Question for PC gamers playing XBOX 360

[Ick]

From what I have been reading a lot of PC players recently purchased the XBOX 360 in the last few months.

These gamers that purchased the XBOX 360 AND have been playing a significant amount of gaming are in a unique position to give qualified conclusions on a variety of topics.

I am NOT interested in the comments of PC only gamers.

I am NOT interested in the comments of long-time XBOX 360 players and console fanboys.

I am ONLY interested in the comments of longtime PC gamers that have purchased the XBOX 360 within the last 12 months.

I would REALLY appreciate honest and thorough responses to each of the sections. If I missed an area or topic, please add those comments. Thanks for taking the time!

o What reasons did you have for purchasing the XBOX 360?

o Was the purchase worth it? Should you have tried XBOX 360 sooner?

o Do you see PC vs. Console debates differently now? If so, how?

o Have you tried XBOX 360 ranked and public matches? How are they different than ranked and public matches for PC?

o Is the average player on XBOX 360 what you expected? Are their any misconceptions you found to be untrue?

o Have you been able to find mature adult gamers online on the 360?

o Are your XBOX 360 friends characteristically different from PC friends? If so, how?

o Are you finding that you can have the same kind of game experience on the XBOX 360 that you had in PC gaming? If not, how does it differ?

o Please comment on the convenience (or inconvenience) of the 360.

o With crossover titles like the Ghost Recon series…..are tactics, camaraderie, and fun different on the 360?

o Do you miss the availability of “mods†and user content?

o If you have purchased download content, how do you feel about the purchase? Was it worth it? Are you comfortable with pay-for content added to games in this way?

o If you find that you rarely play the PC any more, what do you miss about PC gaming? (other than the people that didn’t switch)

o How would you describe the level of cheating and glitching on the 360? Please compare it to the level of cheating and glitching you find on PC games.

o For “shooters†specifically, please provide conclusions on controlling your character with the controller instead of keyboard/mouse.

o Do you still play a lot of PC games?

[Whisper_44]

My answers are BOLDED

I would REALLY appreciate honest and thorough responses to each of the sections. If I missed an area or topic, please add those comments. Thanks for taking the time!

o What reasons did you have for purchasing the XBOX 360? - it was a gift, last christmas

o Was the purchase worth it? Should you have tried XBOX 360 sooner? - it was worth it, it's given me hours good gaming, can't say that I should have gotten one sooner though

o Do you see PC vs. Console debates differently now? If so, how? - Yes I do, because I play and enjoy both, I can see both sides of said argument, both have merit, but they share more common ground than one might expect

o Have you tried XBOX 360 ranked and public matches? How are they different than ranked and public matches for PC? - no

o Is the average player on XBOX 360 what you expected? Are their any misconceptions you found to be untrue? - I had no real preconception about the "console" player, other than I assumed them to be younger, that is not the case, many my age, or older, many as concerned about the style of game that I like to play, as any of the hardcore PC gamers that I know.

o Have you been able to find mature adult gamers online on the 360? - absolutely

o Are your XBOX 360 friends characteristically different from PC friends? If so, how? - no, they share the same inherant desire for a certain gameplay style

o Are you finding that you can have the same kind of game experience on the XBOX 360 that you had in PC gaming? If not, how does it differ? - yes, it's all about the people you play with

o Please comment on the convenience (or inconvenience) of the 360. - almost too convenient, turn it one, and you are up and gaming in less than a minute, ask my wife

o With crossover titles like the Ghost Recon series…..are tactics, camaraderie, and fun different on the 360? - they translate, albeit a bit different, they are indeed there, again I think it's about the people that you choose to play with

o Do you miss the availability of “mods” and user content? - To a degree yes, but only in the aspect of just being different

o If you have purchased download content, how do you feel about the purchase? Was it worth it? Are you comfortable with pay-for content added to games in this way? - I'm mixed with this, love new content, but feel the price they ask is too steep, especially when the content is "old"

o If you find that you rarely play the PC any more, what do you miss about PC gaming? (other than the people that didn’t switch) - My PC is an Antique, that's the main reason that I play my X360 so often

o How would you describe the level of cheating and glitching on the 360? Please compare it to the level of cheating and glitching you find on PC games. - I don't notice it, but perhaps again it's due to the people that I chose to play with

o For “shooters” specifically, please provide conclusions on controlling your character with the controller instead of keyboard/mouse. - there is a learning curve, but it's not insurmountable.

o Do you still play a lot of PC games? - define a lot? I play VBS2, some ArmaA, will be purchasing GRAW2, that's about the extent of my PC gaming at the moment.

