PC Game Console!!!

[Marines]

Several companies have announced that they will build a PC gaming console to be released in late 2004. This proves once and for all that PC gamers won the battle between whos best.

Check it out: http://www.discoverconsole.com

[benpark]

About time.

Marines-the link didn't work. Not sure if the site was down, though.

[Marines]

Works when I hit it.

Semper Fi

[Les_the_Sarge_9_1]

Eeeewwwwwwww now that's what I call competition

But the important things will be price and game quality.

Oh the link worked for me as well.

When the arguing is all over, console games, for whatever their worth, are never basically games I would even play for free.

Now if they made wargames (actual wargames, ok games that like like say Strategic Command), a lot more often for console, I might give a hoot.

I play exclusively PC design games simply because they are only made for PC basically.

Steel Panthers, Close Combat, Strategic Command, HTTR, Korsun Pocket, Squad Assault, Panzer General, Panzer Elite, Operational Art of War, Squad Battles, Panzer Campaigns, Campaign Series, these are all games I call wargames.
Every now and then a console gets a rare stab at these. I know that Alied General was a PS1 game once. Pity they don't occasionally re release console games capable of playing on new platforms eh.

One thing I am curious about though. A common hassle with older games seems to be resolution. Would my 27 inch TV have trouble playing a game designed for a 14 inch monitor? I often hated console versions simply because the clarity on the TV was crummy.

[Marines]

The web site explains it. As for the price same as the XBOX when it first came out, $399.

Semper Fi

[Von Rom]

It looks interesting, but there are several things the makers of this new system seem to have overlooked:

1) Large computer monitors (I use a 19" one) almost make using the TV redundant.

2) Most computer games require patches to run properly. How would this work on this TV console?

3) Most good computer games are heavily modded. Most games I play I will usually mod. But with this TV console, you will only be able to use the vanilla game version.

4) Finally, aren't there video cards that have computer to TV capability?

Cheers!

[Marines]

If you read about it states it has a internal modem as well as connections for DSL, Cable and so on so it the console I mean can be updated as a need to basis. It uses drop and play technology like the others which means patches will not be needed or so they say.

Semper Fi

[Von Rom]

ORIGINAL: Marines

If you read about it states it has a internal modem as well as connections for DSL, Cable and so on so it the console I mean can be updated as a need to basis. It uses drop and play technology like the others which means patches will not be needed or so they say.

Semper Fi

But the computer games themselves NEED the patches; not the console.

Especially the way computer games are released today - they are buggy as heck.

So. . . unless these TV Consoles have a built-in hard drive to store patches and which allow those patches to work with the buggy games. . .

I'll be sticking to the PC.

Cheers!

[Marines]

I has an 80 gig HD.

[Les_the_Sarge_9_1]

My lack of knowledge showing here, but a friend commented, that a lot of games won't play unless installed.

How will this console handle that?

80 gig hard drive would help, but hmm, won't it just make it a weird kind of PC?

All my PC is, really, is a hard drive, a media drive, ram and a means to put that information on a monitor with input from a keyboard and mouse. Installing is NOT a burden. Heck I re install windows casually, so installing a game is not a relevant burden.

All I seem to have noticed, is the item appears to be compact. Nothing wrong with that. But it won't pry 400 bucks out of my wallet. A good long cable linking my tv to my computer is also not a burden.

But as has been mentioned, most good systems can port to TV. Actually I have a local friend that doesn't even have a TV, his large monitor actually serves this function in the first place (for purpose of watching film as well as gaming).
I have another buddy, who has a dual monitor set up and is linked into his PS2 and his TV and satelite as well as stereo. Nice set up of course. I doubt he will be in the market for a PC console game.

That this will make it "convenient" in the livingroom might appeal to some I suppose. But it doesn't invalidate the defense you can always port to the TV already.

Problem here I think is the TV itself. I have seen a few games that won't run on my 17 inch monitor, so I doubt it will run on a better 19 inch or 21 inch monitor either. The gamnes were made with smaller monitor technology. Those earlier games will pixelise all to hell on a 27 inch TV screen.

I recall comparing Civilization II for PC with the console version. The console version sucked on a small TV, it will just get fuzzier on a bigger TV.

Personally, I watch plenty of video right here on my computer. The image is better. I can also watch any format of video on my computer. Will the new doodad be able to play ANY video?

I think this device has a lot of promise, but might need to accept it has a weak link. The TV itself.

