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In what I can only feel like what was some hybrid mixture of a stroke of complete luck and sappy-movie-tier holiday miracle generosity, I find myself with a PlayStation 5 right in time for the holidays. It’s a sad state that merely buying a console has become a heroic feat, and yet, that fact makes it all the more exhilarating to be part of the next console generation. So, what better to do with this powerhouse system, than play Assassin’s Creed II; a game that’s over 11 years old, and originally released two console generations ago?

Backwards compatibility is one of the greatest features of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series line, letting players go back and experience an entire enhanced backlog of games while waiting for the heavy-hitting “next-gen” games to release, or while waiting for Cyberpunk 2077 to be in a playable state. Add to the fact that many of the games from the PlayStation 4’s library consisted of touched-up PlayStation 3 remasters in the form of Heavy Rain Remastered, Dishonored: Definitive Edition, The Yakuza Collection--every “trilogy”, “collection”, “legendary/definitive/ultimate/special” edition, and so many, many more; you could easily have a hundred PS4 games, none of them originating from that system’s own generation.

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In fact, I’ve yet to actually play a single PlayStation 5 game on my PS5. Perhaps it would be seen as bizarre, but as an ex-PC player, and only ever having owned the original PS4 and not the Pro, my favorite part about the PS5 is its ability to play older games at higher framerates or better quality. Games that I easily ignored on the base PlayStation 4 due to their performance have transformed into titles that I find myself wishlisting in hopes of nabbing them on sale at a later date. Even more exciting is that, as opposed to PC games which get dramatic price cuts seasonally, once a console game has been out for a while, the physical version tends to undergo a permanent price drop. It may not be as steep of a discount, but it’s affordable, and doesn’t require waiting around to be sniped during a perfect sale; the ideal combination for someone who’s just gotten a PS5 and is too impatient to wait for holiday price cuts just yet, or might have missed the best deals during Black Friday.

While I still hold an appreciation for PC gaming, the simple nature of consoles has won me back over. Yes, you can’t mod your games as freely, you can’t...try out all those fun demos from Codex, and the fidelity won’t come close to the best of what PCs are capable of right now--especially in the future--but at the same time, you also don’t have to do any fiddling with settings, there’s no worrying about the quality of a PC port, and most importantly, a PS5 doesn’t multitask; it has one purpose: games, and I find myself not getting distracted by things that might normally pull me out of an experience on my PC, like untimely Windows Update restarts, random BSODs, or compatibility issues after said updates. Perhaps it’s just part of my ongoing bad run of luck with PC gaming, but it took an entire hour of messing with settings, watching a game crash repeatedly, and desperately scouring the Steam forums with a friend after Detroit: Become Human stopped working, thanks to an Nvidia GeForce Experience update for Cyberpunk 2077 rendering the former unstable and unable to be played without rolling back to a random sketchy upload of a driver from over six months ago. That’s not something that would ever happen on a console.

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The amount of customization PCs provide is a blessing as much as it is a curse.

This generation, Microsoft and Sony seem to have understood what might pique the interest of PC gamers: giving players that same option between graphics and performance, in a simple box that doesn’t ask much of its user; just download a game or slide a disc in, and It Just Works (TM). Of course, not everyone is going to see things that way, and that’s fine. After all, the PC platform is all about giving users the freedom of choice, and now, excitingly, PlayStation and Xbox users are able to get a taste of that glorious freedom, too.

 

[Chary]

I only like one controller that MadCatz made, and it was a very well-built 360 wired controller. Has great triggers, the buttons feel perfect, and it worked with all my Steam games with no difference noticed by Windows. Latency was also a non-issue with it. But otherwise, yes... MadCatz makes garbage controllers for the most-part.

View attachment 241069

Gosh, you’ll put your eye out with those grips! Dpad looks good though, especially considering it was for 360.

I'm going towards the opposite opinion of yours, for... What is basically the same reasons as yours.

Retrocompatibility is fine, and I'll be among the first ones to agree that it's always fun to go back to one of the classics of your childhood. Which is why I still enjoy pulling out good old Final Fantasy V, Lufia II or Magic Pockets. I still have a decent catalog of older games and consoles at home, and I still play them regularly, but it's just more comfortable to do it on the same platform you use to talk with friends, to listen to music (since, as delicious as those OSTs can be, they become quite repetitive after the 500th time) or things like that. Turns out it's not something you can do on actual consoles for obvious reasons, especially since I'm usually playing on multiple platforms.