[Kurtz]

o What reasons did you have for purchasing the XBOX 360?

I bought a 55" Sony HDLCDTV and I was tired of constant pc upgrades.

o Was the purchase worth it? Should you have tried XBOX 360 sooner?

Very much so from graphics and gameplay.

o Do you see PC vs. Console debates differently now? If so, how?

I have never seen the point, each platform offers different things.

o Have you tried XBOX 360 ranked and public matches? How are they different than ranked and public matches for PC?

I stay away from ranked matches, only player matches and friends.

o Is the average player on XBOX 360 what you expected? Are their any misconceptions you found to be untrue?

There are lots of mature, good players on the 360.

o Have you been able to find mature adult gamers online on the 360?

Yes. I like coop in GRAW and Vegas and the gameplay is as good as the best I had at TG or Alpha.

o Are your XBOX 360 friends characteristically different from PC friends? If so, how?

No difference.

o Are you finding that you can have the same kind of game experience on the XBOX 360 that you had in PC gaming? If not, how does it differ?

Same for me. I like playing tactical games like GRAW in coop with no respawns or TvT with no respawns.

o Please comment on the convenience (or inconvenience) of the 360.

No fiddling with video options and drivers, just put in the disc and play, 55" HD screen instead of a 19" monitor, I can runs games with graphics that I could never run on pc, no lag like pc, more comfortable playing.

o With crossover titles like the Ghost Recon series…..are tactics, camaraderie, and fun different on the 360?

With the comms on Live, any casual game is enhanced with the ability to talk to each other, where it was hard to find a teamspeak server.

o Do you miss the availability of “mods†and user content?

Not really.

o If you have purchased download content, how do you feel about the purchase? Was it worth it? Are you comfortable with pay-for content added to games in this way?For games like GRAW or vegas, I will buy any DLC content, it extends the life of the game, same as mods.

o If you find that you rarely play the PC any more, what do you miss about PC gaming? (other than the people that didn’t switch)

Nothing. I like tactical shooters and there are very few around. GRAW and Vegas are the only ones on 360. GRAW was the only one I played on pc, but, I got tired of the frustrating aspects of playing it. I love GRAW 2 for pc and will buy that, but, there is nothing else on pc I would buy.

o How would you describe the level of cheating and glitching on the 360? Please compare it to the level of cheating and glitching you find on PC games.

I never encountered any cheating on pc because I played on servers I trusted or with friends, same with 360.

o For “shooters†specifically, please provide conclusions on controlling your character with the controller instead of keyboard/mouse.

My biggest reservation, but, it did not take very long to develop an apptitude for the controller. I was never a very good player on pc anyway, and I am average at best on 360, but, that is not the point for me, it's having fun.

o Do you still play a lot of PC games?

No. I would only buy a tactical shooter that either was not on 360, like maybe the game from Blackwood, if it isn' on 360, or if the game is very different from the 360 like GRAW 2. I wish there were more squad tactical games, I am looking forward to Rogue Warrior and maybe [OFP: DR].

[Raw Kryptonite]

"o Do you still play a lot of PC games?

No. I would only buy a tactical shooter that either was not on 360, like maybe the game from Blackwood, if it isn' on 360, or if the game is very different from the 360 like GRAW 2. I wish there were more squad tactical games, I am looking forward to Rogue Warrior and maybe [OFP: DR]."

Don't forget America's Army: True Soldiers 9/26 Kurtz.

[Kurtz]

Since I play mostly SP, I have reservations about MP only games. There is so little info about this game, if the SP is a genuine campaign, I would be interested, if it is primarily training scenarios like the pc game, not so much.

