Reviewed: December 1, 2006
Reviewed by: Mark Smith

Manufacturer
Sony

Type: Home Console
System: PlayStation 3

Rating: 8.5

20GB System ($499)

Originally, I was going to rush my PS3 review out the door until I realized that less than 25% of the systems sold on launch day were actually in the hands of gamers, while the rest (more than 300,000 systems) were being sold for thousands of dollars on eBay. I figured I’d spend an extra week or so playing the games and really digging into the core of this new system, plus it gave me a chance to actively compare it to Nintendo’s new Wii, which will be covered in its own separate review.

WHICH ONE TO BUY

The PlayStation 3 comes in two flavors, but unlike the Xbox 360 Core vs. Premium decision gamers had to make last year, the PS3 actually has some significant differences and the lesser machine can’t easily be upgraded to match the higher-end one later down the road.

The $499 and $599 PlayStation 3’s both share the same core technology. They both use the new Cell Broadband Engine that utilizes up to 8 “cores” to share the processing workload. Both systems are backwards compatible with many of your favorite PS2 titles and both systems feature Bluetooth and USB connectivity so you can plug in your old EyeToy, USB keyboard, mouse, or even your PSP. There is even an adapter (sold separately) so you can use your old PS2 memory cards.

Both systems also use the new Blu-ray Disc technology for superior video up to 1080p and amazing uncompressed audio for all the new PS3 video games and existing library of Blu-ray movie titles. Considering that standalone Blu-ray players are selling for hundreds more than the PS3, you can start to see some added value already creeping into this system.

The $599 system adds a few amenities starting with a 60GB hard disc versus the 20GB on the lesser system. It also includes Memory Stick slots for SD and CompactFlash as well as built-in Wi-Fi for getting online. While you can upgrade to the larger HDD later, the other perks are not as easy to obtain. Granted, you could get a wireless adapter and even a USB card reader, but the package won’t be nearly as tidy.

As previously mentioned, the PSP can be connected to the PS3, although this was previously possible on the PS2 so it’s not as innovative as it may sound. But we can expect some future support for not only using the PS3 as a link to download PS1 titles to the PSP, but watch for in-game support of the PSP such as the new Formula F1 game that syncs your PSP to the game for use as a rear view mirror you can place anywhere.

LOOK MA…NO WIRES…(AND NO RUMBLE)

Another major feature that Sony is quick to hype is their new SIXAXIS controller. While interesting in theory, this is probably one of the biggest points of contention for me and the entire PS3 system. As we all know, the new SIXAXIS is virtually identical to the classic DualShock controllers with the exception of the breakaway L2 and R2 buttons and the lack of any type of rumble feature.

No matter what anybody tells you, you WILL MISS THE RUMBLE. Playing games like Call of Duty 3 and Ridge Racer 7 aren’t the same when you are holding a dead piece of plastic in your hands. Not to mention the weight of the SIXAXIS is way too light. Naturally, without the rumble motors the controller is going to weight substantially less, but they could have at least put in some weights in the grip pods or something to at least give you the sensation you are holding onto something. Even after several weeks of diligent playing I am still not comfortable with the SIXAXIS and doubt I will be anytime soon.

The same people who will tell you that “rumble doesn’t matter” will also try to tell you that the new motion sensing ability of the SIXAXIS will more than make up for the absence of rumble. Not so…at least with the current crop of launch titles. Every game that supports any type of motion-controlled input seems gimmicky and tacked on, especially if you start making the obvious comparisons to the phenomenal input of the Wii remote.

I’m sure in the future there will be some cool and innovative support for the motion sensing gamepad, but for now it’s more of a novelty and in no way a valid substitute for the lack of vibration feedback.

The PS3 controller is wireless and rechargeable using a standard USB to mini-USB, but the cable included with the PS3 is only 56”; hardly suitable for playing while wired unless you have a really small TV. In all fairness, the controller seems to do quite well on a charge. After almost three weeks of semi-regular gameplay I’ve only dropped one bar on the battery meter.

