Oblivion: Xbox 360 vs. PC
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Feb 2nd 2006 at 12:00PM }
So how do the two versions of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion stack up? CVG recently put the question to the game's producer, Gavin Carter:
CVG: Will there be different features or limitations in the Xbox 360 version?
Carter: We are working to make the two versions as close to identical as possible. The Xbox 360 version should be visually identical to a PC running with all the visual options turned to maximum. PC users will have more options to turn down certain visuals to better accommodate older hardware setups. The only thing the Xbox 360 version will lack is the Elder Scrolls Construction Set for modding. It simply isn't possible to offer on a console.
Elsewhere, Xbox.com spoke with Oblivion's executive producer, Todd Howard:
Xbox.com: Anything you'll be able to do with the game on Xbox 360 that just wouldn't be possible anywhere else?
Howard: Hmmm, I guess it's more about the fact that we can do it all and not really have to cut corners. So for instance, in the PC version, depending on your PC, there's a part of it you won't be seeing in all its glory, but on the Xbox 360, you get it all. Please, everyone, buy an HD set ... just please.
Xbox.com: ...just how much more glorious an adventure can owners expect from the title than their PC-loving counterparts?
Howard: Again, it depends on their setup. If they have the absolute latest PC with a video card that is fully shader model 3.0 compatible and a giant HD monitor, they're about the same. The question is, can they get all of that for $399? And does it let them play Geometry Wars? That game rules.
[Thanks, Jerome; via Gaming 360]
_thumbnail.jpg "Lunar: Silver Star Harmony")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Dan @ Feb 10th 2006 4:38AM
I own both X360 and high end PC.
To put it simple, no console will ever be able to beat the PC gaming experience. No, i'm not talking graphics. I'm talking 'experience', like atmosphere.
I'm buying Oblivion for the 360, because i only have an X800XT Platinum, and it doesn't support SM 3.0. So i'll just play on the 360's nice ATi R500 core.
You also have to note that the 360 doesn't have an OS like Windows to run, so all of it's raw processing power is going into nothing but GAMING. This means, currently i'd say the 360 IS the best for processing power, but PC is already taking over with nVidia's quad CPU setup.
Besides, in a few months, you'll be seeing quad core CPU's for the PC. No point in upgrading until Windows Vista is released.
Mmm...
Doovon @ Feb 10th 2006 8:17AM
Hi Guys, Just wondering, do you think Oblivion can run on 2.06 ghz pc with 512mb ram and running a 6600? Just wondering if anyone knows, cause I am dying to play this game!
Thx
Bob @ Feb 18th 2006 9:25AM
I am going to solve this debate very easily,
I am building a PC(Amd 64 x2 4400+,Nvidia 7800gtx,2 gb Speedy ram) and a 360(Premium,and a 51' HD DlP TV) ,
Mwahahahahaha
J.R. Coronado IIIs @ Feb 24th 2006 10:45AM
I used to be an xbox lover and maybe still don't mind it. I been in both worlds and let me tell you, there is no comparison between xbox360 and pc. Pc will always be on top. If your ok with what the console limits itself to, then go for it, but I am about pushing my equipment to the max. If you have never seen a high end pc work it's magic you are really missing out. Which by the way is only running about $1000. That is a great deal when there is so much more you can do with a pc besides play games. For example xbox360 is only set to 2X anti-aliasing. My system run 6x anti-aliasing and 16x astronphoic and much more. Just put it this way you see no little jagged lines the way you see on the xbox. That is just one feature about pc. Also by the way dual core graphics card with gddr 4 ram and quad core processor are going to be released next year so can you say xbox360 and ps3 is already old news. That is the beauty of upgrading
bye bye
neverknowsbest@hotmail.com @ Feb 26th 2006 2:39AM
"The Xbox 360 version should be visually identical to a PC running with all the visual options turned to maximum"
The 360 cant even run quake 4 nicely its had muddy textures and it was choppy so how is it going to run a more demanding game better? i can run Quake 4 maxed on my computer and i have to say it looks much better on there then on the 360
Kaldaien @ Feb 26th 2006 6:11PM
I intend to buy the XBOX 360 version because I have not upgraded my primary gaming machine in almost two years and because I have a nice 30” SONY Super Fine Pitch HDTV in my bedroom. That picture on that TV is absolutely gorgeous, it rivals the picture on the professional 21” SONY monitor I use for work, which cost > $1,200. I do not know whether Oblivion will run at 720p natively and upscale to 1080 or if it will actually be able to run at 1080; if it will run at 1080, that gives HDTVs a 100k+ pixel (16:9 1080 resolutions have more than 2 million pixels) advantage over the 1600x1200 resolution the PC zealots keep harping about.
