Sell me on getting a console.

[CarlZog]

I've been a casual computer game player for about 25 years (TRS-80 to C64 to PCs), but I've never owned a video game console. Lately though, it seems I'm hearing more and more about all these incredibly cool console games and online gaming opportunities and I'm wondering if I'm really missing out.

Should I get a console? Why? What's it got that my PC doesn't? What console should I get?

I mostly play RPGs, serious wargames (Harpoon3, TOAW), some first person stuff and a few flight sims.

A console seems like a fun way to play cooperative/competitive games with friends in the same room, share my gaming with my wife instead of retreating to the computer room, and play simpler games from the couch.

Are these realistic expectations? If so, what console best fits the bill? What are the pros and cons of each?

I've read several assessments on various commercial websites, but reviews vary so wildly, I can't make much of them. Help!

 

[Alcareru]

I've been a casual computer game player for about 25 years (TRS-80 to C64 to PCs), but I've never owned a video game console. Lately though, it seems I'm hearing more and more about all these incredibly cool console games and online gaming opportunities and I'm wondering if I'm really missing out.

Should I get a console? Why? What's it got that my PC doesn't? What console should I get?

I mostly play RPGs, serious wargames (Harpoon3, TOAW), some first person stuff and a few flight sims.

A console seems like a fun way to play cooperative/competitive games with friends in the same room, share my gaming with my wife instead of retreating to the computer room, and play simpler games from the couch.

Are these realistic expectations? If so, what console best fits the bill? What are the pros and cons of each?

I've read several assessments on various commercial websites, but reviews vary so wildly, I can't make much of them. Help!

Well each console has strengths: Xbox has the most powerful hardware and arguably best online aspect. PS2 has the widest range of games. Nintendo has well Nintendo.

For most recent console decision thread I refer you here for a nice discussion of the various consoles:http://www.enworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=71246

 

[CarlZog]

For most recent console decision thread I refer you here for a nice discussion of the various consoles:http://www.enworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=71246

Wow! Thanks for the link to that thread. Figured I wasn't the only one. That answered a LOT of questions.

I think I'm going to get an Xbox for starters. Reading that thread confirmed that it's the one with the games I want to play. I may get a PS2 as well, just to have access to the library and a better chance of finding games my wife and non-gamer friends would want to play.

Thanks again.

 

[MarauderX]

We use our PS2 for DVDs 3/4 of the time, and it doesn't require a remote to use (you need to pay another $30 for the Xbox remote to play DVDs). You might not need it for that, but it has allowed us to use a smaller DVD player we got 'passed down' to us for a second TV upstairs in case someone needs to tape or watch a specific cable show or wants the room to study, whatever.

I think the Xbox and PS2 have pretty much the same processor speeds and other hardware, games, uplinks to the internet, etc., so they are a good option IMO.

 

[Goobermunch]

Ah, but if you're a wargamer and a Simmer, then there's one game you must have. The unstoppable goliath that is Steel Battalion. I love this game. It's the most immersive 'Mech simulator I've ever played.

The only downside is the price . . . it retails for $200.

But since it includes a 40 button, two stick, controller with throttle, it's worth it. Especially since Lines of Conflict comes out in March.

LoC brings online play to SB.

Steel Battalion is only available for the Xbox.

--G

 

[RyanL]

I'd question the logic of buying any console for the purposes of online play. PC is best for that.

As far as "What does a console have that a PC doesn't?" is concerned, in the case of XBox, not much. If you're looking for something different from the PC experience, PS2 might be a better choice.

-Ryan

 

[Goobermunch]

I'd question the logic of buying any console for the purposes of online play. PC is best for that.

As far as "What does a console have that a PC doesn't?" is concerned, in the case of XBox, not much. If you're looking for something different from the PC experience, PS2 might be a better choice.

-Ryan

Clearly you've never played Xbox Live. I have consistently good performance. I'd say it's on par with playing online with a PC.

Furthermore, the Xbox gaming experience is quite different from the PC gaming experience. I'm not sure how you can justify that statement. Sure, the hardware under the hood is similar, but really, the hardware in a PS2 is basically the same.

The difference between console gaming and PC gaming isn't a product of the technology, it's a product of the design decisions made by the developer. You can play console games on a PC. I've never seen a good implementation of a PC game on a console, though. Perhaps it's due to the lack of input options.

The fundamental advantage of the console systems for game development is the unified hardware architecture. Consoles are all the same. PCs vary so wildly that development teams spend thousands of extra hours making sure that they'll work on different sets of hardware. Frequently, low priority bugs get left in because they only occur with certain hardware configurations.

--G

 

[MarauderX]

Clearly you've never played Xbox Live. I have consistently good performance. I'd say it's on par with playing online with a PC.

I'd have to say the same for PS2 for gaming online when compared to a PC.

 

[MarauderX]

Clearly you've never played Xbox Live. I have consistently good performance. I'd say it's on par with playing online with a PC.

I'd have to say the same for PS2 for gaming online when compared to a PC.

 

[MarauderX]

Clearly you've never played Xbox Live. I have consistently good performance. I'd say it's on par with playing online with a PC.

I'd have to say the same for PS2 for gaming online when compared to a PC.