Are console ports a rip-off for PC gamers?

[T3KT0N]

A reality test:

Once upon a time, there was Grand Theft Auto 3,an exceptionally,well produced console port,which made many PC gamers hopeful that at last ,maybe some good console games COULD come to the PC and be worth their price.

But before this, as well as afterwards,port after port,brought forth,a plethora of miserably mediocre games, full of bugs ,awful controls and/or unsightly graphics.

Regrettably enough,a big number of console players,with a PC and many of the various genres fan-boys,are ready to purchase and fawn over, anything "'consoley",regardless of poor quality,or any degree of "playability",happy that their "game" of choice made it at last to the "big-boys" league.

Sad news indeed since it will encourage the trend........

[PCGR]

Some people don't like console games, and only play PC. For those of us that fall into this category, we welcome ports. And not all games are ported to PC from console. Ghost Master is a good example where it was released on PC first before Xbox/PS2/other.

Publishers mistakingly believe that people are less likely to pirate console games than PC games, so they get what they can from console sales then port it to PC for sloppy seconds. Oh well.

[DBS]

I could care less where the game is first found but what I do care about is that if the pc port isn't tuned and refined for our hardware. Ok, you want to release it first on the console fine...but if it is coming to the pc as well make it shine and work with smooth frame rates and tweakable scaleability for the hardware out there. It might take more time to do so but a crappy pc port doesn't sell so don't bother.

Vice City is a fine port and stands as a good example selling well on all platforms.

[T3KT0N]

Vice City is the sequel to GTA 3,same company,same story so it can be included in the GTA 3 mention.

[And_so_it_goes]

<div class=\"smallfont\">I could care less where the game is first found but what I do care about is that if the pc port isn't tuned and refined for our hardware. Ok, you want to release it first on the console fine...but if it is coming to the pc as well make it shine and work with smooth frame rates and tweakable scaleability for the hardware out there. It might take more time to do so but a crappy pc port doesn't sell so don't bother.

Vice City is a fine port and stands as a good example selling well on all platforms.</div>

i'm glad you mention that about vice city because i'm looking to get it. regarding the original gta3, i don't think they did such a great job in translating it to the pc. maybe it could have been worse, but when i upgraded my system, every game i have performed noticably better except for this one which still suffers from choppy framerates even though it doesn't seem very graphically intense. and when i turn down the options i still get just as much chop, so the problem definitely lies within the game. if vice city does a better job on this i will surely get it.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>
so the problem definitely lies within the game. </div>

No it doesn't. It runs fine on my computer. What are your specs?

[no.1gamer]

I think that usually console games don't make good PC games. It's not the designers' fault though. The 2 console games in my signature (for example) would make horrible PC ports. Yet I enjoy them so on my Gamecube. In contrast the PC game in my signature would make a horrible console game. It's just 2 different sides of the pond I guess. I like both styles for different reasons.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\">I think that usually console games don't make good PC games. It's not the designers' fault though. The 2 console games in my signature (for example) would make horrible PC ports. Yet I enjoy them so on my Gamecube. In contrast the PC game in my signature would make a horrible console game. It's just 2 different sides of the pond I guess. I like both styles for different reasons.</div>

Speaking of sigs... How the hell can you like that Ikaruga? It's the biggest waste of money I have invested towards gaming in a long time. Like come on! I don't want direct ports of stand-ups either. If you're going to translate the coin-op version to my console, give me a full screen view! That 2/3 (width) screen view is bad! At most your can only achieve 80% width, yet this makes the game harder; it cuts down on vertical viewing space, so the enemies are coming at you much more quickly. And only 5 levels? I tell you, I got to the end of Level 2 (in 5 minutes), couldn't defeat the boss in a few dozen tries, and haven't touched it since... It's too bad, since there are some neat things about the game, but not enough to warrant all the hype I heard about this game. It's worth 20 IMO, not 60.

