R P G A M E R . C O M   - D E B A T E

PC and Console RPGaming

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J. Matthew Sloderbeck & Josh Martz
STAFF EDITORIALISTS

Matt: Speaking of Final Fantasies, let's turn our attention from XI to XII for a moment -- follow me here, now. One of the largest complaints seems to be with the battle system. On the subject of battle systems, what are some of the differences between consoles and PCs?

Matt: Consoles obviously seem, again, to steer towards the simple method -- you highlight your target, press the button, and that's it. But how boring is that, really?

Matt: What's wrong with a little complication, man?

Josh: PCs tend to have a plethora of options available to them, mostly due to the interface, as we mentioned. However...

Josh: A lot of RPGs on the PC are based on the D&D system of battle, where the character continually attacks an enemy, while the user inputs commands that happen when a turn comes around.

Josh: The continuous mode of attack is rather strange to one that plays console RPGs often.

Josh: Most console RPGs are only loosely based upon the D&D rules, to the point where they just use random number generators to determine damage.

Matt: Here's where I think that PCs are actually limited in a way. Not because of the methods a player has available, but because developers seem to think that since Diablo did the point-and-click method so well, they should *all* do it that way.

Josh: Well, you had to keep clicking in Diablo to attack.

Josh: But honestly, if you have a fast-moving device available to you, why not use it? It allows for a more dynamic environment, where you aren't limited by the speed and awkwardness of the controller or the enemies standing still.

Josh: Also, games like Morrowind and System Shock 2 (I consider it an RPG...) don't have that point-and-click system that Diablo had. Sure, it's point-and-click, but it's a First-Person view, where you have the option as to what speed you attack the enemy, in real time.

Matt: True, most of the Diable clones haven't been seen for awhile, admittedly. And here's where I'm hoping that Nintendo is actually onto something with the Revolution's new controller. That could spell the breakthrough to bring some PC games over to the consoles.

Matt: Granted, a pointer doesn't control anything like a mouse, but the possibilities are so much more then what they used to be, when all console gamers had was a piece of plastic you have to hold onto.

Josh: Yes, I'm somewhat looking forward to the Revolution controller (although I've been disappointed with the past two controller efforts by Nintendo), and it could very well be good...but it's still not as good as a mouse, because it's not really an extension of your hand.

Matt: I miss the Mario Paint mouse, you know. Back on the subject of battle systems, there are some where a controller might be a better choice. Tales of Legendia claims to have a battle system like a fighting game... Can you imagine trying to pull out a Shoryuken with some arrow keys?

Josh: Imagine? I know! I tried to play my copy of Street Fighter Alpha 3 on my PSX emulator (my PSX was busted, ok??), and it was pretty difficult.

Josh: It's possible, but awkward.

Josh: I eventually bought a controller for it.

Matt: True enough. So, if developers can find ways to make a controller more intuitive with two thumbsticks and a few buttons, I'd be a happy moogle.

Josh: Heheh.