The argument that PC hardware is more powerful than the XBOX 360 is simply not true. The thing that sets even the latest generation PC hardware and the XBOX 360 hardware apart and makes the difference in this game is the unified shader architecture. Where this really begins to shine is in games that use stencil shadows – stencil shadows require a significant deal of vertex processing and vertex pipelines have taken a backseat to pixel pipelines in modern PC GPUs. The XBOX 360 GPU has a huge advantage in that it can dedicate as much of the GPU to vertex processing as any individual frame requires to render. PC hardware, on the other hand, may have 24 pixel pipelines and only 8 vertex – a pipeline is only as fast as its slowest link. If the vertex pipeline is stalling, those 24 pixel pipelines will never be fully utilized, because you cannot raster polygons until their vertex data has been computed.
I will admit that Quake 4 looks and runs better on the PC, but that is because the Doom 3 engine uses a ShaderModel 1.2 (GeForce 3)/2.0(Radeon 9700/GeForce 5xxx) architecture. Moreover, GeForce 5xxx+ hardware was designed with provisions for Doom 3 (the ability to omit Z values in the pixel pipeline, allowing it to process more pixels at one time in Doom 3); ATI hardware (PC and XBOX 360) does not have support for this feature. A game designed for Shader Model 3.0, particularly on hardware that does branch prediction well (and the XBOX 360 does it best right now) can throw out pixels that the engine determines do not need to be processed – which can be a LOT in a game that uses dynamic lighting and shadowing heavily.
I program a PC-based 3D engine for a living, but I have to give props to the XBOX 360 hardware for Oblivion at this time. I know – better than most – that PC GPUs will advance beyond the 360’s in a matter of years, but right now the 360 offers the most bang for your buck. I have a giant 21” monitor on my desk and I run it at 2048x1536 for everything, but I feel the best Oblivion experience will come from a nice wide 16:9 HDTV and a game pad from the comfort of my couch/bed.
Adam Locke @ Feb 27th 2006 9:37PM
I have have been playing pc games ever since i sold my commadore 64 and i must say, they are a GREAT platform. However, iv also owned ps1,ps2,dreamcast,xbox, and now the 360. I may be stating the obvious here but you CANNOT judge the capabilities of a console whilst looking at nothing more than a conversion. The 360 version will run/look identical to oblivian thats running on a high end pc. Fine, we know that. Loyal pc owners will embrace this as evidence that the 360 is no better than there beloved pc. In reality, oblivian was designed and built around the pc. This is a fact. The game has been in development for over 3 years for the pc, where as game devlopers have not yet had the 360's final hardware a year. its nothing more than a quick port, as they know full well that any console game that looks as good as the pc version is an improvement from any pc to console conversion in the past. if they would have spent that 3 years making this game for the 360 from the day they had the final hardware, the difference between the 360 and pc would be undeniable. Point is, the potential of 360 will not be unleashed for a good while, but when it does, pc fans might just have more respect for consoles, regardless of what graphics card thay have. Unfortunatly it will not be oblivian prooving this point.
Tam @ Feb 28th 2006 7:30PM
I have a few questions. To start off today (2/28/06) I kid said he got to be on the beta tester list for Oblivion. Just to let you all know he's younger than 14 if that makes his case any different. Anyway he sort of put my high hopes down the drain. He said the Pc version of the game will look much much better than the Xbox360 version. (I have a Xbox360) I'm worried he is correct. Do any of you really know if he's lying or not. If you can please tell me I would very much appreciate it because I've been waiting for this game for a while and I don't want the game to be bad.
