XBOX or PC: Choose Your Battleground!

[Chihiro]

Will you buy MTG: Battlegrounds for the PC or the XBOX? I'm probably going to buy it for PC, see my reasoning below. Feel free to do the same. I'm interested to hear the reasoning other people used to come to their conclusion, since I'm still not sure which version to get.

[Cobalt60]

I'll be grabbing it for the Xbox, if only because my 8 year-old son likes to play (he kicks ass on the demo - can you say Elf rush!!) and it will be easier to play 2 players on the Xbox - should be pretty cool on Live also,

[pvthudson01]

gonna go XBOX with this one

here is why

On PC im chained to my desk, and I already have Magic the gathering online and I have etherlords II

[NMercy]

I just prefer playing on my xbox as opposed to my PC... have lots of room around my xbox, but not so much around my PC... basically more convenient for me...

Though I am fairly certain the PC version will look better than the Xbox...

[Chihiro]

Here's how I see it:

Multiplayer: Xbox Live has an extra monthly fee and I don't have any other Live games, whereas the internet is free, so the PC wins over online play. However, the Xbox has split screen, which is great for playing with friends. I do have 2 comoputers on a LAN, though, so the PC almost makes up for that.

Control: I've only ever played it on Xbox, and I love that control scheme. However, the controls for the PC version are a big unknown. But with the keyboard and mouse available to the developers, I'm sure they'll come up with something intuitive.

Graphics: Pretty much the same as the controls. The graphics on Xbox are great, but I'm sure the PC graphics will be equal or better, considering the power of my computer. Even so, the difference will most likely be negligible.

The other big factor is the "console feel." As some of you have noted, there's just something special about playing on a console in a more relaxed environment rather that sitting at a computer to play. This is really hard to define, but is very important to the overall "fun" factor of game playing.

[Cobalt60]

Hey, but there's an excuse to get more Xbox Live games (I highly recommend Crimson Skies and Midnight Club II)

[Chihiro]

How is it that this thread has over 200 views but only around 10 people have voted? Don't be shy, guys! Make a contribution! :)

[Lone Dragon]

I voted for Xbox, though I wouldn't say because it's better, per se. I prefer the controller on the consoles to mouse and keyboard (yeah, I'm weird, lol). I really don't use my PC for games, if I can get the game on a console, so I'll be happy playing on my Xbox. Besides, there are quite a few people on my FL that are getting it. I wish they'd been able to connect the PC and Xbox Live versions like they'd planned, that would've been awesome!

Anyone on Live interested in hooking up when this game comes out?:D

[Chihiro]

Dang, I think I'm almost convinced to get it for Xbox. After all, the sheer feel of the controller is better than the keyboard/mouse for games like this, and splitscreen is a blast. If I get my little brother to chip in for Live payment, it'll be no problem at all! :D

It seems like a lot of you seem to agree about the whole "console ambiance" thing. Too bad nobody is arguing the case for PCs...

The next question is... I wonder if my name's already taken? ;)

[jps3291]

Hey i'm a pc gamer who has come to the rescue. The graphics on the computer will defintely b better. the internet will be much faster and you can get itfor FREE! also you dont need to play 2 players you can just play online. Or u can configure the controlsso 2 ppl can play. And finally if u like the console controler feeling and urwilling to pay (from wut my friend said) $100 for XBOX LIVE! then intead of paying $100 pay about 45 and buy a controler for you computer. As many have said the main reason the want the game for XBOX is b/c they like the feeling of the controller and or they feel "chained" to the desk. I already said 1 solution for the XBOX controller feeling(get a controller for the PC) no for the ppl who feel "chained" ever hear of Wireless keyboards, mice AND game controller??!??! well i have all 3 so it will b the exactly the same if not better (graphics) and it will b 1$10 LESS!!!!

peace,
~Joe~:p

[Chihiro]

Hmm, good points. But just to play the part of the console advocate, here's some rebuttals I cooked up....

Graphics will be better? I don't think there will be that much of a difference, seeing as this is the same graphics engine. Probably a higher resolution is all you'll get.