[Brettzies]

o What reasons did you have for purchasing the XBOX 360?

.It's a new console cycle with fairly good graphics almost as good as pcs and sometimes better.

.You can sit on your couch and play it on a big screen tv with surround sound.

.Don't have to worry about upgrading parts, installing drivers, or general computer bs.

.Ghost Recon series, I wanted to play GR2.

o Was the purchase worth it? Should you have tried XBOX 360 sooner?

.yes and no. only no because these things fail a lot and cause some headaches with returns, repairs, etc. long story, but many have gone through it.

o Do you see PC vs. Console debates differently now? If so, how?

.Yes. Most of the pc vs console debate is immature and stubborness. Even the FPS argument isn't that great anymore, ie mouse keyboard vs controller. Games are fun, play them

o Have you tried XBOX 360 ranked and public matches? How are they different than ranked and public matches for PC?

.No

o Is the average player on XBOX 360 what you expected? Are their any misconceptions you found to be untrue?

.N/A

o Have you been able to find mature adult gamers online on the 360?

.N/A

o Are your XBOX 360 friends characteristically different from PC friends? If so, how?

.N/A

o Are you finding that you can have the same kind of game experience on the XBOX 360 that you had in PC gaming? If not, how does it differ?

.Yes. or better. I feel like I'm working when I'm on the PC and playing when I'm on the console. Spend more time tweaking settings on the PC before actually playing. The proximaty to the screen, it's just different.

o Please comment on the convenience (or inconvenience) of the 360.

.Double edged sword because of the "breaking." Right now I'm at a very inconvenient place. My console died, I sent it in, it took 26 days to get it back. They sent me one with a flaky dvd drive. It works, but games crash about every hour, so now I have to send it back and wait again. Very inconvenient. However, aside from that I love it. More comfortable to play, nice big screen, great sound.

o With crossover titles like the Ghost Recon series…..are tactics, camaraderie, and fun different on the 360?

. N/A I dont' go online with this thing.

o Do you miss the availability of “mods†and user content?

.Yes

o If you have purchased download content, how do you feel about the purchase? Was it worth it? Are you comfortable with pay-for content added to games in this way?

.Ridiculous. Paying is stupid. You already bought the "overpriced" game and will probably buy the expansion, sequel, etc. But, with all things, change is inevitable and if people are willing to "buy" it will stick. Some things are easier to swallow then others, but overall it's just dumb, especially when you consider how many people are capable of creating their own content, be it a car for a racing game or a map for an FPS.

o If you find that you rarely play the PC any more, what do you miss about PC gaming? (other than the people that didn’t switch)

.Maybe the ease of online aspect with PCs. I don't miss too much though. I still play my PC, but there isn't much to be excited about these days since I'm not into RTS much. If I can get the same game on x360, even with slightly inferior graphics, I will do that. I still like playing PC games, but these days I don't find myself buying many. Maybe when HL-ep2 comes out.

o How would you describe the level of cheating and glitching on the 360? Please compare it to the level of cheating and glitching you find on PC games.

.N/A for me.

o For “shooters†specifically, please provide conclusions on controlling your character with the controller instead of keyboard/mouse.

.You get use to it. Feels horrible at first, but that goes away. Some games implement it better then others, Gears of War was very good overall "feel." After a while, there are some things I like better. Will never be as accurate as mouse/keyboard, but you don't notice after a while. Trigger action feels good. Movement is good - you don't get that pickup and repo the mouse effect. Would like to be able to map buttons though. Like I said though, you get use to it, and it's fine for the most part.

o Do you still play a lot of PC games?

Not so much, but I do play them.

Edited July 19, 2007 by Brettzies

[Agent Smith]

Answers are in bold.

From what I have been reading a lot of PC players recently purchased the XBOX 360 in the last few months.

These gamers that purchased the XBOX 360 AND have been playing a significant amount of gaming are in a unique position to give qualified conclusions on a variety of topics.

I am NOT interested in the comments of PC only gamers.