Thanx for your concern
TK ( P.S. I dont have a HDTV but oh well I heard it makes the graphics look better but well I'm fine with my Sony TV)
seph//roth @ Mar 1st 2006 12:42PM
it amaze's me all the pc vs xbox ness, its pretty gay, people who will play the game on a pc, like to play game son pc(like me) and others who like consoles will play on cosoles, i like the fact im 2 ft away from a 19" computer (will run games at 1280x1024), than next to a tele which is like 5-7 ft away, more importantly no one has announced tht xbox will be better looking than a pc, cause a pc is just unbeatable gfx wise, unless the game ristricts you, you can run games at 1600x1200, at a high frame rate (not talking 20-30 fps im talking at least 50+ im hoping around 80 on my set up) and proper pc gamers will have adecent set up, who will enjoy the game (example, i have a 4000+amd 64bit san dieago core, 4gb ddr400 ramm, 7800GTX, and a rapter 80gb hdd(for games only, other stuffs on a more capcity hdd), the pc will have other slides for the game the xbox doesnt
for contro wise, i love mouse and keyboard for its accuracy, so much easier, and my 7.1 sound (5.1 headphones when gf asleep :P) set up is wikid
just enjoy the game, its gonna rock, stop the crappy xbox vx pc dabate, cause its not worth it, pc's cost loads cause when you make them cause you use the latest chips and componants, where as console's componants are dated, and cant upgrade (unless you count a hdd or hd an upgrade? lol)
Lance Cromwell @ Mar 3rd 2006 2:20AM
Well boys and girls I can say that I am BUYING THE PC VERSION.
I am pimping a DELL 2405 flat panel 24 inch HD monitor, AMD FX-57 chip, 2 gigs corsair ram, 10k raptor hard drive, and of course an nVidia 7800 GTX... which support shader 3.0. The cream of my system of course is my 7:1 surround sound.
Yes, I also own an XBOX 360 but there is no way in hell I would get it for platform with my computer set up. READ IT AND WEAP!!!!!!!!!!!!
hunterxaz @ Mar 6th 2006 11:58AM
I've never been a big fan of modding or modded games, so I don't really care about them. I'll be playing on my Xbox 360 happy as a bug snug in a rug. =)
Kaoint @ Mar 8th 2006 1:16AM
It's hard to believe that this is arguement is still going on.. It's clear, if any gamer has a high-end PC, it will have everything better than the Xbox 360. But since the PC version is using Xbox 360 max graphics, a high-end PC won't be able to use its extra power. Lets say this:
High End PC: Could run better than Xbox 360 version, but its power isn't available in the PC version, because of Xbox 360 graphics. If the PC version had higher max graphics than the Xbox 360 version, PC could run it. Xbox 360 couldn't. So, basically, a high-end PC is more powerful than the Xbox 360, even if it costs a crapload more..
Xbox 360: Runs perfect. Oblivion uses ALL of the Xbox 360's power. Nothing wrong, nothing better.
Summary: An Xbox 360 and a HIGH-END PC running Oblivion will be the exact same, due to Xbox 360 graphics on the PC version. THEREFORE, if you can afford a high-end PC, go for the PC unless you truly love consoles that much. :)
Ross @ Mar 8th 2006 10:44PM
Consoles were designed for people who are afraid of keyboards, and who don't have an appreciation for the effect a stable surface can have on the precision of someone's input devices. A pilot wouldn't settle for having a joystick wobbling around in his lap, so why should I?
People seem to forget that PCs are backwards compatible with every PC game created. And as far as performance is concerned.. while console gamers have been crapping their pants over whether to hold out for PS3 or get xbox 360, I'm not worried. Despite what the hardware manufacturers would have you believe, my 3-year-old PC will play Oblivion just fine. I might miss out on some of the displacement mapping, but then I'm wise enough not to lose sleep just because some engineer has a new fangled way to deform a surface. Any grizzled PC gamer will tell you that the newest feature isn't necessarily the best, just like the newest game isn't either.
The fact is that without any current expense whatsoever, I retain the functionality of playing the most recent games, while you console gamers are foolishly shelling out hundreds of dollars to upgrade a single-function device. It is to laugh.
Ross @ Mar 8th 2006 11:16PM
P.S. Geforce 6800GS, the technical equivalent to xbox360's R500 GPU, is selling for about $180. If any PC users are losing sleep about not having displacement mapping, get one of those and you're golden.
Bscyso @ Mar 10th 2006 11:13PM
Okay the 360 is obviusly great for the cost, hands down. but it does have the draw backs. like when it first came out. im sure all of you couldn't wait until teh 360 came out so you could play Oblivian. then the day came and you had to wast your money on a crapier game like Kamyo ( im sure its a good game, but come on Oblivian BEATS the shit out of that little fairy fuck. what im saying is that the 360 isnt quite worth its price (yet) now when oblivian hits the shelves it will be close but until more accualy good titles come out for it its TOO expencive.
