Giving up PC gaming: Xbox/PS2 specific questions
shawnews
have been out of the scene for 5 years), I am deciding to switch to console
system. Mainly because my next PC is going to be a laptop, and to make it a
decent "gaming machine" I will have to pay an extra $1500 CAN, while I can
buy a PS2/Xbox for about $200. Secondly, console games seem to be maturing a
lot in terms of less pure spots/racing games, more games with
depth/plot/stratgegy which I like. Lastly, getting HDTV output on a laptop
is still difficult.
Debating between the PS2 and X-box....
I know the Xbox is technically superior in terms of graphics processing,
CPU, built in HD etc. I have a 51" wide screen HDTV and Dolby Digital 5.1
system, which I hear the Xbox supports better. However, I have some concerns
about the Xbox :
1. There are many more games out for the PS2. Is this really still an
issue? I don't care about old PS1 games. I do care about the big new
releases. Is it safe to say most of the new releases are still coming out
for PS2 only, or are they, for the most part, simultaenously released on
both platforms?
2. Is there a difference between Xbox/PS2 in terms of what genre of game is
best represented? For example, my preference in games are:
1. action/adventure (like grand theft auto double pack, prince of
persia, true crime)
2. first person shooters (with plot ala Half-Life)
3. Strategy/RPG (Sims, Warcraft etc)
4. simulators (flight sim/helicopter- always a PC forte' -- anything
decent on console these days?)
Given my preferences, would I be better served with a Xbox or PS2? Or is
there little difference in terms of what game genre tends to be best on each
platform?
3. HDTV is a huge issue. I know there is HDTV support (optional) on both
PS2/Xbox. Is there any difference in video quality? Is there any difference
in the number of games that are actually take advantage of HDTV resolution?
4. MOD chips for backup purposes. Easier with Xbox or PS2? Can you
realistically use CDRW with either or do you need DVDRW?
Thanks for any comments.
Jonah Falcon
$999 for top-notch hardware, and there are other, similiarly great hardwared
machines that are $400. Just PCs that are somewhat unupgradeable (though you
can upgrade the video cards easily.)
http://www.falcon-nw.com/fragbox.asp
Jonah Falcon
"shawnews" <wildc...@removehotmail.com> wrote in message
news:CxWyb.544741$9l5.99629@pd7tw2no...
David Oldridge
wrote:
> After being a dedicated anti-console, PC gamer for my whole life (though I
>have been out of the scene for 5 years), I am deciding to switch to console
>system. Mainly because my next PC is going to be a laptop, and to make it a
>decent "gaming machine" I will have to pay an extra $1500 CAN, while I can
>buy a PS2/Xbox for about $200. Secondly, console games seem to be maturing a
>lot in terms of less pure spots/racing games, more games with
>depth/plot/stratgegy which I like. Lastly, getting HDTV output on a laptop
>is still difficult.
>
> Debating between the PS2 and X-box....
>
> I know the Xbox is technically superior in terms of graphics processing,
>CPU, built in HD etc. I have a 51" wide screen HDTV and Dolby Digital 5.1
>system, which I hear the Xbox supports better. However, I have some concerns
>about the Xbox :
>
>1. There are many more games out for the PS2. Is this really still an
>issue? I don't care about old PS1 games. I do care about the big new
>releases. Is it safe to say most of the new releases are still coming out
>for PS2 only, or are they, for the most part, simultaenously released on
>both platforms?
The number of titles in development is actually quite close, despite the
much larger difference for the first few years. (The PS2 did have a 2 year head
start, and more developer confidence at its launch.)
>2. Is there a difference between Xbox/PS2 in terms of what genre of game is
>best represented? For example, my preference in games are:
My answers for this part will be less than 100% correct, since I don't
have enough time for my XBox purchases to worry about the PS2. Most of this
info for the PS2 comes from what I've seen others post.
> 1. action/adventure (like grand theft auto double pack, prince of
>persia, true crime)
I believe that there is not much difference here, really.
> 2. first person shooters (with plot ala Half-Life)
Definitely XBox territory. There are more FPSs for the XBox, and they
generally sell better on that platform too.
> 3. Strategy/RPG (Sims, Warcraft etc)
I think that EA has more of these titles on the PS2, with some of them
even being online. I can't think of any XBox developer who turns out similar
titles, and if EA has any for the XBox, they won't be online due to EA's
demands.
