« The Way a Web Styler Should Be | Main | Fatbear USB »
November 7, 2006
It's a Yes on PS3
I've been a harsh critic of Sony's hardware design for the PS3 but that doesn't negate the fact that I'll get one - about a year later.
As the North American console launches for the industry's other two players looms near, I'm getting a slew of emails from friends and readers about which console I'm getting. To answer those question simply, I'm getting a Wii first and a PS3 a year later (hopefully). That is unless Sony wants to send me one gratis - I will be more than happy to accept.
First, why no Xbox 360 for me. I think it's an awesome machine with awesome looking games and an online component second to none. My only issues with it are no HDMI and not very many games (genres) that I would play. I'm not a FPS type person nor am I into sports. That doesn't leave me with much except for Kameo and PGR. I did play Oblivion but it screams western RPG to me (call me a purist). I think the only game that has be excited for the 360 is Fable. (Yes I actually liked the first one too). When the 360 gets more RPG's, platformers and adventure games, I'll give it a second look.
The Wii is a no brainer for me. It's dirt cheap (by comparison) and has a group of games out at launch that I want. Namely Zelda and Rayman. The aspects of the controller also have me excited and since it's not an HD console, I could care less about HDMI, as long as I am able to get my Wii component cables.
Which brings me to the PS3. I've seen the games, even played some of them. It really is next generation (in terms of graphics), not to say the Xbox 360 isn't on par. It's the exciting possibilities of Linux being pre-installed on each unit, blu-ray, and curiosity of how well Sony's new unified online experience will be. The new SIXAXIS controller is pretty cool and although I was probably one of the few who understood and liked the ergonomic advantages of the concept boomerang controller, I never really had any gripes with the dual-shock design. I like that it comes with HDMI and games are true 1080p or 1080i. I have an HD TV but no HD cable so it'll be nice to see something utilize my TV's potential. The only barriers to my getting one come launch day are three-fold; price, games and availability.
PRICE: I believe Sony when they say it's a console worth $600. I mean it's got a revolutionary processor and blu-ray. Judging by the cost of current 2 core processors commanding almost $200 bucks; an 8 core Cell for $600 isn't so bad. Not to mention dedicated blu-ray players are going for $800+ so again, $600 isn't so bad. The price just sounds crazy because the average multimedia and gamer guru doesn't have that kind of disposable income. When we start to see games leverage the power of Cell and blu-ray become the new standard - it's value will become a little more apparent.
GAMES: Secondly (I swore I would never use that word), the launch games are kinda meh. The FPS, sports, bevy of violent themed, and tuner race games don't do anything for me. The games I want are next Final Fantasies, the Kingdom Hearts, the Jak & Daxters. Those types of games probably won't be here until 1 - 2 years later and I worry the new console generation will find those games playing second fiddle as the industry shifts its focus towards the cash laden. testosterone filled male gamers of North America and Europe. I just hope there's another Jason Rubin out there, tinkering away at some new platformer to fulfill my next gen needs for a Jak & Daxter.
AVAILABILITY: All I'm gonna say here is GOOD LUCK FINDING ONE! If you didn't know it already, Sony has had numerous production problems, making the PS3 somewhat of a mirage. You might find one, but find it at an inflated price; that's for damn sure.
So you see, I do like PS3. I know sooner or later I'll get one. It's just weird because this is the first time Sony won't be my first console purchase of a new generation.
Posted by tranism at 7:20 AM | Permalink