I do think that a game can/should be good on all platforms.

I think that each platform has its limitations, but you should make some effort to accomodate or utilize them. I hate when the "Let's make it for the weakest platform and then just port it from there" approach is taken rather than working fom the top back down. Also, unfortunately, I think that the two platforms have gone in somewhat different directions.

The PC is a more robust platform, I will always take the PC version of a game over the console version (unless completely butchered in the process, but the PC game markeet has become a bit stagnant. Not being a big RTS fan, I am suddenly missing out on what seems like half of the PC market. I love FPS games, but there are too many generic or crappy ones - for me to purchase a FPS, it has to be really good, fresh, or fun. Likewise, although the mouse is easily the most responsive input, it is not always the best input for a given format. Pretty much every console comes out with a new form of input; it is not because Sony/Nintendo/Microsoft outright suck at making controllers, but they realize how important control is and they are always trying to improve it. So many developers forget this; the controller is the bridge between the player and the game. For the PC side of things, although Logitech has some nice products out, non-mouse input (gamepad, dance pads, congo drums, etc.) is quite a few steps behind.

As for consoles, my biggest gripe is their overall polish and/or sophistication. It seems like a lot of games just focus on one aspect (combat, graphics, one gameplay element, etc.) and almost ignore everything else. In general, a new PC title is going to have a certain level of sophistication that is generally lacking from many console games; lots of times, I feel like I just toss a disc in my console and start mashing buttons. Was I able to configure my controls? Was the story deep? Did the game world make sense? Was the interface essentially transparent? Was there a good save system? Was I immersed in the world?

However, I think you should be able to have a good game on both platforms. Yes, there may be some technical limitations for the lower end, but you should work around those. If I take game X to the consoles, I still need to maintain its freedom, story, world, and gameplay. I should not re-write the whole story, make it into a completely new game, eliminate the gameplay and just make pretty graphics, etc.

Again, have all four systems, I will generally go for whichever version is the strongest (usually PC...,) but a good developer should be able to have a good, consistent game on all platforms. Lastly, do not expect to toss crap on a disc and then expect fans or new players to love it - spend some time making a quality product. Anytime you are going "Well, we will just release it on that platofrm as it is just to pick up a few more sales" you are not doing your job.

Having yet to watch Bubba Ho-Tep,
Ray

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A Poster is Me!
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