Here’s another post fresh from the Sarcastic Gamer Community Blogs and two day in a row front page blogger, Toshi!. If you fancy getting onto the front page of Sarcastic Gamer, head on over to the forums, sign up for an account and get writing in your own personal blog. If it’s funny, written well enough or just plain awesome, it might end up right here. Another good job, Toshi!
I know that every method of gaming has its die hard fans that worship the ground their chosen platform walks on. While I’ve heard of the fanaticism of PS3 fanboys, I haven’t heard much about the PC fanatics. My first gaming experiences were on the NES, Genesis and SNES, but around that time I got my first PC. To some extent, I still am a PC gamer, even though the majority of my gaming is done on my 360. What I have a hard time doing, is understanding the finality with which PC gamers decree that their way of gaming is the alpha and omega of gaming. I’m open to hear people debate the reasons they think their gaming platform of choice is the best, but I’ve been rather let down by the oversimplified arguments of my co-worker, who is a die-hard PC gamer.
Let me touch on these arguments, after the jump.
The first argument that usually gets brought up is that because every key on the keyboard is a button that can be used to control their character in a game they have faaaaar more control over whatever game they play. While I will acknowledge that in the case of MMORPGs (such as World of Warcaft), or RTSs (World in Conflict) this is an accurate statement, I would have to disagree in the case of Oblivion, Need for Speed: Most Wanted, or any of the games in The Orange Box. I have played all of these on both the 360 and the PC and there was no noticeable increase in challenge manoeuvring the characters on the console. The truth of the matter is that while keyboards are necessary for games like Starcraft, where there are a lot of complex controls, they do not offer any kind of edge in the realms of first-person shooters or racing games as far as I’ve noticed.
The next most popular argument for PC superiority is that the mouse allows for more accuracy in action games whether they are played from a first-person perspective, or from over the shoulder in games such as Gears of War. This too is an over simplified argument in my opinion. While I’ll agree that the learning curve is steep when you start playing on a console controller and you get used to aiming and moving with joysticks, your accuracy will probably not be great from the start. However I would be willing to bet that once you’ve been playing with controllers for a while you will have gotten used to the controls and fine tuned the sensitivity (if needed) to the point where you can go toe to toe with PC gamers. If they hopped on a few online Call of Duty 4 matches on Xbox LIVE, “superior” PC gamers might be surprised at the skill and accuracy of the “inaccurate” non-mouse users.
I can understand the gloating about better graphics, and some of the games being free to play online, or that they get patches and some free DLC (the extra maps for CoD4 for instance, as my buddy gleefully pointed out). I can also understand the pride that one would take in having personally designed and/or built their own computer. These are good arguments for their system.
Consoles have plus points too though! All on page two!
CONTINUE TO PAGE: 1 2
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20 responses so far ↓
1 Jacob816 // Jul 1, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Again, another fine piece of writing here Toshi.
2 FrostedStorm // Jul 1, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I am a PC fanboy. Wierd thing is I agree with what has been said above. I must say I love my trusty keyboard and mouse, but I have been known to use my 360 controller with my PC. Well argued. The way it seems, PC gaming is slowly being wiped out.
3 J // Jul 1, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I like the article. You mentioned that the console benenfits were listed on page two yet you back-handedly slapped the PC on page one. It doesn’t offend me as I agree with your article however, a true PC enthusiast may. I started on a Tandy T-180 ( I think) with Downland and a fractions game. It was awesome and I began loving PC gaming. Then, I moved on to Colecovision, then Sega and never looked back.
4 Mike // Jul 1, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Speaking from a gaming point only, you are correct. But PC’s arent just for gaming, as you said, i like to talk to people online (with a keyboard)
I like to “play” on Cinema 4D.
I like the upgradeability, i think your point about PC’s being way expensive is not so valid, as upgrading to a Vid card above and beyond that of a “next gen” console is so cheap especially with the new 4K series DAMMIT cards now out. I agree with most of your stuff mind.
Also if i want, i can emulate all kinds of games on my PC, surely? I love the ocasional blast on stunt car racer Amiga, or C64 turrican, just for nostalgo-goodness. Plus i can plug a 360 controller in if i really want, lol.
5 Darth-Sentinel // Jul 1, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Dear Community members of Sarcastic Gamer,
I’ve been enjoying your articles and listening to your shows for about 3/4 of a year now, but lately i see a disturbing trend.
