Might be getting a PS3

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Hailey Knight

Hailey Knight

Despite how some of the games we've been looking forward to have been blasted, and my general annoyance with Sony, we're still considering getting a PS3. New computer is too much money--bleh. In any case, hopefully some who have them can help me understand a few things.

-I read that the PS3 controllers are rechargeable through the PS3's USB ports, which sounds very convenient. Does the PS3 come with a USB cord for the first controller, and do other controllers come with USB cords of their own?

-I also read that for a while now, the PS3s have not been able to play PS2 games. That sounds kind of ass. Is there anything I can do about this, or do we need to keep the PS2 out as well?

-I never owned an Xbox, so I don't know much with networking, making PSN a mystery to me as well. I know you can get news and it lets you play games with people. Can you download games through it? (Are any of these PS2 games? :p)

-Bayonetta: Purchase or rental?

-On another network note, how is the playerbase of PSN compared to Xbox Live? Because on my brother's 360, the slue of "***" "gay" "fuck you" "durp de durp" is quickly tiring. I don't have to deal with this shit on the games I enjoy playing on PC. Not sure if there are any games I'll want to play online, but it's a thought.

-Is there any benefit to my PSP using the PS3? This one's kind of vague, so I don't really expect an answer. I heard there was some program you could use on there to hook the PSP to the PSN, and do things like play Final Fantasy: Dissidia online.

-Must I get a $400 slim? I don't know how much of a data hog stuff is on the PS3, so I don't know whether the space is needed. I feel like since old models were 20GB, 120GB should be more than sufficient in the $300 model, but I don't know what the space is used for.

And... anything else people can help with.
 
ThatNickGuy

ThatNickGuy

Welcome, soon-to-be fellow PS3 owner! One of us! One of us! One of us!

-The controllers being rechargeable is great, to be honest. I just plug it back in when I'm done playing. There's one cord that comes with the system. Buying other controllers separately do NOT come with a cord. If you have an HD tv, I've seen packages that have the HDMI cable and another USB charger cord in the same package. If you're buying another controller, go the route I went: get the one with a game packaged with it. The ones I saw on the shelf had Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction, Gran Turismo or Uncharted. It's the difference of $54.99 for just the controller or $59.99 with the game.

-The PS2 reverse compatibility was only available in the first line of PS3's. To cut down the price of the system, they've since removed its capabilities. Apparently (I've yet to test it, myself), PS1 games are still completely useable, oddly enough.

-PS2 games aren't available on the PS2, yet. Sony's stance is that the PS2 still sells well. BUT, they have a growing selection of PS1 games for download. Got some good ones onthere, too, like Final Fantasy 7 & 8, Metal Gear Solid, all the Resident Evil games, etc. Usually no more than $10 a piece. You can download a crap load of demos on there, too. It's helped me try games out before I even rent them.

-Bayonetta: Download the demo and then decide. I've yet to rent it, but I'd say give it a rental, first. I never risk paying $70 for a new game without trying it first, anymore. In fact, I have a personal policy in place to never spend any more than $30 on any game (used or new). I'm breaking that rule one time only to pre-order Dead Rising 2, though.

-I haven't tried any of the online stuff, aside from trying the PS3's Home (kind of a glorified chat channel mixed with ideas from Second Life). The playerbase didn't seem so bad. 360's Live stuff is supposed to be horrific on WoW levels.

-PSP: Yep! Apparently, you can connect your PSP somehow (possibly wireless). I don't have a PSP, so I can't confirm that, but I know you can download tons of PSP games through PSN.

-It depends. Most games seem to install some info onto the system, but I've yet to run out of space. I have the 250gb Slim, though. Just depends on your budget, I suppose.

A few games to recommend that are fun to try out the system:
-Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction
-Uncharted (I had my issues with the gameplay, but overall, it's a great and GORGEOUS game)
-Little Big Planet (if you like platforming; it's an unbelievably charming game)
-God of War III (they also released a refurbished collection of I & II together on one PS3 disc; it's quite cool and cheap)
-Saints Row 2
-Grand Theft Auto 4

Don't forget that you can play Blu-Ray on it, too.

