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Face-Off: Evolve - PC/PS4/X1

Evolve on consoles costs more. Paying to play Evolve, and any other online game, costs more on consoles

I mean sure, it may only cost $400 upfront for a PS4, but add in the cost of paying for the privilege to play online year after year after year + the higher costs of paying for games in a walled garden and that lower upfront cost evaporates very quickly.

I beg to differ. $50 a year (though a lot lower if you buy on sale) doesn't mean a lot when graphics cards alone cost hundreds of dollars. That's years worth of paying for Xbox Live or PSN to come out even. Even then, you also aren't considering the fact that you can't rent or sell games on PC, which helps the bottom line for consoles even more.
 
Some games (MCC for example) seemed to have different matchmaking results for people in Europe versus people in the U.S. I imagine it would be hard for DF to exhaustively test the online experience to make some kind of definitive statement. So why mention it?
 
I get a flawless 1080p 60fps on max settings with my PC. I'm really happy with my performance and besides some early connection issues sometimes, it runs fantastic for me.

Played the Xbone version and it holds up pretty well, but the 60fps on this fast paced game makes a huge difference
 
That would only make sense if Evolve was the only game you played on the console for the year. If not then the access could be mathematically distributed across every game you use on the infrastructure.

No it doesn't, at all.

You can get Evolve for $45 right now and it was even cheaper prerelease, and you don't have to pay to play online for it, or any other game. Thus, regardless of how you distribute the costs, you're still going to end up paying more for the right to play on that PS4 over time as you would a PC if you buy more than 3/4 games a year.

PS4 + 5 years of plus = 750$

added 15$ upcharge of a $60 release for 4 games a year (60$ savings per yr), multiplied by 5 years = $300

That's a total of 1050$. So yeah, you can easily build a PC that can outperfom consoles on that margin and save money, easily.
 
I'm not really seeing "a close match for high settings" here:

closematchxzu6m.jpg

Yeah... looks a lot more like medium to me. Not high.
 
Err how about starting a thread regarding the AF issue on PS4? I really want to know why this is missing so often on Sonys platform. Isn't there a single dev or someone who can give us a logical explanation? I feel like the lack of AF is getting ignored all the time.
 
I beg to differ. $50 a year (though a lot lower if you buy on sale) doesn't mean a lot when graphics cards alone cost hundreds of dollars. That's years worth of paying for Xbox Live or PSN to come out even. Even then, you also aren't considering the fact that you can't rent or sell games on PC, which helps the bottom line for consoles even more.

For me the biggest issue with a gaming PC was that I can't use it for anything else while gaming. Normally I have Netflix, browsers, encoders, documents and other programs open when I'm also on my console. If I game on my PC, none of that (outside of Netflix) is available.
 
All these screenshots posted in the thread
I'm not really seeing "a close match for high settings" here:

closematchxzu6m.jpg

I want a clear winner on consoles when I want to buy the best looking version. Maybe others feel different about it but I hate the muddy textures in the distance. It's always in the center of the screen.

LkCurri.png

Where are my shadows Sony ?

4f212c78787b22d4e6361deb7b4980b1.jpg

and the captures and screenshots in the article really dont do this game many favors. It looks absolutely FUGLY to me no matter what platform its on. There is always some incredibly low quality asset on screen that sticks out like a sore thumb. It doesnt help that the art direction in the game is as run of the mill as you can get outside of the monster designs.

Why are people arguing over performance levels and graphics on consoles vs pc when the game looks this shit to begin with? Having a smoother shadowed turd doesnt make it less of a turd.

Then again maybe its just the screencaps and video they took. All I can say is that nothing I"ve seen here or in the article impresses in the slightest bit whatsoever.
 
No it doesn't, at all.

You can get Evolve for $45 right now and it was even cheaper prerelease, and you don't have to pay to play online for it, or any other game. Thus, regardless of how you distribute the costs, you're still going to end up paying more for the right to play on that PS4 over time as you would a PC if you buy more than 3/4 games a year.

