630°

World's best textures in games

Some PC games feature world class textures out of the box, some got enhanced by graphics mods like iCEnhancer, Cinematic Mod or S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Complete mod. A website shows a collection with the best textures available in PC games.

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ATi_Elite4650d ago (Edited 4650d ago )

GTAIV Icenhancer mod
STALKER Complete MOD
STALKER Reloaded MOD
Arma2 ACE mod 2
Crysis Extreme Immersion mod

are my favorite mods that crank the graphics up to super duper levels but you better have a Beast of a PC to fully appreciate the added textures.

Warning "once you play a game using High Quality graphics Mods...there's no turning back"

MAJ0R4649d ago

yup all those only possible on PC hardware

ATi_Elite4649d ago

You got that right!!!

PC Gaming for life!!!!

Bleach4649d ago

The GTAIV mods look nice but make the game unplayable. Thats the problem with PC gaming, it looks nice, but thats all.

seinfan4649d ago

I wish I was a PC gamer. Just like I wish I was a Pats fan when they won those three super bowls a few years back. I'm just not a bandwagon kind of guy. I want a genuine liking to these things, but my nature just doesn't allow for it. Hard to explain.

mandf4649d ago

Didn't they say straight out the box? I have an question for honest PC gamers. What is the standard resolution out the box for the average pc game? What is the average fps for a pc game out the box? Does upscaling pixelate the image when it's not the native resolution? ( i have always believed this to be true because you are not adding detail just adding pixels) Last question, are mods better than upscaling? Not trolling just a couple of questions

bumnut4649d ago (Edited 4649d ago )

PC games support all resolutions out of the box, as high as your monitor can handle.

They are not upscaled resolutions, they are native. The game is rendered at whatever resolution you set, and the framerate depends on what your PC is capable of.

Thats why people spend big bucks on graphics card to get maximum image quality and framerate.
Some console games are rendered around 600p and then upscaled, it is not the same for pc. Thats why the graphics look far superior.

Mods are created by fans to add higher quality textures than devs add at the time of release, usually because the hardware at the time of release would not be able to handle it. This makes a lot of PC games get better with age.

Hope that helped answer some of your questions.

dirthurts4649d ago

Yeah man. PC's don't upscale anything.It's all native resolution. Up scaling isn't even an option.
You want 1920x1080@60fps, just build a rig that can run that fast and you have it.
Mods usually just add graphical effects, or sharper textures. Textures don't upscale on pc, they just display as they are, with the highest resolution available for that given texture(unless you turn down the details).
Many advantages to pc.
So no blurry, no jagged edges, and if you're rig is good enough no frame drops.

mandf4649d ago (Edited 4649d ago )

@bumnut

Why use a monitor when you really can't tell the difference running high resolutions on a small monitor? Why not use a t.v.? When using a t.v. does a t.v. locked at 1080p hurt the overall effect of higher resolutions? What is the BEST way to view high resolution games? Please explain it would be very helpful to me and others to understand.

@ VonAltbretch

I'm not trolling just trying to learn from pc gamers who are open with info. You need to lighten up.

Can i have an honest conversation with pc gamers without debubbling or disagrees. I'm just trying to learn something from someone who games on pc.

dirthurts4649d ago

Actually I do use my tv. I have my rig set up with two displays, one my monitor, and the other my TV. When I want to game on the tv I just switch it over with a hotkey and game on my tv.
If you set your resolution to 1920x1080, (1080p) You take advantage of every single pixel that the tv has, as the highest framerate your tv, and or graphics card can handle.

I agree, he's not trolling. Just asking questions, and I'm all for helping him out. Get a grip guys. Geeze.

mandf4649d ago

@ dirthurts

Thank you for taking the time to answer. What would you say is better a monitor or t.v.? I only play tower defense games on pc. I usually only game on consoles. I find it very interesting to learn about pc gamers and the way they game because of all the options available.

dirthurts4649d ago

Well it depends on what you're doing.
I prefer the TV, because my TV looks much better, and that's where my surround sound is. I also like using a gamepad.
However, some games just don't work or aren't compatible with gamepads. While you can configure it yourself, I will usually stick with a mouse and keyboard for many types of games. Especially like Sim, Sport, etc etc.
It really depends. It's cheaper to have an amazing monitor and speakers, than an amazing tv and sound setup.

