of the same game, they all looked the same to me. Yes, yes, some things look slightly more detailed and have a slightly greater draw distance, but the emphasis is on slightly. It only matters if you're looking for them, and most of the time, I'm too busy actually playing the game. And that's pretty much my argument: any improvements in PC gaming over consoles is largely superficial, and the controls are largely subjective.

Well, in all honesty, screenshots never tell the whole truth. However, I've seen both the Xbox and PC versions in action, and I did notice a significant difference in quality, even without really looking too hard for it. And this wasn't in negligible things as draw distance, it was an overall improvement in most areas. Of course, it wasn't a matter of the Xbox version looking like it was coded in BASIC and the PC version resembling the second coming of Jesus, but a visible difference nonetheless. My friend with the Xbox even has the good cables and most of the bells and whistles.
Which in retrospect surprised me, as I expected an Xbox to outperform a PC as average as mine.

 

[DTWolfwood]

having both = win!

 

[pantsoffdanceoff]

I can make PC's from scratch adeptly enough, I never saw the worth in it though. I much prefer my PS3 because, (metaphor time) If I make a car, I don't want the brakes to stop working when I really need them. If I just buy a car, then I definitely know that the brakes are going to work... or I can at least sue someone. Computers always felt like an infinity-plus-one sword, they have a teensy bit more power, but its hardly worth the effort and constant updates you need to put in it.

 

[Fearzone]

Knowing that this post will lead me to losing my account, in all good grace I've decided to share some truth with you Susan, no matter how painful it may be.

Oh big tough guy-- the next Joan of Arc and Jesus Christ put together. You have all of two posts including that one but you will sacrifice it all to bring us your troll wisdom. I hope any other accounts that might be related to your email address are banned as well.

 

[KingPiccolOwned]

Traitor to the Cause

Dragon Age: Origins just may make Susan Arendt turn her back on her console gaming ways.

Read Full Article

While were on the subject of how the game controls, how does it on consoles specifically. Is it similar to Kotor or does it work more like Baulder's Gate: Dark Alliance (PS2 Version)?

 

[KingPiccolOwned]

I don't think he's trying to rub anyone the wrong way. Everyone is just too bloody sensitive. He's saying that he doesn't see how people can think PC gaming is so hard. Mind you, Susan did bring up some good points in her article that I agree with, but I also find myself siding with the PC a little too. I love my Xbox and I love my XPS, I prefer to play some games on one and some games on others.

Not to sound full of myself but you all need to be like me, and become a hybrid gamer. Be able to play on Xbox/PS3/Wii and on your PC's without falling into a fit of rage about why x is better than y.

Firstly, whether or not he meant to rub people the wrong way he did, so if people got angry with him, I don't blame them. Especially considering that he completely ignored a good portion of Ms/Mrs. Arendt's article here stating expressly that she did not want to be told about how easy PC gamers find gaming on a PC. Secondly, I would but A: I have a crappy computer, and B: I get pissed whenever I have to fight off (here meaning argue with) a gang of PC eliteists who are trying to tell me that I am retarded for wanting to play something that I can actually afford.

 

[Orange Monkey]

Not really sure what to comment here 'cause I agree with pretty much everything she said. You get alot of negativity in Malta when you identify as console lover. So i've never played WoW and my computer doesn't aspire to be Gods PC, but that shouldn't cause others to instantly assume i'm an under developed hominid. I don't hate PC gamers because I don't play the PC, but i dislike them for their elitist views that rival a certain Austrian dictator. The platform wars are a joke, every single one of them has something to offer that the others don't, so why do we have to turn something that we all love into something to fight over?