Desktop or Console?

Remove all ads!

OK, my CPU does not meet the minimum specifications, but I want this game. So the way I see it, I have two options: Upgrade or just buy a game console like a PS3 or XBox 360. It seems like all options are going to cost about the same, so the question really comes down to, am I missing out on all that much if I go console?

Also, assuming I purchase a console am I better off with a PS3 or XBox? I know that there are some platform-specific titles with both systems, but it seems like all the major games are available on both systems.

 

Hi Aldeth,

I honestly recommend going the PC route for a few reasons.
1) You can get all of the released DLC content for free - not saying how but it can be done
2) Nothing wrong with an updated PC - though it maybe more expensive
3) There will be free DLC from players

If you decide to go console I recommend PS3
1) You are not only buying a new console but a Blu-ray player
2) PS3 standard system comes with a HD
3) Most DLC for games on PS3 is typically free or on the cheap
4) Playstation network (online gaming) is free

If you decide to go with the Xbox you need to buy the system that has a harddrive, than you have to pay for Xbox live each year. Also, rumors are out there that the next Xbox is a year away from being release, which would mean the demise of the 360.

 

Thanks Munchkin - although I have to say that I'm surprised that you went with desktop, and surprised that you'd choice PS3 over XBox 360. I never would buy a PS3 just for the Blu-ray player. I don't even own an HD TV, so I really doubt the extra quality provided by Blu-ray would make a difference based on what I'm looking at, and I already have a regular DVD-RW.

 

I picked the PC over the console format because the game does have a developer tool and there will be a ton of free content for the PC.

As for PS3 over Xbox, well I had some issues with Microsoft over the years and after being screwed and spending close to a grand on games and the original Xbox only to learn it demise was quick I was pissed and promised not to support Microsoft. As for Sony, I have had great luck with all type of Sony products. From the PS1 to the PS3. In fact, not longer after I purchsed my PS3 i had a technical issues; I was able to send back my PS3 and have it fixed. It did not cost me anything expect not having a system to play for 10 days. If you have a nice computer monitor, you can hook the PS3 up to the monitor by using a DVI to HMDI cable.

The final thing I like about the PS3 is that all games are on ONE disk. It really is nice only having one disk to use for gaming.

 

You do not HAVE to pay for Xbox live. Xbox live has a two tier plan, silver and gold with silver being free. With silver you can do anything except play games against others. Also, the premium Xbox 360 package which comes with a hard drive is cheaper than the PS3 slim, albiet the PS3 slims has a 129 GB HD and the 360's is 60 GB.

 

I agree with MB, go with the pc version. to add to it, if you liked the infinity engine games for their isometric view and tactical battles, you need the pc version, as this camera mode was not included in the console versions of the game.
Basically you get more for less money with the pc version (as xbox and ps3 games tend to cost more)

 

I don't have the game yet but in my experience games look much better on a (good) PC than they do on a console. Of course if you want to play games that have not been released on other platforms then the console may be a valid choice. Nevertheless if you want to be able to use mods then you have to get the PC version.

 

know that PC version is always unstable

get a PS3 (the 360 is a rip off)

 

If by "unstable" you mean that gaming experience may vary depending on your hardware and OS then I agree; but if you mean that it plays better on a console than on a good PC then I think we'll have to agree to disagree on that point.

 

PC vs. Console - it is a matter of taste and prefernce. For me I like both and will always try to buy games on a PC unless a controller is required or makes the game easier to play.

For DAO, I am finding the PS3 verison pretty easy to play on easy and normal. I tried hard and nightmare and found myself pausing the game more than I would like to on the PS3. The harder setting are definitely more designed for the PC than the consoles.

With the optional view for the PC, DAO makes a case for both types because it is easier to move a character around in the PS3 view mode with a controller and it is easier to order commands and use taticas with the isometric view.

The reason why Bioware and EA released the game on the consoles was to add more sales and if you think about it for a minute, some player like me will buy both verison and that would result in mutiple sales instead of me just buying it on the PC or PS3. Bioware and EA are going to make a killing on this game.

As for PS3 vs. XBox 360; again this is a matter of prefernce. I personally have a sour taste in my mouth from Microsoft because they didn't even give the original XBox enough time to mature. They quickly released the 360 trying to get a jump on the Sony. I am not a Sony fanboy, but over the last 10 years I have had great experience with their gaming system and will continue to support them as they allow their systems time to develop and mature. The PS2 was out and running for 5 years before the PS3 was released. The Xbox was out for what 2 maybe 3 years if that before the XBox 360 was released. Also, from what I have seen and heard from my friends who purchased XBox 360 (redlight of death) they have had nothing but headaches from Microsoft until last year or was it 2007 when they finally decided to fix people system for free and pay back some of their customers.

I have had one minor issue with my PS3. I called the Sony help line and the person was very friendly. They sent me a box to within 3 days and I sent the box back to them with the PS3 in it to get the system fixed. Within 10 days I had a brand new PS3 at my door steps. I called their 1-800 to find out why I was given a new system; low and behold they said my system had a serious flaw and they wanted to make sure I had another full year of warranty as the initial system released in 2006 had some eject issues and the systems made in 2007 did not. The new system has been working fantastic since I received it late February 2007.

I use my PS3 for more than a gaming console. I use it as my media center for my living room. I have a full HDMI system with the PS3, reciever, and TV.

Also, why the XBox 360 when it maximum output is 1080i and the system does not have a Blu-Ray player? If you have a HDTV and want to watch a Blu-Ray you would have another added cost. However, if you buy a PS3 you get a system that has games that play at 1080P and you also get one of the best Blu-Ray players on the market. Also, when I bought my PS3 the war between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD was still going on at that time; I was considering the XBox 360 Elite and the HD-DVD drive; however, at that time it would have cost me $20-50 more for that setup than the original PS3 60GB model.