And to all you people that say PC's are cheaper, your realy streachin it there. the 360 was made for games, and the PC was made for everything. I'm more than positive that the latest statof the art PC can blow a 360 out of the water, i mean the 360 only has 512 megs of RAM (i think thats how much it was). But that PC would cast about $2000 to $4000 depending on what else you buy. personaly i like both formates. the 360 has the comfort but the PC has the POWER.
Now if those instigating 360 owners realy want to bitch or the PC owners realy need something to boost their EGO. then remember the PCs are thre ones with the TES constrution Kit, and it that Kit that created the Community and will continue the trend.
wuLFe @ Mar 13th 2006 2:34PM
This news actually bothers me a little...
I specifically built a huge monster PC (2*Geforce 7800 GTX Sli, AMD FX57, 2GB RAM, 2*10K RPM 75GB Raptors, etc), to be able to output everything in 1080P resolution (1920*1080 progressive scan) on my HP 65" TV, and now I find out that Oblivion is going to be gimped to XBox 360 resolutions and graphic settings.
I'll be the first to admit that I spent SIGNIFICANTLY more than I would have on an XBox 360, but you'd think that the developers would give us high-end PC owners the ability to bump the graphics up to obscene levels.
Meh - I'll probably still buy it though!
champo2k @ Mar 15th 2006 10:53PM
The xbox 360 is a computer. Since you can plug ur computer to a tv and an xbox to a monitor that really makes no sense. The xbox 360 is still pretty and requires a lot less processing power. (windows is a lot of overhead). On xbox 360 ur going to be able to play the game, to full capabilities all the time. Even a computer with top end gaming hardware can run into software issues where its going to lag or crash. Now that being said my xbox 360 freezes sometimes :( In my opinion you pay less to get the same great gaming out of a 360 than a gaming computer.
Crom @ Mar 16th 2006 12:10AM
Emm...
In my pc I listen to music, chat in msn, search for new games and order things, work in 3d design, compose music, I emulate other consoles and I do a little programming, I sometimes modify games or create my own multiplayer maps. I play a game and when I'm tired I switch to the desktop which has a picture of my choice that looks pretty cool and in fact, everything in my pc is of my choice. With my overclocked x1900xtx I use high quality 16x anitrosopic filtering and heavy antialasing that is much better looking than any xbox360 (in fact, the xbox360 pictures seem to have at most trilinear filtering, and as a 3d designer, I can tell the difference trust me). When I finish playing the game I see if my songs where downloaded, or perhaps if someone released a cool mod for the game. My case look very stylish and is modded by myself, and I'm simply IN LOVE with it, how could I love something that everybody has like an xbox360?
Now I wonder, how could anybody love something like an xbox360? Something that simply can't be modified and when it needs more speed won't be able to have it even if you have 5000 bucks? Something that will simply need to run things uglier because it can't even overclock!
baldyman666 @ Mar 18th 2006 2:11PM
let these xbox lads have their moment....this argument on pc v console has popped up every so called 'next gen' console that has ever been. yes lads n lasses , your xbox is shiny and new.....now....and in six months time the pc spec will have doubled...we will all be on shader model 4 and ur little xbox aint so mighty any more...happens every console. thats why they are cheaper,because the graphical shelf life is less than a year. how long has the pc graphics ruled since playstation and xbox ...2....3 ....years??? same will happen again ...and you cant upgrade your box can you! yes a full pc will cost you more...initially...then you just upgrade when necessary. i have missed these arguments because they only appear with the next set of 'playstation generation' console gamers , and they are incredibly shortlived, just like their console....oh and the playstation 3 lot will be the same too....whoopee doo..cant wait till they start popping up for a stab at pc's. remember the arguments when the snes (famicon) megadrive (genesis) and amiga (amiga in the states???? massive in uk) were around??? ooohh my sonic is better than your mario...children let me tell you summit...this argument is old old hat and your kids will be arguing how their holographic playstation 3000 beats the virtual xbox 1080 ....BORING!!!!!!! take it from and old gamer.
baldyman666 @ Mar 18th 2006 2:12PM
let these xbox lads have their moment....this argument on pc v console has popped up every so called 'next gen' console that has ever been. yes lads n lasses , your xbox is shiny and new.....now....and in six months time the pc spec will have doubled...we will all be on shader model 4 and ur little xbox aint so mighty any more...happens every console. thats why they are cheaper,because the graphical shelf life is less than a year. how long has the pc graphics ruled since playstation and xbox ...2....3 ....years??? same will happen again ...and you cant upgrade your box can you! yes a full pc will cost you more...initially...then you just upgrade when necessary. i have missed these arguments because they only appear with the next set of 'playstation generation' console gamers , and they are incredibly shortlived, just like their console....oh and the playstation 3 lot will be the same too....whoopee doo..cant wait till they start popping up for a stab at pc's. remember the arguments when the snes (famicon) megadrive (genesis) and amiga (amiga in the states???? massive in uk) were around??? ooohh my sonic is better than your mario...children let me tell you summit...this argument is old old hat and your kids will be arguing how their holographic playstation 3000 beats the virtual xbox 1080 ....BORING!!!!!!! take it from and old gamer.
