Console gaming VS Computer Gaming (in Off-topic)

What do you prefer and why?

Consoles, mainly because I was into Linux a while back, and then Mac, and games weren't as plentiful there. Also, when switching to the Mac, my upgrade cycle for general computing can be in the 3-4 year range (at least) whereas if I were trying to stay cutting edge on a PC, I would at least be spending the same amount of money as I have on consoles over the years (in my estimation, anyway).

I also just don't want to have to tinker with a PC. I used to be MUCH more of a tinkerer in that regard, but that shifted from hardware to software to nowhere (I much prefer "just work" these days).

Downsides of consoles? Draconian control over the hardware. Sony's recent stunts with the PS3 well and truly suck. I love the hardware, and the PS3 is central in my system for serving up network content, watching, movies, and playing games, but at some point it is almost like I don't even own the tangible product I laid down the cash for.

Both. For different reasons.

Consoles, for the ease of Plug and Play. Pick up a console, pick up a game and play.

PCs, for 'evolving' gameplay. Downloads, Mods, Patch and add ons for exisitng games.

Current consoles have blurred the line though. Having to install console games (ugh..) but with the ability to download content.

PC - because I can't use controller for anything but GTA

FPS on pc, everything else on console.

PC, as I bought a 360 in the last week, and can't seem to motivate myself to play it.

you can always donate your 360 to a worthy cause of Tal's non-ownership


j/k

PC

I can't afford to go buying consoles AND games

PC, 99+%

Because I hate console controllers with a vengeance (I find it totally mistifying that some people enjoy them), and because nobody bothers to make console games that play with mouse/keyboard, and last but not least because IN GENERAL, console games are seriously dumbed down.

Also, most of my favourite types of games simply don't come out on consoles (or when they do, they're either rubbish or many years late).
What games, you ask ? Master of Orion 2, Alpha Centauri, the Heroes of Might and Magic series (especially 3 plus expansions), the entire Civilisation series, the ELITE series, X-Wing and TIE fighter, the Homeworld series, Total Annihilation and Total Commander, Outpost 2, Planescape:Torment, and a truckload of indie games some of you probably never even heard of (World of Goo, Eufloria, DEFCON, Darwinia, Singularity).
Oh, yeah, and just about any MMOs (I only play EVE though, and surprise, they're releasing a tie-in micro-parallel-MMO that's a _shooter_ and it's only for the consoles - the game's population is already protesting loudly that it's not also available on the PC).
Granted, you can play browser games on your console (but a PC is better here too), and some of the few other titles I like on the PC are also available for consoles (newer Bioware stuff), but even there, the PC version is usually better (Mass Effect for PC >> Mass Effect for consoles ; and I kinda disliked Mass Effect 2, a big reason for my dislike being the "consolization" of the game).
The only games I ever bothered to play on consoles were Square Enix titles (or things remarkably similar), and even there, the PC version (when available) was superior (The Last Remnant).

I find it sad that I recognize every game Sickone listed. I think it's time I took a break from RPS...

I agree with GL and Sub.

It depends on the type of game. FPS are ten-fold better on PCs, and running mods pretty much requires a PC.

For racing games, RPGs, and most everything else, consoles tend to be much better. I finally wrapped up Assassin's Creed 2 on the 360, and I can't imagine even trying it on the PC.

Another issue is group involvement. I just entertained some friends this weekend by tossing them in front of Guitar Hero on Wii. That just wouldn't happen on PC -- at least not without an odd setup.

Social games rock on a console.

From Rock Band, to any Wii game.

The 'controller' option for consoles are pure win for this. ;)

I think this should be in debates, LOL! :)

I prefer computer gaming for the following reasons:

- Most games on PC let you save whenever you like which means I don't have to be tied to the computer.

- Popular games usually have mods for them to give the game new life, even after you've beaten it.

- The game can be configured to be as awesome or lame as your computer is.

- Mouse and keyboard give you a level of precision that is hard to match with a controller.

- Online play in most all computer games (with the exception of MMORPGs and the like) is free.

I also agree with GL.

I always used to play CS (1.3 - 1.6). And I loved that people still play it to this day even though it's the same maps that it has been for 10+ years, but then on consoles you have games like CoD, where new games come out every year and new maps every 3 months, and you have to pay for each one of those releases....

I hate how companies can take control over your pockets much more than on PC.

I am a console gamer now, I didn't have the money to fix my computer / upgrade it. I needed to rebuild my whole computer as I needed new everything. Plus, all of my friends have a 360 and all play CoD and other multiplayer games, but I, myself, am steering clear of all off Activision now.

Same with all/most console games. But, I prefer console, b/c I like separating my serious gaming from my computer, other wise I'd never get work done.

Yeah... most of the productivity problems I've seen relate more to Flash games and other free online ones. I'm pretty sure my clients wouldn't mind if I stopped playing CB. :)

Console for RPGs and some action games.

Computer for strategy games, first person shooters, and other things that need fine control.

I can't stand trying to aim in a FPS with a thumb stick. I liked them better on the N64 (gogo Perfect Dark!) since you looked around with actual buttons instead of a stick. Made it a lot easier for me.

For me it is both. Divide it up to personal preference....lol

As many have said Games like FPS and the like that need that extra bit of Precision Control need to be played on a Comp for optimal results.

For the rest of them I tend to agree consoles are the ticket. RPGs especially since they do tend to be a bit better on a console. I guess the ppl making them know they have huge competition in the PC and therefore put in more work for the Story Line and the like.....lol


Either way it boil it down to what you like the most and try not to rule anything out. I go to the local Game shop where I made good friends with and talk with them about the game. Usually I can get them to pop in a Game I'm looking to buy, for whatever console or PC, to see if I like how it plays :-D

I would have to say consoles as I can't afford the upgrades necessary to play todays PC games.

If money was a non-issue, it would depend on the genre. RTS games are definitely better on the PC while I like to play RPGs like the FF series on a console (I feel more comfortable).

For games where there is a large mod community, PCs are the way to go. I can't play Vanilla Oblivion after tasting mods.

In my opinion PC is the way to go for everything except for party games, like rock band or smash bros.

I'm a computer technician, so I play on a PC. If it breaks, I can fix it. (No charge for myself!)

Can't fix a 360, though :P

FPS are personal preference. I played Counter Strike all the time, on PC, I hated it when it came out on Original XBOX, and I was horrible at it. I participated in clan matches on the PC version for a few years.

Now that I have a 360, I prefer FPS on console, at least IMHO I do, lol. I played CoD4 on both PC and 360, and was better at the 360 version, so I prefer 360 > PC for CoD4.