One aspect that sets apart PC gamers from their console counterparts is the wide breadth of very differently performing systems the games are played on.
In "On the PC, Only the Maximum Settings Are Canon," The Slowdown take a look at how settings affect visual design, storytelling and narratives, and whether low-range settings can be considered "canon" from the point of view of the developer.
In taking a look at the various methods of delivering key ideas visually to the player, the article discusses the various textures, posters, decals and video monitors of several games, including side-by-side examples from Batman: Arkham Asylum, BioShock, Left 4 Dead and Portal.
Finally, the article asks, does it really matter if the graphics are not at the very max?
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