What Would You Do? 360/PC

E

Eradan

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Hey, everyone. This might be a little long-winded but please bear with me. I'd like to get some opinions/feedback.

I've played World of Warcraft to the exclusion of all other video games for the last 14 months. I'm tired of the game. I've seen most of the content in the new expansion. I participated in a moderately successful 25 man progression raid last night and it just wasn't fun. I felt like I was just going through the motions. This morning I cancelled my WoW accounts.

Yesterday before the raid I downloaded the Tomb Raider: Underworld demo for my PC (see my sig for specs). It ran really well with everything cranked, and using an XBOX 360 controller, it was a breath of fresh air to be playing something else, and enjoying it. I was actually surprised how good it looked. That might be because I'm so accustomed to WoW's stylized but dated graphics.

I've spent most of the morning looking at games that are available, watching review videos, etc., and there's a huge backlog of terrific games that look really interesting. Gears of Wars, Assassin's Creed, Bioshock, Left 4 Dead, Dead Rising, Mass Effect, and more. The original Tomb Raider on the Playstation is one of my favorite games ever, even with all its flaws, and Tomb Raider Anniversary looks great.

I have a few hundred dollars of disposable income and have the option of stepping my EVGA video card up to a GTX 295 or I can buy an XBOX 360. I kind of like the idea of getting out of my office where I've been parked extensively for the last year plus to the nice couch in the living room. I have a 1080P 55" Sony Bravia and 5.1 surround out there, too.

I already own a PS3 that I've used only for watching a few Blu-ray movies with the wife. Some of the games on my hit-list are available for that as well.

So what would you do? Upgrade the PC (is that even necessary for some of these games)? Get the 360?

Thanks,

E
 
I'm not sure that upgrading your video card is really necessary. All of those games you listed should work just fine on your 260. If you think you'll get the new Tomb Raider game, the upcoming DLC is only coming to the Xbox 360, but if that doesn't matter to you then don't worry about it.
 
well right now dell has a deal for 360s:
arcade 360 - $170. then just go buy a used or refurbished hard drive for cheap. your system should be around 200 only.

getting a good video card will cost you a bit more.

anyways, i was in your shoes just a few days ago but i decided to buy a new vid card instead because i didn't see the 360 line up worth it. my favorite kind of games are fps and the only good fps that isnt on pc that consoles have is GOW2. im more hyped for diablo 3 and starcraft 2.
 
Eradan said:
Hey, everyone. This might be a little long-winded but please bear with me. I'd like to get some opinions/feedback.

I've played World of Warcraft to the exclusion of all other video games for the last 14 months. I'm tired of the game. I've seen most of the content in the new expansion. I participated in a moderately successful 25 man progression raid last night and it just wasn't fun. I felt like I was just going through the motions. This morning I cancelled my WoW accounts.

Yesterday before the raid I downloaded the Tomb Raider: Underworld demo for my PC (see my sig for specs). It ran really well with everything cranked, and using an XBOX 360 controller, it was a breath of fresh air to be playing something else, and enjoying it. I was actually surprised how good it looked. That might be because I'm so accustomed to WoW's stylized but dated graphics.

I've spent most of the morning looking at games that are available, watching review videos, etc., and there's a huge backlog of terrific games that look really interesting. Gears of Wars, Assassin's Creed, Bioshock, Left 4 Dead, Dead Rising, Mass Effect, and more. The original Tomb Raider on the Playstation is one of my favorite games ever, even with all its flaws, and Tomb Raider Anniversary looks great.

I have a few hundred dollars of disposable income and have the option of stepping my EVGA video card up to a GTX 295 or I can buy an XBOX 360. I kind of like the idea of getting out of my office where I've been parked extensively for the last year plus to the nice couch in the living room. I have a 1080P 55" Sony Bravia and 5.1 surround out there, too.

I already own a PS3 that I've used only for watching a few Blu-ray movies with the wife. Some of the games on my hit-list are available for that as well.

So what would you do? Upgrade the PC (is that even necessary for some of these games)? Get the 360?

Thanks,

E
Click to expand...