Simplicity is enjoyable, and is something that allows for accessibility. Which is why I took the time to set up my collection over the years. Games, emulators, Steam account and games, everything in a nice little folder easily accessible and ready to launch. With a catalog I'm not even sure I'll be able to completely finish during my whole life, considering I bought too many Steam games. And it's still more simple to have one system to talk with friends, listen to music, play games and browse Internet than to have one for each of them, so simplicity wins in that aspect.

In addition, I have one. MASSIVE. advantage. The price. Being able to get old games I loved as a child, which are re-released with better graphics, for a fraction of the price I'd pay them on a console is a good point. Being sure I won't have to buy them again in five years because I'll be more or less to switch to the next generation and catalog is barely transferable at best is a huge point when you're on a tight budget, and not everyone can buy a new rig for 500+ bucks every X years, while a decent computer can last longer than that and be fixed with much more ease than a console.

I appreciate the consoles for their accessibility. Which is why I still use regularly my 3DS. But you can't claim superiority of this gen's consoles when, even with retrocompatibility, their catalog is weak at best and as small as an ant compared to the massive elephant of 30-35 years of amazing games. Especially when many of these games are now as easily playable on PC for better results. Especially when said catalogs pale when compared to a full access to many older consoles (for example, I'd pick a SNES, a GB or a GEN catalog over a PS4+5 or a Xbox Series catalog, hands down). And while you may have valuable reasons to favor the current generation of consoles, the same reasons are making me favor PC.

I by no means am saying x console is end all be all the best overall. Just an opinion piece that sometimes, PC isn’t all it’s cracked up to be for some, and that these new consoles can be a welcome choice for those that want a taste of the fancy performance PC gaming has, without the troubleshooting, cost, or strife.

The catalog of games on PC will always win, hands down, purely because “backwards comparability” is a completely different beast on the platform, and if you really wanted, you could get pretty much any full game franchise playable via emulation and steam backlog.

Now that I have a moment to write a proper reply...

IMO, the optimal setup is really just to have a gaming capable PC, a home console, and a portable console of some sort. It's really the "best of all worlds", and this gen is kind of the perfect time to experience all of the big three: You get your Xbox fill from PC since MS is pushing Xbox on PC plus all the advantages of PC gaming (mods, sales, a PC, etc), you get your Sony exclusives and the "ease of use" and "sit back and relax" vibe from the PS5, and then you've got the Switch for any portable gaming and Nintendo exclusives you might want to play as well.

It's definitely the costly way to go (what with having to maintain a library across all three), and it's certainly not for everyone, but I've basically done it this way for as long as I've been gaming and I honestly couldn't imagine limiting myself to just one platform now or in the future for any reason other than cost or true lack of interest. I think people who willingly limit themselves to one platform for dumb reasons like blind fanboyism (looking at you, PCMR) are really missing out on what gaming as a whole has to offer, and should be taken out back and shot

It’s...interesting, to see comments that boil down to “grrr!!! If you can’t play on x platform you might as well not play at all!!!!” PC gaming in a nutshell: spending more time arguing over the platform and tweaking your rig than playing games ;O; jkjkjk

Throwing cash at something usually gets you the best experience, and it rings especially true for gaming. Which is why I’m not tossing out my super PC, obviously, but definitely...moving away from it.

 

[Hells Malice]

Then you're doing it wrong. You like VR? Try it with an Oculus Rift or better. I find it so amazing that I don't know how long the game is to this day. Never had a desire to simply follow the main line to the end to "finish" or "win" it. Too much other stuff to do. Especially with mods. Even on the Switch.
0

Or I just enjoy properly made videogames that don't overly rely on a very, very basic principle of scaling everything based on your current power which ends horribly if what you level is only complimenting your combat damage not increasing it. Which is why Skyrim enemies start taking 50 hits and kill you in three. Awesome balancing. Unless you abuse extremely broken mechanics like sneak damage of course. Mods try to fix this but it FEELS like a shitty bandaid stretched over a gaping crater in a freighter. I could go on for hours why Bethesda can't balance to save their lives.

I never bothered with the main story either, Bethesda's mediocre dialogue makes me nauseous. They're significantly better at world-building, lore and indirect storytelling. Though all of that is done better in the Fallout series.

