Interviewing Gamers

[Riff Moonraker]

Spoiler: Questions

1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?
2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?
3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?
4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?
5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?
6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this?

Just quote the questions above, answer them, and then provide your name, age, gender and online alias that you use most. You can also provide a photo, but that's completely optional.

Thanks in advance.

My name is Ray, I'm a 40 year old male, and Riff Moonraker is always my alias.

1. My first console was the Atari 2600, but I liked gaming before I ever got that. I used to play games on a friends Apple IIe, and I loved to go to the local arcade to play Pac-Man, Joust, etc.

2. Yes, my favorite series would be the Mass Effect series. Followed closely by the Elder Scrolls games, Fallout games, Gears, and Halo series.

3. My favorite would be RPGs, first and foremost.

4. I own an Atari 2600, a NES, an N64, Xbox, and the Xbox 360. I enjoy playing the 360 the most.

5. I used to game alot on the PC, but I quit after I pulled myself out of EverQuest, and havent gamed on the PC since, except for Urban Rivals, which I still play on the PC. To be honest, all fanboyisms aside, the PC is a fantastic gaming device, if you choose to invest in it. Nowadays I just prefer the more simplistic approach with my 360.

6. Well, I have never played Battlefield, and I havent played the multiplayer in a call of duty game since the first Modern Warfare. I do, however, really like the intense action in the modern warfare series, so I am looking forward to picking up MW3 sometime in the near future. Beyond that, I am not qualified to say.

 

[miketehmage]

1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?
Playstation 1, bought by my dad, I was 7.

2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?
Battlefield 2, Medal of Honor Allied Assault, World of Warcraft. Call of Duty 4.

3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?
FPS, RPG, MMO

4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?
PC, Xbox360. I play the PC more as I find the controls to be easier to use, I also find games more immersive when I'm sitting closer to the screen with headphones on. And the Access to mods for games like Oblivion is nice too.

5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?
It is the best gaming machine out there, and it is saddening to see so many games ported from console to PC.

6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this?
Battlefield 3 will most certainly be better. Multiplayer encourages teamplay, maps are expansive and immersive, vehicles can be used and there is no ridiculous kill streaks(which further discourage teamplay). Some of my best gaming experiences came from battlefield 2, and I expect BF3 to be even better. Call of Duty, in my opinion has been going steadily downhill after Call of Duty 4.

 

[Sp3ratus]

1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?
I first got into gaming when I was around 5. My dad and I used to play Simon the Sorcerer and some RPG I can't really remember much about. I do remember us playing together though and slowly began playing on my own, among which I can name Jazz Jackrabbit, The Lion King as a few of the games I played back then.

2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?
I have a top three, which consists of Half-life 2(and episodes) at the top, followed by Planescape: Torment and rounding it off with Demon's Souls. After that, I don't really have a set list, because I can't really decide which game deserves to go where. The top three has been set for the last 2 or 3 years, though.

3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?
I tend to play a variety of different games, but I'd say I probably prefer RPGs, especially ones with long and complex stories.

4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?
I own a PS1, PS3, Gamecube and PC. I mostly use my PC, because most of my games(and favourites as well) are on there, but also because right now, my consoles aren't connected, because my apartment is being worked on.

5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?
Brilliant. Has a lot of different games, from freeware to indie to big AAA titles. Also, the fact that you have complete control over how powerful hardware you want and how much you want to shell out appeals to me.

6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this?
Couldn't tell you. I don't really like where either of those titles have been taken, but if I was forced to choose one, I'd probably say BF3, solely because of BF1942, one of the best multiplayer games ever.

Name: Michael
Age: 22
Alias: Sp3ratus, just like my username.

 

[CrimsonBlaze]

1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?

When I was four, I was babysat at one of my aunt's house. They had a NES and Super Mario Bros. 3, so in the morning, I would play for a bit before the sun came out and then I played outside. My uncle (who is 8 years older then me) was very tech savvy and bought the Sega Genesis in '93. I played Sonic 2 and from that moment on, I was hooked. I asked for a Sega Genesis and got one that same Christmas.