I am NOT interested in the comments of long-time XBOX 360 players and console fanboys.

I am ONLY interested in the comments of longtime PC gamers that have purchased the XBOX 360 within the last 12 months.

I would REALLY appreciate honest and thorough responses to each of the sections. If I missed an area or topic, please add those comments. Thanks for taking the time!

o What reasons did you have for purchasing the XBOX 360?

To play Gears, Dead Rising, The Darkness, and many other hyper-gore games to come. The problems with PCs don't affect me, as it's part of the experience and makes you more intelligent with PCs through time.

o Was the purchase worth it? Should you have tried XBOX 360 sooner?

Oh, very much so. The system wasn't worth it until Gears. I even had a chance to buy the system back when they were still hard to find.

o Do you see PC vs. Console debates differently now? If so, how?

No. I still think and believe that the PC is the completely superior platform. The personal experience, moddability, clarity of video, superior controls kills any console, except the Wii, but partially.

o Have you tried XBOX 360 ranked and public matches? How are they different than ranked and public matches for PC?

Yes. There are more kids than in your average CS: S match. In addition, there are more kids with MICS on Xbox Live. And when I mean by kids, I mean the 12 year olds that scream about how awesome they are and use racial slurs to the extreme. PC matches are more tactical and little trash talk.

o Is the average player on XBOX 360 what you expected? Are their any misconceptions you found to be untrue?

No. I expected it because I know that the console scene is the watered-down area of gaming.

o Have you been able to find mature adult gamers online on the 360?

It's just like finding a needle in a haystack. Very very rare.

o Are your XBOX 360 friends characteristically different from PC friends? If so, how?

My PC gaming buddies are more passionate, more intelligent, have better grammar, and overall better players and people.

o Are you finding that you can have the same kind of game experience on the XBOX 360 that you had in PC gaming? If not, how does it differ?

The 360 experience is all about how flashy you can get things to look. On the PC, it's all about accomplishment and figuring how the hell you just survived that battle.

o Please comment on the convenience (or inconvenience) of the 360.

Inconvenience: The controller.

o With crossover titles like the Ghost Recon series…..are tactics, camaraderie, and fun different on the 360?

Tactics, no. Fun, it depends on your definition.

o Do you miss the availability of “mods†and user content?

Oh god yes. Mods make a game more alive. I probably wouldn't have played HL2 as much if it weren't for Smod, or CS: S because of how bad the default skins are.

o If you have purchased download content, how do you feel about the purchase? Was it worth it? Are you comfortable with pay-for content added to games in this way?

Micro-transactions is a concept that needs to DIE in this generation.

o If you find that you rarely play the PC any more, what do you miss about PC gaming? (other than the people that didn’t switch)

N/A.

o How would you describe the level of cheating and glitching on the 360? Please compare it to the level of cheating and glitching you find on PC games.

There is more exploitation in 360 games because you are not able to change the game's code or load unsigned software. There are less cheaters, but more exploiters.

o For “shooters†specifically, please provide conclusions on controlling your character with the controller instead of keyboard/mouse.

I'd rather be able to turn on the the small flick of a wrist then have to drag out a turn with three seconds by pushing my thumb in a direction. That usually gets me killed as I'm more used to the instantaneous reaction of the mouse.

o Do you still play a lot of PC games?

80% PC gamer, 20% console gamer. For life.

Edited July 20, 2007 by Agent Smith

[SillyHalfMexican]

I bought mine in January 2006, more than 12 months... But I feel compelled to answer these questions.

I am NOT a console fanboy, far from it.

From what I have been reading a lot of PC players recently purchased the XBOX 360 in the last few months.

These gamers that purchased the XBOX 360 AND have been playing a significant amount of gaming are in a unique position to give qualified conclusions on a variety of topics.

I am NOT interested in the comments of PC only gamers.

I am NOT interested in the comments of long-time XBOX 360 players and console fanboys.

I am ONLY interested in the comments of longtime PC gamers that have purchased the XBOX 360 within the last 12 months.