Gameplay wise you swing around a pool noodle or sling sponges at enemies until the red bar hits 0. There's no interaction, no visceral feeling, nothing. Combat is dull, flat and unresponsive. Even Fallout 4 does it better and that's made by the same people in the same engine and still suffers from several of their constant issues, yet ends up being fun because at least it has some impact.

The only thing I did wrong was play better games and have higher standards than you.

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

Yo don’t hate on the VMU! Dreamcast controller might feel like holding an R/C car remote from 1970, but it had so many cute features with the VMU that it excuses it!

R/C car remote is a bit generous, more like a ship or a boat. You know it's true when sega does this.

 

[Kioku]

R/C car remote is a bit generous, more like a ship or a boat. You know it's true when sega does this.

View attachment 241078

I fail to see the problem here.

 

[Deleted member 546892]

I've put in a fair bit of thought as to downgrading my PC and just picking up a Series X... I probably would, but I have a heavy preference to kbm over controller.

Series X has a keyboard and mouse option sir.

 

[Kioku]

Series X has a keyboard and mouse option sir.

Read my reply to this same inquiry, thanks.

I think it's pretty obvious I mean games? Y'know? Since most of the games console DO NOT HAVE kbm support?

 

[Deleted member 546892]

Read my reply to this same inquiry, thanks.

I think it's pretty obvious I mean games? Y'know? Since most of the games console DO NOT HAVE kbm support?

Ok, sorry, have a nice night.

 

[SugoiEndeavor]

I'd personally argue that it's almost impossible for me to go back to playing on modern consoles. The lack of customization and resolution options is truly insufferable, but hey people have different opinions and I respect that.

 

[Goku1992A]

@Tom Bombadildo
It is really hard to maintain multiple systems and play them at the same time. IMO if you are a console player or a PC player it is best to play your 1 system and get the most out of it. A better scenario if you have 1 console and 1 handheld you can enjoy them more. It even becomes worse when your system is modded because you have an endless supply of video games. In my PS2 and my PS3 days I played and finished the majority of my games because at the time I only had 1 system. When I got the PS4 I ditched my PS3 and focused on my PS4 but when I obtained my gaming laptop, Xb1, and the switch it just became a shit show of picking and choosing what should I play and why.

The only games that I'm playing right now is RE4 and GOW collection on my PS3 and Mario 3D world on the cemu emulator on my gaming laptop. Once I beat those 3 games I will move on to 3 more games I may have some time to squeeze Zelda on my switch but I really hate carrying the switch around and I had grown accustomed to playing my switch on the dock.

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

I'd personally argue that it's almost impossible for me to go back to playing on console. The lack of customization on console is actually horrible. But hey people have different opinions and I respect that.

Maybe that's just what some people feel comfortable with. Not being overwhelmed with customization or options. The focus on playing the game can be front and center.

 

[raxadian]

Unless it’s the launch week of the PS2, no console really launches right off the bat with instant classics...which is why it’s, again, really great for playing older PS4 games in actually tolerable framerates if you skipped the Pro.

Only the PS5 is hard to get due to Scalpers and a Pro is cheaper.

Some consoles had great games on release, the Nintendo 64, the Dreamcast... Actually of the early PS2 games, I think I only really liked Alien Hominid.

Awesome game, has aged quite well, could really use a sequel or a remaster with more levels.

 

[Codemastershock]

Maybe that's just what some people feel comfortable with. Not being overwhelmed with customization or options. The focus on playing the game can be front and center.

This. I only enjoy PC gaming with simulation games like Roller Coaster Tycoon which not only kbm is optimal, but the game itself is light (except 3 which is still very bad to run even on modern machines) to the point of not being worth it to mess around with performance and graphical options. I waste so much time tweaking settings that nothing is enough to make me actually sit and play the game.
The only thing I hate about console gaming is accessories, you would think that since they are connected to an universal standard (USB) they would just work on anything but no. Not only every single one of them are very expensive, but they are exclusive to a certain brand AND generation. Controllers I kinda get, they are designed around some features of the machine in mind, but I loathe so much that, to use a racing wheel I have to buy one that is made for console X and doesnt work with anything else just because of licensing, if I want to use a racing wheel on a console with a different manufacturer I have to buy another wheel which is the exact same as the previous one, again, just because of stupid licensing and even then, it is possible for my wheel to be not forwards compatible with future consoles of the brand it was licensed to. Logitech I think is the least worst in this case, they use unified drivers so it is possible to use a wheel meant for the PS4 on Gran Turismo 4 for the PS2 and use a Driving Force Pro made for GT4 on GT Sport, but these are the exception, not the rule.