> 4. simulators (flight sim/helicopter- always a PC forte' -- anything
>decent on console these days?)
All of the XBox flight games take varying degrees of arcade gameplay,
unfortunately. Crimson Skies and Battle over Normandy both offer online play
though.
> Given my preferences, would I be better served with a Xbox or PS2? Or is
>there little difference in terms of what game genre tends to be best on each
>platform?
PS2 has the edge on Japanese-style 'traditional' RPGs and with 3D
platformers, while the XBox has the edge on FPS games, sports titles (both
online and offline), and racers.
>3. HDTV is a huge issue. I know there is HDTV support (optional) on both
>PS2/Xbox. Is there any difference in video quality? Is there any difference
>in the number of games that are actually take advantage of HDTV resolution?
Most XBox games offer at least 480i resolution, barring around five
exceptions (launch titles) last I'd heard. There are probably around a dozen or
two XBox titles offering 520 and 1080 resolutions I think, and I'd be surprised
if the PS2 had nearly as many titles in any of those categories. My gaming is
limited to a 27" screen though, so I haven't really paid much attention to this
detail.
>4. MOD chips for backup purposes. Easier with Xbox or PS2? Can you
>realistically use CDRW with either or do you need DVDRW?
From what I hear, the XBox modchips are easier to install (never tried
installing a PS2 mod), and it allows a hell of a lot more than just copying
games. CD-RW compatibility depends on the drive, with Samsung's DVD offering
the best level, followed by Phillip's, followed by Thompson. The compatibility
level for DVD/R is comparable, except for Samsung being a little more
problematic than the others on the DVD+ format from what I've heard.
David Oldridge
On Tue, 02 Dec 2003 10:24:57 GMT, David Oldridge
<david.oldridge200...@rogers.com> wrote:
>> 3. Strategy/RPG (Sims, Warcraft etc)
>
> I think that EA has more of these titles on the PS2, with some of them
>even being online. I can't think of any XBox developer who turns out similar
>titles, and if EA has any for the XBox, they won't be online due to EA's
>demands.
For some reason I saw 'sims' and thought only of titles such as 'The
Sims', 'The Sims Online', etc.. Most of the RPGs for the XBox are of the PC
variety, with a few exceptions (Phantasy Star Online, the upcoming True Fantasy
Live Online, etc.). The PS2 probably has as many or more RPGs of the PC
variety, and that's a small minority of the console-style RPGs available for the
PS2.
>>3. HDTV is a huge issue. I know there is HDTV support (optional) on both
>>PS2/Xbox. Is there any difference in video quality? Is there any difference
>>in the number of games that are actually take advantage of HDTV resolution?
>
> Most XBox games offer at least 480i resolution, barring around five
>exceptions (launch titles) last I'd heard. There are probably around a dozen or
>two XBox titles offering 520 and 1080 resolutions I think, and I'd be surprised
>if the PS2 had nearly as many titles in any of those categories. My gaming is
>limited to a 27" screen though, so I haven't really paid much attention to this
>detail.
Not sure why I typed 520 instead of 720 here.
Scott©
"David Oldridge" <david.oldridge200...@rogers.com> wrote in message
news:teuosv8rv9fuva457...@4ax.com...
> Oops! Two blunders in my original response.
>
> >exceptions (launch titles) last I'd heard. There are probably around a dozen or
> >two XBox titles offering 520 and 1080 resolutions I think, and I'd be surprised
> >if the PS2 had nearly as many titles in any of those categories. My gaming is
> >limited to a 27" screen though, so I haven't really paid much attention to this
> >detail.
>
> Not sure why I typed 520 instead of 720 here.
or 480i instead of 480p
CJ
On 2-Dec-2003, "shawnews" <wildc...@removehotmail.com> wrote:
> Debating between the PS2 and X-box....
As an onwer of both systems, let me try and help you a bit...
> 2. Is there a difference between Xbox/PS2 in terms of what genre of game
> is
> best represented?
This has already been covered, but I will emphasize that if you like RPG's,
the XBox is sorely lacking in that category.
> 3. HDTV is a huge issue. I know there is HDTV support (optional) on both
> PS2/Xbox. Is there any difference in video quality? Is there any
> difference
> in the number of games that are actually take advantage of HDTV
> resolution?