What is up with all the PC Gaming bashing lately ? What did we do you to you ? Are we not both gamers ? Do we both not like to play games ? Be it RTS, FPS, RPG, Adventure or whatever.
Why are we looking for diffrences while we should be looking for similarities.
Let me give the good example:
I
AM
A
GAMER
!
6 ArcticBlaze // Jul 1, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I disagree with some of these arguments. First of all, there’s your point about portability. Nowadays, there are very powerful gaming laptops that just require you to carry a laptop and the power cord. That’s not a lot of stuff to unplug and carry. Also, computers that cost thousands of dollars can be used to their full potential without gaming (for example, heavy video editing). Although you have several valid points, you should really reexamine some points in your post.
7 Mike // Jul 1, 2008 at 3:36 pm
YEAH!
8 Phylar // Jul 1, 2008 at 4:22 pm
The mouse is a superior interface for shooters. IRL, if I’m aiming a gun and I want to move a bit to the right, my brain tells my arm to move right a bit. The mouse is analogous to that - I move it a bit to the right. An analog joystick isn’t that. I have to move my thumb a little bit in the direction for a certain period of time, where the direction and the time vary dependent of each other - and on what curve that dependency is is determined by the controller & game software, not any natural process, as this isn’t natural. I’ve been a PC gamer for a long time, and a year ago got a 360 but returned it in 3 days after several hours of Gears of War trying to get used to the unnatural controls (why?) and playing in a resolution that my PC was running in 2000. I just felt stupid buying it to game with some coworkers and returned it. I now have a PS3, but for bluray and GTA4. Driving games are much better on consoles, I do admit - just not my favorite genre. Though RTS pretty much require a keyboard - in any PC RTS the first thing you need to do is learn all the keyboard shortcuts - you can’t perform your best w/o them.
9 Slashlen // Jul 1, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I’m a console gaming fan, not a PC gaming fan. Why? The genres of gaming I perfer are not well represented on PCs. My favorite genres of games are:
1. JRPGs
2. fighting games
3. sandbox games
The way my tastes in games lean, there’s very little for me on the PC. That doesn’t stop PC fanboys I know from constantly trying to convince me that I should give up console games and be a “real” gamer.
10 Kaworus_lover // Jul 1, 2008 at 7:10 pm
You still did not mention the point of console gamers having auto aim. Yes they may have skill, but they still have auto aim.
11 Eddiemilz // Jul 1, 2008 at 8:03 pm
I agree with Frostedstorm. Being a PC gamer primarily it can get frustrating having to upgrade constantly or having compatibility issues etcetc which you wouldn’t get with a console.
Fantastic article
12 583casper583 // Jul 1, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I love Sarcastic Gamer but what’s with all the PC bashing recently?
I am a PC gamer and proud of it.
I use my PC for gaming for several reasons:
1) Both the hardware, software and most games are highly customizable. I can change the hardware and software to suit my needs.
Also I can download maps and mods for my games to get even more out of them.
2) There are a lot of free good quality games to play. I can play good quality MMORPGs and free FPSs.
3) I can easily play with my friends online with clients like xfire and steam. I can also make new friends and join clans and guilds.
4) The controls (yes I know u said this) I believe are more easier to use. But I guess this depends on preference.
5) The graphics! They can look awesome! Yes I know you have to buy a good graphics card but the results are stunning.
6) I enjoy building and customizing the hardware of my computer.
So yeah that sums up most of my argument.
13 hawk979 usa // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:43 pm
I’ve tried playing games online on my PC like sins of a solar empire but you practically have to have a degree in computer science to play with any of your friends. I’ve had the game for a month and I can’t figure it out. If anyone is interested in getting carpal tunnel syndrome just try using a mouse and wasd. I played halo on my xbox and when call of duty came out on PC I just had to play it. It was a great game but sitting there with my hand on the keyboard made me feel like a idiot, and it was uncomfortable. I just wish I could sell my PC games when I was done with them, but key codes that “prevent” pirating just keep me from trading them off. I’ve heard alot of good things about steam and I went to see what they have to offer and all I found was xbox live arcade games and a few titles that were released on console a year ago. I’m done ranting now I’m going to unplug my pc………
14 Typhoon // Jul 2, 2008 at 1:47 am
lol at ur statement the pc is bigger then consoles true .. consoles are bigger then gaming laptops tho and gaming laptops can mean supperior lan partys along with good graphics and there as some nicely designed laptops out there
15 Shadowbird // Jul 2, 2008 at 2:28 am
Pointless. “Real” gamers are platform-independant. If your skill and/or (self-perceived) gamer status depends on a piece of hardware, you should seriously re-examine and re-evaluate said skill/status. Every platform has it’s place and function, it’s like comparing between cars, trains and plains, and arguing about which is the best for transporting. Each has advantages and disadvantages compared to others, which is why each has it’s own use and neither is disappearing any time soon.