... @ Mar 19th 2006 4:38PM
I got my PC for £600 ($1000 ish) and it meets the recommended setting easily. The 360 has the same graphics as the rec. specs and it doesnt get the toolkit. fork out the £280 for the console, £60 for the cables 'n crap and also the price for the HDTV then you have yourself an equal price. BUT, the PC gets the downloads so that is what it's tipping it for me.
Bridgeboy @ Mar 20th 2006 10:38AM
Well while I know I’m not in the majority here, but I am genuinely perplexed on which version to get. I have a very high end custom-built PC that could max every setting out and it’s hooked to the same 61” 1080P HDTV in my living room that my Xbox 360 is.
I’m leaning toward the PC version because I could set it to play at 1920 X 1080 @ 60Hz (which is true 1080P) while the X360 version would still display at that but it would be up-scaled. The mod set is nice with the PC. I’m also hoping that someone will learn to unlock the console and things that people are talking about, such as short draw distances in both versions, can be eventually be adjusted for higher quality graphics on the PC version later on, but I’m just speculating here. Now I only really prefer mouse and keyboard for First Person Shooters, but for this RPG, the Xbox gamepad might actually be my preference, but I can still use that on the PC supposedly.
So for those reasons I’m leaning toward the PC (plus its cheaper) BUT, would I miss not collecting achievement points, or miss something that is offered through Xbox Live? Hmmmm…….
I know most of you are probably saying “I’d like to have his problems”….well, I’m not posting this to brag in any way. It just so happens that I happen to have this choice since I have high end everything and my circumstances basically eliminates the pros/cons that have been discussed by people (having to buy more equipment, etc…..well, I already have all the proper equipment, I’m not sitting at a desk and a monitor with the PC, etc.)
I’m really still on the fence, but am leaning toward the PC……..
Smack042 @ Mar 21st 2006 10:49AM
Ok so you play the game on Microsoft's 360 or using Microsoft's Windows. If you have a good computer you play the computer version if not you play the 360 version. If you have both flip a freaking coin, but if you have neither and are commenting here or you wanna waste space and time, you bitch about it in the Blog and try to stick your dick in somebody elses mashed potatoes. stfu and just play the game on whichever system you own.
Steve @ Mar 21st 2006 6:33PM
To all of you pc gamers,(I play some pc games too, so don't get too offended)
The xbox 360 is more powerful than any of your computers. IT has the fastest multi-core processor and the best graphics card currently available. That is a fact. It beats out a nvidia 7800 GT too.
Well you might say less ram, ohh no, or that the ram is shared. First off, it has enough ram to play the games programmed for it and second, it is shared so the developers can do what they want with it. More power to them.
The frontside bus is also much more advanced than current pc's which is pretty important, if you don't know that then please don't waste your time arguing. Here is a quote
"The front side bus is split into two virtual channels, each with two lanes. The channels are bidirectional, and can move data at 10.8 gigabits per second."
from http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_zdext/is_200510/ai_n15717764
My final point is that the xbox 360 does not need to be running all of the background processes that your "insane" gaming rig does; again, more efficent use of ram and the tri-core processor.
I know alot of you pc fanboys will be skeptical, but please take 10 minutes to look up the power of the xbox 360, then come back and argue with facts.
Mugification @ Mar 22nd 2006 11:46PM
Alot of companies nowadays seemed to be lobbying for their Xbox 360 versions of their games ALOT, even those who used to make PC only games (ahem, Infinity Ward); it's as if they've been paid off :O
As said by Thomas Crymes: I'm not arguing consoles over PCs. I'm just bewildered why people even care. You play from a computer desk. I play from my couch. You upgrade every 6 to 12 months. I upgrade every 4 or 5 years.
