Why don't console games have graphical settings?

Doesn't Bioshock on 360 have the ability to increase the frame rate, at a cost of more screen tearing? I don't have the game anymore, but i remember that option.

edit: TheGuardian03 beat me on it!

PAL360

I never played it on 360, but if it gave you an option like that, sounds like maybe it was optional v-sync. Like the game ran well enough to manage a steady 30fps, with v-sync, but wouldn't be able to hit 60, so if you turned off v-sync, it would allow it to spike into the 40s or 50s, resulting in a better framerate, but with screen tearing. I don't really know. That's just what it sounds like to me, if it was an option that would increase framerate, but result in screen tearing.

I also hate M/K for most games.

ShadowMoses900

That's why every single multiplat game from this generation works with a gamepad plugged into the PC. Even several PC exclusives have the option.

Consoles are just more convienant and I think PC fanboys overexaggerate the graphics and performance.

ShadowMoses900

I just started replaying Batman Arkham City, on my roommates new pc (plugged into the big-screen TV, and with a 360 controller), which runs it maxed out, with 40-60 fps. I had just recently played through the whole game on PS3. The difference in both graphics and performance is massive. You would literally have to have vaseline smeared on your face to not see the difference, or even to describe it as any less than "massive". You always say that you think PC fanboys exaggerate it, but the fact is, you think that because you've never actually seen it.

The average consolite wouldn't know the difference between the settings or care to look for the options to change them.

[QUOTE="Riadon2"]

It seems like it would be very beneficial to provide graphical settings for console games.

Don't like massive amounts of bloom? Turn it off.

Don't like exaggerated depth-of-field? Turn it off

Don't like lens-flares? Turn them off.

Don't like intense lag (Far Cry 3:P)? Turn shadows/AO down.

Screwed something up in the settings? Revert to default

They could also provide settings which take advantage of the increased FPS from disabled effects, such as improved shadow filtering and better LOD, or even a higher resolution

I don't really see why console games don't have this option. It would be nothing but beneficial for the players and the developers. The only issue I could see is multiplayer being biased towards those using less effects, but the settings could simply be locked to default for the multiplayer if needed.

GarGx1

Switch off massive amounts of bloom, remove the exaggerated d.o.f. and disable the lens flare would be like removing the make up from a 50 year old prostitute, everyone would see how ugly it really is and no one would want to buy it.

no judgement here... but I would like to know how you know about this... :P

Console gamers don't like to think. And I don't mean this in an offensive manner, I do it too when playing on a console. I expect "plug-n-play" and not to have to spend an hour figuring out key configs and graphical optimization (took me about 1.5 hours to get MSTS up and running a couple weeks ago). Plus, the hardware being locked to the developer's choice allows them to provide a uniform experience to all users.Zeviander

Or psn/xbl updates, oh wait.

Because they don't work on consoles, just like hardware upgrades don't.

The point of consoles is that you can play anything without any hassle ("plug 'n play" philosophy), not to be forced to bother with any settings, upgrades, drivers, updates, ect.

The closest thing I've seen to what the TC is talking about is in Bioshock. They allow you to change the frames per second. You could have smooth graphics with low fps, or somewhat uglier graphics for more frames per second.

That's like saying my current prescription of contact lenses is too strong and I would like something that would blur my vision.

Because console gamers are fine with eating the sh*t directly from the developer's poo holes just as it comes out

The whole reason PC games have graphical settings is because of the non-uniform nature of the platform. Where the hardware in one PC to the next is variable (memory, CPU, GPU...) the software needs to allow for adjustments to run optimally on what ever rig it's installed on, within the limits of minimal requirements.

Consoles with their uniform hardware doesn't need adjustable settings for the game, the devs know excatly what the specs are for them. While poor running conditions shouldn't happen in the first place, given that fact, I guess that it does occur comes down to devs always trying to push consoles boundries.

You get what you're given on consoles.

psymon100

turn off the special effects, you'll see how fugly it looks. Turn up the graphics and you'll create a singularity

[QUOTE="Heil68"]Consolites like L0we can't understand them. lowe0

That's why PCs exist!

Consoles are dumbed down to cater people who want simple experience. People who are computer illiterate would favour consoles.

It's true that I wished I had some graphical settings when the game runs like crap. But 95% of console exclusives run beautifully, as they are built solely for the particular console. I was quite surprised that Halo Reach dropped some serious performance here and there. This is why it boggles my mind when lems say that 360 handles games better "due to better hardware and memory architecture", yet their exclusives run like crap.

Games that have serious trouble with performance are multiplats, which are much more enjoyable on PC.

GamerwillzPS

curious, you played forza? its one of the most stale games i've touched this gen literally never see it drop even on horizon :) it is down to the developers ability to make the game, but it is notable the setup is much better on the 360 for developing :P

The thread isnt't dumb, but TC already knows the answer. Some people just don't like to fiddle with various technical stuff and just play. Why take it away and complicate the gaming experience?

PC gamers are PC gamers with a reason - they like to fiddle with stuff, overclock, install modded drivers for better performance and deliberately break the whole operating system while trying to fix a game that won't work (yeah I did that):D

Consoles take full advantage of the hardware unlike PC's. Try getting a game to look as good as Uncharted 3 on a 256mb ram, 7800gt pc.... not even close lol

Hey, why don't [loaded question]. Simple format in System Wars: 1. Casually ask question in a way that reveals the downsides of the thing you don't like (usually consoles). And that's it. It's that easy. Really, all you need to know for stealth attacks against things you hate. You're just asking a question, right? You aren't inciting anything, are you? That's right, you're not.Drasonak

You're right, issues should be left alone.

They should never be fixed, ever.

I ask a question about something that I don't understand? That makes me a console hater, obviously.

Peasants don't have rights.

Peasants don't have rights.

PCgameruk

[QUOTE="PCgameruk"]

Peasants don't have rights.

Ghost120x

its probably because giving console gamers any perception of choice might make them leave for the pc. once you taste freedom thats all you will want

because consolites are lazy, they prefer to just, as they say: "pop in the disc and play" ..they cant be bothered to tweak settings and/or fix minor error problems..

[QUOTE="Ghost120x"][QUOTE="PCgameruk"]

Peasants don't have rights.

ionusX

its probably because giving console gamers any perception of choice might make them leave for the pc. once you taste freedom thats all you will want

People have more going on in their lives than video games. But it's funny how important you try to make them seem.Drasonak

ionus really gave no measurement of importance in relation to individual's lives.

Oddly enough I just played Perfect Dark on my N64, and there's actually an option for high resolution.

I thought that was pretty neat. The game looks like butt without that turned on :P

[QUOTE="Drasonak"]People have more going on in their lives than video games. But it's funny how important you try to make them seem.lundy86_4

ionus really gave no measurement of importance in relation to individual's lives.

[QUOTE="clone01"]

Then they would be PCs.

Riadon2

I see no reason why they should not adopt some of the PC's better features.

[QUOTE="Riadon2"]

[QUOTE="clone01"]

Then they would be PCs.

DarthBilf

I see no reason why they should not adopt some of the PC's better features.

Oddly enough I just played Perfect Dark on my N64, and there's actually an option for high resolution.

I thought that was pretty neat. The game looks like butt without that turned on :P

Ly_the_Fairy

The framerate also halves when you turn that on, making the game a choppy mess...

Turok 2 had a similar option if you added the memory expansion. (and also slowed down to a crawl if you turned it on)

There really is only one answer to this. Consoles are fixed hardware PC's aren't.