2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?

Sonic all the way. Also, a lot of the Disney based games that appeared during the 8-bit and 16-bit era. Now, I enjoy the Uncharted series, Marvel vs. Capcom series, Assassin's Creed series, inFamous series, BioShock series, Pokemon series, Final Fantasy series, Disgaea series, Megaman series, and Legend of Zelda series.

3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?

I like games with a story, so RPGs are the games I gravitate towards. I also enjoy Action, Adventure, SRPG, some FPS, Racing, & Fighting, and Platformer.

4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?

I own an old Sega Genesis, PS2, Nintendo DS, PS3, and PSP. I play the PS3 when I have a lot of time to kill because I enjoy the exclusives, the great graphics, and some PSN titles that I enjoy playing. Sometimes I would play the DS because it is easier to pick up and put down, and I have a library of casual games for the DS.

5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?

PC has it's own spot in the gaming community and was actually the driving force towards better graphics and textures for the current Gen consoles. Certain games just run better on the PC and it's a pretty good contender, especially for those who enjoy Steam and don't feel committed to purchasing the latest Gen console.

6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this?

My house is dominated by COD, so I could not really comment on Battlefield. However, I have played it the latest installment and the scope of the game is amazing. I feel that for a greater scale of combat, Battlefield is better. For those who only want to pick up the the latest rifle and paint the town red, COD is the better contender.

 

[GeorgW]

[li]1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?[/li]
I had played games with friends before, but in terms of my own console I was very late, it was the NGC, and my first games were melee and mario kart. I got really into it meeting friends and playing together. It's a great way to bond and some of my best memories with some of my best friends are from gaming.
[li]2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?[/li]
Star Wars Battlefront 2 is my all time favourite.
[li]3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?[/li]
Not really, I like them all.
[li]4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?[/li]
I have all the current, I play most multiplayer games on 360 since my friends play there, but I prefer to play games on the PS3. I also spend a lot of times on my PC playing.
[li]5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?[/li]
I love it, it's a great source for creative and unique games. I almost never play AAA games on PC though.
[li]6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this?[/li]
I'll most likely buy both. I think Battlefield 3 will be the better, quality-wise, I have huge respect for the team over at DICE, but I'll likely still get CoD for more mindless fun with friends.

I'm a man, that's all you get.

I hope that's helpful.

 

[eggy32]

1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?
I first got into gaming when I saw my brother playing Sonic the Hedgehog on the Sega Master System. It's been a hobby of mine since then.

2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?
Yes, The Elder Scrolls IV and Final Fantasy IX are my two favorite games.

3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?
I like all the genres except RTS. I suck at RTS.

4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?
I own an N64, Wii, DS, PS2 and Xbox 360. I play the 360 the most because it has more games that appeal to me.

5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?
It's fantastic. It can be upgraded to suit the demands of new games and any multiplatform games tend to be better on the PC. Mods also help to make PC gaming more fun.

6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this?[/spoiler]I'd say Battlefield 3 will probably be better. I have little interest in either but MW3 looks exactly the same as the last bunch of CoD games.

 

[Davidm4]

1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?
Started at 5 years old with the Sega Mega Drive. Played some random games like Gain Ground, Adams Family, Home Alone the Simpsons Krusty Fun House (or something like that) but mostly remember Sonic 1 & 2. Started PC gaming with Baldurs Gate, Alpha Centuri and Lion King. Zelda OoT being my most memorable experience on N64 but played all the main games for it such as Goldeneye, Mario Kart, Super Mario 64, Banjo Kazooie, Diddy Kong Racing, Majoras Mask etc.

2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?
Portal 2 and Braid. Ive played Final Fantasy 7-13 and most of the Zelda games.

3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?
Puzzle Adventures are my favourite games as they usually offer unique gameplay mechanics. Looking forward to Quantum Conundrum.

4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?
PC, Ps3 and Wii. Many PS2's broke down on me, my Xbox 360 is RROD and my N64 no longer works. I play PC mostly because I have no Internet connection for the Wii or PS3 so I can't update latest patches for games or play multiplayer. I rarely play the Wii, but I'm looking forward to Skyward Sword.