I would REALLY appreciate honest and thorough responses to each of the sections. If I missed an area or topic, please add those comments. Thanks for taking the time!

o What reasons did you have for purchasing the XBOX 360?

Had to have it at the time, even with a very foul launch lineup.

o Was the purchase worth it? Should you have tried XBOX 360 sooner?

I knew my purchase would be worth it, so I got it.

o Do you see PC vs. Console debates differently now? If so, how?

Nope, PC is still superior in many ways.

o Have you tried XBOX 360 ranked and public matches? How are they different than ranked and public matches for PC?

I have tried both, I like to stick to public as much as possible.

In GRAW 1&2, I was usually in ranked, because unranked seemed stale and didn't have much of a point to me. In RB6: Vegas, you rank up even in public match with PEC mode. So ranked is not needed.

A lot of people take ranked games WAY too seriously... Including the immature host that likes to boot the opposing team, and even their own team when unbalanced teams are factored in (IE: Vegas), just to get more points.

o Is the average player on XBOX 360 what you expected? Are their any misconceptions you found to be untrue?

Yep it was expected, mainly the same as any regular Halo 2 kid. I've had XBox Live since the first wave of XBL Betas came out for original XBox. It hasn't changed since then, the majority being 12-16 year olds that like to use racial slurs and well... just how 99% of 12-16 year olds act.

o Have you been able to find mature adult gamers online on the 360?

I find a lot of mature people around my age group, sometimes some 25+ year olds. I'm 20.

o Are your XBOX 360 friends characteristically different from PC friends? If so, how?

Yes, PC friends are a lot more mature then most of my XBL friends.

o Are you finding that you can have the same kind of game experience on the XBOX 360 that you had in PC gaming? If not, how does it differ?

Not really, the PC scene is just a lot more mature, A LOT less trash talkers, infact it's very rare to encounter a PC trash talker. On console, it's very rare to not find a trash talker. Basically any match you are in, you will find a trash talker. If I'm not playing with my XBL friends, I usually don't talk, it gets that annoying.

o Please comment on the convenience (or inconvenience) of the 360.

Pop the disc in and play, while I don't mind configuring the PC, it's just a lot more convenient. No driver issues or issues with Windows that will effect gameplay. 5.1 Dolby Digital and 720p/1080i required in ALL games. Voice Chat in all multiplayer games.

o With crossover titles like the Ghost Recon series…..are tactics, camaraderie, and fun different on the 360?

Since GRAW 1&2 are different types of games on PC and console, it is a different experience, GRAW for console is basically a run-n-gun game. While it is fun, it isn't from the roots of GR. A game like R6:V is the same on both console and PC, and it seems to be more fitted for the console (with the cover system and such).

o Do you miss the availability of “mods†and user content?

Yup, definately.

o If you have purchased download content, how do you feel about the purchase? Was it worth it? Are you comfortable with pay-for content added to games in this way?

You will find that Microsoft often over-charges for map packs and basically any content that isn't a demo. Some things become free, over time. I usually only buy map packs for GRAW and R6:V (that's basically all I play). They are nice, but not sure they are worth exactly what they charged for. The Vegas map pack 1 was 800 points I believe ($10.00), I bought it without hesitation, because the game was getting stale since people love to play the same gametype and map... all the time. The second map pack was *SUPPOSED* to be free, but they originally charged for it (a supposed mix up with Ubi and Microsoft). I bought it as well (another 800 points) and they pulled it and put it back up on the Marketplace for free, and going to refund the people within 8-10 weeks or something... So that was nice to have.

Lost Planet maps were 400-800 points, I think. They just recently became free. We got 2 free maps for Gears of War, then a map pack came out, and it will be free come September. GRAW 1&2 had a map pack, but they aren't free. No plans on becoming free AFAIK.

Overall, since they nickle and dime you to death, Agent said it best, "Micro-transactions is a concept that needs to DIE in this generation."

o If you find that you rarely play the PC any more, what do you miss about PC gaming? (other than the people that didn’t switch)

I still play PC more.

o How would you describe the level of cheating and glitching on the 360? Please compare it to the level of cheating and glitching you find on PC games.

