Dear internet, this week I bought a Playstation 3.
While I’d been keeping an eye out for an original 60 gig for the whole hardware backwards compatibility thing, the local Game Crazy received a gently used 20 gig, one of the first series low end models lacking wifi, memory card reader, and the chrome trim of the 60, but fully compatible like its big brother. The price was right, and my resolve weak, so I took it home, threw in a 120 gig drive, and got to work rearranging the entertainment center to fit the new addition into the mix.
Several hours later I was greeted with the orchestral hello and the discovery that my receiver hates the PS3. None of the interface tones within the XrossMediaBar and Playstation Store can be heard, something to do with the lack of a continuous audio source via the optical hookup. It’s a known occurrence and a bit of a pain, but I’ll live with it. The audio quality otherwise is outstanding.
I initially thought I’d scored when a disc slid out upon initial startup, only to be dismayed upon learning that it was Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights. Still, a free game is a free game, and it’s got Ursula Mayes, so I guess that counts for something.
Blu-Ray performance is nice, and the PS3 is a respectable DVD player as well, although the Oppo will remain in the entertainment center for now. The Blu-Ray version of Robocop (always remember your first theatrical boobs) is a solid-enough transfer with admirable audio, but apart from a trailer, lacks any sort of extras or commentary.
As far as available PS3 titles go, nothing immediately screams at me. Metal Gear Solid 4 is a no-brainer, but I’ll wait on that until I’ve finished the first three. I was given a copy of Heavenly Sword at one of the conventions last year, so that’s on deck once it finds its way back home. Apart from those, Ratchet & Clank Future, Resistance, and Uncharted are on the list, and from the PSN I’m likely to pick up PixelJunk Monsters, Super Stardust HD, and maybe a couple other shooters. I’ll admit, the majority of my game time on the console (for now) will be with previous generation titles. I’ve still got a lot of catching up to do.
So, Sony-savvy readers, what else should I play?
You’re pretty much right on with the titles you’re looking at. I’ve run through Ratchet & Clank, and Uncharted and both were a lot of fun. I’m currently trying to play MGS4, and it hasn’t grabbed me yet. The only game I’d highly recommend from the playstation store is Super Stardust HD. I actually like it better than Geometry Wars.
Interesting aside, did some testing between the PS3 and Wii back compat… so far it appears that PS2 games on the PS3 look the best if they support progressive, otherwise Gamecube titles on the Wii look better overall.
Dont forget Grand Theft Auto 4!