The only thing I like about the XBox is that you can have it talk to your PC much easier than the PS3. This one big factor was why I was considering the XBox 360 back in 2006.

For those of you who have Xbox 360, does it have the capability to download an OS that would make it a true media system? Just curious because their are OS downloads for the PS3 that will make it a true media system (PC, Movies, Videos, gaming, etc...)

 

I am having the same trouble as Aldeth... PC or PS3. Based on gamespot's review, the PC version is better (and between the two consoles, the PS3 is much better than Xbox), but I am not sure if my computer fits the specs well enough to run it smoothly.

Actually, gamespot says that the PS3 version even looks better than the PC version, but that the PC version is better regardless.

Hrmm.

 

I'm leaning towards a console version myself - I visited my brother this weekend, and Assassin's Creed II is freakin SWEET! Well, it is once you get your assassin gear. The beginning is kind of crappy.

 

I've play DA:O on both PC and PS3 now. Depending on how you want to play the game (top down view like BG2) or behind the controlled character can help determine the version to get.

After playing both a 8800GT or higher video card can easily run DAO with almost all setting if not all setting maxed out. The PC version looks a little better than DAO on my PS3, but not by much.

I'm glad I bought the game on PS3. The console version will have little to no custom DLC whereas the PC may have many free custom DLCs. That is something to consider. If you enjoyed the player made modules of NWN or persisent worlds I would recommend PC over console 100%. However, if you are more like me and play just the main developer game than the console verision I believe will be the better purchase.

 

There are very simple mods that make for a much better game experience (extra floating texts for items, cosmetic changes and gameplay changes) and you'll miss out with the console.

Besides I use a gamepad to play the game with the over the shoulder view and it's very convenient (with Xpadder).

It all depends on whether or not your computer can run the game and ultimately if you want to use mods.

 

Well, I think I meet the minimum requirements, but would it run well on my laptop? Here are my speckolas:

Vista x64
Intel Core 2 at 2.00 GHz
4 GB of RAM (although with my recent problems of it always running at 90% RAM in use, this could be a problem)
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS (512 mb dedicated)

I am interested in mods and DLC, definitely (preferably free though). But I like the over the shoulder camera... hrm, maybe I will rent both from Gamestop for a week over break to test them both out (can you rent computer games from them??).

 

My laptop has less RAM than yours (still I don't think that makes a huge difference) but I have a NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GS which unless I'm mistaken (don't hesitate to correct me if I'm wrong) is better for games (I can run Fallout 3 on Ultra with all settings maxed out).

I'm playing Dragon Age on maximum settings and it's really smooth (there is a loading time but after checking on the official forum I've realized most people experienced much longer loading times).

You can play both ways on the PC, either top view or over the shoulder. Like I said before, a gamepad is very useful to enjoy the game from an over the shoulder perspective without being hunched over the keyboard and although the game doesn't support controllers you can use a program like Xpadder to get around this issue.

 

I'd go with the PC version for the graphics alone. The Xbox and PS3 have had the same video card for several years now. A PC can smoke any console in the graphics arena within 4-6 months of a new console's release that boasts the "best graphics ever!"

Also, with a keyboard/mouse, you have waaaaaaaaaay more customization on controls, and you're not confined to a small controller.


One question I have is, how easy is it to pause the game, move the screen around, zoom out/in, select different party members, and set tactics all within 5 seconds? I do such things several times throughout every battle. The adjustable PoV is one of my favorite features...and there's no scroll wheel on a controller...

 

AFAIK, They (Gamestop) does not rent games. Either Blockbuster (Video rental store), or Gamefly can do it.

On the Xbox 360, you use the right trigger to open the small circle menu to select spells and such; while on it, you can use the bumper buttons to circle through party members, or use the analog stick to look around and select a new target. Once you select your enemy (spell, action, etc...) you depress the trigger and you are back on action.

 

Ah, by rent I meant buy a used game, play it, and return it within 7 days for a full refund (renting ).

Kit, the PC version isn't necessarily graphically better (according to gamespot):

Spoiler

The differences between versions aren't limited to the interface. Dragon Age doesn't look amazing on the PC, but it's an attractive game nonetheless. Zooming from an isometric view to a third-person perspective is slick, and while environments don't hold up quite as well when viewed up close, they're consistently lovely when viewed from above. On the flip side, the Xbox 360 version looks positively disappointing. Textures are highly compressed and colors are washed out, though the upside is that this version maintains a smoother frame rate than on the PlayStation 3, where things might get jittery when swiveling the camera around. The PlayStation 3 version features higher-quality textures than those on the Xbox 360, better color saturation, smoother facial animations, and shorter load times. Minor visual hiccups, like corpses that disappear and reappear, are a bit more common on the PS3, however. The PC version is the superior experience, but if you're choosing between the two console releases, the PlayStation 3 has the upper hand. Some minor glitches are shared between the console versions, however, such as rare occasions when the soundtrack or voice-overs disappear. We also ran into a few quest malfunctions that could be replicated on all three platforms, though they were relatively minor and did not interfere with the progress of the main quest.

- http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/dra..._clk=gssummary&tag=summary;read-review&page=2

 

From reading the article it does seem that the PC version is better. Aside from the obvious things (isometric view, hotkeys, etc) there's all the little glitches they mention are only on the console versions. And then there's the jitter with the PS3. From what I can tell if you have a GPU that can handle the game at full settings and with no loss of FPS then the PC version is a clear winner. PS3 would be a good alternative for those who would otherwise have to play the game at low settings on their PC.