 

[Jayro]

R/C car remote is a bit generous, more like a ship or a boat. You know it's true when sega does this.

View attachment 241078

this should have been a boat skin for Hydro Thunder on the Dreamcast version, LOL!

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I

I had that exact controller, and I remember the sticks were awful.
The sharp edges and soft, slick lack of texture made for a terrible experience.

I'm sorry you had that experience. Mine still works great, but it does need a cleaning.

 

[Benja81]

I get it. I would be in love with my PS5 too!

Dude you had some shitty PCs?

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

I waste so much time tweaking settings that nothing is enough to make me actually sit and play the game.

Well, kinda what I was thinking. Having options are sometimes good and bad, but it depends on what those are. If you have a good machine specs, your go to choice would be, set the maximum quality settings your game allows. If not, you probably spend more time trying to strike a balance of how far you can push your machine until you're comfortable with it. Or give up and accept you just have to use the worst settings because you spent too much time messing with it instead of playing the game.

On console, that stuff is gone. You don't have much choice but to play as it is or don't play at all. In some rare instance you do get options, is extremely simplified. Some games like Kingdom Hearts 3 or monster hunter world on console give you option to preference quality which focus on making the graphics look good at expense of framerate or performance for higher or consistent framerate at expense of lower resolution. Unlike pc where you can mix and match multiple options.

Most people just want to play the game right away and not think about all the features of customizing graphics or performance. As long as the game work as intended and not looking like a game from a portable system, or runs like bad online multiplayer. Many people find that simplicity appealing. The focus remains on getting the player to the gameplay as priority, not * injecting sarcasm * calibrating your system to make the game work. * end of sarcasm *

 

[Benja81]

Well, kinda what I was thinking. Having options are sometimes good and bad, but it depends on what those are. If you have a good machine specs, your go to choice would be, set the maximum quality settings your game allows. If not, you probably spend more time trying to strike a balance of how far you can push your machine until you're comfortable with it. Or give up and accept you just have to use the worst settings because you spent too much time messing with it instead of playing the game.

On console, that stuff is gone. You don't have much choice but to play as it is or don't play at all. In some rare instance you do get options, is extremely simplified. Some games like Kingdom Hearts 3 or monster hunter world on console give you option to preference quality which focus on making the graphics look good at expense of framerate or performance for higher or consistent framerate at expense of lower resolution. Unlike pc where you can mix and match multiple options.

Most people just want to play the game right away and not think about all the features of customizing graphics or performance. As long as the game work as intended and not looking like a game from a portable system, or runs like bad online multiplayer. Many people find that simplicity appealing. The focus remains on getting the player to the gameplay as priority, not * injecting sarcasm * calibrating your system to make the game work. * end of sarcasm *

Ok but how hard is it to switch from Medium settings to High settings etc. Most games even auto calibrate for your system.
You really only have to touch the other settings if you really want to geek out or maybe tweak here and there as you go.
I feel like not having any settings or barely any settings is not really a plus.

 

[D34DL1N3R]

The entire PC is inconvenient cuz of drivers, updates, tweaking, bsod's, blah, blah blah blah is extremely over exaggerated by most people. I can't even remember the last time I had an issue with updates, windows crashing, a game not working, etc. Years.

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

Ok but how hard is it to switch from Medium settings to High settings etc. Most games even auto calibrate for your system.
You really only have to touch the other settings if you really want to geek out or maybe tweak here and there as you go.
I feel like not having any settings or barely any settings is not really a plus.

Fair point, but is okay that you feel that way. I was only speculating what others might feel. Not speaking of my personal opinion.

 

[Benja81]

Fair point, but is okay that you feel that way. I was only speculating what others might feel. Not speaking of my personal opinion.

And don't get me wrong I would love a PS5, but I just don't think I'd be saying thank goodness there's no settings, and still doesn't replace what a gaming PC can do.

 

[scroeffie1984]

c64 all dayy