It typically happens mostly in ranked matches, where people actually gain something from it. And since I rarely play ranked, I don't see it TOO often. But I still see it. Cheating in PC is obviously more rampant than console, but glitching happens a lot in consoles too.

o For “shooters†specifically, please provide conclusions on controlling your character with the controller instead of keyboard/mouse.

I am pretty decent on a controller, but I'm way better on a kb/mouse. It can't be taught how to use either one, it boils down to if you simply have the coordination for either one. It's whatever your taste is. I'll take a kb/mouse over a controller anyday, but I'm not completely lost with a controller. It has limited functions (360 controller has, 8 buttons and the D-Pad, of course the analog sticks), compared to the keyboard/mouse. They are relatively easy to get used to though, and they are bunched up closer then a keyboard I guess. The 360 controller feels so good in your hand, it feels very natural. Way more precise then any other controller, but can't touch the kb/mouse.

o Do you still play a lot of PC games?

Yup, 80% PC, 20% console in a week.

Any other questions, feel free to ask. I'll be more than happy to answer them.

I'm assuming you are considering purchasing a 360, if so, what decision are you most leaning on?

If you decide to get one, feel free to add me to XBox Live.

C1trousMexican is my gamertag.

Anyone else feel free to add me as well, it won't bother me.

Edited July 21, 2007 by SillyHalfMexican

[Raw Kryptonite]

You know, MOST of us came from PC's. Even me with my ancient PC. Consoles didn't start at the 360, so I'm answering too.

o What reasons did you have for purchasing the XBOX 360?

XBOX. My PC was getting too old to play games and I'd already gotten tired of driver issues, learning how to set up a game properly for performance vs graphics and a batch of cheaters in MS Combat Flight Sim had already killed off online gaming for me. I've have an Atari 2600, Sega Genesis and PS1, none of which required "homework" to get a game to work.

However, the main driving factor was cost. I had a killer PC when it was new. It got old FAST. I upgraded what I could, but it got to the point that if I wanted to game on it that I was simply going to have to buy another one. For gaming, that was going to be pricey--I know it's possible to "build a gaming PC for $500" but it's not realistic for everyone, like me. And then I knew I'd still have my PC gaming headaches...have to continue to upgrade...it just wasn't worth it.

The Xbox was there, it was practically a gaming PC...had a lot of good games (still does)...problem solved. Games were CUSTOM MADE for that hardware, to maximize that hardware---not for some unknown level of PC gaming hardware. No worries that it wouldn't work. The console would be good for a few years with no upgrading and at less start up cost. Perfect.

o Was the purchase worth it? Should you have tried XBOX 360 sooner?

Yes, although I wasn't online for a year or so. I wish I'd gotten the Xbox at release though, and gotten online earlier too.

o Do you see PC vs. Console debates differently now? If so, how?

My views are stronger towards console than they were years ago, with the development of that hardware and bringing Live into the mix. To me, new consoles are simply gaming computers with matched hardware now.

o Have you tried XBOX 360 ranked and public matches? How are they different than PC?

I'll abstain since I had limited exposure to online PC games---and it wasn't good.

o Is the average player on XBOX 360 what you expected?

No, when I first got online. Playing Halo2 it was MUCH worse than I expected. Having played PC games onilne some before, i was used to cheaters, but now the cheaters had comms to be even more obnoxious, even if they couldn't cheat as effectively. I doubt there's much difference, just that with the 360 you HEAR everyone whereas with a PC not everyone uses voice comms.

o Have you been able to find mature adult gamers online?

Obviously, at 2Old and similar sites. Also I've had good public rooms in GR, Rainbow, AA and similar games that at least somewhat appeal to an older audience. Plenty of bad eggs out there, but with the games that I like, there are a lot of other adults like me playing them too.

o Are your XBOX friends characteristically different from PC friends? If so, how?

n/a

o Are you finding that you can have the same kind of game experience on the XBOX 360 that you had in PC gaming? If not, how does it differ?

By game experience, I assume that means overall. PC's were frustrating, with needing to upgrade hardware, locate game patches, driver updates and then to find a game server that was working properly...With Live, I haven't had technical issues other than setting up a router.