And, if you have a USB key, you can play downloaded videos right from it. You just need to create a folder for each type of file to "trick" your PS3. So, have folders labelled "Game", "Music", "Photo", "PS3" and "Video". Obviously, video files like avi's go in Video. Then, on the PS3 menu, scroll over to Video (far left) and select the USB option when the key is plugged in. Badda boom. Quality depends on the file, of course, but I've found it to be pretty good. *grin*
 
Jay

Jay

Shame for the PS2 compatibility... I got so many games for it.

I'm buying a HDTV in April and along with it the PS3 to serve a new gen game system / blue ray player. I wonder if those older models are available somewhere, that PS2 back comp is essential. I don't care about paying 100$ more.
 
Jay

Jay

And it's not available anywhere as new, even as a special order? I don't understand how they can't cater to their old Ps2 owners who want a system upgrade.
 
ThatNickGuy

ThatNickGuy

Oh believe me, I know. There's a number of beloved PS2 games that I want to play but can't on PS3. Sadly, I no longer have PS3, either.

What I wish they'd do, to be honest, is more great refurbished collections like the recent God of War I & II collection. I made a post about that, already.
 
Jay

Jay

I did some research and it seems that since their 60 GB models full-featured PlayStation 3s have disappeared with their newer models offering FAR LESS than their original model in every shape or form. What’s interesting to me is that the original 20GB and 60GB versions retain their value on the used market better than subsequent models. Those are the only ones with proper backwards compatibility and drive size is not an issue since it is easy to install a hard drive yourself. But buying a used Ps3 is quite the risk if you ask me. All of this is quite retarded since I'd be quite willing to pay good money for a PS3 that has it all for a long full-fledged warranty.

Can't anyone make proper game systems anymore?
 
ThatNickGuy

ThatNickGuy

Don't worry, man. I'm betting the next generation of game systems won't even have a disc function at all. It'll be all straight downloading. Things are already starting to move in that direciton already, with Live, PSN, and Nintendo's network. Right now, it's for classic or smaller games, but I think Steam proves that there's a market for it.
 
Seraphyn

Seraphyn

One thing, the controller cord that comes with the console is way too short to be of any use.

I'd get the slim simply because it's smaller and looks better. Harddrive stuff doesn't factor in, since you can easily switch those (and stay within your warranty to boot!).
 
Hailey Knight

Hailey Knight

I meant USB cords for charging; I don't want to take it home and then find out I can't recharge my controller.

Thanks for the help, Nick. I also forgot about demo downloads.
 
Espy

Espy

Google around for streaming software too, I stream from my Mac to my PS3 so I get to watch lots of fun stuff on my HDTV.
 
K

Kitty Sinatra

You'll be buying an HD TV quickly enough, even just for the gaming. Count on it.
 
Seraphyn

Seraphyn

escushion said:
I meant USB cords for charging; I don't want to take it home and then find out I can't recharge my controller.
Click to expand...
?

You charge the controller with the same USB cable it already uses to connect to the console. At least that's how it works with the slim version we have here.
 
Hailey Knight

Hailey Knight

Gruebeard said:
You'll be buying an HD TV quickly enough, even just for the gaming. Count on it.
Click to expand...
What for? I'm no graphics whore, otherwise my PC gaming would be done with anyway since all my games need to be put to the lowest graphics setting.

Seraphyn;362258][QUOTE=escushion said:
I meant USB cords for charging; I don't want to take it home and then find out I can't recharge my controller.
Click to expand...
?

You charge the controller with the same USB cable it already uses to connect to the console. At least that's how it works with the slim version we have here.[/QUOTE]

Somebody skimmed that part of the OP :p. I was asking if such a cable came with the system or had to be purchased separately. I'm asking about it for recharging purposes, not for playing with it plugged in.
 
K

Kitty Sinatra

For the higher definition alone it's worth it. I couldn't read half the in game text.

I also upgraded really quickly specifically for the wide screen.
 
