You have to remember that the majority of computer games are either of an ASWD + mouse configuration and any extended functionality is through the function keys or numerical keys barring perhaps 'I' for inventory and 'M' for map and 'F' to use and 'R' to reload or joystick controlled (or gamepad anyway) which is a moot point. Between the 16 odd buttons on an XBOX 360 controller or a PS3 controller, there is plenty of scope for equal functionality, and in many cases significantly better functionality.
And, if the game uses mouse on the PC, significantly worse functionality. There is a reason why console FPS games tend to have autoaim and why PC FPS games lost this feature about the same time the joys of unrestricted mouselook were introduced.
Ace Combat - Granted this is an arcade flight sim but it sure was pretty - it never aimed to the lofty heights of the MS Flight Sim series but visually at the time it was brilliant.
Ah yes, it's all visuals these days.
The problem with consoles is that they often trade capacity and flexibility for improved visual performance, so the games look pretty on them, run well, but tend to be small and limited in scope. Then, the technology marches on and the PC games become even prettier while remaining bigger and generally leave the console titles in the dust - unless they happen to be multiplatform titles that with tiny levels, blurry textures, poor optimization and unresponsive controls. Bonus points if they are multiplatform sequels to PC games.
Final Fantasy VII - The daddy of all grand production RPGs and it showed - what a world, what a game! I can't believe how many hours I spent latched in front of my TV playing this - stunning game and not at all less for being on a console.
I could have a field day with that. I don't intend to diss jRPGs, as liking them is generally matter of taste. It does however make me die a little on the inside, and feel nerdrage rising whenever I hear something like the phrase in bold.
I mean, whiskey tango foxtrot!
I know that Japanese, for some obscure reason call those games "RPGs", but they bear little similarity to "proper" (western) RPGs that arose form the PnP, obviously don't belong to the same genre and to implicate that they are
the RPGs is obvious lunacy.
What about stuff like Infinity Engine games (BG series, PS:T), Fallout 1 & 2, TES 2 & 3, Wizardry series? PnP RPGs were basically interactive adventures with stats, and this should apply to their computer counterparts - games with linear, if elaborate storyline and simplistic mechanics simply don't belong. They are not any more RPGs than Starcraft would be an FPS if it's makers insisted on calling it that. They should be called jRPGs, or, if you're sufficiently jaded, JPGs, as - be they fun or not - you don't play a role there any more than you do in DOOM (you're stuck with an established character and can't influence their development in any meaningful way) and they are about as interactive as the popular graphics file format.
Now, to explain my perspective a bit better:
Consoles are particularly well suited for casual games - they are simple, easy to use, are often played on a couch, often make playing a social event, etc. This means that they attract casual gamers and here is our problem - casual gamers like casual games, the ones that are simple, don't require prolonged attention, and the ones that are easy. Complexity, challenge and depth are a nemesis to the casual gamers, this is seen in how post-Morrowind TES series evolved - from intriguing, original diverse world, into bloom-tastic, simplified carbon copy generic fantasy crap, with blurry textures and overt level scaling. This is seen in how Deus Ex went form brilliant cyberpunk thriller to diluted, dumbed down claustrophobic crap with purty graphics.
Hardcore PC gamers have every reason for distrust and hostility towards console gaming.
P.S.
If you like the JPGs, you should play Anachronox. Brilliant, PC western-made game that nevertheless belongs to the genre. Great storyline and humour worthy of late Douglas Adams himself.
