A better game system

[IamBatosai]

It's not about hand fit, it's about the simple fact that a control stick has a much smaller range of motion than a mouse. So you either have poor precision (each degree of movement is a "strong" input) or slow reaction time (each degree of movement is a "light" input). In FPS terms, you either have fast snap turns (the first case), or steady precise aim with a sniper rifle (the second). A mouse does not force this compromise.

 

In most games if you go to settings you can change the sensitivity of the joystick. So that's not a problem. Fighting games are much better on a console. As for the mods, what's wrong with a unmodded game?

[Povuholo]

In most games if you go to settings you can change the sensitivity of the joystick. So that's not a problem.

Yes but for the PC you can simply move the mouse slower or faster. Changing the settings takes you out of the game feeling by going into a menu, so people won't do that too often.

 

As for the mods, what's wrong with a unmodded game?

Typical Peregrine/MB response: Look at Oblivion.

 

They're right though.

[IamBatosai]

Indeed, mods are nice. But how many mods that sound cool actually work? The people that don't bother going into menus are the gamers who are to lazy to do it. So they can just complain about it later.

[Povuholo]

To me it's more about breaking the immersion than being too lazy.

[IamBatosai]

Yeah, but I've yet to find a game that I'm so immersed that I can't go into the menu to change something.

[Peregrine]

It's not about hand fit, it's about the simple fact that a control stick has a much smaller range of motion than a mouse. So you either have poor precision (each degree of movement is a "strong" input) or slow reaction time (each degree of movement is a "light" input). In FPS terms, you either have fast snap turns (the first case), or steady precise aim with a sniper rifle (the second). A mouse does not force this compromise.

 

In most games if you go to settings you can change the sensitivity of the joystick.

 

Way to miss the point. Of course you can change the sensitivity, I even said that in the post you quoted. But what you can't do is have both at the same time. A controller stick has a very small physical range of motion, compared to a mouse that has easily 5x more range of motion. With a controller, you have to pick whether you want sensitivity or quick response. If you keep the sensitivity low so you aren't jerking all over the place with every bump of the stick, even slamming it over to its physical limit won't get you to turn fast enough. If you keep the sensitivity high enough to make quick snap turns, you won't be able to make small enough movements for precise aim.

 

Compare that to a mouse, where I have both at once. I can make small movements (equal to the FULL range of motion of a control stick) if I want precise aim with a sniper rifle. But at the same time, I can flick the mouse across the mousepad to make a quick snap turn to kill someone who suddenly appeared behind me.

 

 

So that's not a problem. Fighting games are much better on a console.

 

No they aren't. The only reason you think so is you're used to fighting games where all the skill is in forcing the awkward interface to do what you want. In fact, on a computer, they should be even better, because instead of long button combos to memorize, you just hotkey all your special attacks. So instead of having the outcome decided by who is best at compensating for poor input design, the fight is actually decided by who has the better tactics.

 

As for the mods, what's wrong with a unmodded game?

 

Nothing, if the game is done well (see Oblivion for the counter-example). But even the best games can have mods. Virtually any decent PC game attracts a modding community which adds new content and extends the life of the game. And it's not just gameplay mods, look at how often you see new maps, total conversions, etc. So once you're done with the original single player game, you get to play (FOR FREE) someone else's add-on to it, for example. Or once you get tired of playing the same old multiplayer maps, you download (FOR FREE!) another few dozen.

[Guss]

Ya, you can download new maps and etc... on the PC for free but other game systems you can't, also the computer has all the keys in plane sight but the contollers don't. The PC is a lot easier for me because I used it longer than any other game system.

[ResidentWeevil2077]

I'm starting to understand now why Peregrine hates consoles so much, as I'm starting to hate them myself for the exact same reasons. PC is much better, maybe Mac would be even better. Of course, I can refute Apple's claims of being a virus- and spyware-free platform, as a close conatct of mine had to buy a brand new Macbook because a virus ate her HD, and there was no way it could be removed.

 

Anyway, PC games beat the bejesus out of home consoles. Consoles are all hype, no true fun factor. As Peregrine put it, it's just a load of cheap thrills. Game devs aren't taking their work seriously enough IMO. PCs are easier to upgrade, a new console comes out every 4-5 yrs. Of course now that Vista is out, game devs will start making games under the new Direct3D 10 graphics standards, so gamers will have to upgrade their ENITIRE PC just to run Vista.

[Tiberiu911]

In my oppinion, consoles and PC's have their own advantages and disvantages. I for one, prefer to buy a game on the PC even if it's available on my old dusty Xbox, because of the modding community. I like to play with a mouse & keyboard and get online on my games for free (not counting internet bills). PC's can get infected with viruses/spyware and stuff, which isn't very fun though. Consoles can break....

 

Though when it comes to consoles, it still is fun on a friday night, call some friends, and share a game on my 55" inch HDTV, split-screen x4. Feels better playing on the couch compared to on the chair for PC (however if you invest some money on a couple cables and wireless keyboard/mouse you can achieve that on your home computer...) After a couple hours it does gets old, but it still is a moment I enjoy most of the time. I also like it that on a console, you insert the DVD and you play the game directly. No need to install anything.

 

I'm saving some money right now, that's probally going to go into an Xbox 360 and Xbox Live to play with my friends (what a rip-off). I might have a change of heart and upgrade my PC, but right now, it has all it needs.

 

As to which console is the best, I don't really care. I have as much respect for Sony as for Microsoft. They are just hard working people trying to make a living after all ;) . I don't really like the Wii though, because of the games they offer.

[ResidentWeevil2077]

I think the Wii remote, affectionately dubbed the "Wiimote", is perhaps the most innovative feature of that console. Other than that, I'm not so sure if I'd actually get one. Mind you, I'm still a Nintendo-supporter, but I think I've outgrown home consoles. I still play my old SNES and NES games, and I do actually like that Nintendo is putting up some of the old favourites as d/lable ROMs to play on the Wii, but I don't think it would actually warrant their return as the head-honcho of the home console market.

 

I admire the Xbox 360, and as much as it sounds contradicting of me, but I'm starting to have respect for the PS3. I'd still never buy one, but I think my hardened feelings about SCE have been diminished.

 

As for the online gaming aspect, I'm kinda hard-pressed to buy an Xbox 360, but not yet. Until broadband internet becomes available in my area of the world, I'll just have to tough it out I guess. Oh well :( ...