I went from wowing for a few years and not owning a console since the sega genesis to really being pleased with my console purchases (360 and ps3...wii not so much). Getting back onto the couch with the hdtv is certainly not as hardcore and graphically amazing as a pc, but you'll be impressed by the gameplay and the enjoyment I think of playing on a console. I'd say go for it. Dead Rising and Mass Effect are the two best games I've played in the last ten years easily. XBL has some really fun games as well. If you have kids or a significant other, consoles are a lot easier to play along with someone on than a pc right now.
 
My step-up price to the GTX 295 will be $200. I was looking the XBOX 360 Pro refurb for $250 at Gamestop. One thing I haven't looked at is actual game prices. Seems like PC games are usually cheaper.

E
 
Eradan said:
My step-up price to the GTX 295 will be $200. I was looking the XBOX 360 Pro refurb for $250 at Gamestop. One thing I haven't looked at is actual game prices. Seems like PC games are usually cheaper.

E
Click to expand...

Since you've got a large back library to go with, you can pick up great games for cheap. If you end up getting a 360, go pick up Mass Effect, Dead Rising, and Crackdown. I got each of those games for 12 dollars at gamestop.
 
i would not recommend getting a refurbished at gamestop.

1. gamestop sucks
2. high rate of rrod
3.not latest chip.
 
haitu said:
i would not recommend getting a refurbished at gamestop.

1. gamestop sucks
2. high rate of rrod
3.not latest chip.
Click to expand...


Even the Microsoft refurbs which they warranty for one year? If so, thanks for the tip. I'll just get a new one (if I get one).

E
 
Upgrade your PC and hook it up to your 55" and have fun.
 
svr said:
Upgrade your PC and hook it up to your 55" and have fun.
Click to expand...

this hell get a wired or 360 game pad and with most of the games you listed
Mass Effect, Assassins Creed you wouldnt even know its not a 360

btw every thing on your list should run fine on the GTX 260 at 1080p on your 55" TV


but as said if you have the money upgrade + get a wireless keyboard/mouse and wired/wireless xbox360 pad setup and your good
 
btw here is the dell deal taken from slickdeals.net

brisar said:
Dell EPP has Playstation 3 Console w/ 80GB Hardrive for $316 (see lower price when you add to cart) or $304 with DPA with free 3-5 day shipping. Thanks coast1ja.
Other good console deals to consider
If paying with Dell Preferred Account (DPA) you may save an extra 3% (4% at Dell EPP), here is how:
  1. During checkout, select Credit Card as method of payment
  2. Click "Change Payment Type"
  3. Click "Choose" link under Credit/Debit Card (again)
  4. Under "Save 3% (4% at EPP) with Dell Preferred Account! (Discount applied at Final Checkout)" click "Click Here to Take Advantage of this Offer" link
  5. Click "Choose" under "I already have a Dell Preferred Account" if you have one, or sign up for a new one if you don't
  6. Checkout, enjoy your 3% (4% at EPP) savings
Click to expand...

and ontop of that you can purchase a dell $100 gift card for about 70-75 bucks on ebay. you can use two giftcards if you plan on purchasing the pro! (you will have to order by phone if you combine 2 giftcard).

as you can see i was really tempted but when it came to fun factor, the PC delivers more in my opinion.
 
Eradan said:
Even the Microsoft refurbs which they warranty for one year? If so, thanks for the tip. I'll just get a new one (if I get one).

E
Click to expand...

With all of the problems with the 360, I would never get a refurb personally. Do the Dell deal.
 
PC all the way! As long as the cost isn't an issue. Consoles are fine, but a gaming class PC is just a much better platform if you have some technical skill and can afford it.
 
Well you already have a PS3 and you already have a very capable PC.

Before going and buying a whole new console, I'd give that PS3 a chance. You might like it! You can get all of the cross platform games on it, It has some great exclusives itself, and many of the 360 games that aren't on PS3 can be had for PC. While I think they are only aesthetically similar, A lot of people joke and say Uncharted is "Dude Raider". True or not, its an awesome game, you should check it out :)

I'd say the only reason for you to pickup a 360 in this situation is if you have a lot of friends on LIVE that you will actually play with.
 
I think one thing to consider when going from a MMORPG to a console is who you play with. I understand wanting to play some single player games, but I think you will find that you don't have as much fun unless you have someone else there with you. I quit WoW and have a PS3 with quite a few single player games that I never ever play. I typically get into a setlist of RockBand with some people on my floor or do LittleBigPlanet for the co-op, single player doesn't hold me any more, I associate it with grinding.