5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?
It is great as it cost quite a bit, but I haven't bought anything that uses its specs to max so I hope it will last a few years. Having games tied to accounts such as steam is a negative as re-selling games helps towards costs of other games.

6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this?

I've never bought a Battlefield game and the last COD game I had came with the PS3 (Modern Warfare) so I'm probably not entitled to an opinion on this.


Name: David
Age: 21

 

[esperandote]

Good afternoon, evening, morning, or whatever greeting your time zone requires, Escapists.

As part of a feature for a very small magazine I write for, I need to gather some information on gamers and how gaming fits into their lives, how they feel about it, that sort of thing. With a very large and varied collection of gamers right here on my virtual doorstep, I thought it would be a good idea to pose the question to you all. If you could just take a moment to answer the questions below (in as much or little detail as you like) and then provide a little information about yourself, that would be a massive help.

1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?
I played a little Atari 2600 but i got into gaming on Arcades wich were very popular un my area in early nineties. My firts major console was the NES.
2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?
In that time? No, i played whatever it came.
3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?
Fighters and survival horror.
4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?
PS2 and Xbox 360. I play PS2 the most because that's what i use to play king of fighters and my favorite survival horror series.
5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?
Expensive.
6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this?
I couldn't care less about FPS's

name: Juan Carlos
age: 27
gender: Male
online alias: Esperandote

Thanks in advance.

You're welcome, i love to talk about me.

Tip: You could ask the country too.
Country: Mexico

 

[Spitfire]

1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?

My very first console was a Commodore 64, I think, though I was very little then and I don't remember what I used to play on it (the original Prince of Persia, maybe?). The first platform that I actually used a lot, was a Pentium 2 PC, that I got when I was 7. Among the games that I used to play were Quake 2, Duke Nukem 3D, Need For Speed 3, Earthsiege, Descent 2, a criminally underrated gem called Urban Assault, and various other games from that time period.

2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?

Yes. The Longest Journey series, Homeworld 1 & 2, Half-Life 2, and Mass Effect.

3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?

Not really. I suppose I play FPS games primarily, but I have no particular preference towards the genre, as you can probably tell from looking at my favorite games.

4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?

I'm a PC gamer through and through. Back in the day, I actually wanted a Gamecube or a PS2, but I couldn't afford either one, and was stuck with the PC I had. None of the current generation consoles appeal to me, however, and neither do their exclusives. Nowadays I actually prefer the PC as a platform, and most games I'm interested in are usually available on it as well, so I see absolutely no reason why I'd want to purchase a console.

5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?

I think it's great. The PC allows for types of games that consoles don't, or at least not in the same capacity, and that makes it unique as a gaming platform.

6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this?

I'm not routing for either one. Neither Battlefield, or Call of Duty, need another installment in their franchise, in my opinion.

Name's Dan. I'm 20. Male. Alias: InfiltratorN7.

Edited: changed a couple of things.

 

[Pyotr Romanov]

1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?
I've always played PC games. First game I very faintly remember is some point & click game with a very colourful rabbit as a main character. The point I really got into it was probably when my uncle gave me some sort of demo disc with demos of games like Jazz Jack Rabbit, which ended up being the first game I got (as a present) as my own choice.

2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?
There are many games I love, but The Elder Scrolls series just really can't be topped in terms of enjoyment for me.

3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?
RPGs and RTSes, I play any game that interests me though, regardless of genre.

4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?
PC, PS3 though I hardly play on it besides Demon's Souls, which I still insist should be a PC game. I also own a DS, though aside from the occasional long journey, it's left mostly unplayed.

5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?
See every other question. Any game that's for both PC and anything else I get on PC.

6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this?
I'm looking forward to Battlefield 3 more, though that's only because I really, really don't care about CoD. I'm not planning on buying it, though I might get it if I upgrade my pc in the near future if it turns out to be a better stresstest than Witcher 2.
I doubt it. Übersampling to the max.