[Marines]

It uses "Drop and Play" tech. just like PS2 XBOX, all you do is place it in the tray hit the button and play no installing required, the hard drive is for patches that once downloaded automatically turn on when playing that game. The system is designed to automatically adapt providing the user with resoultion never before seen on TVs or PC screens. When the graphics card is out of date you simply press on a rear ejection button and it pops out to be replaced with a new one. The processor is a 64 bit chip.

Semper Fi

[Von Rom]

ORIGINAL: Marines

It uses "Drop and Play" tech. just like PS2 XBOX, all you do is place it in the tray hit the button and play no installing required, the hard drive is for patches that once downloaded automatically turn on when playing that game. The system is designed to automatically adapt providing the user with resoultion never before seen on TVs or PC screens. When the graphics card is out of date you simply press on a rear ejection button and it pops out to be replaced with a new one. The processor is a 64 bit chip.

Semper Fi

Ok, that fills in a bit more info.

However, as Les mentioned, for the more computer savy people, I can't see them buying this thing, for many of the reasons he mentioned.

For $400.00 I can buy an X-box (which also plays DVD movies) PLUS a top of the line 128MB video card for my PC.

On the other hand, there may be plenty of people who will want to play the Sims on their TV.

Cheers!

[Les_the_Sarge_9_1]

On the subject of drop and play, hmm if it was not important I wouldn't mention it, but hmm I have heard sooooo many people complain about the need to drag around cds just to play the game.

Now I have seen lots of people I know treat their media well just abominably. Most say they want no cd cracks t get past this. Me I am not so sure wink nod say no more.

I of course don't actually use my original cds in the machine even when required. I use a copy and if it gets scratched who cares, throw it away make a new one. The master stays upstairs in the land of valuable merchandise out of harms way.

But still, there will be those that will complain about having to need that cd just to play it.

Of course, a family entertainment unit is likely not going to be found on your desk at work. Maybe its a plot to make workers stop playing games at work hehe.

Either way, just being able to drop and play misses one detail, most people are deplorable about taking proper care of their media. I only know one single person that appears of the behavioural pattern that actually puts a cd away when it is not is use (other than myself).
Probably a result of people so used to playing a game todeath, and a month later not even interested in caring if the cd is damaged. "They beat the game" after all.

Of course most wargamers are not always the sort that would play a wargame, and after winning once, declare they "beat the game".

But I am curious to hear from the "no cd" lobby.

[Von Rom]

ORIGINAL: Les_the_Sarge_9_1

On the subject of drop and play, hmm if it was not important I wouldn't mention it, but hmm I have heard sooooo many people complain about the need to drag around cds just to play the game.

Now I have seen lots of people I know treat their media well just abominably. Most say they want no cd cracks t get past this. Me I am not so sure wink nod say no more.

I of course don't actually use my original cds in the machine even when required. I use a copy and if it gets scratched who cares, throw it away make a new one. The master stays upstairs in the land of valuable merchandise out of harms way.

But still, there will be those that will complain about having to need that cd just to play it.

Of course, a family entertainment unit is likely not going to be found on your desk at work. Maybe its a plot to make workers stop playing games at work hehe.

Either way, just being able to drop and play misses one detail, most people are deplorable about taking proper care of their media. I only know one single person that appears of the behavioural pattern that actually puts a cd away when it is not is use (other than myself).
Probably a result of people so used to playing a game todeath, and a month later not even interested in caring if the cd is damaged. "They beat the game" after all.

Of course most wargamers are not always the sort that would play a wargame, and after winning once, declare they "beat the game".

But I am curious to hear from the "no cd" lobby.

I'm with you on this one Les.

I take scrupulous care of my CDs - both originals and backups. Almost every CD is in pristine condition. Not a scratch.

I simply can't understand how people can leave some valuable game CDs simply laying around outside their jewel case. Especially those hard-to-find game CDs.

I'm the same way with my books. (Although it's hard to fit them into those small jewel cases - heh)

Come to think of it, I am the same way with my car. . .

And my videos. . .

And. . .

Is a pattern emerging? [&:]

Cheers!

[Peever]

I was wondering about the controller for this system. I scanned the sight quick but did not see a pic of one. Will this use a standard pc keyboard and mouse?

[Les_the_Sarge_9_1]

Looks like you are like me Von Rom

I don't buy something at all if I won't have any use for it in the near term.

The argument, a meal out costs blah blah blah, and the cost of a game costs blah blah blah, and getting a month of solid entertainment is enough blah blah blah.

Nope sorry, if I can choose game X for 40 bucks and be still having fun with it years later simnply because it's great, or game Y for 40 bucks, but end up finished with it in a short span of time because it's finite, then I will pick game X, and let someone else made of money buy the other guy's game Y.