I doubt 2 people will be able to play on one PC. That would be nice, but the controls really don't work I don't think.

Xbox Live! costs nowhere near $100. You get 2 months free when you buy the game, then it's either $50 to cover the entire next year or $6 each month. And that price stays the same no matter how many Xbox Live! games you play.

Well unfortunately I don't have wireless everything for my computer - just the mouse. And it's not so much that the controller is different (although that is a factor), but it's more like the feel of playing a console game compared to the feel of a computer game. Plus, I already spend tons of time in front of a computer - it's nice to get a change in scenery :)

Where's the $10 less again? Actually, I think you may mean $100 from the supposed Xbox Live! cost, but I already touched on that up there.

*EDIT: And don't take any of this personally or offensively. I'm just trying to work all the reasons out for each version.

[jps3291]

the $10 dollars less is the cost of teh game: for XBOX its$50
for PC: $40. and another point i4got was that it would b easier to chat to your opponent. Though i did hear of Voice talk. but thats either a feature that came wit XBOX or u have to buy a Microphone which is abt $10-$15. But i dont kno alot abt XBOX so ya kno....:confused:

HOW DO YOU GET THOSEPICTURES NEXT TO YOUR NAME!?!?!?




*edit also the reason i said $10 less wus b/c it wus virtually the same thing except for u lay with a controller instead of a mouse and keyboard even though i talked abt getting a controller.

[Chihiro]

Yeah, it's a nice picture, isn't it? :D
After your 50th post you get promoted from a New Member to a Member, and gain the ability to use an avatar. To get it, you click "Choose Avatar" or something like that in the Profile Options screen.

And yes, you're right, the PC version is $10 cheaper! Geez, you're not making this easy... ;)

[jps3291]

what? u asked for some1 to fight for the pc's side no 1 else did so i took over. Btw i am on a debate club i have worked on much more one-sided topice than this. Alls i wus saying is that the pc game is pretty much the same as the xbox except for the price and the fact that u use XBOX LIVE! and u use a contoller.

[Chihiro]

You may have missed it, but there's a wink at the end of that sentence. I'm glad you're giving the PC side some defense - I'm really split over which version to buy. You're getting the PC version, but I gather the dominant reason for that is simply because you don't have an Xbox. You do make a good case for the PC version though - the price and the graphical improvements. Man, I'd better make up my mind quick before the game comes out, heh.

[W00dh34d]

Single Player:
PC should have sharper graphics and is rumored to cost $10 less than the XBox game. Although the XBox game will be released ahead of the PC game. Tough decision, play now or wait in order to save $10 and get sharper graphics...
Winner: Tie

Multiplayer
For playing multiplayer within your own home, I would say the XBox is superior as it has the split screen player vs. player mode (if what I have read is correct).

On a PC in order to play two person game you would have to have two PCs on a home network, and you would require two copies of the PC game...
Winner: XBox

Multiplayer Internet Play
To play over the internet (or over XBox Live) the PC game at $10 cheaper per game would be the cheapest option (asssuming free connection between compters over internet). I don't currently have (nor have ever used) XBox Live so it is hard for me to comment on it (other than it would cost you and a friend the $50 each for the game and then XBox Live costs)...
Winner: PC

Overall Gameplay
From playing the demo on the XBox, it just feels like a console game rather than a PC game IMHO...
Winner: XBox

Overall Winning Platform
You decide!! :)
Winner: ????

[Lone Dragon]

The Gamestop that I work at has both the PC and Xbox versions set to release on the same day... Just to let everyone know...:D

[jps3291]

that is true



Also i have the best video card posible all wireless gaming supplies(controller, mouse, keyboard, and speakers) also a 18" flat screen and an Intel Inside Celeron Processor the superior to Pentium IIII. That is y i think it will b betta for the PC b/c my pc is unbelieveably fast and great graphics. so tHAT AND THEN PRice kinda makeup for the console feel.