[DBS]

Vice City is sharper with more effects than GTA 3 on the pc as I own both. Also good ports:
Metal Gear 2 and Silent Hill 2 even if I disliked the gameplay style in SH2. I admit I probably didn't give it enough of a chance but with so many good titles I want to get to now and then I cut one and regret it later.

Hitman 2 was a cross platform title that didn't smell of consolitis even if you disliked the game.

[T3KT0N]

Sorry to disappoint there,
but both Metal Gear solid 1 and 2, and Silent Hill had horrible controls.

Metal Gear Solid 2 additionally was released as a DVDROM,only last time I checked,so tough luck for those who have no DVD ROM on PC.
I still remember those duels on MGS when,the unbeatable ninja would run hoops around slicing, while my player would be facing the other way,s-l-o-w-l-y turning to face the enemy at already 15% health!

In Silent Hill I tried the demo,and I can remember my player being eaten by those dogs,while fumbling for a gun,then trying to reload it...


All three games were uncontrollable without gamepads or joysticks..

I forgot to mention that both games featured "hardwired" commands,that could not be remapped on any other key and to top it off ,many simple commands required 2-3 keystrokes to execute like the gun incident in Silent Hill.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\">

Metal Gear Solid 2 additionally was released as a DVDROM,only last time I checked,so tough luck for those who have no DVD ROM on PC.
I still remember those duels on MGS when,the unbeatable ninja would run hoops around slicing, while my player would be facing the other way,s-l-o-w-l-y turning to face the enemy at already 15% health!
</div>

Eh, DVD-ROMs can be bought for 20 bucks these days. All games should be put on them actually. I'm sick of all these games coming out these days on 4 discs when they don't have to be!
MGS:S works great with a gamepad- so does GTA III.

[T3KT0N]

Righto,
PCs should be sold with 6' wired gamepads, analog sticks and all.

[DBS]

Well the right hardware does help the gaming experiance. I own a FF wheel for Nascar 2003 and other racing titles, a ff joystick for IL-2, Freespace 2 and other flight sims, a gamepad for Vice City, Madden 2004 and other sports titles. Just because it is a pc game doesn't mean you can not enhance the fun with the right tools.

And yes you need a DVD to run MG2 but so what. The topic was ports that are well done and I have alot of fun with MG2 and yes I do use a gamepad for it. Alot of games on the pc blow using only a mouse and keyboard...who wants to race using them. They are best for fps games and rpgs I do agree but come on...no different than adding 5.1 surround sound speakers to your system to get further the experiance and immerse you in sound.

And no some ports blow for that matter so do a ton of games for both console and pc. I own both but I am a pc gamer 1st and I don't think I see that changing anytime soon. As an older gamer there just is more meat in most pc games. But I do sometimes enjoy Zelda and other console games as well as it is about having fun here no matter what I use.

[Aku]

<div class=\"smallfont\">Well the right hardware does help the gaming experiance. I own a FF wheel for Nascar 2003 and other racing titles, a ff joystick for IL-2, Freespace 2 and other flight sims, a gamepad for Vice City, Madden 2004 and other sports titles. Just because it is a pc game doesn't mean you can not enhance the fun with the right tools.</div>

Like you, I have a FF wheel for driving and racing games, and a FF joystick for the flight and space games. I wouldn't play any of these games without these controllers. I currently don't have a gamepad. My old Gravis pad broke a long time ago, and I haven't gotten any games since that need a gamepad. When I get around to GTA3, I'll have to buy one.