EDIT: Oh yes, I'm 16 years of age and male.
And I usually use either TooMiserable or Grubby as a name.

 

[dickywebster]

1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?
Friends snes at i think it was 6, got an original gameboy at 7 and a n64 at 8, havent looked back
2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?
Silent hill, dragon quest, final fantasy, ratchet and clank, resident evil, half life, advance wars etc
3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?
Survival horror, rpg, rts, sandbox and action
4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?
Lets see, n64, ps2, ps3, wii, gameboy, gameboy colour, ds (ignore the last 3 if u dont care about handhelds)
5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?
I find it better for rts games, but i prefer consoles u can plug into tvs, not least cause i cant afford a decent gaming pc.
6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this?
Personally, rarely play online and couldnt care less about either game, especially as EA seems to be trying to pull a fast one with origins half the time and using Battlefield 3 to make it popular or the like.
But then I havent really liked either series before.

Richard
21
Male
and i have a few, my escapist one is probably my second most used alias

 

[Bato]

1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?
Now see this is a weird one, my grandmother was like the biggest gamer ever in the 90s. What she did in her retirement years was.. Play SNES, NES, and N64. She beat like everything like a pro. I'd play the games a bit every now and then, but I didn't get into gaming regularly until some time after she passed away and her games were ~mine to play at any time I wished.

2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?
I couldn't choose a favourite, they were all fun with different experiences.
But there is one game that I can think of that I can come back to every year and it still be fun, and a blast, and as if I am playing it for the first time again. Atleast until I remember the story. And it's Tales of Symphonia. Now I'm not a fan of JRPGs outside of the SNES era but man I loved me some Tales of Symphonia.

3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?
I have a soft spot for horror games, like Silent Hill, Amnesia, Clocktower. Only problem is there's hardly any non-action horror games coming out save by the Frictional Games guys.

4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?
Of Current Generation platforms I only have a Wii, and I haven't played that since my Resident Evil 4 disk stopped working like ages ago and there's not been much else that interests me for the Wii except the metroid games.
I play mostly PC games because honestly PC is cheaper and gives you modding capabilities.

5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?
It's cheaper and gives you modding capabilities along with having the computer as a tool. It's 'better' in my opinion, but if someone wants to play the PS3 or Xbox sure dude I hope you have fun. The console wars seems silly, it's down to whatever you like.

6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this?
They're both modern FPS games, like most things it comes down to tastes.
Do you want super fast paced action? Modern Warfare.
Do you want more focus on team roles? Battlefield.

 

[Mandalore_15]

1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?

Me and my dad used to play Doom and Wolfenstein 3D on an old Dos PC back in the day... would probably have been around '94 or '95. Good memories. =)

2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?

Yep, my favourite games are Half-Life, Deus Ex and System Shock 2. Half-Life was the first game I ever personally owned and is still the best gaming experience I've ever had. Nothing has been so revolutionary to me. I imagine Deus Ex would have been that mind-blowing if I bought it when it came out, but I picked it up in 2004, so a bit late.

Having said that, System Shcok 2 was the first scary game I ever played, and nothing has ever put the shits up me like it since! Bioshock is a big letdown by comparison...

3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?

First-person games. I'm reluctant to say "shooters" because there doesn't have to be a lot of action in it for me to enjoy it (like Amnesia for example), but I find that the first-person perspective is a lot more immersive than anything else. I like to feel like I am the character I'm playing.

4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?

I own a PC and a PS3. For a while I played my PS3 a lot more, but I've recently gone back to the PC in a big way and it's been gathering dust.

5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?

I'm a bit of a PC fanboy admittedly. I started out there and will probably always be there predominantly. First of all, the games are much cheaper. Second of all, graphically and technologically it's capable of way more than current consoles. Also, the mod and indie scenes really boost it in my eyes, as it's far more limited on consoles due to licensing issues etc. The main problem with the PC now though is the reduced number of AAA titles, as companies like Microsoft are keeping their best stuff for consoles to try and limit piracy etc.