ATi_Elite4649d ago (Edited 4649d ago )

Upscaling = it simply changes one resolution SIGNAL to match the output of the TV. it does not improve quality. DVD players with upscaling capabilities are a gimmick cause any good TV comes with a upscaling chip.

Why play PC Games on a monitor versus a TV?
1. Find me a TV that does 1600p native resolution. They don't exist and if they do they probably are $12,000!!
2. Eyefinity or Nvidia 3D surround allows for games to be played on 3 or 6 monitors thus making the screen larger than any TV
3. Peripheral vision is added on a multiple monitor set-up and it totally kills! PV is such an added benefit that it really increases your K/D ratio in FPS match against those without it. Also adds to the immersion and game play of racing games.
4. monitors are just better than TV's when it comes to response time which translates to lag in MP games.

Resolution: PC games support whatever resolution your TV or monitor is.
1080p allows for high quality images thus requiring less AA. 4xMSAA @ 1920x1080p is a quality picture.
1600p melts your eyes...actually it really brings out a far superior picture to 1080p as far as games cause you get more detail shown in each pixel but requires a 1600p monitor and a powerful GPU. I do play PC Games on my Sony Bravia but it lacks 1600p and peripheral view!

Ilikegames764649d ago

The Flat Panel TVs out in the market only displays resolution up to 1920 x 1080p. You can buy a mid-range computer monitor with a higher resolution than that, much higher actually. But you should have the proper hardware to support those high-resolution display. A high-end graphic card is a must and some cost more than the computer itself. If you purchase an out-of-the box mid-range PC, it could display resolution in HD (1920 x 1080p). But if you want higher than that, you should be prepared to invest in a good graphic card.

AKS4649d ago

@mandf

I use my TV, a 1080p Panasonic plasma, for PC gaming. I personally do not care for gaming at a desk. I've got a wireless keyboard and mouse and play in my living room. I have it hooked up to a fairly nice 7.1 Marantz/ Polk Audio surround system. My front speakers alone cost more than my gaming PC (~$1500 range versus $2000 for just a pair of the front speakers). I'm more interested in the complete home theater experience with great visuals and audio, so my TV works best for me.

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Kushan4649d ago

"Thats the problem with PC gaming, it looks nice, but thats all. "

Yeah? You know that new Deus Ex game that's making the rounds, that people are absolutely raving about? It's almost identical to the first game (except for how it looks). That's right, the PC was dishing out the best of this generation's gameplay over a decade ago.

It doesn't just "look nice", it's way more than that and if you were a PC gamer, you'd understand.

T3MPL3TON 4649d ago

@NeoOmega

who told you that lie? I use iCE and it works perfectly fine.

koehler834649d ago

Unless you enjoy playing games the day they're released.

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Fishy Fingers4650d ago

Lot's of nice screens in there showing decent textures, although, plenty of pretty bland ones too.

BlackKnight4649d ago (Edited 4649d ago )

I really liked the textures in Series Sam TFE/TSE HD remakes with their new engine:

http://www.pcgameshardware....

http://www.pcgameshardware.... (Great water reflection resolution)

http://www.pcgameshardware....

http://www.pcgameshardware....

Texture resolution is incredibly high and detailed.

josephps34649d ago

HOLY MOLY!

I've always said that I'm satisfied with the level of graphics this generation. PS3, Xbox360 both have great graphics but OMG if they release a PS4 and Xbox720 titles with graphics like that, my ps3 will become a door stopper.

This is like visual cocaine. One look and you're hooked. You're a buyer. Totally helpless and will pay anything.

4649d ago
Stealth2k4649d ago

i will always say it graphics aint art style.......some of the games with arguably "THE best graphics ever" bore me to death.....

bumnut4649d ago

Very true, but they come in handy to show friends what your PC is capable of.

