PlayStation 3: Wait & See

PS3 Feature | The logical, conservative side of the story. How boring, right?

It’s been several months since the extremely underwhelming launch of the PS3 in North America and Japan. The day has finally come for us here in Australia, but the point is – it still really isn’t worth getting, and not by a long shot. You would have thought Sony would use the previous months to get their act together, but, despite having all the chances in the world, they haven’t gotten their own act together – rather, someone elses.

We can begin by discussing the entire point of a video games console – the games. The PlayStation 3 seems to have built up a hefty array of launch titles, but by saying they’ve gotten someone else’s act together, I mean it. These aren’t PS3 exclusive titles, and many have been available on the Xbox 360 for months now. Even if you were to buy them today, they would be much cheaper than the PS3 version. Let’s take a peek – the red games are those available for other consoles.

Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom
Formula One Championship Edition
Genji: Days of the Blade
MotorStorm
Resistance: Fall of Man
Ridge Racer 7
Full Auto 2: Battlelines
Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire
The Godfather: The Don's Edition
Call of Duty 3
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
Tony Hawk’s Project 8
Def Jam: Icon
Fight Night Round 3
NBA Street: Homecourt
Need for Speed Carbon
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07
Sonic the Hedgehog
Virtua Fighter 5
Virtua Tennis 3
World Snooker Championship 2007
NBA 2K7
NHL 2K7
Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII
Enchanted Arms
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
F.E.A.R.

Let's now cut this list down even further. The Godfather is essentially a revamped port of the original game, with "Something" Edition tacked on to the title. It's the same with every console version, so don't worry about it. If we were to now check out the US ratings for the rest of the games, we're looking at average to outright bad scores for over half of the titles, leaving the best PS3 exclusive games as Ridge Racer 7, MotorStorm and Resistance: Fall of Man. Still. Yes, these titles were the only reasons to have purchased a PS3 in the preceding months overseas, and they're still the only reasons to get one now.

What, are we supposed to sit around playing Resistance until something else good comes out?

So let's get one! Hmmm. Hold on a tic. The man behind the register is asking me for money! What kind of world do we live in where we need to pay money for stuff we want?

Yeah, this is a big problem for Sony. The astronomical $999 price point breaks the budget for many gamers, and bear in mind this is a console price - games, accessories, anything and everything will add hundreds to this price. It's not that the technology is bad, and Sony really are paying out big time to manufacture these units - but the average gamer (well, the cheap PS2 bundle deal kind of casual gamer, the kind who have propelled the PS2 into astronomical sales figures) just doesn't care enough about the potential of the machine to pay out such a hefty chunk of change.

And why should they care? This is untested ground for Sony, and it's clear that they are aiming for Microsoft's jugular with the online functionality and Blu-ray format. Xbox Live features an incredibly intuitive interface, and the numbers of supporters show just how well it works. The PS2 had online capabilities, but it paled in comparison to what Microsoft pulled together. Again, it boils down to the entire point of this article - wait and see, because expecting Sony to hit all the right notes with their untested online and multiformat approach is extremely risky.

And multiformat is truly the name of Sony's game. They won't be content until everyone actually lives inside a Sony console, where your entire life is controlled and displayed in High Definition. It's HDTV people - better resolution than the real world. Yeah, Sony has their Home service - which is again untested ground, despite being a rather neat idea. You can sit around Sony's Home, or you can actually sit in your real home - and it won't cost you $999. Plus subscription fees.

If you can bring people together, why not do it if they have a thousand bucks?

Blu-ray, Blu-ray. Hmmmm. I saw on some video somewhere, some guy (rock-solid objective evidence here) was talking about how the PS3 will be a cheap Blu-ray player.