I might be cheap, but I never base my game purchases off of how much it cost me to enjoy dinner out

This company taking out a patent on the idea though, that might be a good idea.
There is sometimes strength in numbers, but having 3 major game console companies out there, has not given either of the three any real advantage.

[EricGuitarJames]

Well I checked out the link so .....

1) If it uses 'Drop and Play' technology why does it need an 80 gig hard drive? My XBox has an 8 gig hard drive and I've barely used up 5% and most of that is for alternative game sountracks.

2) PC Games are controlled by keyboards and mapped to keyboards and a mouse. As Peever said, how will they get around this? If they include a standard keyboard and mouse then it's a computer connected to your TV! If not then it's not a console for strategy gamers and so is in direct competition with the likes of XBox and the PS2 but at twice the price!

3) Is there really a market for this kind of device? Console games are intended for shortish fun sessions whilst PC games are more for the 'thoughtful' gamer (gross generalisations I know but you get the gist[:)]). In the living room you have all sorts of distractions so PC gamers tend to prefer a bit of isolation anyway.

[YohanTM2]

ORIGINAL: Von Rom

ORIGINAL: Les_the_Sarge_9_1

On the subject of drop and play, hmm if it was not important I wouldn't mention it, but hmm I have heard sooooo many people complain about the need to drag around cds just to play the game.

Now I have seen lots of people I know treat their media well just abominably. Most say they want no cd cracks t get past this. Me I am not so sure wink nod say no more.

I of course don't actually use my original cds in the machine even when required. I use a copy and if it gets scratched who cares, throw it away make a new one. The master stays upstairs in the land of valuable merchandise out of harms way.

But still, there will be those that will complain about having to need that cd just to play it.

Of course, a family entertainment unit is likely not going to be found on your desk at work. Maybe its a plot to make workers stop playing games at work hehe.

Either way, just being able to drop and play misses one detail, most people are deplorable about taking proper care of their media. I only know one single person that appears of the behavioural pattern that actually puts a cd away when it is not is use (other than myself).
Probably a result of people so used to playing a game todeath, and a month later not even interested in caring if the cd is damaged. "They beat the game" after all.

Of course most wargamers are not always the sort that would play a wargame, and after winning once, declare they "beat the game".

But I am curious to hear from the "no cd" lobby.

I'm with you on this one Les.

I take scrupulous care of my CDs - both originals and backups. Almost every CD is in pristine condition. Not a scratch.

I simply can't understand how people can leave some valuable game CDs simply laying around outside their jewel case. Especially those hard-to-find game CDs.

I'm the same way with my books. (Although it's hard to fit them into those small jewel cases - heh)

Come to think of it, I am the same way with my car. . .

And my videos. . .

And. . .

Is a pattern emerging? [&:]

Cheers!

No kids I take it? [:D]

In the last 2 months I have had 2 DVDs of mine and 1 game toasted by my 2 year old

[Sarge]

I like the idea of having a console to play PC games . Now that being said what about upgrades, will I be able to upgrade the cosole-video and sound cards and what about memory. I cant imagine what the PC games in the next few years will require in this area(think of the PC you used in the late 90s only 5 years ago). There is no way I am going to buy something thats not upgradeable.

[Von Rom]

ORIGINAL: Les_the_Sarge_9_1

Looks like you are like me Von Rom

I don't buy something at all if I won't have any use for it in the near term.

The argument, a meal out costs blah blah blah, and the cost of a game costs blah blah blah, and getting a month of solid entertainment is enough blah blah blah.

Nope sorry, if I can choose game X for 40 bucks and be still having fun with it years later simnply because it's great, or game Y for 40 bucks, but end up finished with it in a short span of time because it's finite, then I will pick game X, and let someone else made of money buy the other guy's game Y.

I might be cheap, but I never base my game purchases off of how much it cost me to enjoy dinner out

This company taking out a patent on the idea though, that might be a good idea.
There is sometimes strength in numbers, but having 3 major game console companies out there, has not given either of the three any real advantage.

Les:

I generally feel the same way. There are only certain types of games I like. Fortunately, Matrix is making a slew of them right now - heheh.

I would rather wait 6-10 months for a great game (such as WiTP) than to buy a bunch of games each month simply because they are on the store shelves. Besides, the anticipation is worth half the fun

I'm the same way with movies. The last one I saw was Master and Commander. I like to make going out to the movies a real event. That's when it's time to make a splash.

I have book shelves lined with some of the best computer games (to me at least) I could find. They're mostly strategy and war games. I'm a collector of them. I've searched high and low looking for every good computer wargame I could find, going back to Panzer General. So on any given day, I'll pull one down and give it a whirl.

Cheers!