XBox version vs PC version [Archive] - Star Trek Online Forums

Dwidian

12-23-2008, 11:51 AM

I've been thinking about the unique situation of this game being released for both XBox and PC and some of the possible issues with that.

I wonder if they will sell a boxed set with both XBox and PC games in it at a discount. I'm sure some people will want to be able to play from the PC or the XBox, and since they're using the same activation key, they should be able to buy the games together at a discount.
Will you even be able to play the same character from either version of the game? Will your XBox character be tied to your Gamertag in a way that won't allow you to access your XBox toon from a PC version and vice versa?
Will an XBox Live membership be required, and if so, will you also have to pay a monthly subscription fee, effectively having to pay twice to play the game?

It seems to me that they should have full integration, including the ability to access either character from either version of the game.

I also think the XBox version as a whole will run more smoothly than the PC version, since they don't have to worry about programming the game for so many different variations.

I know Cryptic really hasn't released any information regarding the subscription fees for the game, but I'd be curious to know if anyone has heard any scuttlebutt about any of this.

Rapace

12-23-2008, 12:11 PM

I would rather get it on ps3 if it was console coes it has bluetooth support so it would be good with keyboard / mouse, but i would love to see this game on multi-platform. Even if i have a ps3, and if it would come out for it, I would still get it on pc

marscentral

12-23-2008, 12:15 PM

I think Champions will give us a clearer idea of how it'll work as that definitely is going to be on both (STO hasn't been officially confirmed for a specific console yet). I think you might have to buy both versions to use both versions, but be able to tie the two codes to one account and one monthly sub, a bit like how CoH/V used to work. That makes the most sense to me.

As for smoothness, I don't know if the 360 will be better. I'm getting sick of mine freezing up all the time at the moment. I had to send it away for the dreaded "red ring of death" a while back too. Not to mention the fact that I think the NXE is rubbish. It's not like I'm alone in any of that. Back in August/September, I was thinking of getting this for the 360, now I almost certainly won't.

Skelly

12-23-2008, 12:46 PM

I'm pretty sure you will be paying for the subscription to STO, but Live may not be required as your using Cryptics servers. I'm going the xbox route so I don't have to buy a new PC to play as mine is getting old but fits my fundamental PC needs. The 360 does have the key pad that you can plug into the controller for texting. We'll have to wait and see.

marscentral

12-23-2008, 01:11 PM

If memory serves, I don't think you had to have a gold LIVE account for Phantasy Star as you paid a seperate sub for it. I don't think there's any reason the PS3 or 360 shouldn't cover all the requirements for MMO gameplay, or STO specifically. I think it's a great way to add to server population with us all playing together. I just hate my 360 at the moment. And Microsoft. And Bill Gates.

_Pax_

12-23-2008, 03:29 PM

I would rather get it on ps3 if it was console coes it has bluetooth support so it would be good with keyboard / mouse, [...]
My xbox 360 has ... one .... two ... three USB ports. And, this may be a surprise for you, but: people make USB-compatible keyboards and mice.

Whatever will they think of, next ...? :eek:

I'm pretty sure you will be paying for the subscription to STO, but Live may not be required
Absolutely, Live will NOT require a Gold-level membership. It is microsoft's stated policy that only a Silver (free) Membership will be required to connect to any Premium Subscription game ... meaning, MMOs.

To the topic of the thread: if you want it on both ... I hope the ACCOUNT will not be platform-specific. Thus, you could buy the Xbox version, DOWNLOAD the PC version, and log into your account from whichever piece of hardware you cared to use . :)

Rapace

12-23-2008, 06:05 PM

If it does come out on game systems it would be great though. The 360 already has payment methods, but also, the ps3 came out with some cards that you can pay with which is pretty cool, I could see the game on both consoles, but I would still get it on pc :P

Trekkie

12-23-2008, 07:07 PM

Even though I probably will not be playing the game on consoles, if it is released on those platforms I genuinely hope that characters will be able to be "shared' between console and PC versions because otherwise I think it would end up feeling like two separate games entirely.

callsign11b

12-23-2008, 07:33 PM

I don't know about the xbox 360 game play.
for this game I think I'll run with my PC.
I plan on running multi keyboards maybe even hacking a keyboard and make custom touch switches for quick keyboard commands.
as well run muti monitor set ups.
even make a custom desk to look like a bridge station but multi functional to do other stuff.
a winter - spring project.
can't do it with a xbox 360. as well I fine they either dumb the game down a bit to work with the hand controler. or there are so many button combo's to remember drives you nuts.
as well I'm on my second 360 and the graphics card is going. so if i have to spend more money on the 360 I might as well drop that money back into my PC and upgrade if needed.

