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modern video games

March 12th, 2006 | tech, general

ok I admit I enjoy playing video games here and there, but the only systems I have are an NES, N64, and a Playstation. I keep telling myself that I’m perfectly happy with my systems and don’t need to update; so far I’ve resisted every urge. But then this weekend, thanks to EA games and Edge Advanced Gel, I stumbled onto a free download of the demo for Need For Speed: Most Wanted. 544 mb later I was playing a game that simply put the graphics of my treasured GT2 game for PS to shame. The only problem with this whole thing is that I was playing on computer.

I’ve always been anti high-tech video games on computers. Maybe this is a result of the problems that went with trying to install computer games back in the day…things are much more compatible these days. No more installs through DOS, just plug in the controller and start playing. But still computer games should be Asteroids and Tetris, not modern driving sims or realistic war games. Those should be saved for the Playstations and Xboxs of the world. But now this demo has brought on a whole new light and advantage to computer gaming.

My main defense for not buying a new gaming console has always been that they are too expensive for the amount I’d actually use it. Then could always include the argument that the games and accesories were overpriced. Sadly this computer demo found a way around both of those arguments. By playing games on computer I don’t need a new gaming console…and computer games are cheaper than PS2 or Xbox games.

This will test my long standing theory that modern video games shouldn’t be played on computers more than ever…kind of like how that Eastbay catalog that just came in the mail is testing my firm stance that I can’t buy anymore shoes until I wear some of my current pairs out.

3 Comments

  1. PDF
    March 14th, 2006 at 10:31 pm

    Does it get any better than Mario Kart 64? I’m down for simple racing games – you know, no pitstops or damage or buying new parts and so on. Just goof off racing.

    And Tetris and Minesweeper.

  2. matches
    March 16th, 2006 at 9:37 pm

    Your main defense for not buying game consoles is interesting, since I stay away from computer games because of the amount of money you have to put into your hardware to keep it up to spec. Last I checked, a good video card was as much as an Xbox or PS2, and given the choice, I know where my money’s going. I also don’t see the whole “computer games are cheaper” thing, since Sony and MS both have their greatest hits lines for $20 each, and I got NFS:MW for $30 on sale at Best Buy.

    The only pro-computer argument that I can think of is modability, so if you’re really into customization of your game that goes beyond what the game itself offers, you’re pretty much stuck to PC gaming.

  3. majafa
    March 16th, 2006 at 11:07 pm

    I have no idea what video card I have in the computer I use, but it works fine and since I already have the computer, why also buy a gaming console? If I didn’t already have a computer then yes I’d take a PS2 or Xbox over computer gaming anytime. But since I have a computer that works fine with games it’s cheaper than buying a new console.

    Most of the EA Sports games are about $10 cheaper than PS2 and Xbox…with all three of those versions much cheaper than Xbox 360 of course. I am seeing that many of the other genres of games are quite close in pricing though.

    I forgot to mention that the one reason I would buy a gaming console is for GT 4, which was only released for PS2. But then I’d feel the need to buy the steering wheel, cheat books etc etc…

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