6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this?

I think Battlefield 3 will be the better game by far. MW3 looks exactly the same as MW2. The engine is dated and the mechanics look to not have changed at all (and I'm sure the multiplayer will suffer from the same bullshit as before with shots not being registered and other major frustrations).

However, I won't be buying Battlefield 3 as long as it is tied into the Origin service on PC. I refuse to let EA spy on my computing activities. I don't have anything to hide, but the fact that they think they can get away with it is offensive to me.

 

[Puddleknock]

1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?

Ah first console, what a question. I started on the Sega Master System and in all honesty gaming has always been part of what I've done. Its not my only hobby but certainly is an ever present one.

2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?
Baldur's Gate is still the best series made in my mind. I don't just mean in games either, but across all forms of entertainment.

3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?
RPG mostly, with fighting games a distant second.

4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?
Of the current generation I own a PS3 but spent more time gaming on my laptop.

5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?
In a way I kinda of prefer it. I find the PC to be the more versatile choice. Also costs does help, new releases tend to be cheaper on the PC as suppose to the PS3.

6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this
To be honest FPS is not my thing, so i'm standing in the RPG crowd asking what a 'call of battle: Modern Field 3' is?

I'm 24 year old male and this is the alias I use for gaming related things.

 

[Greni]

1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?
NES Super Mario Bros. 1 and 3, I wasn't born when neither of them were released but still played them practically non-stop from when I was 7 to 10. That's when I learned that video games are awesome. And look at where they stand now.

2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?
Yes. Battlefield 1942, TesIV:Oblivion and Divinity II: the Dragon Knight Saga

3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?
RPGs

4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?
Ps1, Ps2, Gameboy oldschool edition and an NES.

5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?
Awesome. Only game on PC now. Lots of interesting titles that I've never played due to being console exclusive, but there's always something else.


6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this?
Both are in my opinion near-dead cash cows giving away their last drop of juice. But I enjoyed CoD: MW 1 a lot, perhaps, save for Battlefield 1942, the best Lan game ever but the Battlefield series have been going down the same ultra-realism pit as the aforementioned and lost a lot of their original charm in doing so. Regardless people apparently still enjoy them, so good for them, I guess.

 

[itsausernamewhatofit]

1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?
2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?
3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?
4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?
5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?
6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this?

In that order:

1. My first console was an NES with a copy of super mario bros, although i was playing games on the pc before that. I can't remember my first game, I was playing educational ones through preschool though.
2. I'm a big fan of the Assassin's Creed series as well as Metal Gear Solid and up until the release of Halo Reach I was a huge Halo fan.
3. I like plenty of different kinds of games but I dislike JRPGs and racing games among other types.
4. I have an Xbox 360 as well as a Wii, Gamecube, PS2, Xbox (original), I think my NES is in the basement somewhere, a DS and a PSP. I really don't sell anything so they pile up. As far as use goes I use my Xbox 360 pretty much every day, my Wii as a Netflix player, my Gamecube when I get an urge to play MGS: The Twin Snakes, my PS2 occasionally when there's a game I really want to play, my Xbox when there's a game I really want to play that I haven't in a long time, my NES never, my DS almost never, and my PSP for MGS: Peace Walker which I play fairly often (yes I am a MGS fanboy or had you noticed). The reason for my heavy use of my Xbox 360 is because most of my friends are on XBL and the majority of my games are for the 360.
5. I think the PC works well as a gaming machine but mine can only handle some games. There are many advantages to PC other than graphics including a modding community or minecraft servers but my PC just can't handle much.
6. I think ultimately BF3 will be the superior game and MW3 will be MW2 will some new toys, however I will be buying neither so it doesn't concern me.

EDIT:
erg as much as it pains me to list my personal info...
My name is Joshua or Josh if you prefer
I'm a teenager (your not getting any more)
I'm male
I use plenty of aliases although one of my favorites is s0n0fa9un (not my XBL tag though)

 

[Verlander]

1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?

