The Dream is Dead
It’s finally happened: my computer has fallen behind the curve. What was once a proud and powerful machine has been beaten into submission by new games. Dragon Age bloodied its lip; Mass Effect 2 delivered the deathblow.
Despite lowering the graphical options to their bare minimum settings, Mass Effect 2 is still unplayable. While this was acceptable for Dragon Age, with its indirect combat system, it irreparably compromises a FPS. When the technology curve passes by one’s current hardware, the attractiveness of consoles comes into focus.
Even a mighty PS3 at release which cost over $500 is substantially cheaper than a new computer. With that phrase, I have revealed myself as that which I used to hate: a lazy gamer. Do I really want to deal with all the drivers involved with a computer? Does it even give an advantage?
I maintain that the mouse and keyboard is a superior interface system for action games, but the graphical edge has all but disappeared. Not only are consoles in HD, but games are mostly cross-system compatible so the only advantage the PC has is higher resolutions and higher quality textures. Sure, these make a difference, but is it worth the price premium?
I will likely purchase a new computer and continue to be a PC gamer. That being said, I can envision a day in the future when I don’t bother to upgrade and simply accept that the premium isn’t worth it. Now, if they make a keyboard and mouse attachment for the PS3 that is fully supported by all games, it’ll be a different story.
I suppose it’s a compliment to Bioware and Mass Effect 2 that its allure is impossible to resist.