Crysis = yawn
GTA4 = yawn

iamgoatman4649d ago

Art style doesn't make a game any better than graphics from a technical stand point do either. I've seen some very pretty games in my time that weren't technically very good but still had a great visual style that played like crap. A game with broken mechanics or poor gameplay wrapped in a uniquely pretty shell is still a bad game, it's just easier on the eyes.

nycredude4649d ago

Dude that is just a crap game period.

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130°

Looking Back At 2008, An Unbelievably Incredible Year Of Video Game Releases

Huzaifa from eXputer: "2008 was home to the likes of Call of Duty: World at War, Dead Space, GTA 4, Far Cry 2, Left 4 Dead, and many other hits, which is outright remarkable."

ChasterMies22d ago

Some of these low paid video game “news” writers weren’t born before 2007.

just_looken22d ago

Here here

Those that were around before 2000's i am sure are like me that think we entered a world of non readers or those that follow without question.

I can not wait to see fallout 3 a goty game even though it was about water with non content until you add the dlc/updates then you got the performance/crashing

CrimsonWing6923d ago

I don’t think anything can compare to 2023

lucasnooker23d ago

1998 - the best year in gaming! Metal gear solid, crash bandicoot 3, medievil, half life, ocarina of time, thief, tenchu, resident evil 2, Spyro, tomb raider 3, oddworld abes exodus, banjo kazooie.

It was a different breed of a gaming era. You’ll never understand what it was like back then. The aura of gaming, it was different!

KyRo23d ago (Edited 23d ago )

I second this. Gaming was a lot more varied and fun than it is today. I'm 35 so getting on compared to some here but I got to see all the changes from NES up to now but I've never felt so disappointed in any generation than I have this current gen. I was expecting more from this generation rather than prettier versions of games that came before it. Game mechanics have become so refined that alot of games feel the same and has done for a while now.

Maybe it's time to have a break for a while. I love gaming but I don't feel I get much fun in the traditional sense out of it anymore.

CrimsonWing6923d ago (Edited 23d ago )

Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil 2, Abe’s Exodus, and Ocarina of Time are the only things from that list that I liked.

Here’s the 2023 game releases that I personally liked… and big releases that I didn’t care for:

- Dead Space Remake
- Wo Long Dynatsy
- Resident Evil 4 Remake
- Diablo 4
- Fire Emblem Engage
- Hogwarts Legcay
- Street Fighter 6
- Hi-Fi Rush
- Like a Dragon: Ishin
- Octopath Traveler 2
- Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters
- Final Fanatsy XVI (actually ended up not liking this, but it was still a big deal release)
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
- Lies of P
- Mortal Kombat 1
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Starfield (Ended up hating this one, but big release)
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (I’m an old-school Zelda fan, but didn’t really enjoy this game)
- Alan Wake 2

I mean, honestly I’ve never seen a year of major IP releases like that, ever.

Profchaos23d ago (Edited 23d ago )

Isn't it just a generational thing realistically.

I've been gaming since way back and I some of my favourite games go as far back as the late 80s for me each generation has a year or two of game changing releases one after another before an inevitable dry spell.

I kind of agree gaming had a different feel games hit different because we didn't have the internet nothing got spoiled and you really had to put in the effort to beat a puzzle which could set entire groups of people looking for a solution. But most importantly games were experimental and not as cookie cutter as today even basics like controls were not universal today r2 is shoot l2 is ads garunteed you can't deviate from that in a shooter back then it could of been square, R1 or R1 and circle nothing was standard.

But as time moves on a new generation picks up their controller they are going to be interested in different things that PS1 demo disc with the t Rex blew our primitive 16 bit brains back on launch but to kids today it's laughable.
The new gen of kids coming into to hobby seem to value different things to us there seems to be a huge focus on online play, streamers, gaming personalities, and social experiences, convience of digital downloads. To me I value none of that but that's ok like my parents not liking the band's I would listen to its just the natural cycle.