Take a look at this article...you might see my relevance to what you just said there ;)
http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=racist
Chris @ Mar 25th 2006 10:35AM
I just started playing oblivian on my xbox 360 and it freezes up every couple of minutes for 10 to 30 seconds. I have emailed microsoft and waiting for a reply, has anyone else encountered this same problem, it is a great game but this is so frustrating. I will write back when microsoft replies.
Tristikov @ Mar 26th 2006 1:11PM
It seems as though all of you Xbox people think that us PC owners need to buy a whole PC from scratch.
Sometimes, yes, one's PC is so far behind that you would need to upgrade it all. But for playing PC games the last couple years or so, you would most likely meet or exceed the requirements.
I upgraded my video card just so I could play on high settings instead of low, and it was only 250$
And seriously, could you imagine trying to mod anything with little analogue sticks for controls? Frickin retarded I'd think.
PinkFruit @ Mar 27th 2006 4:40PM
The only reason anyone cares is because it feels nice to have an opinion. It feels even better if you can find someone that agrees. It makes all life's little disappointments disappear for a few minutes and enables you to triumphantly exclaim that you've dominated a forum. It doesn't even have anything, in this particular instance, to do with games. If you want the game, buy it. Then play it. If you like, buy two versions of it. Play them. Then and only then will any speculation regarding the superiority of one platform versus another even come close to holding any water. After you've done this for comparison, stop and realize that if you believe that one version is superior to the other, play that version and don't ever expect that any other person on the planet is truly going to modify their preferences to accomodate your assertions.
seb @ Apr 3rd 2006 8:49AM
LOL 360 IS FOR THE POOR MAN LOL
kether @ Apr 4th 2006 6:34PM
Hats off to Bethesda for creating a masterpiece. It's great to see them branching out to multiple platforms for their excellent titles. Hopefully they don't forget that they started as a PC game company. I'm all for Xbox 360 and other consoles becoming as good as they can be. For me it's a more difficult issue than image quality. I'm an avid PC gamer, have been for almost twenty years. I think that for a lot of PC gamers there is an unspoken fear that PC games are becoming a thing of the past due to a strong push toward console gaming. While it is great that consoles are making a resurgence (remember atari, colecovision, & intellivision anyone?) there has always been a marked difference in the depth and feel between console and pc games. Over the past few years especially I have noticed this difference becoming more and more of a blur. While console games have become strikingly more beautiful to look at and more complex to play(a good thing) - PC games have become decidedly less involving to play and "consolesque" in their interfaces. One of the great advantages PC games have currently is their modibility and multiplayer. These apsects are getting better on the consoles but heres the rub. Will they ever really reach the level of the best a PC has to offer? Take for instance a good flight sim - with hundreds of options and dozens of flight controls. How will you ever replicate this on an Xbox? Take a keyboard and mouse FPS player vs. a console gamepad FPS player and guess who wins? No contest - not even close. Yes you can put a mouse and keyboard on an xbox but then it becomes more like a PC doesn't it? - and that's not what the designers will be considering if the PC is no longer a major part of the picture. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if we lose the PC as the cutting edge gaming platform we may be losing the best of what gaming has to offer. Maybe I'm wrong and maybe the console will evolve to the ultimate gaming platform on all levels but the trend I'm seeing is less choice, less freedom, and less ability to push the envelope. There won't be anymore Counterstrikes or Day of Defeats. Perhaps I'm just getting old... As far as image quality goes - I'm running Oblivion at 2048x1536 and it looks phenomenal. The low res interface / dialogue options suck though - (thanks xbox for that...)
Crazy360 @ Apr 6th 2006 2:32PM
Ok, this may come as a shock to all you PC gamers out there. Mods are going to be available via XBox Live for the 360 version of Oblivion. If you don't believe me, go ahead and google it. The mods are already starting to come out for 360. The problem is that the 360 mods cost about $2.50 each to download from XBox Live.
I have both a high end PC (Was top of the line about 8 months ago)and it cost me nearly $2,000 to build using mostly tiger direct to but the parts.
I also have a XBox 360 Premium running on a 52" widescreen HDTV. I use the Bose Acoustimas 16 home theater system.
Between the two, I would say that the experience isn't even comparable. My home theater and HDTV blow away my computer in terms of immersiveness. However, having to actually pay for mods that rae free to PC users is a bit of a draw back.
As for saying that a PC can do more that the 360, thats just B.S.. The 360 is fully capable of connecting to a computer running Windows XP Media Center Edition and using most of the computers functions.
I hope this helps people see that neither the PC nor 360 is really better than the other. Both have their perks.