"There are two successors to the DVD player: the HD DVD player and the Blu-ray Disc player. Neither format is dominant over the other in terms of consumer adoption as of January 2007." -- some Wikipedia article

Man, I can't wait to watch a limited selection of Blu-ray movies I already own in DVD format. DVD was the only real option over the past few years, but now we have two avenues for our HD fix. Don't rush out and pick up Blu-ray this and that, because it's got some fighting to do. Let all the others with too much money on their hands fight these damn format wars, while afterwards you bask in the blood soaked battlefield of cheap standalone units. A Blu-ray player right now might set you back around $1100 (price is based on the sole unit available on eBay Australia. Yeah, that's how mainstream they are). So, if you look at it completely objectively, then yes the PS3 is an affordable player. But, single DVD players were also upwards of this price upon launch, and the PS2 was an extremely terrible DVD player. That's too much of a solidly poor history to assume everything is going to be A-OK this time around.

Capping off the discussion here is the attitude of Sony themselves. Forums around the world have been up in arms about their corporate behaviour - this includes backpedalling on comments, contradictions, accusations of "copying" Nintendo, lawsuits - the list goes on. The actual PAL launch delay was the fuel, and due to the vagueness of higher management comments, no one was actually sure whether or not it was intentional. It goes to show that they are a little nervous, and aren't starting business with as much of a lead as last time. Losing exclusives to Microsoft is a big problem, including the Virtua Fighter and Grand Theft Auto licenses. You'll be able to get your violence fix elsewhere, and Sony hasn't given much of an incentive for customers to pay almost twice the amount of money for the same gaming experiences.

It can do pretty much everything - we just don't know how well yet.

Sony may have the history of popularity behind them, but that's their strongest playing card this generation. There is no logical reason (beyond the possible demise of Blu-ray - which won't be dependent on the success of the PS3 itself) why Sony can't eventually provide excellent experiences with the PS3. It's the most powerful console out there, and has a strong third-party following - but the tumultuous leadup to this juggernaut launch has set off the anxiety alarm in many a gamer. It's really simple - save your money, wait, and see what's going to happen. I'm hoping it turns out extremely well, because personally, I'd rather enjoy what incredible experiences Sony has to offer than watch an amazing piece of technology steamroll itself into the ground.

Resistance and MotorStorm. Seriously, that's all there is right now. Pick up the pace, PS3!

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Want the other side of the story? Head to PlayStation 3: Buy it Now.

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63 Comments

admeister

4 years ago

Jim Dash wrote

Instead of experiencing the killer Motorstorm, Resistance, and Virtua Fighter though, you got the piddly-crap games!

That's a waste of $1000 if you ask me, mate. Oh, but you 'know what you're doing'.

Stating your opinions, much?

And bigm was telling me off. Sure, they're all "killer" by your definition, but by mine they are closer to interesting. I'd be most likely to buy Motosrstorm out of the 3, because I like some of the gameplay. I do know what I'm doing, probably much more so than you. How much will you be spending on your PS3?

Jim Dash wrote

And non-exclusives wise, nearly every game is better than Full Auto 2.

And I suppose you've played them all?

Not to mention that Full Auto 2 is an exclusive title.

I had a feeling I would be called a fanboy at some point, even though I knew it would be completely incorrect. So, now I'm supposed to be a fanboy of both Nintendo and Sony? I don't recall seeing that in the definition of fanboy.

Call it seeing both sides of the story (though X360 I'll never understand!

)

Googol: Thanks.

Itachi

4 years ago

Nice article Phil. Now i don't really need to be told whether i'm going to get a ps3 or not. I have always had a sony console in my house ever since Playstation 1. That's why i'm getting a ps3 ohh and because of the great games and blue ray player. Either way It's my choice

. I wouldn't call myself a fanboy because later i will be buying a 360 with 120 gig version.

Call me crazy i just have a lot of respect for sony even thoe they screwed us so much. I think i can forgive them for years and years and years of great games coming out on the ps1,2.

Well that's my rant for now

Karai Pantsu

4 years ago

The Brett wrote

I would have preferred and actual counter-article. The pro-PS3 feature raises some interesting points in favour of the PS3, but this article acts more like an anti-PS3 flame. I would have much preferred a balanced argument.

