Here we go again. For CRPGs, I would tend to agree. But I can see other types of hardcore games that would work better or just as well on iPad, besides the arguable hassle of having to hold a mobile device for hours on end.
Arguable hassle?
Do you think there's a single person in the entire world who enjoys holding such a device for hours?
Can you name a single hardcore game (as in, not a "cute" little game) that you HONESTLY can't imagine being superior on a PC, if tailored for that platform? Tailored as in made with decent PC visuals, mouse/kb controls, and so on.
How about naming a hardcore game that's actually worse on a PC, even when converted properly to a PC interface.
Adventure games have been a great fit on touch screen platforms from the beginning, for example. Those games can typically hold your attention for 20-30 hours. There are some very nice turn-based strategic titles out there that work wonderfully. The Settlers HD was a dollar for Thanksgiving. Certainly a joy to play with a touch screen! Personally, I like Puzzle Quest the best on iPad and I have it on iPhone and Xbox, too.
Are you seriously saying that a modern adventure wouldn't work better on a PC? I know nostalgic adventure games with nostalgic production values are "cute" on an iPhone - but a modern one with all bells and whistles?
Turn based strategy better on an iPhone? Try to imagine those games when tailored for the PC.
I know they're cheap and I know it's nice to play games lying in bed - but I'm talking about the ACTUAL game, and not the comforts of not sitting in front of a screen and having to pay full price.
Just a few examples. But CRPG? Hmmm, I'd guess the PC wins on most counts there, unless some sort of play mechanic is built in that you don't typically see in (PC) CRPGs but works well like in the examples above.
They "work well" when forgetting what they'd work like on a PC.
Then again, I don't enjoy holding such a device in my hands for hours, and I don't enjoy a tiny screen when trying to invest myself.
I can concede it working with cute games, as I mentioned - but not games that require hours of investment and precise controls.
I get that there's something cool and cute about these devices, but ACTUALLY better in terms of hardcore gaming? I just don't see it - and I've tried!