by William Bartholomew

Created on: May 14, 2008   Last Updated: March 30, 2012

Until the PlayStation 3 and X-Box 360 came along I don't think there was anything to debate. That's why I had not purchased a console since the original PlayStation (even then I didn't use it much). Now the computer has some serious competition and is possibly about to take a back seat to the consoles. From my perspective there is a difference between a "video game" and a "computer game" although lately the lines have really been blurred. A video game (in my opinion) tends to be smaller in scope and less complex (that doesn't mean not complex). Computer games tend to be more in-depth and more complex (bet you could've guessed I would say that next). An example would be in a game I currently play Call of Duty 4. Besides being able to play the game if you have the computer version you can also create maps. Talk to gamers and most would agree that having access to player made maps (or the ability to create your own) is a nice plus. Overall there is no doubt that the PC offers some advantages.

So, at this point it would seem like I'm on the wrong side of the issue. Well, for some games I do prefer the PC but not for Video Games (no I'm not splitting hairs). The Console allows me to simply sit down and play games, period. I do not have any issues with viruses (although some small issues may exist), I do not have any issues with compatibility, I do not have any issues with machine performance, I do not have any issues with cheats (although a few may exist), I do not have to install Ventrillo or some other program to chat. If you don't have a fairly new (1 year or less) PC with above average speed you will experience some performance issues with the latest games (at least the ones with great graphics). In a nutshell there's not much more involved than starting my game and playing it.

Now if you're looking for more options and control then a PC may offer you some more choices. I've grown a bit tired of constantly trying to tweak my system to get more out of it or to get my game to function properly. Then there's the portability issue. Well I basically can pack up my PS3 and take it to the beach with me in about 3 minutes (maybe less, didn't actually time it). I would not even consider this with my PC even if it was a bare bones model (which wouldn't make any sense if I were going to use it for gaming. Hey! I just got home from the store with Battlefield Bad Company (ok, not really) I'm ready to play this BABY! Pop it into my Console and off we go! Or, install it into my computer, if it's a good game with lots of cool graphics and other stuff I might want to grab a sandwich while it installs. Hopefully once that process is complete my game will be ready to go (but not always). "Dude, did you checkout the new Battlefield?" "Nah, haven't got the cash just yet." "When I come over this weekend I'll bring it but, if you got a few bucks see if you can get a copy at Blockbuster." Oh, you don't have a console well I guess you won't be taking your copy anywhere because other than a few exceptions your friend is going to need to buy there own for his / her PC.

So, basically when I just simply want to play some games there's nothing quite so easy as putting the game in (in some cases it's stored on the console) and playing. If I want to talk I put on my bluetooth headset and I can talk. Nothing else to load, no other issues. That being said there are games like Everquest 2 where I want to be able to tweak everything.

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