Let's face it though - no matter if you like the way he said it, Neil has a point in what he said. Yes, the PS3 has more, and (imo) more interesting exclusives than the X360 did. But - It is a full year later, and a damn-site more expensive too. I tend to think that for people who want a PS3 then there are a few good games, and plenty of decent filler to be had - but for people looking to be swayed on the higher price point(esp. those who already own a 360), the launch line-up starts looking a little shaky.
I know that if I wasn't sure that I wanted a PS3, just looking at the games wounldn't sway me all that far.

ugh the boot

4 years ago

It's kinda funny that the people these 2 articles are directed at may never actually get to read them. I'm sure most of the members of the forum are capable of making their own decisions whereas the general public that aren't are problably gonna read impressions of the machine from some site like nine msn or something. Nothing wrong with the articles....just pointing out the irony I guess.

What i'd like to point out though is that you can't actually buy Virtua Fighter 5 for any other console currently therefore making it a viable reason to pick up the Ps3.

I have to admit that for those customers that haven't taken the plunge into the next gen yet....that Ps3 launch lineup does look pretty good. It certainly does it for me.

admeister

4 years ago

ugh the boot wrote

What i'd like to point out though is that you can't actually buy Virtua Fighter 5 for any other console currently therefore making it a viable reason to pick up the Ps3.

Good point. That should be added to the exclusive list, because it is for now, so it is a reason to get a PS3 now.

ugh the boot wrote

I have to admit that for those customers that haven't taken the plunge into the next gen yet....that Ps3 launch lineup does look pretty good. It certainly does it for me.

Absolutely. The fact that I didn't get a 360 makes the PS3 launch seem great to me, all I've gotten is the Wii which looks a bit ordinary compared to the PS3!

Jim Dash

4 years ago

Look, sorry for the rant, but it was getting late, I was tired and your post pissed me off. My whole point is that you spend all this money on a PS3, and don't even get to experience the killer apps. Yes, I'm sure you will enjoy Full Auto 2, but Motorstorm and Resistance would be worth so much more of your money and really show you the potential of your shiny new machine. You really need to get the best experience out of your cash, considering how much it all costs.

As a comparison, it'd be like getting a 360 without Gears of War. Sure, not everyone thinks GoW is the be all, end all of 360 games, but the vast majority do and the experience is so addictive its not funny. It showed the potential of the system, awesome gameplay, graphics, and the online play...wow. It was like...so this is next gen..

The PS3 has an awesome lineup. Being last out the gate has provided it with a good launch, compared to the 360's rushed launch and first-generation next gen titles.

And I never thought I'd see you say that about the Wii. Finally.

admeister

4 years ago

Jim Dash wrote

Fair enough, I see what you're getting at.

JimDash wrote

And I never thought I'd see you say that about the Wii. Finally.

I'm no fanboy (sure, a lot of my gaming experience has been with Nintendo, but I've also been following the Playstation brand since the start), I just stick up for the underdog, whenever one appears. My stance towards the Wii was partly due to it being underestimated and laughed at by some, as well as my interest in the console's impending release. Since then, the tables have been turning, and Sony have copped a lot of flak recently in the lead up to the PS3 launch. Games other than Resistance and Motorstorm seem to be getting somewhat neglected, so I wanted to stand up for them, and try to show that they are possibly worth owning too. I don't think it's fair for there to be too much bias.

I won't stick up for Sony's pathetic attempt at BC on the other hand, they are in the wrong on that one.

Jim Dash

4 years ago

If you truly believe that people are wrong in their judgement of Nintendo or Sony, or their crap games, then stand up for what you believe in.

If you are standing up for them ust to be different, (and waste your money) what are you thinking, boy? They deserve all the flak they get, plus more.

admeister

4 years ago

Jim Dash wrote

If you truly believe that people are wrong in their judgement of Nintendo or Sony, or their crap games, then stand up for what you believe in.

I do, I wouldn't bother otherwise.

If I believe in something strongly, and I think people are getting it wrong, I'll write it up.