My parents love games. I had a Commodore 64 as a kid, and later grew up playing Master System and NES with my Mum. In the UK games are a lot less controversial, or socially awkward.

2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?

I love Street Fighter, Mario, Sonic, I play WoW (sometimes) and I love Total Annihilation (and later Supreme Commander). I've played most game series, but those are the ones that stuck with me the most.

3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?

I don't have much time playing to myself, so anything that I can leave and come back to. FPS don't have the much appeal, as most effort seems to be put into massive online multiplayers. I end up playing RTS and MMORPG quite a lot, and I love a good racing game. Dirt 3 is great.

4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?

I only own a Wii. I used to live in a house with the other two consoles. I'll defend the Wii to my death, it's done more for the industry than most are comfortable admitting.

5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?

Expensive! It's a fantastic gaming machine, but the problem lies in developers only creating games for higher spec machines. The PC is my first port of call for games now, the internet has some stunning emulators, and as I said above, I play MMO and RTS, both of which are only really good on the PC

6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this?

I'd say that they'll be pretty indistinguishable, but COD is likely to be better, just because they pump loads of money into it. It'll be massive, and yet everyone on here will moan about it. Funny that!

(IMO the last good COD was COD3 for the Wii, but I'm a bit of a history nerd)

 

[GundamSentinel]

1. In terms of your first consoles and games, how and when did you first get into gaming as a hobby?
My uncle bought my first PC for me, somewhere in 1991. I played games like Test Drive (the first one), Captain Comic and Tetris. After that, somewhere in 1994, I quit gaming for about 6 years and later started on PC again.

2. Would you say you had any favourite games, or series?
Oh yes:
Shadow of the Colossus, Homeworld, Demon's Souls, Metal Gear Solid, Assassin's Creed, Elder Scrolls, Total War series.

3. Any genres you tend to prefer playing?
Now I play pretty much everything except sports and racing games. I tend to have a preference for RPG's, both Japanese and Western and shooters.

4. Regarding platforms, which do you own? Of those, what do you play most and why?
PS3, PS2, PC (a crappy one only fit for games at least 4 years old) and my old Gameboy. I play my PS3 most by far. It's the only way I can play the newer games.

5. What do you think of the PC as a gaming machine?
It's not really my thing anymore. I used to play a lot of PC games in the past, but I became frustrated with getting them to work. I don't really care about graphics and mods, so I don't really care for it. I just play it for some old classics.

6. Finally, with the imminent release of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's a lot of debate amongst the online FPS crowd as to which is better. Where do you stand on this?
I tend to prefer Call of Duty. Battlefield looks and sounds better than CoD, but CoD has had more interesting campaigns and more fluid gameplay. It just feels better to me. Something to do with control responsiveness and oomph of the weapons. I've got MW3 on pre-order, but I might get Battlefield 3 sometime later.

Name: Bram
Age: 24
Gender: Male
Alias: GundamSentinel (on PSN and Steam)

 

[JCBFGD]

1. I started playing the computer when I was three, in 1998. At least, that's the earliest I remember. I played the old crappy kiddie games they used to make, but I was also allowed to run around on empty Half-Life multiplayer maps. That was a helluva lotta fun. I basically grew up playing video games. I suppose the fact that both my parents played video games also helped solidify my love of them.

2. The Deus Ex series (minus Invisible War), the Thief series, the Bioshock series, the Mass Effect series, and the Half-Life series are some of my favourite series. My favourite game ever, though, is still the original Deus Ex

3. I live for RPGS.

4. I have a PC and a 360. I play my PC the most because it's the most open-ended and easy to use platform. Also, I'm a PC elitist.

5. There is nothing better than a PC to play games on. It allows so many more things than consoles do. You can't easily mod on consoles, you can't have big huge games on consoles, and you can't have top-of-the-line graphics on consoles. Not that graphics matter.

6. Never played the Battlefield series, but it can't be anywhere near as mind-numbingly average and un-innovative as Call of Duty, so I say that (probably) Battlefield is better.

My name is Jon, and I'm a 16-year-old male. Most of my alias' are either FGD or JC.