PC games offer more games that fit my taste of games, but it just isn't worth it.

o Please comment on the convenience (or inconvenience) of the 360.

I never liked keyboard and mouse, but I did like my force feedback flight stick (actual force feedback, not just vibration) which is a type of controller, obviously. I ended up trying out controllers. The Xbox offered the best controller I've ever seen, lending itself perfectly to shooters with it's triggers and the vibration feature adds a LOT to a game. Plug and play, just drop a game in. No hardware to buy, no drivers, just an occasional game update. I have yet to find a game that wouldn't play just dropping it in though, unlike some PC games. Much more convenient to use and quicker to get to gaming.

o With crossover titles like the Ghost Recon series…..are tactics, camaraderie, and fun different on the 360?

n/a to me, didn't play PC games like this

o Do you miss the availability of “mods†and user content?

Hell no. Mods are about 2" away from being cheats. There is no guarantee that whatever the "mod" is fits with the intent of the game developer. Such as the F16 with sidewinders that I ran into in MS Combat Flight Sim---a WWII game. I don't trust user content at all.

o If you have purchased download content, how do you feel about the purchase? Was it worth it? Are you comfortable with pay-for content added to games in this way?

Love it, have been happy with it so far. Even bought DLC for COD2 when it was just a gamefly rental. It's like "mod content" but it comes from a reliable source (the developer) and will fit with the intent of the game. I don't expect it to be free, and it's worth it to me for security and quality purposes to be buying from the developer instead of some nameless hacker creating game content (with unknown content) for free.

o If you find that you rarely play the PC any more, what do you miss about PC gaming? (other than the people that didn’t switch)

There aren't nearly enough "serious fun" games on the console. I LOVED the Mech Assault games. They were about big robot tanks, but it was taken seriously and treated as a sim of something that doesn't exist. I miss that. Clearly the PC has more realistic shooters as well--such as America's Army, which is on it's 5th version now I believe. There are other titles too that we're missing out on with the console. What we do have is very good, but we need game developers to recognize that there IS a market for these "serious fun" games on the console. GR and Rainbow combine realism with a good dash of arcade. Plenty of arcade games. I need more on the other end of the spectrum, with less arcade.

o How would you describe the level of cheating and glitching on the 360? Please compare it to the level of cheating and glitching you find on PC games.

From my limited experience on the PC, I can still see that cheating on the Xbox and 360 is a fraction of what it is on the PC. However, you're more likely to run into people DOING IT in public rooms if there is room for a glitch to be exploited. Fortunately, most are not "trumping" cheats, but simple wall glitches and such, not cheats along the line of what I've heard with PC games where the game might be wide open to manipulation.

o For “shooters†specifically, please provide conclusions on controlling your character with the controller instead of keyboard/mouse.

Keyboard/mouse is not only clumsy to me, but uncomfortable. Feels like I'm at work due to the input devices, but also the need to sit at the computer. Movement is confined, unlike a controller where you can move freely--even if wired. Hands on a controller are turned at a more natural angle, making grasping for longer times more comfortable. I have not seen a keyboard/mouse combo that offered any type of vibration or force feedback feature, which adds dimension to games.

I can use a keyboard with the 360 for sending text messages, but use the controller---a custom built gaming input device--for games. Also important to note that keyboard/mouse vs controller is NOT merely a PC vs console discussion. There are hundreds of controllers for PC games, since many PC gamers prefer that. The 360 controller itself can be used this way.

The Xbox/360 controller is built for shooters, IMO, by using triggers, not just buttons, which makes playing a shooter on the console feel very natural. I prefer the Xbox controller to the 360, but both add tremendously to the gaming experience--more so than keyboard/mouse would or even another controller for that matter.

o Do you still play a lot of PC games?

No.

I will sometimes put in some older games that I have, and recently bought some original Rainbow Six and Ghost Recon games. However, I can't get the Ghost Recon games to work now, after formatting my HD and reloading upated drivers, due to some unknown graphic/video issues. Go figure. :