I do hate misconception.

realitybites

4 years ago

I'll be waiting till at least 2008 for a PS3. Mostly because I don't have the money to spend and I require a component cable splitter to accomodate all the cables (XBox 360 and DVD player use the existing 2). Alternatively get a second cheap 1080i LCD for another room.

Sony haven't performed very well marketing the PS3 and if they were a football player they would have been relegated to the reserves.

But I still believe PS3 in the long run will have 50% of the home console market share which includes any market the Wii may create.

I still think at this point the Xbox 360 is still the best value for your dollar in the home console market. That may change as the PS3 changes its price and more games are available. The Wii I don't care its in a different category of gaming that doesn't interest me at all.

Infested Jibbs

4 years ago

Ad it's not fair to talk about imports when we are arguing about the price of games/consoles that are locally released.

Sure, fair enough, you can roughly get a ps3 for say 10-15% cheaper by importing.

Surprise surprise you can a 360 now(and even at it's launch) for 10-15% cheaper.The actual dollars and cents don't mean anything, the actual percentage savings are the same when comparing apples and apples(a local ps3 to a local 360) rather then apples/oranges(import ps3 to a local 360).In the end, even an import ps3 is still expensive when compared to an import 360.Kapisch?

If we are talking imports for one thing ad, everything must be considered to be an import.I'd wager that even that silly big mac equation would still hold roughly true when you talk about importing big macs(which has crossed my mind more then once

).

Don't blow a gasket guys, i could see straight away that these twin articles are meant to cater to everybody and shine a different coloured light on the one situation.If reading this article is like snake venom, go read the sister article 'buy it now' for the antidote.

Crestfallen

4 years ago

Nova Prime wrote

crestfallen wrote

Wow, isn't it funny how opinion works? You think this, and I disagree.

There's really no need for personal attacks, man.

In the particular phrase you put in bold, I meant in terms of the 360 providing the same basic experience by and large, with the added bonus of the Wii experience alongside it.

Is price really an object?? We're gamers and we've all payed through the nose for our entire lives. This kind of cost-benefit analysis is silly.

The PS3 (just like the 360) will have great games in its lifetime, including exclusives and multiplatforms. You'd have to be one paranoid gamer to think that it won't deliver (hell, it already has).

And I find it weird that you suggest everyone get the Wii. That console may have its place, but it currently has the foggiest future of all platforms ever released.

admeister

4 years ago

Jibbs wrote

You're right. I just wanted to counter the bit about how expensive it all is, since there is an alternative. But PAL gamers get screwed, what can you do about it? I suppose it is a bit unfair to bring up importing when the article makes no mention of it, I mostly wrote it as advice/as a suggestion to people who are finding the PS3 expensive (like me).

DancesInUnderwear

4 years ago

crestfallen wrote

but it currently has the foggiest future of all platforms ever released.

Explain.

Crestfallen

4 years ago

DancesInUnderwear wrote

crestfallen wrote

but it currently has the foggiest future of all platforms ever released.

Explain.

Just for you Dances

My perspective: All consoles in the past have remained quite conservative. That is, your quite certain where that console is headed. PS2? No surprises. Xbox 360? No surprises. GCN? No surprises.

The Wii's future however, with its unproven control method, obscure games, old hardware and marketing towards non-gamers, is a little hard to predict.

That's the way I see it anyway.

Souless

4 years ago

crestfallen wrote

DancesInUnderwear wrote

crestfallen wrote

but it currently has the foggiest future of all platforms ever released.

Explain.

Just for you Dances

Agreed, but i wouldnt call it old hardware, just held back hardware. I believe that the wii is powerful enough to create some great gaming experiences, we just havent seen it yet. I believe that when most of Nintendos First party games come out we will see a big difference then to the games it has now. My view.

DancesInUnderwear

4 years ago

crestfallen wrote

DancesInUnderwear wrote

crestfallen wrote

but it currently has the foggiest future of all platforms ever released.

Explain.

Just for you Dances

Ah, fair enough.