FYI this isall true and i got the computer custom made from a small company near my house called COMPUTER GrEEKs. It all added up to about my life savings: $715. 90 i just copied that off the reciept

[Chihiro]

Wow man, sounds like you've got it made. So, our of curiosity, what video card is that? Oh, and it's IV, not IIII :p

[jps3291]

well idk per se.. i hvae ba good vid card and it cant b upgraded... so thas y i said it wus the best.


o lol i havent learned Roman Numerals yet (only in 7th grade) tho that wus pretty basic and i should have known it... haha lol bye




edit* also i am currently downloading Etherlords II. Is that real time or turn based?!

[Chihiro]

It's turn based, and it's pretty much a total rip-off of MTG the card game, but in 3D and with different names for creatures. Well, it's free and it's online, so that's not too bad. Especially if you're into MTG and/or ripoffs. :D

[TiaMaster]

Okay, tired of seeing all the bogus information about Xbox LIVE, like it costs a monthly fee, or it costs $100 and sh*t like that.
Just so that we are all on the same page here, this is the deal with LIVE:
As long as you have broadband internet (can't believe some peeps are still on dial-up:rolleyes: ) then you have a couple of options. You can get the LIVE Kit for 69.99 and it INCLUDES the FULL VERSION of MechAssault, the headset, and a year of LIVE service. Alternatively, you can buy a LIVE game, get 2 months of LIVE free with it (at least with newer games) and then sign up at the end of that period for either 50.00 a year, or 5.95 a month - NOT BOTH.

Now. I think both versions will rock, and the deciding factor for most people will be the "easy access" of the Xbox version. The superior graphics of the PC version will be lessened with my HD-TV in all its glory, and my surround sound is better in my living room, so 'cuz of these few reasons I voted for the 'box.

[TiaMaster]

Originally posted by jps3291
that is true



Also i have the best video card posible all wireless gaming supplies(controller, mouse, keyboard, and speakers) also a 18" flat screen and an Intel Inside Celeron Processor the superior to Pentium IIII. That is y i think it will b betta for the PC b/c my pc is unbelieveably fast and great graphics. so tHAT AND THEN PRice kinda makeup for the console feel.





FYI this isall true and i got the computer custom made from a small company near my house called COMPUTER GrEEKs. It all added up to about my life savings: $715. 90 i just copied that off the reciept

Um, don't know where you got the idea that CELERONS were better than PENTIUM 4'S for god's sake....
but at least you're happy with your system!

[Chihiro]

Originally posted by TiaMaster
Okay, tired of seeing all the bogus information about Xbox LIVE, like it costs a monthly fee, or it costs $100 and sh*t like that.
Just so that we are all on the same page here, this is the deal with LIVE:
As long as you have broadband internet (can't believe some peeps are still on dial-up:rolleyes: ) then you have a couple of options. You can get the LIVE Kit for 69.99 and it INCLUDES the FULL VERSION of MechAssault, the headset, and a year of LIVE service. Alternatively, you can buy a LIVE game, get 2 months of LIVE free with it (at least with newer games) and then sign up at the end of that period for either 50.00 a year, or 5.95 a month - NOT BOTH.

Thanks for clearing that up for us and putting into one nice, easy-to-read package. Even so, I'd like to point out that 11 posts ago I did say almost exactly the same thing, minus the stuff about the Starter Kit since that's somewhat irrelevant to the situation at hand.

And about the surround sound, did you read the article about the music of the game? LOL, the composer was practically having fits over being able to use surround for his songs. :D

[TiaMaster]

Originally posted by Chihiro
And about the surround sound, did you read the article about the music of the game? LOL, the composer was practically having fits over being able to use surround for his songs. :D

Yeah, an orchestra surrounding me in-game makes me wanna poop puppies...

[Mongo]

Definitely buying it for the PC, seeing as how I do not own an X-Box.

[Chihiro]

Well guys, I finally bit the bullet and preordered the Xbox version today. I guess that means I should vote in my own poll now...

Well anyway, see ya on Live! Hopefully I'll be able to secure a good 'Tag...

[NMercy]

Can't wait, hopefully tomorrow it will be in my hands, but worst case Wednesday...