OrabIbo

12-23-2008, 08:15 PM

I'm with most of the ppl here in saying that. I hope Xbox360 players and PC players can login to the same servers and interact with one another.

It made for a good experience in FFXI. And despite that game not having a Huge population of players, When you combined all 3 consoles together, it made for a much fuller experience.

Granted alot ppl ran around not talking. but that isn't always bad, less advertising SPAM in the cities :P

And there is no technical reason why consoles and PC's can play on the same servers. Plus consoles can use Keyboards and mice as well, so no hindance there. I would like to think that the Xbox360 could be bought and used by ppl that either don't have the time, know how, patience to deal with games on the computer, and would buy a 360 to play STO.

I know there are some days that I am just fed up with my PC and just want to sit down and play a game without tinkering with things. Consoles are great for this.

callsign11b

12-23-2008, 08:37 PM

well your right in one aspect.
people who just dable in pc's and don't mess with them alot. usually buy a consol because of ease of set up and playablity.
and its good because everyone else that has the same consol be it xbox360 or ps3 has the same hardware under the hood so equal play in hardware specks.
but still going to run this game on my pc. had enough of the red ring of death....

_Pax_

12-23-2008, 08:47 PM

I honestly hope to run it on BOTH - if my g/f ends up really liking it, we may end up perma-duo-ing the game ... her on the PC, me right next to her on my Xbox. ^_^ Who needs to say "GRATZ!" when their partner goes up a level (or whatever equivalent STO has), when you can physically give her a HUG instead? ^_^

callsign11b

12-23-2008, 09:16 PM

not bad.
you got a woman into this stuff.
my old lady not into it at all .
thinks I'm a little of center being into this.

Dwidian

12-23-2008, 09:23 PM

I'll definitely be primarily playing from my PC, but would be willing to give the XBox version a shot, especially if I could buy it without a key at a discount.

Trying to get the wife into the idea of a Trek MMOG, but I'm not holding my breath. She's more of the scrapbookin', child-rearin', cookie makin' type.

Besides, she said if we couldn't have PC bridges, there's no way she'd play the game. :p

I keed, I keed!

PaperBackHero

12-23-2008, 11:22 PM

Cryptic said that the game will be dumb down so far that the same platform will work for PC and consoles.

Freejack

12-23-2008, 11:24 PM

Cryptic said that the game will be dumb down so far that the same platform will work for PC and consoles.

Dunno if this was /sarc or not, but I would like to see the source. This is my biggest worry for PC games that try to adapt to consoles for the ever larger market-share.:(

Skelly

12-24-2008, 05:37 AM

I think the consoles are getting a little more complex. Not to level of a PC, but they are not at the NES level either. With the key pad for the XBOX, I think MMO's are going to be moving to more of a console realm, I just want them to keep the PC's tied in.

Whisky

12-30-2008, 03:08 PM

I'm hoping to use XBOX 360 but if there are advantages on a PC then i will have to get the PC version too.

Nerdock

12-30-2008, 03:15 PM

pc ftw. 360 cant handle these advanced of graphics esp if the desired goal (LV webcast) is to have everyone on one server, that'd WRECK the 360.

_Pax_

12-30-2008, 03:46 PM

pc ftw. 360 cant handle these advanced of graphics esp if the desired goal (LV webcast) is to have everyone on one server, that'd WRECK the 360.
.... the 360 can do just fine with the graphics. MMOs do not generally tend to have bleeding-edge graphics anyway (and the ones that tried to ... didn't do so well).

And being online is irrelevant to graphcis performance, because - PC or console - all the graphcis assets are going to be on the local hard-drive (or the DVD), anyway.

evan.is.weyoun

12-30-2008, 04:37 PM

I think it's odd to develop an MMO on a console. In general, console MMOs have flopped. Also, XBL fees are much lower than fees for just one MMO. 180 bucks a year vs. 50 bucks a year? Sounds like the PC version would flop if there's a sub fee for it. I would rather pay 50 bucks a month to play that plus all my other games instead of 15 bucks a month for just that.

In actuality, I don't think it should be developed for the 360 at all. MMOs on consoles are just weird.