Crazy360 @ Apr 6th 2006 2:32PM
Ok, this may come as a shock to all you PC gamers out there. Mods are going to be available via XBox Live for the 360 version of Oblivion. If you don't believe me, go ahead and google it. The mods are already starting to come out for 360. The problem is that the 360 mods cost about $2.50 each to download from XBox Live.
I have both a high end PC (Was top of the line about 8 months ago)and it cost me nearly $2,000 to build using mostly tiger direct to but the parts.
I also have a XBox 360 Premium running on a 52" widescreen HDTV. I use the Bose Acoustimas 16 home theater system.
Between the two, I would say that the experience isn't even comparable. My home theater and HDTV blow away my computer in terms of immersiveness. However, having to actually pay for mods that rae free to PC users is a bit of a draw back.
As for saying that a PC can do more that the 360, thats just B.S.. The 360 is fully capable of connecting to a computer running Windows XP Media Center Edition and using most of the computers functions.
I hope this helps people see that neither the PC nor 360 is really better than the other. Both have their perks.
Ryan @ Apr 11th 2006 10:54PM
I'm 26, TWO 64 bit systems, one of them SLI...Here are my comments:
1. If you can play Oblivion by turning down shadows and so forth, then wouldn't you want it max so if you upgrade you can rock harder?
2. My 6 year old Dell CRT monitor owns your HD tv. Plus video games leave burn in on any projection tv. Period. The resolution is better. Period. Also, I BUILT my own PC's...using 1 year old tech (for cost reasons) you can build a GREAT system that can match the 360, and not only is it more upgradeable but you can do more with it.
3. Halo2 on the XBox blew. Must I mention all the little kiddie cheaters who probably left half of these posts? Again, why play if you can't play? Learn newb.
4. Not only can I get better sound quality using headphones, but my mouse has better control...the problem here is they want to cater to PC users but want the money off the 360. When are they going to learn that Microsoft's next move is to buy you out? You really want that when you already have a great job and are making good money? Quit being evil greedy bastards.
5. That interview was totally pro Xbox. Screw that.
and last but not least...
6. The 360 isn't anything special. People know what INTEGRATION is? Microsoft does it. It's when they buy up companies so they can get parts and services for cheap. Why buy something when you can sell it to yourself for cheaper right? This is why the 360 is so cheap. Foriegn parts coming from companies that MS owns...You don't realize how much money MS makes...there's a reason that our friend Gates is so rich...do you have ANY idea how much cash he has? If he wanted to...he could spend $100,000,000 (1 million) a day for the rest of his life and he'd never spend it all. Yeah, we're talking freakin' rich. Quit giving your money to MS if you don't have to. Windows Vista? Well...I wish it weren't so, but yes...I'll be buying it.
Kr3amed @ Apr 15th 2006 4:41PM
in reference to 37 PC gaming is been maistream for years man. ur just not playing the right kinda games. u know thats why they have TWL CAL and CPL which u can make tons of money in so ur wrong and my comp just destorys OB. 2x7900GTX AMD X2 4400+ 2gigs ram asus SLi-Deluxe 30inch HD apple monitor. price 3798 with tax who cares bout money!
terryspanky @ Apr 15th 2006 11:34PM
we just downloaded Oblivion in the pc, then set up in HDR mode, then the AAx6 is handled in the videocard option in ATI w/ x16 AntiSophicAA 500mb. running in a intel 2.8 dual core
The problem is it still shattered some frames, we still need a xfire n the heat is main problem, we still need to buy watercooling, powersupply n a new mother board to fit in the additional videocard
to overclocked it to 4.2GHz. check this guide
http://www.techspot.com/reviews/hardware/pentiumd_vs_athlonx2_overclocking/dualcore_overclocking-2.shtml
RedMage @ Apr 17th 2006 1:28AM
I really don't understand where you even get the notion that pc users would need to spend tons of money on upgrading their system. My system is 2.3 ghz amd athlon, 1 gig kt400 ram, and recently purchased a Nvidia 7800 gs. Even using agp 8x I can run Oblivion in 1300 something by 768 res with 100 percent of the effects turned up. No problems in big battles in the grass (which is actually not popping up 10 feet in front of the character like the xbox 360's) That was 300 dollars and with the system I had since 2002. I'm not going to even get into the huge graphical advantage pc has over xbox 360's lack of image sharpening. My brother has a 360 and to me its blurry. My ancient system (besides the vid card) runs that game perfectly and very fast with no slowing. And just about that game in specific who wouldn't want to have keys binded for spells lol ya know. But the stats on the 360 are very nice for what little I understand about them. Maybe they aren't putting the effort into the games that they should and trying to spread out its life. Or just hyped up. All I know is just with my pathetic system I haven't yet seen anything great from the 360. Which doesn't say much if they are pushing the system at all at this point. Only time will tell but for the low price they do offer it at (the 360) you might be just getting what you pay for.