Since you have the PS3, find a single player game and play it through. If you're not really satisfied, and feel it's lacking the personal touches that MMORPG's bring, try games that have decent online capabilities.
 
I would just use that extra money you have on game purchases. You already have two capable platforms to play games on.
 
I'm an equal opportunity employer when it comes to gaming. Sony, Sega, Atari, Nintendo, Neo Geo, I don't care. I'm more interested in the games than anything else. If a given game comes out for all platforms, I tend to choose the one best implemented on a given piece of hardware, or the one for the system that has the controller I'm most comfortable with at the time (Xbox the last few years). For a long time I wouldn't play an FPS on anything other than the PC because I was so used to keyboard/mouse control. I've gotten over that more or less.

From what I've researched today, it looks like some of the games, like Gears of War, are best on the PC. Better graphics, extra levels, etc. So it really comes down to do I want to sit in the office chair, or take it to the living room. I could move my computer out there, but years of hauling crap to LAN parties makes that option less appealing. I wouldn't want to leave it out the all the time.

As far as the social aspect of things, that's one of the reasons I'm tired of WoW. For every good friend I've made, there are 20 people I could do without. Bad pick-up groups, campers, the rude and inconsiderate: the lot of them have worn me out. I have family right next door that are avid gamers (they own a Wii and some nice PCs). I have friends I used to get together with to play Madden and I've skipped the last two seasons of that. Most of my favorite games of all time have been single-player: The Bard's Tale, Wing Commander, Strider, Tomb Raider, Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry...if it's a good game in its own right, I'm happy to play solo.

I know ultimately I have to figure out what works best for me. I really appreciate everyone that took the time to read and respond. I'm very thankful that this is the tough decision in my life right now--what system should I play my video games on. Woe is me!

E
 
Hook your TV up to your PC. The video card you have now is fine. Spend the money on PC games. The next few months looks like it's going to have several good games coming out. Also get the games you missed out on while you were playing WoW.
 
I would upgrade the PC since most console games now are multi platform anyway so you could just get the games for your PS3. You will only miss a few XBox 360 exclusives but it looks like most of them are coming to PC after a while anyway. There are also some games that are more suitable to play with a KB and a mouse.
 
alg7_munif said:
I would upgrade the PC since most console games now are multi platform anyway so you could just get the games for your PS3. You will only miss a few XBox 360 exclusives but it looks like most of them are coming to PC after a while anyway. There are also some games that are more suitable to play with a KB and a mouse.
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Look at his rig. The price to performance for his upgrades is terrible IMO.
 
I bought an XBOX 360 Arcade and the starter kit with a 60GB hard drive, 3 months of Live, etc. last night at Game Crazy. Their game selection is still wiped out from Christmas but I did buy used copies of Dead Rising and Mass Effect. I'm going to pick up a few other titles this evening.

Ultimately I decided I just want to be able to chill on the couch while gaming. I'm sick of being parked in front of the computer desk for hours on end.

Tonight I'll get everything set up and start some gaming. It's been a couple years since I did any serious console gaming. I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks again, everyone.

E
 
good luck mate. i would of stuck with a ps3 and pc that you have already. you should of got mass effect on your pc also.

fixes many issues on the 360 version and it looks better
 
jonneymendoza said:
good luck mate. i would of stuck with a ps3 and pc that you have already. you should of got mass effect on your pc also.

fixes many issues on the 360 version and it looks better
Click to expand...

I know you're right about Mass Effect (Gears of War is probably better on the PC, too) but I'm hoping the 55" 1080P display, Denon/Paradigm surround system, and couch > 24" LCD, Logitech 5.1, sorta comfortable but not really computer chair. :D

E
 
Eradan said:
I bought an XBOX 360 Arcade and the starter kit with a 60GB hard drive, 3 months of Live, etc. last night at Game Crazy. Their game selection is still wiped out from Christmas but I did buy used copies of Dead Rising and Mass Effect. I'm going to pick up a few other titles this evening.

Ultimately I decided I just want to be able to chill on the couch while gaming. I'm sick of being parked in front of the computer desk for hours on end.