[Static_Fred]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

Eh, DVD-ROMs can be bought for 20 bucks these days. All games should be put on them actually. I'm sick of all these games coming out these days on 4 discs when they don't have to be!
MGS:S works great with a gamepad- so does GTA III.</div>

I totally agree with this!!!! More game devs should follow in suit of MGS:S

[T3KT0N]

Hmm,
let's see now,
we take a $ 1500 rig,
we add $ 50 worth of analog peripherals,
we sit close to it's screen,
to enjoy the full 600x800 pixelated splendor,
that emulates a gaming experience,
which can be obtained
on a $ 179 console,including the peripherals,
BUT we do not like it,
when these same games feel ,
too "consoley"
yup,that makes sense,
;)

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\">Hmm,
let's see now,
we take a $ 1500 rig,
we add $ 50 worth of analog peripherals,
we sit close to it's screen,
to enjoy the full 600x800 pixelated splendor,
that emulates a gaming experience,
which can be obtained
on a $ 179 console,including the peripherals,
BUT we do not like it,
when these same games feel ,
too "consoley"
yup,that makes sense,
;)</div>

What are you prattling on about now? You're playing games at 800x600? LOL Anyways, that's still one up from what a console will deliver... Just because I play games with a pad, doesn't make the games consolish... I use my game pad to play Rally Trophy and MS Flight Sim 2002 as well as GTA III, and MGS:S... makes perfect sense, as does standardized DVD games.... back out of this one while you still can T3KTON... :p ;)

[Hieremias]

<div class=\"smallfont\">Hmm,
let's see now,
we take a $ 1500 rig,
we add $ 50 worth of analog peripherals,
we sit close to it's screen,
to enjoy the full 600x800 pixelated splendor,
that emulates a gaming experience,
which can be obtained
on a $ 179 console,including the peripherals,
BUT we do not like it,
when these same games feel ,
too "consoley"
yup,that makes sense,
;)</div>

First off, there's a world of difference between console and PC visuals, both with the resolution (TVs have such awful resolutions) and the texture quality (there is no console that has the memory capable of handling high-quality textures, just look at how they have to strip down Max Payne 2).

And second, like I said <a href="http://forums.videogamereview.com/showpost.php?postid=14266&postcount=15">over here</a>, it's far FAR more than just the technology that separates console gaming from PC gaming. Different audiences, different ages, different styles of games.

[DBS]

Yeah..pc gaming can be expensive but it is our hobby. Maybe some gamers are happier with an Xbox, PS 2 or GCube and that is fine. I enjoy adding mods to games and just what the pc offers is more to my tastes. I agree some games shine on the console- Zelda, Metroid Prime and most sports games but it is not about the hardware but the games you enjoy. I came from consoles growing up and even though I am closing in on 40 I still can enjoy gaming on one just like I did when I was 16. There is something to be said for the easy drop in the game and enjoy.

All hobbies are pricey but you gotta have fun and enjoy yourself or life is pretty dull.

[DBS]

Oh..and about sitting close to the screen and enjoying the pixilated screens- compared to the console?? Are ya a kidding? It is the one area we really have an advantage between the video hardware and monitor resoutions when compared to the run of the mill tv. Now I am not speaking RtR's setup here dude...he is a gaming hardware wizard and a lucky one at that ! Envy him...most of us do ! Hardware envy that is as I don't care to know anything else :)

[E.T.]

<div class=\"smallfont\">Yeah..pc gaming can be expensive but it is our hobby. Maybe some gamers are happier with an Xbox, PS 2 or GCube and that is fine. I enjoy adding mods to games and just what the pc offers is more to my tastes. I agree some games shine on the console- Zelda, Metroid Prime and most sports games but it is not about the hardware but the games you enjoy. I came from consoles growing up and even though I am closing in on 40 I still can enjoy gaming on one just like I did when I was 16. There is something to be said for the easy drop in the game and enjoy.

All hobbies are pricey but you gotta have fun and enjoy yourself or life is pretty dull.</div>

Absolutely agree, gaming on a console is good, & has only gotten better over the years.
While I prefer to game on PC, theres always a game or two on console I miss out on.
I purchased a Game Cube this summer to experience some retro N64 action via the return of Star Wars Rogue Squadron [arcadish, yeah, but still fun].
This Xmas will see the Xbox added to gaming options, it will include newly released Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge.