Espy

Espy

escushion;362259][QUOTE=Gruebeard said:
You'll be buying an HD TV quickly enough, even just for the gaming. Count on it.
Click to expand...
What for? I'm no graphics whore, otherwise my PC gaming would be done with anyway since all my games need to be put to the lowest graphics setting.[/QUOTE]

It REALLY look amazing and they are so cheap now adays why not? Plus then you can watch BR which also look really phenomenal. I stream a lot of HD stuff from my computer to the TV via the PS3 and it looks great. I'm not graphics whore either but there is really a difference.
 
Hailey Knight

Hailey Knight

Gruebeard said:
For the higher definition alone it's worth it.

I also upgraded really quickly specifically for the wide screen.
Click to expand...
But that doesn't gain me anything. That also doesn't say anything. The higher definition is worth the higher definition?

Edit: But it doesn't serve any purpose--it just looks better. I'm the type who's fine with a shitty-looking car so long as it runs well; same situation here.
 
K

Kitty Sinatra

I edited in that I couldn't read a bunch of the text in standard definition. I should also add that I've got a couple Xbox games - a racing sim and an Obliviion clone - that simply don't work in the standard dimensions. That's more of a hit on the designers of those games, but I like them enough that I'm glad they forced me to upgrade to the widescreen to play them properly - because every game is nicely improved by the wide screen.

(And HDMI cables are damn cheap. I don't understand anybody's concern of their price.)
 
figmentPez

figmentPez

Staff member
escushion said:
What for? I'm no graphics whore, otherwise my PC gaming would be done with anyway since all my games need to be put to the lowest graphics setting.
Click to expand...
What for? To be able to read the text in games easier (or at all, in some games)."Lowest settings" on a PC is much better than what an SDTV can display, in terms of image clarity.
 
K

Kitty Sinatra

Yes, that's someone to point out: You've been gaming in HD on your PC for years. Just playing in 800x600 is significantly better than SD TV.
 
K

Kitty Sinatra

Ah, well then: If you're set against buying an HD TV, my advice is to pass on the PS3.

I'm not saying you should buy the HD TV along with the PS3, but I'm pretty certain that after a couple months of gaming in SD you'll be wanting the HD. When that time comes, if you still won't/can't buy it, you'll regret the PS3.

I didn't think I'd need or want the HD when I recently bought an XBox. I don't even have cable. Heck, I still don't. It improved my enjoyment of the XBox immensely.
 
Hailey Knight

Hailey Knight

But I've been playing games in SD. We're going through Final Fantasy X right now.

So, what you're saying is, HD games look worse in SD, than SD games in SD. So we're not making an improvement so much as switching formats in technology.
 
Seraphyn

Seraphyn

Hehe, just buy the console and enjoy it. When you've got the money to spend/waste again, get a nice HDTV.
There's no rush, but the difference in quality is quite noticeable. Most games coming out these days are optimised for HD resolutions and I've already heard of a few games where on SDTV's text was kinda hard to read.

Coming back on my earlier posts, there was one USB cable with the system. The one we got was only 3 feet, though if you only use it for charging it'll serve its purpose just fine.
 
Hailey Knight

Hailey Knight

Thanks.

That is the plan. I'm not understanding the philosophies of "If you can't see it at its best, don't see it at all" or this one blog I read stating "You could play it in SD, but after playing it in HD, you'll sell your left lung just to have it in HD yourself". If it had blocky PSX graphics, I'd play. I want fun games, that's it.
 
figmentPez

figmentPez

Staff member
escushion said:
But I've been playing games in SD. We're going through Final Fantasy X right now.

So, what you're saying is, HD games look worse in SD, than SD games in SD. So we're not making an improvement so much as switching formats in technology.
Click to expand...
No, HD games don't look worse, HD games have details that can't be seen in SD. By and large the image on screen is going to look better, but important gameplay details my not be easy to see on an SDTV. Ever try to play a computer game over composite video output? My sister did when she first got a laptop. She loved Roller Coaster Tycoon, and wanted to play it on the big screen. Couldn't read a single word of the smallest type in the menus, even after dropping the resolution to 800x600. The game would have been unplayable if she didn't already know what those text boxes said. RCT is a game with 2D bitmap graphics, that came out in 1999.