Ownedthisthread @ Apr 17th 2006 2:12AM
ok, heres the deal, "GAMING PC" and Xbox 360 are two completely different things, Xbox 360 plays games OMG THATS IT (kinda), with a PC, wow, you can do a lot more than just game, do you people really think that manufactures have GAMING always in mind when they develope a processor? If you do think that then youre 100% wrong. There are multiple reasons to have what is considered a "gaming PC" (which would consist fast GPU and fast CPU, 1-4 Gigs of ram), i mean good god how do you think a game is basically created, COMPUTER, this thread is senseless mainly because you pay 399 for an xbox360 and game or pay 800-1000 on a nice PC that can do literally 2000 times as much stuff. therefore you have two completely different pieces of equipment. Oh yea and next time you play your xbox 360 sit right up next to the tv and compare that with a PC monitor
funkonaut @ Feb 2nd 2006 12:10PM
"If they have the absolute latest PC with a video card that is fully shader model 3.0 compatible and a giant HD monitor, they're about the same. The question is, can they get all of that for $399?"
Last I checked the 360 didn't come with a free "giant HD monitor"...
Jesse @ Feb 2nd 2006 12:18PM
They seem to think that PC gamers have 15 inch monitors with a default of 640x480.
Xbox fanboys...
Daggre @ Feb 2nd 2006 12:19PM
Funny point, but you know what he meant... You can't even get a high-end video card and sound card for that price. My 360's been hungry for this game since Nov. 22nd. Bring it on!
pennywise969 @ Feb 2nd 2006 12:19PM
#1 okay, can you get the rest of that stuff for $399?
cubbiechris @ Feb 2nd 2006 12:20PM
"Last I checked the 360 didn't come with a free "giant HD monitor"
Neither does a PC? What's your point?
Vik @ Feb 2nd 2006 12:24PM
I just wonder why soft shadows were removed for itemized objects in Oblivion, for both PC AND XBOX versions. Why do they claim that the XBOX is a huge source of untapped power? Is it the way the game is written to code?
Any clues?
portorikan @ Feb 2nd 2006 12:25PM
@ #1
Mine did.
Stephen @ Feb 2nd 2006 12:32PM
Thats true, i just verified that.
Pickypants @ Feb 2nd 2006 12:37PM
His point is it's not "only $399" like the developer is saying. I don't care if people like their Xboxes or not, but this guy is f'ing LOBBYING here.
And yeah, most of our PCs will handle this game juuuust fine thankyouverymuch.
Oblivion looks like the bee's knees, but how about something really exclusive?
techburp @ Feb 2nd 2006 12:37PM
"They seem to think that PC gamers have 15 inch monitors with a default of 640x480."
The average PC gamer does not have a monitor the size of the average TV.
Then again, the average PC gamer won't be able to run this game on their hardware. At least, not at nearly the optimal quality settings. 640x480 may be their only option if they can't afford an upgrade or a 360.
Every Xbox 360 owner will be able to run this and it will look darn good on an average TV and will only look better in HD.
That being said, I can't wait for my copy to come in so I can enjoy it on my 360 displaying on my PC monitor (19"), at least until I get a projector. :P
MeatPopSci @ Feb 2nd 2006 12:37PM
#2 point being?
Pickypants @ Feb 2nd 2006 12:44PM
Rabid Xboxers... BACK! (shakes can of nickles)
I think the only "dissent" here is that some people can play this without buying a 360, we don't need one.
I am so happy that you love your 360 so much, but the developer is (imo) underestimating the computer power of the mean gaming customer (that's mean as in average, not as in spiteful)
So put down the Kool-Aid, and play your 360.
Sean @ Feb 2nd 2006 12:44PM
oh yea the games are free for pc, not xbox 360, at least not yet, so count that too.
my monitor was $150 off pricewatch for 19inch 1600x1200
I bet you could get a pc for 400 with a decient videocard thats capable of running newer games at the "stunning" resolution of 1024p aka 1024x768
you wouldn't have to dish out $50 for wires to hook it to your TV and it would play DVDs out of the box