Dwidian

12-30-2008, 04:37 PM

And you have to consider that consoles are typically more game-friendly than PCs (at least from a graphics standpoint). Most PCs aren't built specifically for gaming, so they try to be pretty good at everything, instead of really good at just one thing. Consoles are designed specifically for gaming.

Also, XBL fees are much lower than fees for just one MMO. 180 bucks a year vs. 50 bucks a year? Sounds like the PC version would flop if there's a sub fee for it. I would rather pay 50 bucks a month to play that plus all my other games instead of 15 bucks a month for just that.

This has been discussed before -- if they develop it for 360, it won't be part of XBox live. It will have its own subscription, which will probably be the same as the PC subscription.

In actuality, I don't think it should be developed for the 360 at all. MMOs on consoles are just weird.

I think it could work, particularly since they're combining it with a PC release. I don't think there would be enough people playing an MMO on a console system to make it worthwhile, but added on top of the PC market and they'll probably do okay.

callsign11b

12-30-2008, 06:08 PM

the consol is ok but in the mmo world I can't see it working well.
for one thing 360 ring of death.
overheating.
the graphics card is not even mid range now.
and you have to buy the keypad for it.
doesn't support multi monitor system.
and they tend to run the game with either button mashing or button combo's that can get a little nuts to remember them all.

pc's
are upgradeable if you need to.
can run mulit monitors.
multi keyboards.
hot key commands.
if you want you can make keyboard overlays for command functions.
can hack keyboards and make custom keys for hot key commands.
you can run invoice software as well as game voice software, network old computer to new one to run multi taks.
I'll be running the game on my pc...

_Pax_

12-31-2008, 12:04 AM

for one thing 360 ring of death.
Thing of the past, PLUS covered by an unprecedented 3-year full warranty.

overheating.
My '360 doesn't overheat any faster than my PC does.

the graphics card is not even mid range now.
MMOs don't tend to require anyone's graphics card to be even THAT high.

and you have to buy the keypad for it.
Any USB keyboard and mouse.

doesn't support multi monitor system.
So? MOST of the gaming market doesn't have a multi-monitor setup for PC, anyway.

and they tend to run the game with either button mashing or button combo's that can get a little nuts to remember them all.
If you say so. :rolleyes:

are upgradeable if you need to.
And eventually, you will have to, wether you wanted to or not.

can run mulit monitors.
... if you buy the additional moniors, at a couple hundred dollars each. And the graphics cards for them, also at a hundred or more dollars apiece.

Which most people, the vast majority, wont do.

multi keyboards.
Again ... which most people, the vast majority, wont do.

hot key commands.
Nothing stops a modern console from having user-programmable macros and keybinds.

if you want you can make keyboard overlays for command functions.
And yet again ... most people, the vast majority, wont ever do.

can hack keyboards and make custom keys for hot key commands.
YET again ... most people, the vast majority, wont do.

you can run invoice software as well as game voice software, network old computer to new one to run multi taks.
... why would you want to run both? Do YOU have multiple heads??

JamesDBurke

12-31-2008, 12:25 AM

I hope they release this game on Genesis as well. Watch out - 16 Bit revolution!!
:D

Whisky

12-31-2008, 12:56 AM

As i have no experience playing MMO's i'm hoping that STO will be playable offline as well. I would prefer to have the option to play on my own or online. At time's when i go on the 360 i just want a quick game before i have to do anything else and might not have the time to get involved in a mission.

Unfortunately i'm not be able to spend hours of time playing. My online gaming is limited to 1/2 hr to 1 hr a day if i'm lucky:( Work and family commitments restrict the amount of time i will be able to get online (plus my son is always online).

desstl

12-31-2008, 02:23 AM

I would not mind a 360/PC key box set. of this game. Living in a house with 3 kids and 2 PC's I can't very well kick them off from doing their homework so I can play STO. I do however have my own PS3 and 360 connected to an HDTV. I think Xbox needs to come to terms with reality and allow for built in keyboard and mouse support though, I am aware the are 3rd party vendors sell adapters that will allows you to connect one but it seems like a waste of time when a software patch on Microsofts side would enable you to connect it directly to the usb ports.

On another note... Say the game is digital DL. Which it will be sooner or later. as long as you have a gamertag/user id and an active subscription whats to stop you from buying the game for the 360 and playing it on the pc as well.