Another example, going from SD to SD. My old computer monitor had an S-video input and I'd been using that to play my Gamecube on. When that monitor died, I switched back to using my TV, which only has an RF connector, and I have to use an RF converter to connect even composite cables. I could barely read the menus in X-men Legends 2, and that's not a game that was designed for HD.

And if you're playing a game with little to no text to read? Well, consider this. 640X480 (roughly the amount of pixels that can be clearly displayed on a good quality SD screen) is 307,200 pixels. 1280x720 is 921,600 pixels, 3 times the resolution.

L4D2 isn't a PS3 game, but let's play Spot the Zombie. I took some screenshots in L4D2, at the resolution I play at 1920x1080, and then scaled them to approximate lower resolutions:

Here's a Smoker, first scaled to 720p, then 480p and upscaled to match size:





No big difference, right?

Well, here are screenshots of a Spitter, farther away, but still close enough to launch spit at the team (if it were human controlled in Versus):

1080p (not a resolution that PS3/360 games are actually rendered at, but to show the orginal view)


720p upscaled


480p upscaled


Note that while you can see the Spitter in all 3 shots, the glowing green that is the Spitter's trademark is only visible at 720p and above. Being able to see that green glow isn't a matter of eye candy. (The Spitter is ugly and I avoid seeing them up close.) Spotting that toxic mucous at a distance can be the difference between taking down the Spitter first, or standing in a pile of luminescent death.

Not only that, but my first batch of screenshots came from a different level, Hard Rain in the middle of a storm with lots of weather effects. The zombies (witches, boomers, jockeys, etc.) were visible at 1080p, but couldn't be seen at even 720p. So I had to fire up the game again and switch to a level with better lighting.

Higher resolution isn't just to make a game look better, it's to make the games actually play better.


EDIT: Now, I'm not posting all this to say you shouldn't get a PS3 if you don't have an HDTV (though I would advise against it if you don't have at least an S-video input on your TV), but I do want to show that higher resolution serves a purpose beyond just looking better.
 
Espy

Espy

figmentPez said:
Higher resolution isn't just to make a game look better, it's to make the games actually play better.
Click to expand...
Yup. Having gone from a ps3 on an sd tv to an HDTV it really makes a difference.
figmentPez said:
EDIT: Now, I'm not posting all this to say you shouldn't get a PS3 if you don't have an HDTV (though I would advise against it if you don't have at least an S-video input on your TV), but I do want to show that higher resolution serves a purpose beyond just looking better.
Click to expand...
I agree with this as well. Don't NOT get it, just realize if you want to really experience the games the way the gamemaker intended for you to you need to play it on an HDTV.

I would liken it to this: Remember how movies used to be shown on tv, with the sides cut off so they fit the whole screen? Depending on the movie you could lose up to 40 or 50% of the actual movie when you watched a non-letterboxed widescreen movie. Now maybe you are like my father in law who says "who cares if I can't see the whole movie", and if thats the case, fine, your call. I want to see the whole movie.

Film makers don't shoot in a certain format just because they can, they plan each shot and put a lot of effort (well, most do... ) into what is in that shot. Try watching a non widescreen version of Lord of the Rings. Wow. It's a really different experience and you really lose the "big" feel of the film, etc, etc. Does that mean you can't enjoy it? Of course not, but I prefer to get the best experience I can afford, and HDTV's are getting cheap so I bought one and I'm really happy with how great the games look.

To clarify, get what you want and enjoy it, but it hardly makes anyone a graphics whore for wanting to actually see the full game as the makers intended.
 
Hailey Knight

Hailey Knight

Well, we got the PS3 and OMG NO HDTV BUUUURRRRNS USSSSS...

Not really. God of War III is the only game giving me reading trouble, and that's because the text has no background. Bayonetta is easy. We also got Final Fantasy XIII and Saints Row 2. I didn't see any game + controller packs in Gamestop, but then I didn't really know any 2-player games we wanted right now, so it didn't really matter.

Thanks for the help, peoples.
 
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