PS4 + 5 years of plus = 750$

added 15$ upcharge of a $60 release for 4 games a year (100$ savings), multiplied by 5 years = $300

That's a total of 1050$. So yeah, you can easily build a PC that can outperfom consoles on that margin and save money, easily.

Well, five years of PS Plus also includes 360 games to play. At least 120 of those will be for PS4.
 
That's great for you. You're just missing the fact that a $140 280x with an 4 year old 2500k can run this game on very high/1080p60fps.

If PC had the exclusives that I like I would buy one in a second. It doesn't so it makes owning a PC pointless for me.
 
Well, five years of PS Plus also includes 360 games to play. At least 120 of those will be for PS4.

I'd rather keep the $50 and spend that on games I want to play (or anything else!) rather than having it stowed away from me and preallocated towards games I don't even like just for the right to be able to play games I already purchased to their maximum capacity.

Like, I'd much rather take that same 300$ for 5 years of plus and use it to pay for 5 years of steam winter sales to buy games I personally picked out to play. I guarantee I'd get more personal enjoyment per dollar spent than with PS+
 
Those pauses every few seconds are brutal in those ps4/xb1 faceoff videos.

Other than that (and that's pretty big) looks like the fare pretty well. But those freezes are uncalled for. That should be patched.

just for the right to be able to play games I already purchased to their maximum capacity.

You don't need plus for games you already purchased. I'd say a good portion of people have Plus for online play. The free games are an added bonus. No, I don't think it should cost money to play online, but it does. Been gaming on PC's almost all my life but I can deal with $50 to play with some of my friends.
 
I'd rather keep the $50 and spend that on games I want to play (or anything else!) rather than having it stowed away from me and preallocated towards games I don't even like just for the right to be able to play games I already purchased to their maximum capacity.

Like, I'd much rather take that same 300$ for 5 years of plus and use it to pay for 5 years of steam winter sales to buy games I personally picked out to play. I guarantee I'd get more personal enjoyment per dollar spent than with PS+
we'll buy a console and use the money saved on trading in to buy games you want :)
 
It's relevant Because for most performance of Multiplats means nothing, if it doesn't have the core games you like to play.

I have no idea why you are quoting me. I was replying to another person talking about performance and his card costing more than both consoles combined.
 
Wait, I thought these face-offs were strictly for visual and performance comparisons? If there's a difference in online functionality that should go in the review, not here. What's next, "...but rumble triggers really make the shooting more visceral making this a tough choice"?
 
For me the biggest issue with a gaming PC was that I can't use it for anything else while gaming. Normally I have Netflix, browsers, encoders, documents and other programs open when I'm also on my console. If I game on my PC, none of that (outside of Netflix) is available.
Not having a browser, documents, or other programs being open and available on PC? You are either going to have to explain that comment... or... describe what you are smoking and what its street value is.
 
we'll buy a console and use the money saved on trading in to buy games you want :)

Trading in games is about the dumbest thing in the world, dude. GS rips you so hard on unit profit margins to the point that there's really no scenario where you make out well on the matter.

Like great I can trade in this game I just paid $68 for so I can get like 15$ store credit at GS.

I make out much better by saving more per game bought on PC and occasionally dealing with a dud in my library that I hated and can't get rid of than dealing with the underhanded BS of GS.
 
I have no idea why you are quoting me. I was replying to another person talking about performance and his card costing more than both consoles combined.

You said that older cards outperform Both consoles. I only said if PC had the exclusives I like it would be a easy choice for me.
 
But isn't this on a person to person basis?

It has nothing to do with the console afaik

For example im on a 152/20mb line and never ever have to wait more than 90 seconds to find a full lobby.

Well, they need something to cling on to so it makes it seem that the Xbone might be a good console alternative. That's what it's going to be this gen - PSN lacking behind XBL, or some other highly subjective aspect. I remember in the Infamous Second Son analysis they rightly so had to praise its technical achievement, so spent some time saying how the gameplay was more of the same and not very exciting.
 