I was more than a bit surprised when I found that the 60GB version (the one that costs $100 more) didn’t even come with component video cables. Perhaps Sony expects everyone to jump on the HDMI bandwagon, and admittedly that is the best way to connect this system, but at least give gamers the chance to experience hi-def out of the box without having to take a trip to the electronics store.

INSTALLATION

Installing the PS3 is as simple as any other console you may have setup in the past. The first thing to consider is location. The PS3 is big, just slightly smaller than a mini-tower PC and this sucker generates some serious heat so you don’t want to stick it inside an AV cabinet.

Plug the system in and connect the AV cables (or HDMI cable) to your TV or receiver. The PS3 also supports the fiber optic cable for surround sound if your receiver doesn’t support HDMI. Turn on the master power switch in the back. Everything else from now on is controlled by the surface buttons on the front of the system or the wireless controller. You can even use the new PS logo button on the controller to bring up the system menu, check battery life, and turn off the system remotely…just like the Xbox 360.

Plug in that controller and get it charging while you navigate a few critical menu items and setup the default resolution and audio output settings. Oddly enough, the PS3 treats 720p as a preferred resolution over 1080i, but that is more of a personal decision. Some of the faster games like Ridge Racer 7 do perform better at 720p.

While hooking into the Internet isn’t necessary it is recommended whether you are going wireless or plugging an Ethernet cable into the jack in the back. Out of the box, the PS3 will want to download a system update and many of the games support online play and leaderboards. In fact, if you have it connected to the net the PS3 can be online 24/7 for chatting, shopping at the PlayStation Store, or a host of other online gaming options.

DÉJÀ VU…I’VE SEEN THIS MENU BEFORE

If you own a PSP then you will feel right at home with the PS3 Cross Media Bar, a horizontal selection of items that can be cycled with the D-pad, often leading to lengthy vertical options for each of the horizontal headers. And even if you don’t own a PSP, it will only take you mere minutes to grasp the genius of this interface.

Unlike the PS2, the PS3 seems to require a lot more text input, so unless you are very comfortable typing with an interface much like a cell phone, you might want to hook up a spare USB keyboard, especially for the lengthy registration for the PlayStation Store and online network.

BLU-RAY TODAY - NEXT-GEN MOVIES

While I’ve always been a huge opponent of using video game systems to play movies I simply can’t justify $800 or more for a Blu-ray player, but if Sony is going to “give” me one and even pack in a copy of Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (first 500,000 systems only) a month before its official street date I guess it wouldn’t hurt to take a look.

OK, I came…I saw…I converted. Blu-ray is “all that and a bag of chips”. I’ve since added numerous Blu-ray movies to my video library, mostly animated features like Ice Age The Meltdown and Monster House which look fantastic and sound even better.

Most people talk about the visuals of Blu-ray, but honestly, my naked eye can’t really tell between 1080i and 1080p, but my naked ears can certainly hear the difference between compressed and uncompressed Dolby Digital audio. It’s freaking amazing and this superior sound carries over into the games.

One small bug worth mentioning is that after playing a Blu-ray movie you have to reboot the PS3 or you won't get any audio from your games. Don't ask me why, and I hope it gets fixed soon with an update patch. For the record, I am using a fiber-optic cable for surround sound, so this might not happen if you are using HDMI for your audio.

GOT GAME?

Unless you are buying your PS3 with the sole intent of using it as a Blu-ray DVD player you might be interested in the games. After all, a game console is only as good as the games you can play on it regardless of any technological improvements. The PlayStation 3 is launching with 14 titles and we have 12 of them. We’re still waiting on NBA 2K7 and NHL 2K7 to arrive from 2K Sports, but here are some initial impressions for the 12 games we do have:

Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom - Sony Online Entertainment – Teen

Born on the PSP, Untold Legends is all grown up and making its console debut on the PS3 with an epic story and some impressive visuals. The game is pretty basic hack-n-slash in the tradition of Gauntlet and even supports co-op and Internet multiplayer.

Simply stunning visuals and intense combat action with four characters, each with their own unique style of combat make this a showcase title for the PS3, even if it can be beat in less than 8-10 hours.

Madden makes his PS3 debut with excellent visuals and quality gameplay that even adds in some missing modes the Xbox 360 didn’t get. The game also supports the SIXAXIS controller although the documentation for using it is extremely lacking.