Well if HDTV is a *huge* issue for you, you'd be much better off with an
XBox. Almost all XBox games support 480p, whereas hardly any PS2 games do.
ZigZag Master
> 3. HDTV is a huge issue. I know there is HDTV support (optional) on both
> PS2/Xbox. Is there any difference in video quality? Is there any
difference
> in the number of games that are actually take advantage of HDTV
resolution?
This is the main reason I love the Xbox over any other console. TRUE HDTV
resolutions and progressive scan output. Almost all Xbox games offer at
LEAST 480P.
Also, the Xbox does 5.1 DD, so if you have a surround setup, the Xbox should
be your console of choice. I have mine plugged into a Sony ES receiver with
full tower speakers in the front, center channel, rears, sub....it is
amazing and really goes a long way to immerse you in a game (especially when
the sound is done right like in Halo, Splinter Cell, RS3)
bluecrab5
>
> 2. Is there a difference between Xbox/PS2 in terms of what genre of game is
> best represented? For example, my preference in games are:
> 1. action/adventure (like grand theft auto double pack, prince of
> persia, true crime)
on a console.
> 2. first person shooters (with plot ala Half-Life)
> 3. Strategy/RPG (Sims, Warcraft etc)
found but rarely and the controlpad usually doesn't lend it self all
that well for it, too slow, IMHO. RPG's well as far as turn based
RPG's like Final Fantasy, etc. PS2 is very strong here. For a hack
and slash action style RPG (Diablo) a console does really well and I
think either would be fine.
> 4. simulators (flight sim/helicopter- always a PC forte' -- anything
> decent on console these days?)
not a good choice. You don't have the number of buttons on controller
necessary for all the flaps, rudders, throttles, guns, bombs,
missiles, landing gear, camera views, etc that sim junkies want.
There are flight games such as PS2's Ace Combat 4 and the XB's Crimson
Skies but they are arcade style fare.
james_sep
> have been out of the scene for 5 years), I am deciding to switch to console
> system. Mainly because my next PC is going to be a laptop, and to make it a
> decent "gaming machine" I will have to pay an extra $1500 CAN, while I can
> buy a PS2/Xbox for about $200. Secondly, console games seem to be maturing a
> lot in terms of less pure spots/racing games, more games with
> depth/plot/stratgegy which I like. Lastly, getting HDTV output on a laptop
> is still difficult.
>
> Debating between the PS2 and X-box....
>
> I know the Xbox is technically superior in terms of graphics processing,
> CPU, built in HD etc. I have a 51" wide screen HDTV and Dolby Digital 5.1
> system, which I hear the Xbox supports better. However, I have some concerns
> about the Xbox :
>
> 1. There are many more games out for the PS2. Is this really still an
> issue? I don't care about old PS1 games. I do care about the big new
> releases. Is it safe to say most of the new releases are still coming out
> for PS2 only, or are they, for the most part, simultaenously released on
> both platforms?
almost as large as the PS2. Also most PS2 only games (of which there
are very few) have been ported to Xbox and are better than PS2
versions. ex: Grand Theft Auto Double Pack
>
> 2. Is there a difference between Xbox/PS2 in terms of what genre of game is
> best represented? For example, my preference in games are:
> 1. action/adventure (like grand theft auto double pack, prince of
> persia, true crime)
better do to it's technology.
> 2. first person shooters (with plot ala Half-Life)
> 3. Strategy/RPG (Sims, Warcraft etc)
graphics
> 4. simulators (flight sim/helicopter- always a PC forte' -- anything
> decent on console these days?)
> Given my preferences, would I be better served with a Xbox or PS2? Or is
> there little difference in terms of what game genre tends to be best on each
> platform?
> 3. HDTV is a huge issue. I know there is HDTV support (optional) on both
> PS2/Xbox. Is there any difference in video quality? Is there any difference
> in the number of games that are actually take advantage of HDTV resolution?
I currently own both a PS2 and an Xbox. The difference in graphics is
like night and day. The Xbox takes full support of HDTV with
resolutions such as 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. I own a 46"
widescreen HDTV and both the xbox and the PS2 are hooked up through
component cables. The Xbox looks vastly superior. The xbox also
includes better support for widescreen and is easier to configure.
Very few PS2 games take advantage of HDTV but none go higher than
480p. Another area that the xbox wins is audio. Almost all xbox games
include 5.1 Surround Sound. PS2 is limited to Pro Logic 2.1 sound. PS2
doesen't support true HDTV. Xbox Wins without a doubt here.