Re: thread topic, I am concerned how consoles [esp. Xbox] may have prolonged negative effect on PC gaming.
[Im about to find out w/console to PC port DE2].

[T3KT0N]

Back to the console ports fellas.

Whether you like them or not, this is not the question.

I'm not making a polemic post against the consoles,it's the ported games that are in question.

From the answers here, it seems that you are willing to use a very capable and expensive rig,to play console ports,even if only a few of these games are optimized for the PC.

Some of you who own a console are even willing to buy the same game for the PC,for the "improvements"(this is where the 800x600 res, mention lays,since most of these games are made for this kind of resolution).

If you fail to see anything amiss here, I see no need to pursue it.

These are tastes ,tolerance and willingness,to fuel the current gaming trend.

I simply see things from a totally different perspective.

[DBS]

I have had few issues with poor ports and I do not own multiple games..one for pc one for my console. I do agree that so far Deus Ex 2 sounds like a poorly optimised port which I will pass on and that blows. I really enjoyed Deus Ex but high end pc are having trouble running it so I will just enjoy what I own. Madden 2004 is a fine port to the pc but HH baseball 2004 I hated as it didn't even have mouse support so it was sold off fast. I still have the 2003 version which fills my baseball venue for now.

I don't dislike console ports as long as they are done right. Splinter Cell was grand on the pc after coming from the xbox. And although I have alot of extras I am still using an older computer and running most games fine after over 3 years with it. I don't need a GeForce 589939847 or a Rad 9999987744 and I don't care if I get 3000002938 fps in Quake 3 but I enjoy my games just the same.

[E.T.]

<div class=\"smallfont\">I have had few issues with poor ports and I do not own multiple games..one for pc one for my console. I do agree that so far Deus Ex 2 sounds like a poorly optimised port which I will pass on and that blows. I really enjoyed Deus Ex but high end pc are having trouble running it so I will just enjoy what I own. Madden 2004 is a fine port to the pc but HH baseball 2004 I hated as it didn't even have mouse support so it was sold off fast. I still have the 2003 version which fills my baseball venue for now.

I don't dislike console ports as long as they are done right. Splinter Cell was grand on the pc after coming from the xbox. And although I have alot of extras I am still using an older computer and running most games fine after over 3 years with it. I don't need a GeForce 589939847 or a Rad 9999987744 and I don't care if I get 3000002938 fps in Quake 3 but I enjoy my games just the same.</div>

Pass on Deus Ex 2 for now as you do need some heavy hardware.
Also, be aware a patch is in the works [per Grey Mouser Eidos], which will include amonst other things Quick Save/Quick Load...cant believe they left that out.

Know also the game, while needing a few tweaks, has been running fine for me [though setting res to 1024x768 & cranking vid options/AA to max stalls game :( ]

[Static_Fred]

I think the worst ports are for sport genres, not because the coding sucked, but there's just something about playing a football game (or any other sports game) on a bigscreen with a room full of your buddies. For me, playing Madden 2004 on my monitor just seems creepy, i don't know why... lol

[DBS]

I agree that with a room of buds you can not beat a console. I do think Madden 2004 rocks on the pc though if you like the single player experiance and the new franchise mode is awesome.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\">I think the worst ports are for sport genres, not because the coding sucked, but there's just something about playing a football game (or any other sports game) on a bigscreen with a room full of your buddies. For me, playing Madden 2004 on my monitor just seems creepy, i don't know why... lol</div>

LOL Creepy in the kind of way that your Avatar is creepy? Or creepy, creepy?! LOL ;)

[meagher72]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

LOL Creepy in the kind of way that your Avatar is creepy? Or creepy, creepy?! LOL ;)</div>

YEAH... that thing scares me then makes me laugh, scares me then makes me laugh, scares me then makes me laugh.

brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr... creepy! ;)