Gameseeker_Frampt22d ago

Just about every year in the 7th generation was great and something we most likely won't experience again.

2009 for example had Assassin's Creed 2, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Dragon Age: Origins, Uncharted 2, Halo 3: ODST, Killzone 2, Borderlands, Bayonetta, and Demon's Souls to name a few.

just_looken22d ago

It still amazes me we got over 7 rockstar games ps2/ps3 but 3 for the ps3/ps4/ps5

Dragon age 1-3 and mass effect 1-3 in 7ish years what a generation.

130°

Essential Video Games Everyone Needs To Play At Least Once

Video games are no longer just a simple past time. Today's games are evolving into true works of art. Offering intriguing narratives, cinematic setpieces, and profound messages, games can entertain us for hundreds of hours.

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wealthofgeeks.com
Chard24d ago (Edited 24d ago )

I never got around to mass effect - I’m skeptical that it would hold up if I were to try it now

Furesis24d ago

I would say it does. The combat is a bit shit for todays standards but everything else is great.

anast24d ago

It's worth a play through today.

gold_drake23d ago

the first one is abit the odd one out but after u finished it, believe it it gets tremendously better and better

230°

All the Essential Video Games Everyone Needs To Play At Least Once

Given the medium's wild diversity, this primer of the essential video games everyone should try is a good place to start.

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wealthofgeeks.com
thorstein66d ago

.... from the 2000s (mostly).

shinoff218366d ago

I can't fk with this list. They missed on alot of games probably before the writers times. Also I know people loved some portal but I was never a fan.

Cacabunga66d ago

Tomb Raider 1
Driver 1
Abe’s Odyssey
FF6
King of Fighters 94
Mortal Kombat OG
LINK 2 the past
Street Fighter 2
Resident Evil 1

Inverno66d ago

Infinite but not the first two games? Witcher 3 but not the first two games?? GTA V but not literally any of the games before it??? Portal 2 but not the first? Also if you're going to play Shadow of The Colossus play the remaster and not the remake. Can't say I disagree with the list but my man it's all over the place.

Name Last Name66d ago

I mean some sequels are objectively better and you don’t need to play the whole series.

Inverno66d ago

But most of these games have a story to follow, sure you can catch up with a YouTube vid but where's the fun in that?

LucasRuinedChildhood66d ago (Edited 66d ago )

A list like this isn't telling you not to play the previous games if you want to. It's just giving you legendary games to play.

But tbh, you don't always have to force yourself to play every entry in a franchise to get to the better ones.

- The vast majority of Witcher 3 players never played the first 2 and had a great time. The first 2 games aren't in the same league.
- The GTA games are self-contained with the odd fun reference. You can easily jump into any of them.
- The Shadow Of The Colossus remake looks and controls better than the original (plus it has a 60fps option while the remaster is just 30fps). New players will enjoy it more.
- Portal 2 is a lot better than Portal 1 and takes the concept much further gameplay-wise. Storywise, Portal 1 is fairly light too. Not that you shouldn't play it but realistically ... you'd love Portal 2 whether you play it or not (at lot of Portal 2 players have never played 1).

Bioshock 1 is the only one I agree with you on simply because it's one the best games of all time and arguably better than Infinite. No other setting like Rapture.

Looking at the list, I'd recommend playing Uncharted 1 before 2 but no doubt, 2 is the legendary one you have to play.

Inverno66d ago

I get it, but that's just my opinion on his opinion. I just think that before you play a sequel you should still play what came before it. Maybe it's just me but i find it fascinating playing through the first game in a series and seeing how it has evolved through its sequels. Like I said I don't disagree with the list, other than SoTC which I strongly believe the remaster of the original should be played above the remake.

AuraAbjure66d ago

Awesome list! Hot take on Fear (and it's hard af expansion Persaus Mandate!) Bioshock Infinite is stellar, so is the Witcher 3 and you nailed it by having Ocarina of Time. So many fantastic games! Gotta play 'em all! Next one on my list is Prey after I beat Dead Space 2 and Splinter Cell Conviction.

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