Tonight I'll get everything set up and start some gaming. It's been a couple years since I did any serious console gaming. I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks again, everyone.

E
Click to expand...

Enjoy dead rising and mass effect, great games.
 
Don't waste your money on a 360. I own a gaming PC, 360 and PS3. If you want to kick back on your couch either hook your PC to it or just use your PS3.

I received COD World at War for XMAS for PC. My sons friend brought it over this past weekend for the 360 so I've had the chance to compare. The PC pummeled the 360 version with better graphics and controls. The game pad is absolutely horrible for FPS in my opinion. If your poor and a console is all you can get then it's fine but you have a PC don't regress.
 
Dude I was in the same boat as you last year. I quit WoW after playing it almost exclusively for 2.5 years.

I built a brand new gaming PC and I've been buying up a backlog of great games for cheap.

FEAR + expansions (all for $20)
STALKER:SoC ($10) and Clear Sky ($20)
Bioshock ($10)
Crysis (used $15)
Far Cry 2 ($50 at release, big mistake but you can find it cheap now)
Call of Duty 4 ($40, worth it)
Orange Box ($30, worth it)
Left 4 Dead ($40, worth it)

and oddly enough BF:2 Collection for $5 might be my best purchase. I missed out on it in its prime but for some reason I just can't stop playing it.

$240 and I haven't beatn Bioshock, FEAR expansions, HL2 episodes, and Clear Sky and I'm not done with CoD4 MP, BF2, TF2, or L4D.

Go PC and spend your money on more games than you have time for. It's great when my biggest concern is which game I feel like playing.
 
BladeVenom said:
Hook your TV up to your PC. The video card you have now is fine. Spend the money on PC games. The next few months looks like it's going to have several good games coming out. Also get the games you missed out on while you were playing WoW.
Click to expand...


I recommend the exact same thing to you.
WoW sucked away ALOT of my life away, I got out before the first expansion though. There are several new and much more enjoyable games out there for you to enjoy. :D
 
I haven't logged into WoW since Sunday morning to mail my guild master that I would not be available for the raids I had already signed up for. All week I've felt this giddy sense of liberation. I'M FREE!!!!!

My XBOX 360 Arcade still sits unopened. I grabbed Tomb Raider: Anniversary last night. But I haven't had time this week to pull out the TV, run cables, get everything setup since I'm doing a bunch of evening IT jobs after I get off from my day job.

The Tomb Raider: Underworld demo looked fantastic on my PC when I played it last Saturday. This weekend before I hook up the new console I'm going to drag my PC out to the living room and see what it's like on the Sony. I can still get the GTX 285 through the EVGA step-up program for around $100 (3 days left on my step-up though), although I guess the Sony is actually slightly lower res than my 24" LCD. The GTX 295 would be about twice that.

The thing about gaming on my computer is I keep seeing that WoW shortcut on my desktop. I don't want to be tempted. I need to uninstall that crap but I still don't have the courage yet.


E
 
with that rig :

360 and extended in-store warranty.

edit: just read your last post....and LOL'd

uninstall it dude!!! you'll lose the urge after awhile. after laying off for a couple of months i tried to go back and just never could get back into it. there are so many good games out there to be had.
 
I have been an avid PC gamer since the late 80s, building all my systems along the way. I played WoW for nearly 2 years, competative Counter-Strike before that and largely considered consoles to be a joke.

In 2006 I purchased a Xbox 360 and haven't looked back. I now own 2 360s (need one for when my gf comes over), 1 Nintendo DS and most recently an iPhone (for gaming yes) and I cannot remember the last time I even played a game on my pc. I build a brand new rig this time last year (see signature), so I can run most everything new quite well.... But I have completely migrated to my 360, my couch, my comfy controller and my gf by my side.

I look forward to Diablo 3 on my PC, nothing else. Until then all my friends, coworkers and I play nightly on our 360s. I'm 29, and I feel like I've finally found my middle ground for my gaming hobby on consoles/handhelds.

Theres nothing quite like buying a game and doing nothing more then putting it in and pressing play. I'm so over installing pc games, driver issues, manual patching.. no thanks.

Hope this helps.
 
sell or give away your wow account, then toss your install cds. It worked for me!
 
theNoid said:
I have been an avid PC gamer since the late 80s, building all my systems along the way. I played WoW for nearly 2 years, competative Counter-Strike before that and largely considered consoles to be a joke.