16 gigi // Jul 2, 2008 at 2:34 am
the 360 gets more games then the PC? That is simply not true. the pc gets more games in a year then all 3 next gen platforms combined. Of course most of the games are overlooked because of a low marketing budget.Also microsoft/sony helps advertise their exclusives because they drive console sales. Who speaks out for the PC in the industry? Certainly not the new alliance(god bless Valve).
when it comes to actually playing games, I’ve tried to play FPS on a console but the control is atrocious. Also RTS on consoles ? really? come on… The only reason I am envious on console is because they have fighting games i wanna play like Mortal Kombat (which hasn’t been seen on the PC since number 4).
Also what I really love is that I can play games on my current PC that were released when pc gaming began, which gives acces to huge catalog of games, not to mention the fact that you can play old console games with an emulator(there is already a good PS2 emulator).
So the most convincing argument I can throw in for PC gaming is : “MORE FREAKIN’ GAMES”
17 FrostedStorm // Jul 2, 2008 at 7:23 am
I just think PC should get some mention on the website once in a while, possibly on the podcast as well.
18 scrape // Jul 2, 2008 at 10:39 am
I have a website with a hundred songs I wrote and recorded on the studio I built around my PC, my brother has YouTube website with a dozen videos he created on the PC, I’ve hot a couple halves of novels floating around, some recipes, and several dozen console games from generations past (I’m talking SNES, N64 and PSX). And, in a pinch, if I was asked to do work on my PC, I ACTUALLY COULD. I really don’t think it’s “BS” to tout the pure multi-functionality of the PC over that of a console. I do have a 360 and a Wii, and love the fact that you never have to lower the graphics settings for the damn games to run, and the controllers are fun to use (I’ve got one for my computer, too) so I’m not bashing consoles, but really, the PC is a indispensable tool UPON WHICH all of your beloved console games were MADE. It is, in fact, your daddy.
19 Cpt. Falcon // Aug 9, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Ok. I agree with many comments on here, as well as some points in the original post.
However, I also strongly disagree with some points.
First of all, here is my list of genres that are tied to platforms.
First, my favorite: First (/third) person shooters. This is a designated PC genre.
Mouse aiming is far superior to analog stick aiming.
PLEASE some company, release a multiplayer online game for both the PC and 360, and let them CONNECT to eachother. I will learn to play Halo 3 if that’s what it takes to face off against the 360 users.
Second: Racing games. A steering wheel cannot be controlled with a button. Joysticks win here, racers go to the consoles.
Third: RTS games, like Warcraft. I find them a bore, I prefer to aim. These games are PC games. No argument. The user interface is too complex for a controller.
Fourth: Fighting games, like StreetFighter or Super Smash Bros. These make great console games, although there are some that can be played with a keyboard. However, the controller is better for it.
For the professionals, the PC is the platform of choice, because of modding. Optimization can be everything, and anyone who hates a Mac will understand it.
I like customizing Team Fortress 2. If I want my pistol to sound like the UT99 enforcer, or if I want my sniper to wear Cartman’s sunglasses from South Park, then I can do that. Custom maps are a great thing too.
GTA SA sure didn’t ship with online play, but eventually GTA SA MP arose, and is quite popular. (A point for the console side, open-source can also be bad, I could never get GTA SA MP to work on my computer, although I have played it at a friend’s house).
As for my final verdict, you bring up good points, but I don’t think the PC was given justice.
Being a shooter at heart, I was really disappointed to see you only lightly touch on mouse vs. analog aiming.
20 Cpt. Falcon // Aug 9, 2008 at 10:45 pm
What a bump btw.
sorry… :\
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