For me the biggest issue with a gaming PC was that I can't use it for anything else while gaming. Normally I have Netflix, browsers, encoders, documents and other programs open when I'm also on my console. If I game on my PC, none of that (outside of Netflix) is available.

Um..alt + tab? That stuff runs in the background.
 
You said that older cards outperform Both consoles. I only said if PC had the exclusives I like it would be a easy choice for me.

I surrender. Yes I was talking about the performance of Evolve in a thread called "Face-Off: Evolve - PC/PS4/X1 Reply to Thread" and you threw a random comment at me.
 
And netcode?

IF there is something to it, and the PS4 version does have more connectivity problems than on XB1, it doesn't really matter what the reason is - it would be worth mentioning.

I'm not saying there is or that DF is right, just that IF this was true, it would not be 'irrelevant' at all.
Sure but there's no evidence from article they ran exhaustive tests on netcode.

The issue isn't reporting it if it's true, it's dropping what feels like a fairly weakly observed "maybe" into an otherwise objective analysis and then including it into core conclusions.

It's shoddy work basically. They should either mention it off the cuff but note they haven't properly tested netcode extensively and with different machines/locations, don't mention it at all or put in the spade work to prove it and include it.
 
Trading in games is about the dumbest thing in the world, dude. GS rips you so hard on unit profit margins to the point that there's really no scenario where you make out well on the matter.

Like great I can trade in this game I just paid $68 for so I can get like 15$ store credit at GS.

I make out much better by saving more per game bought on PC and occasionally dealing with a dud in my library that I hated and can't get rid of than dealing with the underhanded BS of GS.
Yes trading in games rips you off and ps plus free games you don't like either yet saving 50 dollars a year on ps plus suits you, we understand
 
Sure but there's no evidence from article they ran exhaustive tests on netcode.

The issue isn't reporting it if it's true, it's dropping what feels like a fairly weakly observed "maybe" into an otherwise objective analysis and then including it into core conclusions.

It's shoddy work basically. They should either mention it off the cuff but note they haven't properly tested netcode extensively and with different machines/locations, don't mention it at all or put in the spade work to prove it and include it.

Pretty much. Without any testing or extensive reporting to back it up, DF could drop it in any article and everyone would be left debating "ifs."
 
Um..alt + tab? That stuff runs in the background.

Because not all games react too well to being interrupted. Some crash, some have to be restarted after alt tabbing, some don't allow for any alt tabbing. Its a mess that is fixed with a console next to the PC.

Having both let's me do my PC stuff on my PC and gaming stuff on console (except for Isaac rebirth (fuck ms and their parity)). I can live with the graphical difference, but I couldn't live with the dramatic difference in functionality of a PC only set up.

Edit: my apologies for being off topic
 
Trading in games is about the dumbest thing in the world, dude. GS rips you so hard on unit profit margins to the point that there's really no scenario where you make out well on the matter.

Like great I can trade in this game I just paid $68 for so I can get like 15$ store credit at GS.

I make out much better by saving more per game bought on PC and occasionally dealing with a dud in my library that I hated and can't get rid of than dealing with the underhanded BS of GS.

Or you could ebay the game once you're done with it. If you beat it within 2 weeks or so you'll get around 70-80% of your money back, maybe more.
 
Because not all games react too well to being interrupted. Some crash, some have to be restarted after alt tabbing, some don't allow for any alt tabbing. Its a mess that is fixed with a console next to the PC.

Having both let's me do my PC stuff on my PC and gaming stuff on console (except for Isaac rebirth (fuck ms and their parity)). I can live with the graphical difference, but I couldn't live with the dramatic difference in functionality of a PC only set up.

Edit: my apologies for being off topic

Look into Borderless Gaming.
 
Or you could ebay the game once you're done with it. If you beat it within 2 weeks or so you'll get around 70-80% of your money back, maybe more.