>
> 4. MOD chips for backup purposes. Easier with Xbox or PS2? Can you
> realistically use CDRW with either or do you need DVDRW?
> I have had no experience.
> Thanks for any comments.
Also note that Xbox live is included in most every Xbox games but PS2
varies game to game.
Xbox Wins
news.east.earthlink.net
> variety, with a few exceptions (Phantasy Star Online, the upcoming True Fantasy
> Live Online
also shenmue 2
news.earthlink.net
> 4. MOD chips for backup purposes. Easier with Xbox or PS2?
mod chips are much easier to install with the xbox.
compare the DMS modchips for the xbox vs ps2, big diff installing
-you can copy games to the xbox hard drive, skip the cd burning stuff
altogether.
-upgrade the harddrive with any pc drive, say 80gb.
-xbox media player lets you stream mp3/jpg/mpeg from a pc.
-most of the PC arcade/console emulators run on the xbox.
Chad
X-Box is FAR superior on a setup like this. The video quality is slightly
better from the X-box, but the sound is MUCH better. In game surround sound
adds a whole new element to the games.
Chad
"shawnews" <wildc...@removehotmail.com> wrote in message
news:CxWyb.544741$9l5.99629@pd7tw2no...
Teiresias
<jame...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> "shawnews" <wildc...@removehotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:<CxWyb.544741$9l5.99629@pd7tw2no>...
<snip>
> > 3. HDTV is a huge issue. I know there is HDTV support (optional) on both
> > PS2/Xbox. Is there any difference in video quality? Is there any difference
> > in the number of games that are actually take advantage of HDTV resolution?
>
> I currently own both a PS2 and an Xbox. The difference in graphics is
> like night and day. The Xbox takes full support of HDTV with
> resolutions such as 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. I own a 46"
> widescreen HDTV and both the xbox and the PS2 are hooked up through
> component cables. The Xbox looks vastly superior. The xbox also
> includes better support for widescreen and is easier to configure.
> Very few PS2 games take advantage of HDTV but none go higher than
> 480p. Another area that the xbox wins is audio. Almost all xbox games
> include 5.1 Surround Sound. PS2 is limited to Pro Logic 2.1 sound. PS2
> doesen't support true HDTV. Xbox Wins without a doubt here.
I'm sure the PS2 supports DTS, in at least GTA:VC and FIFA 2003...
probably others as well, but I can't say from personal experience.
That said, I think DTS is 5.1, but I'm not completely sure about that.
(Anyone who knows for sure want to chime in?)
--
- Teiresias
Victor
Ok, so PS2 may have more games, but that doesn't mean they have more
great games than the X-Box. GTA 3 and Vice City is far superior to the
PS2 version (as well as the PC version). Deus Ex 2 is coming to the
X-Box, but not for the PS2. Doom 3 is coming to the X-Box. I don't
believe that one is coming to PS2. In short, I think that in the
current generation and in the 2+ years it has left, X-Box will
dominate quality wise.
> 3. HDTV is a huge issue. I know there is HDTV support (optional) on both
> PS2/Xbox. Is there any difference in video quality? Is there any difference
> in the number of games that are actually take advantage of HDTV resolution?
In general, the X-Box has superior video quality. I don't have HDTV,
so I won't go into that. :)
> 4. MOD chips for backup purposes. Easier with Xbox or PS2? Can you
> realistically use CDRW with either or do you need DVDRW?
You can use CDRW & DVD-R with both.
Snakes...
I
> have been out of the scene for 5 years), I am deciding to switch to
console
> system. Mainly because my next PC is going to be a laptop, and to make it
a
> decent "gaming machine" I will have to pay an extra $1500 CAN, while I can
> buy a PS2/Xbox for about $200. Secondly, console games seem to be maturing
a
> lot in terms of less pure spots/racing games, more games with
> depth/plot/stratgegy which I like. Lastly, getting HDTV output on a laptop
> is still difficult.
>
> Debating between the PS2 and X-box....
>
> I know the Xbox is technically superior in terms of graphics
processing,
> CPU, built in HD etc. I have a 51" wide screen HDTV and Dolby Digital
5.1
> system, which I hear the Xbox supports better. However, I have some
concerns
> about the Xbox :
>
> 1. There are many more games out for the PS2. Is this really still an
> issue?