_Pax_

12-31-2008, 02:54 AM

I think Xbox needs to come to terms with reality and allow for built in keyboard and mouse support though, I am aware the are 3rd party vendors sell adapters that will allows you to connect one but it seems like a waste of time when a software patch on Microsofts side would enable you to connect it directly to the usb ports.
Um, have you actually LOOKED at your Xbox, lately? There are standard USB ports on the front (two) and back (one). As for "third-party" stuff ... the Messenger Kit is produced by Microsoft. That's FIRST party, not third. :)

Skelly

12-31-2008, 04:58 AM

Um, have you actually LOOKED at your Xbox, lately? There are standard USB ports on the front (two) and back (one). As for "third-party" stuff ... the Messenger Kit is produced by Microsoft. That's FIRST party, not third. :)

The messenger kit will be a must for me when this game hits. I don't really want to have to put my controller down to type, or have a keyboard laying around in my living room.

Lizzio

12-31-2008, 05:08 AM

Why not just buy it only for the PC :S i mean mmorpg's are easyer to play on a Pc then a xbox..
And if they make difrence servers for the console's and pc's i am sure the xbox servers wont be full at all.

Lizzio

12-31-2008, 05:10 AM

_Pax_

12-31-2008, 05:18 AM

The messenger kit will be a must for me when this game hits. I don't really want to have to put my controller down to type, or have a keyboard laying around in my living room.
Probably the same for me, actually. ^_^

bradley1701

12-31-2008, 05:21 AM

_Pax_

12-31-2008, 05:26 AM

As i have no experience playing MMO's i'm hoping that STO will be playable offline as well. I would prefer to have the option to play on my own or online.
There almost certainly will not be an "offline mode".

At time's when i go on the 360 i just want a quick game before i have to do anything else and might not have the time to get involved in a mission.
Cryptic took very good care of the "casual player" in their first product, City of Heroes - you couldhop on, play for 10 or 20 minutes, and make a small amount of progress on your character. Some missions can be done in as little as 15 minutes. Granted, the rewards are small, for such qick-and-easy missions. But if a half-hour is all you have? Bang two of those out, and log off feeling like you've accomplished something.

I'd be surprised if they left that design principle behind for STO. Truly, I would be.

...

Heck, even with World of Warcraft, I can log on, go about my solo way for a half hour, and log SOME progress towards one (or three, or five) quests. :)

_Pax_

12-31-2008, 05:27 AM

I think for the sake of the game and creating a vibrant universe, STO will only be on PC...choosing XBox or PS3 (which I have) really excludes a lot of people who have one console unit or the other. PC is pretty much universal. It would also help with filling up the STO universe with online players on PC versus dividing players based on what they are playing on. Maybe I'm wrong, I'm not sure exactly how it works...I'm just more in favour of having the game on PC.

Why would it have to be separated based on platform? Why can't the Xbox players, the PS3 players, and the PC players all log onto the same GAME SERVER, and play together ... each using their choice of hardware?:confused:

alucard1

12-31-2008, 05:31 AM

Skelly

12-31-2008, 05:35 AM

I think for the sake of the game and creating a vibrant universe, STO will only be on PC...choosing XBox or PS3 (which I have) really excludes a lot of people who have one console unit or the other. PC is pretty much universal. It would also help with filling up the STO universe with online players on PC versus dividing players based on what they are playing on. Maybe I'm wrong, I'm not sure exactly how it works...I'm just more in favour of having the game on PC.

The FAQ already states that it will be on a console and the PC. I hope it is on both consoles (the WII would really need a graphic tone down to run it). Since we will be using the games server for storing information I don't think the Consoles resources will be a big issue. It will mostly be the depth of the commands.

Whisky

12-31-2008, 07:53 AM

There almost certainly will not be an "offline mode".

Cryptic took very good care of the "casual player" in their first product, City of Heroes - you couldhop on, play for 10 or 20 minutes, and make a small amount of progress on your character. Some missions can be done in as little as 15 minutes. Granted, the rewards are small, for such qick-and-easy missions. But if a half-hour is all you have? Bang two of those out, and log off feeling like you've accomplished something.

I'm sure your right _Pax_. I'll be gutted if i can't. I might have to have my kids adopted:D

Nerdock

12-31-2008, 10:16 AM

eesh on that note. who wants to try to adjust yaw and pitch for a space cruiser on a console controller?

<---- not it.

but microsoft is already trying to bridge the console/PC play-togetherness (i guess ill call it that) with universe at war, maybe itll come through for ST:O as well but who knows. ill be pickin that up for pc for suuure tho.