The chance for charge backs or other scams is not worth it for some people. Gamestop is guaranteed money/credit.
 
Because not all games react too well to being interrupted. Some crash, some have to be restarted after alt tabbing, some don't allow for any alt tabbing. Its a mess that is fixed with a console next to the PC.

Having both let's me do my PC stuff on my PC and gaming stuff on console (except for Isaac rebirth (fuck ms and their parity)). I can live with the graphical difference, but I couldn't live with the dramatic difference in functionality of a PC only set up.

Edit: my apologies for being off topic

This is the first time I have ever heard anyone trying to argue a console is more functional or more multi-functional / capable at multi-tasking than a PC.

1. Borderless windowed gaming
2. Multi-screen gaming
3. In game bowser support though steam (launch games through steam).
4. Alt-tab actually works in most modern PC releases
 
"More robust infrastructure" needs clarifying.

I understand that became a lazy statement last gen (but it was true). It's nonsense nowadays
 
This is the first time I have ever heard anyone trying to argue a console is more functional or more multi-functional / capable at multi-tasking than a PC.

1. Borderless windowed gaming
2. Multi-screen gaming
3. In game bowser support though steam (launch games through steam).
4. Alt-tab actually works in most modern PC releases

My argument is that a PC plus a console is more functional than just a PC.
 
To be fair, I suspect it's less of case of them having a bias towards Microsoft and more down to DF desperately trying to find a reason to stay relevant themselves.

The reality is that these sorts of face-off articles are of far less use than they were last-gen. 99% of multiplatform games nowadays are the same story - the PC version will always be the best if you have the hardware for it, the PS4 will be the best console experience and the Xbox One will bring up the rear.

I don't think Digital Foundry are insane Microsoft fanboys or anything. They just need to make it sound like there's actually anything of value to be gained from their articles. Hence all the clutching at straws about 'online experience' or some bollocks, they need the Xbox One to be competitive so they actually have something to say.

This nails it on the head, they need to keep creating controversy, something that is basically over this gen but last gen was with every game release
 
Because not all games react too well to being interrupted. Some crash, some have to be restarted after alt tabbing, some don't allow for any alt tabbing. Its a mess that is fixed with a console next to the PC.

Having both let's me do my PC stuff on my PC and gaming stuff on console (except for Isaac rebirth (fuck ms and their parity)). I can live with the graphical difference, but I couldn't live with the dramatic difference in functionality of a PC only set up.

Edit: my apologies for being off topic
Well, you can fix it too with two monitors.
 
Because not all games react too well to being interrupted. Some crash, some have to be restarted after alt tabbing, some don't allow for any alt tabbing. Its a mess that is fixed with a console next to the PC.

Having both let's me do my PC stuff on my PC and gaming stuff on console (except for Isaac rebirth (fuck ms and their parity)). I can live with the graphical difference, but I couldn't live with the dramatic difference in functionality of a PC only set up.

Edit: my apologies for being off topic
No offense, but saying that alt tabbing doesn't work in 2015 is quite ... bad, really. It sounds more like your OS is slowed down by malware or other stuff. Try to get a buddy have a look at your PC and explain some things.
 
No offense, but saying that alt tabbing doesn't work in 2015 is quite ... bad, really. It sounds more like your OS is slowed down by malware or other stuff. Try to get a buddy have a look at your PC and explain some things.

Uh huh...
 
The chance for charge backs or other scams is not worth it for some people. Gamestop is guaranteed money/credit.

While it doesn't always work, there's settings like not letting people with 0 feedback bid, not letting people without paypal bid etc. I'd say my uncle has a very high success rate of his auctions being legit.

No offense, but saying that alt tabbing doesn't work in 2015 is quite ... bad, really. It sounds more like your OS is slowed down by malware or other stuff. Try to get a buddy have a look at your PC and explain some things.

No offense, but unless you've played every game ever made on PC you wouldn't know if there's games that you can't alt tab in unless you've encountered them yourself.

This is gettin off topic though, my fault.
 
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