As a standalone games console, the PlayStation 3 is a solid machine. This is Sony's third attempt at a games unit, so it's got that side of the equation down pat. Playing games using the wireless controller is a seamless experience, and we've not come across any issues - even after long periods of play (the wireless controllers, by the way, can last for 30 hours after a full charge). Of course, the most important question many gamers will be asking is: "Do games on the PS3 look better than the Xbox 360?" Unfortunately for Sony, the quick and simple answer is no. PS3 launch titles like Resistance: Fall of Man and Virtua Fighter 5 look stunning, featuring an impressive level of detail one has come to expect from next-generation games. These PS3 titles, however, don't look better than 360 stunners such as Gears of War or Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas. Of course, those 360 games can be classified as second-generation titles, as most developers are now accustomed to working with the console. As we mentioned earlier, we expect the visuals of PS3 games to only improve from here on in.
All games output in HD, but the PS3 does not upscale DVDs.
Our biggest issue on the games side for the PS3 is its limited backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 games. While the US version of the console has almost full compatibility with old PlayStation games, local PS3s will not have the same functionality. Of course, with two-thirds of PS2 games apparently playable from the PS3's launch, most people may not even notice the issue at all. It still remains to be seen, however, just how the software emulation on the PS3 will affect PS2 games. Sony has said that some PS2 games may have performance problems when played through a PS3 - unfortunately, we cannot test this until the company releases the latest firmware upgrade to the console, which is due on 23 March. We'll update you on how the unit operates in the weeks to come.
It's similarly too early for us to make a final call on the console's online capabilities, particularly with regards to multiplayer. While launch games such as Resistance: Fall of Man do feature a comprehensive online multiplayer experience, several launch titles have no online functionality whatsoever. Sony is also promising further updates to its friends and games request system with their next firmware upgrade. It'll also be interesting to track how Sony's strategy with online games - where individual publishers can host their own servers for multiplayer as opposed to the Xbox's centralised system - will affect games in the future. We do have to applaud Sony, however, for making online play free for all PS3 owners.
Games aside, we found the PS3's multimedia capabilities to be generally easy to use. DVD and Blu-ray playback is impressive, with the visuals produced clear and crisp. It's a pity that the PS3 doesn't upscale DVDs, however. But for a AU$1000 Blu-ray player, it's still an outstanding achievement that the PS3 can produce picture quality comparable to many higher-end standalone products.
Sony set out to make a multimedia powerhouse with the PS3, and we're glad to say that it succeeded admirably. While we have some concerns with the unit's gameplay capabilities - such as backwards compatibility, online play and the lack of a real "killer app" at launch - we're more than impressed with what Sony has produced on the media side of the equation. The inclusion of a Blu-ray player makes it almost a must-have for gamers looking to get into high definition video (or even a high-def buff with only middling game aspirations), particularly at this price point. Hardcore gamers, however, may need to think twice. With few exclusive titles at launch and a dwindling list of PS3-only games slated for the future, the PlayStation 3 will surely have its hands full competing against the Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii.
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catbirdwoman
01/08/2008, 12:55 PM
rating
8/10
Does anyone know the list of ps2 games that can play on ps3...I have a 60gb ps3...It's ment to play ps2 and ps1...I'm just not sure which ones?? I think it should play all. But what ever, I'm happy to have a ps3. I was trying to look it up on the internet...It said something about having to up grade it to - 1.6- So I'm guessing I have a - 1.5...But again I just don't know?? Can anyone help me here? Please and thank you!!!
cbw4520@yahoo.com.au
Tell me your answer here...Or what you think of the matter? Thank you!!
Pros: Can't say I like it fully yet....As some of my ps2 game won't play on it.
Cons: I just want to know the list of what can be played on here!
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shooty_9100se
31/07/2008, 12:22 PM
rating
9/10
ppl dis is the console of da future we all know dat even X360 users.........it's got a bd drive n a wifi includes n so much more n now ps3 has got a great exclusive games such as : metal gear solid 4 n ridge racer 7 n as well we (ps3 fanboys ) are waiting for the ps home dat will be on soon ..... n about the network n the online playing ps3 is better coz it's free ........but in the case if u got X360 u must pay 60$ per year to enjoy ur Xbox live .....so u can't play for free thnx to microsoft n as well the red ring of death .........
Pros: to shutdown the X360
Cons: PS3 ROCKS ...X360 sux
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ujen95
29/07/2008, 06:50 PM
rating
10/10
i have read all the comments and all the people that rate it a 1 are all 360 fanboys
and of coarse it has very little games yet its benn out 4 a year when the 360 has been out for 2
Pros: everything
Cons: pricy
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xbox sux
11/07/2008, 10:57 PM
rating
10/10
well... You get your moneys worth thats for sure. Alot of people say xbox 360 is better but once they have played the ps3 they soon realise that the ps3 is the best
Pros: everything
Cons: no cons
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2kool4skool
29/05/2008, 10:30 AM
rating
1/10
ONCe AGAIN this console looks sleek buts just down right crap! the games are poor and its online play along with features lack WOW! IF you were looking for a console do not buy this console go for a Xbox 360 if you want gameplay
Pros: It looks okay but other than that its crap!
Cons: Everything about it, from the gameplay to the Features
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roger
27/05/2008, 10:07 PM
rating
1/10
it looks alright and it powerful but no games. the xbox 360 has tonnes more like halo 3 pgr 4 forza 2 gears of war
Pros: good looks
powerful
Cons: no good games
a bit too expensive
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spleak51
22/05/2008, 08:17 PM
rating
10/10
the ps3 is expeno but i think its worth it the games that are alailable are sick eg. call of duty 4 and gta iv sony should have brought out the DUALSHOCK 3 controller with sixaxis straight away coz that would have not made as much critism overall i reckon the mad
Pros: games
graphics
online is good fun
video, music and pictures
xmb is easy to use
design is cool
preatty desent hdd
its heavy, which is good
Cons: price
the controller is a bit weird coz my fingers keep slipping off the trigger.
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XBOX 360 Pones
22/05/2008, 12:37 PM
rating
1/10
The worst console avaliable the graphics are terrible. I HAVE SEEN THEM BOTH
The best console is the XBOX 360
Pros: None
Cons: Everything is shocking
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casa13
18/03/2008, 04:30 PM
rating
10/10
GTA4 is coming out on it everywhere 360 is, same as devil may cry which i have already so i dont know what you are talking about.
Pros: everything you can think of
Cons: no cons
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BigRed
11/03/2008, 12:46 PM
rating
10/10
I have bought one, a genuinely Great Media console. Anyone who says $$$... come on... where else you going to get this sort of quality for this price, if it was a computer they would be charging $1,500 to $3,000!
Pros: the online play in some of the games is FANTASTIC!
It works well as a media system with my PC becoming a Media server!
quick and easy to setup, user interface is rediculously simple.
WiFi is fairly good quality with quite reasonable speeds.
Cons: Price of games
Lack of games
Lack of Exclusive titles
*All Con's are only a matter of time before rectifyed!
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