I suppose in many ways that is indeed true - particularly if you consider just what is selling well (particularly in Japan) on both the Wii and the DS. But there's still some damn impressive stuff coming (hey, how could a console with 2 Mario platformers this year possibly have a bad future?), and, crazy control scheme and abundance of 'gimmicky' games or not, I still see no reason NOT to own a Wii at some point... same with the PS3 and 360, too.

admeister

4 years ago

That's right, they all have their upsides, owning all of them is the ideal of course. Not that many people will end up in that situation though, but each console has it's own exclusives to look forward to/enjoy, and offers a different experience.

Souless

4 years ago

admeister wrote

And it makes me happy to be lucky enough to have all 3 machines...wel..in the next 10 or so hours.

Nova Prime

4 years ago

crestfallen wrote

Is price really an object?? We're gamers and we've all payed through the nose for our entire lives. This kind of cost-benefit analysis is silly.

Of course, nobody likes to waste money.

Quote

The PS3 (just like the 360) will have great games in its lifetime, including exclusives and multiplatforms. You'd have to be one paranoid gamer to think that it won't deliver (hell, it already has).

It's not that I think it won't deliver exactly, more that you can get a very similar experience for around half the price, unless you're after very specific games.

Quote

And I find it weird that you suggest everyone get the Wii. That console may have its place, but it currently has the foggiest future of all platforms ever released.

Two things: I wasn't necessarily suggesting buying a Wii, just saying the Wii60 combo gives anyone with a grand to burn a lot more for your dollar than a PS3, except in terms of Blu-ray and possibly a couple of other little things. And as I think I've previously said, with the future of HD video undecided, it's not that wise to invest now. And secondly, with the Wii still more or less sold out in the US (as far as I understand) as it has been since launch, and a very strong seller everywhere else, I'd hardly call its future foggy.

Googol

4 years ago

Well, really, the worst case scenario for the Wii is that we only get 5-10 Nintendo exclusives, and little third party support (ala Gamecube) and that isn't really that bad at all. I would suggest the Wii for a gamer that doesn't have much money - the console being the cheapest of the three, with less games to need money for - and, of course, the few games will most likely be some of the best on ANY console. So, it's not like it has a horrible future or anything.

?oe?oe

4 years ago

Wii has like at least 10 1st party titles this year, mainly at the end of the year.

It wouldn't say it was have a horrible future, that's like saying PS3 will have a horrible future judging by it's launch numbers.

The only console to be ensured to have a healthy future is 360, but number one position is not ensured. All three consoles could suddenly burst with sale numbers.

admeister

4 years ago

Nova Prime wrote

Quote

The PS3 (just like the 360) will have great games in its lifetime, including exclusives and multiplatforms. You'd have to be one paranoid gamer to think that it won't deliver (hell, it already has).

It's not that I think it won't deliver exactly, more that you can get a very similar experience for around half the price, unless you're after very specific games.

Unless you import, that is.

Anway, I won't go on about that. I think the Wii will do fine in future, as will the 360. The PS3 has the foggiest future atm, IMO. It's launched rather late, at a much higer price than the other two. The launch was pretty quiet in Australia. Sony need some serious advertising to convince people to buy one, as well as a price drop (though I doubt it will happen in the next 3 months). They're already taking a loss on each console.

ugh the boot

4 years ago

^ Nearly every post of yours mentions importing somewhere.....honestly for most people this isn't an option therefore it shouldn't really be brought up unless someone specifically mentions it. If more people imported stuff the prices would just go up for the people that don't....so please stop trying to convince everyone it's a better option. I completely agree with what you're saying....but like I said it's not an option for a majority of people.

admeister

4 years ago

ugh the boot wrote

It isn't?

Why not? I don't really see what's stopping a lot of people, I did it and there was nothing to stop me. You're probably right about the prices going up if everyone imported, but you can get stuff much cheaper if you import anyway.. Stuff Sony Australia IMO.

I'm glad you agree with me anyway.

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