In 2006 I purchased a Xbox 360 and haven't looked back. I now own 2 360s (need one for when my gf comes over), 1 Nintendo DS and most recently an iPhone (for gaming yes) and I cannot remember the last time I even played a game on my pc. I build a brand new rig this time last year (see signature), so I can run most everything new quite well.... But I have completely migrated to my 360, my couch, my comfy controller and my gf by my side.

I look forward to Diablo 3 on my PC, nothing else. Until then all my friends, coworkers and I play nightly on our 360s. I'm 29, and I feel like I've finally found my middle ground for my gaming hobby on consoles/handhelds.

Theres nothing quite like buying a game and doing nothing more then putting it in and pressing play. I'm so over installing pc games, driver issues, manual patching.. no thanks.

Hope this helps.
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thats not the point. the OP already has a console and his looking to buy another one that is similar and have the same games.

the point where making is that he shouldnt buy a 360 and keep his ps3 for console play and play on his pc
 
What is the point of getting a 360? You already have a PS 3 and PC so you do have all bases covered already. A GTX 260 is not outdated you will see that there isn´t a single game out there that really demands anything better... So unless you are a graphics whore you will wonder why you shelled out so much money for a 295... I max most games out with my 8800 GTX still and the GTX 260 I do believe performs a bit better.

As for 360 you get a console that you will rma quite often. Not much of a problem since you do have a PS3 and PC already. You will have the problem with as you say higher priced games that looks worse then their PC counterpart. Even though 360 generally performs better then the PS 3. I just hate all the aliasing I get on the PS 3. Can´t really understand what they where thinking when developing that console.

But really most games are multiformat so little reason to get a 360 if there isn´t a specific game like Forza 3 or something you are interested in. Wouldn´t get a 360 until there is a game you can´t get on the PC or PS 3 that you really feel you must have. Spend the money on PC or PS 3 games instead.
 
Jesus...there are hundreds of reasons to get a 360. It's a great gaming console, has some great multiplatform and exclusive game titles, and has Xbox Live. The PS3 doesn't have everything the 360 has and vice versa.
 
Get the 360. I went from PC gaming exclusively to a mix of PC and console, and LOVE the 360, especially when coupled with Netflix.
 
Bogie 19th said:
Jesus...there are hundreds of reasons to get a 360. It's a great gaming console, has some great multiplatform and exclusive game titles, and has Xbox Live. The PS3 doesn't have everything the 360 has and vice versa.
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list these 100 reasons to get one when a user already has a pc and ps3. i bet you cant even list 20 AAA exclusive games that are not on the pc and ps3 nevermind 100 other reasons:rolleyes:

the guy has made his decision already and got himself a 360. its his money so if he wants to have a 360 then he can get it.

all im and others are saying is that its a wrong choice in our opinions
 
Technoob said:
sell or give away your wow account, then toss your install cds. It worked for me!
Click to expand...

Thanksgiving 2007 I did that. Sold my account on craigslist and bought an Xbox360 a few games with the money. That game zapped too much of my life. Xbox360 was fun and easy to put down, really thought it was a good investment. So then comes summer(?) of 2008, new shit has been introduced in BC and all my friends are telling me about it. Bam, I am back playing WoW (sucked having to do the level grind from lvl 1). Still playing WoW. I know a lot of people that quit, but sadly they come back, just like I did.

I say get a 360 and dont look back, I enjoy mine a lot. Though dont be suprised if you go back to WoW.
 
jonneymendoza said:
list these 100 reasons to get one when a user already has a pc and ps3. i bet you cant even list 20 AAA exclusive games that are not on the pc and ps3 nevermind 100 other reasons:rolleyes:

the guy has made his decision already and got himself a 360. its his money so if he wants to have a 360 then he can get it.

all im and others are saying is that its a wrong choice in our opinions
Click to expand...

When you combine all the Xbox 360 exclusives, including the XBLA titles, add Netflix, the lower price of the console, built in Windows Media Center Extender, Xbox Live (and other friends with Xbox Live), that alone will easily pass 100 reasons. Move along.

And all I and others are saying it was the right choice in our opinion. :rolleyes:
 
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