Not anymore. Eighteen months ago it was an issue but not now. The Xbox has
a big enough library to stand on it's own and it's library isn't nothing to
sneeze at.
> I don't care about old PS1 games. I do care about the big new
> releases. Is it safe to say most of the new releases are still coming out
> for PS2 only, or are they, for the most part, simultaenously released on
> both platforms?
Mostly all 3rd party developers are releasing their titles for all three
systems. Prince of Persia, Beyond Good & Evil and Need For Speed
Underground are recent examples. Occasionally you'll get a third party
developer who'll make an exclusive game (Silent Hill 3 for PS2 or Rainbow
Six 3 for Xbox) but they seem to balance themselves out.
> 2. Is there a difference between Xbox/PS2 in terms of what genre of game
is
> best represented? For example, my preference in games are:
> 1. action/adventure (like grand theft auto double pack, prince of
> persia, true crime)
> 2. first person shooters (with plot ala Half-Life)
> 3. Strategy/RPG (Sims, Warcraft etc)
> 4. simulators (flight sim/helicopter- always a PC forte' --
anything
> decent on console these days?)
From my experience the PS2 is far ahead of the Xbox in 3D platformers,
Japanese RPGs and Music/Rhythm games. The Xbox is far ahead in FPS games
and slighly ahead in racing games. Most all other genres seem to be equal
on each console, altho the Xbox version is usually the better
looking/sounding version.
I don't know of any pure flight simulators for a console, altho Ace Combat 4
(PS2) might be teh closest. Crimson Skies is on the Xbox, but it's more of
an arcade flying game.
> Given my preferences, would I be better served with a Xbox or PS2? Or
is
> there little difference in terms of what game genre tends to be best on
each
> platform?
Looking at your preferences I'd say your best bet is going with an Xbox. It
wins with your #2 choice (FPS) and holds it's own in your #1 choice
(action/adv). You won't find too many games under your #3 and #4 choices on
a console, so they are a wash.
> 3. HDTV is a huge issue. I know there is HDTV support (optional) on both
> PS2/Xbox. Is there any difference in video quality? Is there any
difference
> in the number of games that are actually take advantage of HDTV
resolution?
Practically all Xbox games support 480p. A handful of the games support
720p and even 1080i. A small percentage of PS2 games support 480p and not
one supports 720p or 1080i.
Personally I notice a difference in detail between a 480p game and a 480i
game but it's not a huge difference. The difference is there, it's just not
huge.
> 4. MOD chips for backup purposes. Easier with Xbox or PS2? Can you
> realistically use CDRW with either or do you need DVDRW?
I don't buy into the 'MOD chips for backup purposes' argument. Most people
who mod their consoles do so to steal games altho in fairness a very small
percentage of people who do mod their Xbox use it to take advantage of MAME
(which I dont have a problem with) or to take advantage of the progressive
scan support for the DVD playback.
--
Why did it have to be snakes?
bkr
"Snakes..." <holl...@delanet.com> wrote in message
news:bqlf1q$22144b$1...@ID-121560.news.uni-berlin.de...
Nothing to sneeze at?
I buy XBox games 8 to 1 over my other consoles and I own them all
ZigZag Master
image vs. 480P (correct me if wrong)....its more of an overall image
quality/stability thing. 480P looks like a Sony Trinitron monitor on my 61"
TV. Its just rock solid, no flickering from the interlaced scanlines.
"Snakes..." <holl...@delanet.com> wrote in message
news:bqlf1q$22144b$1...@ID-121560.news.uni-berlin.de...
Dave
>> 4. simulators (flight sim/helicopter- always a PC forte' -- anything
>> decent on console these days?)
Sorry, not really. I was a PC flight simmer, though I've moved
away from that. Ace Combat 4 (PS2, not XBOX?) is a fun
flying/combat game, and worth the $15, but is not a sim. Lethal
Skies 2 has gotten passable reviews, but is apparently no more
sim-like. I wouldn't base my choice of platform on these (and
given your "4" rating, I guess you would not either).
shawnews
definetly seems the way to go for me
happy holidays!
Snakes...
> Wow! Thanks to all who replied for your informative comments!! Xbox
> definetly seems the way to go for me
If you do end up with an Xbox and a few games be sure to post your
impression (whether they are good or bad).