Tiger on the PS3 is pretty much a dead ringer with the Xbox 360 version in visuals, content, and gameplay. The SIAXIS is used to apply spin to the ball by tipping the controller in the direction you want the ball to take, but this seems almost too easy compared to furiously tapping the L1 or LB buttons.

Essentially, this game is identical to the Xbox 360 and other version already released, but the PS3 does offer some better special effects when it comes to particles and lighting, and even textures, but it all comes at the expense of a less-than-impressive framerate. Stick with the 360 version if you have one.

Another PS3 port that is better on the Xbox 360. Colors are washed out, shadows and bump mapping are poor, and the lack of vibration in my controller makes firing an MG42 a dull and lifeless experience. I even had a few system crashes that forced a reboot.

The game boasts 1080p support and maybe that’s what’s required to make this game good. In my opinion, the characters look plastic and fake, the animations look weird, and the gameplay just doesn’t feel as natural as other basketball games like NBA Live and NBA 2K7. Faces look and emote nicely and there is some cool cloth textures and obligatory sweat drops but the only thing that shines about this game is the floor.

Every system needs its steaming turd and Gundam sets the bar about as low as you can go with a launch system. It plays bad, looks worse, and doesn’t even hint at “next-gen”. I was hoping for something along the lines of Chromehounds on the 360, but the graphics and environments are dull and lifeless, which doesn’t help explain the horrible framerates and awkward camera angles. Avoid at all costs.

One of three Activision launch titles that only prove the Xbox 360 still rules supreme. Project 8 looks almost as good as the 360 and probably plays a bit better, especially if you grew up playing this game on a DualShock. The SIAXIS has some clever uses for tilt, balance, and tricks that can be individually toggled, but they all seem a bit tacked on and too imprecise to use if you are playing seriously.

Trying to blend elements of FEAR and Call of Duty, Resistance is what many are calling the “killer app” for the PS3. I wasn’t impressed. The graphics are dull and washed out. It looks like COD after being run through a Photoshop watercolor filter and the gameplay fails to innovate any part of the FPS genre. I’ll keep playing in hopes that it gets better, but so far the biggest PS3 launch title is also my biggest disappointment.

You didn’t think a system would launch without a Ridge Racer title, did you? Namco brings drift racing to next-gen much like it did with the Xbox 360. In fact, those who played that version will recognize the cars and most of the tracks. There are a few new courses and a new map presentation and the added strategy of slipstreaming behind other cars. It looks and plays great – my favorite game on the PS3 at launch.

You’ll have to look mighty close to see the subtle differences between the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Carbon but they are there and once again the 360 rules supreme. The cool snapshot feature is gone along with the online sharing of pictures. Some visual special effects also take a backseat to the 360 like road textures, lighting, blurring, and slipstream effects. It’s still pretty and lots of fun if you don’t own a 360.

After playing the launch line-up I came to the same conclusion as one Sony exec summed up on a SpikeTV interview. “If there is a multi-platform PS3 launch title it will be better on the Xbox 360”, and that’s from the lips of a Sony exec. When asked what his favorite launch title was another Sony developer said, “Ridge Racer 7”, and when another Sony exec was asked what system gamers should buy this holiday season he said, “buy a PS2…it’s cheap and there is a huge library of games already available.”

I’m not saying NOT to buy a PS3, but I certainly wouldn’t be paying more than retail price for it. There is no single reason to own it today or even next month. These imbeciles paying thousands of dollars on eBay for a PS3 are only purchasing a whole lot of buyer’s remorse.

The PlayStation 3 is a fantastic and affordable Blu-ray movie player and an innovative step forward for Sony into next-gen gaming, but there are no must-have titles required for a successful launch. The exclusive games like Resistance are disappointing and the multi-format titles are better on the 360.

Combined with the lack of anything that resembles the addictive Achievement Point system on the 360, and an online network that is still struggling to get off the ground, the PS3 just seems to have been released ahead of its time. You’d probably be better off waiting for the system to catch up to the games, and by then you can buy one in the store for a fair price.