[Scottmc]

I'll be seeing you guys on Xbox -

my tag is Captin Kurk

[Lone Dragon]

I'm about to clear out some space on my Friends List, so if anyone is interested in some MTG-BG action this weekend, let me know. I'll be sending and/or accepting Friend Requests from anyone on this forum...:D

[Chihiro]

Bumping this to get input from all the new people on the forum. Plus, it contains the GamerTag of an Atari employee! :p

[Gruesome]

XBox = Voice chat with pubbers...

PC, *IF* you prearrange to have both players with same chat program connect to same server... Bah! I prefer to spend my time playing.

Economics is the ONLY justification for PC preference. If money doesn't matter, there is NO reason not to XBox.

[Chihiro]

In the PC version, can't you maintain multiple accounts in the game for free? If so, that's one big difference between the two versions. It may not seem like a big deal, but it actually has quite massive implications in the way online play works.

P.S. Note the gamertag in my sig... I decided on Xbox in the end.

[Gruesome]

I agree... The PC version will have anonymous pubbers making people's lives miserable by hiding their identity behind made up names. Excellent point. I forgot about that "feature".

[Chihiro]

In fact, I have proof that they're using some sort of algorithm. I was looking at the stats screen and noticed someone had a positive score, but a record of 0 wins and 1 loss! Obviously, the game rewards and subtracts points based on some formula. However, this is also evidence of 2 other things. First, the algorithm must be very simplistic and/or poorly done to give someone points for a loss. For more on that, see the link I posted to the USCF rating system in my "Xbox Live! Flaws" thread. Second, this is an example of a (very) high level player taking on an unranked player. I know they have to be extremely mismatched because that's the only way such an error could occur. But that just brings up another problem entirely, one which I don't feel like getting into with this post since I've already detailed it that same thread I mentioned above.

If you look at the USCF's rating algorithm, you will see that it is clearly very well developed and quite applicable to MtG:B. Please please please, devs, look into it!

[Gruesome]

Well... you mention the USCF, which I believe is under an ELO type rating system, but then talk about how someone with an 0-1 record had a good rating... The reality is, thats quite possible under a USCF type system. Basically, early in your rating, you take on the rating of your opponents as a basis and add or subtract accordingly and it is the differential between the ratings that determine yours.

For instance, as a really bad example. If I joined FIDE and played Gary Kasparov 1000 times in a row, his rating would change very little after beating me 1000 straight times, whereas mine would STILL be quite high because of the level of competition I had faced. (I wonder if it would still be master level...)

[Chihiro]

Not so, under their new system. True, the standard formula could work that way, but you wouldn't gain points in actual practice. The only problem with the USCF ratings system is it is totally based on tournaments. I'm not sure how that would adapt to single-game play. But I am not suggesting that Secret Level (or whoever) totally lift this scheme, but rather see how it works and follow its example. It has occurred to me that I may be being too premature in my judgement of the game's existing rating system - in time it may balance out. Plus there is the major factor of new player exploitation, which is far too easy in the current setup. Change must be made to the way games are matched in order to preserve the accuracy and fairness of the ranking system, as per my other thread (http://www.ataricommunity.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=4442151#post4442151).

EDIT: I just realize I may have misinterpreted your Kasparov analogy. I think now you're trying to say you will lose very few points, right? If that's what you mean, then that is exactly what I'd like to see in MtG:B. I suppose I ought to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume their rating system does, in fact, work like it should, but only on a larger scale than exists at this time. Perhaps 300 points is a a small amount to have in their scale. But if that's so, then why did losing to a 300 point (or less!) player cause the formula to raise the score of a zero- or near-zero-rated player?

[Kannuki]

Alrighty... Xbox live is not that expensive...

It costs $50 for a YEAR. No hassles. You pay 50 dollars and you get the headset and a one year subscription. No extra charges for voice chat. The headset comes with the package. After the year, pay another 50 for another YEAR.

For those of you still skeptical. That is $4.17 a month with a free headset and voice communication.

By the way. The internet will be slower because of the 56k people running around. Xbox Live! is Broadband Exclusive. Admit Defeat. The Xbox is the best thing running.

[warder808]

Xbox. My PC is getting old. Live is very easy to use and get into.

Split screen! Tv & Living Room better than small computer room.