Information Compiled by: abdelmessih101
Here is a link to the Gamespot PS3 Console Resource Center. Some of this information can also be found there.
PS3 GAMES
What games are exclusive to the PS3?
Notable PS3 Exclusives (currently out, and those to come) include:
***NOTE***
The links are for games that have already been reviewed. They take you to Metacritic.com which shows a "Metascore" which is "a weighted average of up to 30 reviews from national critics and publications for a given videogame". Basically, their critics evaluate every major gaming review site or magazine and then weigh the score according to the quality of that specific site/magazine relative to others. These weighted scores are averaged and the "Metascore" is displayed out of 100 points. You can read more about their scoring system here. They also provide links to all of the individuals reviews used to calculate their Metascore. Gamespot scores are indicated by GS.
- Uncharted 2: Among Thieves ___ Metascore = 96 ___ GS = 9.5
- LittleBigPlanet ___ Metascore = 95 ___ GS = 9.0
- Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots ___ Metascore = 94 ___ GS = 10.0 :D
- God of War III ___ Metascore = 93 ___ GS = 9.0
- Killzone 2 ___ Metascore = 91 ___ GS = 9.0
- God of War Collection ___ Metascore = 91 ___ GS = no review
- Demon's Souls ___ Metascore = 90 ___ GS = 9.0
- MLB 09: The Show ___ Metascore = 90 ___ GS= 9.0
- MLB 10: The Show ___ Metascore = 90 ___ GS = 8.0 :?
- MLB 11: The Show ___ Metascore = 90 ___ GS = 8.0 :?
- Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction ___ Metascore = 89 ___ GS = 7.5 :?
- Ninja Gaiden Sigma ___ Metascore = 88 ___ GS = 9.0
- Uncharted: Drake's Fortune ___ Metascore = 88 ___ GS = 8.0 :?
- Resistance 2 ___ Metascore= 87 ___ GS = 9.0
- Heavy Rain ___ Metascore = 87 ___ GS = 8.5
- Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time ___ Metascore = 87 ___ GS = 8.5
- Valkyria Chronicles ___ Metascore = 87 ___ GS = 8.5
- Flower ___ Metascore = 87 ___ GS = 8.0 :?
- Resistance: Fall of Man ___ Metascore = 86 ___ GS = 8.6
- inFAMOUS ___ Metascore = 85 ___ GS = 9.0
- Killzone 3 ___ Metascore = 84 ___ GS = 8.5
- Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 ___ Metascore = 84 ___ GS = 8.5
- Warhawk ___ Metascore = 84 ___ GS = 8.5
- Gran Turismo 5 ___ Metascore = 84 ___ GS = 8.0
- ModNation Racers ___ Metascore = 82 ___ GS = 8.0
- Motorstorm: Pacific Rift ___ Metascore = 82 ___ GS = 8.0
- Motorstorm ___ Metascore = 82 ___ GS = 7.9
- Gran Turismo 5: Prologue ___ Metascore = 80 ___ GS = 7.5
- Heavenly Sword ___ Metascore = 79 ___ GS = 8.0
- Yakuza 3 ___ Metascore = 79 ___ GS = 8.0
- Fat Princess ___ Metascore = 79 ___ GS = 7.5
- Ridge Racer 7 ___ Metascore = 78 ___ GS = 8.0
- MAG ___ Metascore = 75 ___ GS = 8.0
- The Eye of Judgment ___ Metascore = 75 ___ GS = 7.5
- Folklore ___ Metascore = 75 ___ GS = 7.0
- SOCOM 4: US Navy SEALs ___ Metascore = 67 ___ GS = 7.5 :D
- White Knight Chronicles ___ Metascore = 64 ___ GS = 6.0
- SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation ___ Metascore =62 ___ GS = 6.5 (reviewed before online patch)
- Haze ___ Metascore = 55 ___ GS = 6.0
- Lair ___ Metascore = 53 ___ GS = 4.5 :?
- Final Fantasy Versus XIII
- Gran Turismo 5
- The Last Guardian
- The Agency (an MMO shooter allowing players to assume the role of secret agents)
- the continuation of the Kingdom Hearts series (rumor - no confimation or denial from developers yet)
- Home (not really a game; explained further later on in the thread)
For a more organized and updated list of ALL PS3 games, (which you can organize by exclusives), head over to Wikipedia. With a list that big, I'm sure you'll find something you like. :)
PS3 USER INTERFACE
What is the user-interface of the PS3?
The user-interface on the PS3 is called the Xross Media Bar or XMB (really pronounced cross media bar). It is exactly the same as the PSP's XMB and is very user friendly. Here is a complete PS3 XMB walkthrough from Joystiq.com. The walkthrough also contains information about Folding@home, which is explained later in the "Miscellaneous" section.
Is the XMB available in-game?
Yes, it was patched in with firmware update 2.40. You can now access the entire XMB and send/receive messages in-game, but other functions are not available.
Can you listen to your own playlist of music in-game?
Sony has allowed this feature along with the in-game XMB, but has left it up to developers to implement. Unfortunately, very few games allow this.
What are themes?
Themes are unique user-made alterations to the XMB. You can download themes directly onto your PS3 using the PS3's internet browser at sites such as All PS3 Themes.com and Playstation Universe.com.
DIFFERENT PS3 VERSIONS
What are the major similarities and differences between the different SKUs (versions)?
Here is the breakdown of what the different PS3 versions have to offer out of the box:
250GB SLIM:
- $299 (in production)
- new slimmer, lighter, more energy efficient design
- Charcoal Black (matte finish)
- NO PS2 backwards compatibility
- HAS PS1 backwards compatibility and internal Wi-Fi
- 2 USB ports, no multimemory card readers
160GB SLIM:
- $249 (in production)
- new slimmer, lighter, more energy efficient design
- Charcoal Black (matte finish)
- NO PS2 backwards compatibility
- HAS PS1 backwards compatibility and internal Wi-Fi
- 2 USB ports, no multimemory card readers
120GB SLIM:
- $299 (not in production)
- new slimmer, lighter, more energy efficient design
- Charcoal Black system (matte finish)
- NO PS2 backwards compatibility
- HAS PS1 backwards compatibility and internal Wi-Fi
- 2 USB ports, NO multimemory card readers
160GB:
- $399 (not in production)
- Piano Black system w/ satin silver trim
- NO PS2 backwards compatibility
- HAS PS1 backwards compatibility and internal Wi-Fi
- 2 USB ports, NO multimemory card readers
New 80GB:
- $299 (not in production)
- Piano Black / Ceramic White / Satin Silver system (all have satin silver trim)
- NO PS2 backwards compatibility
- HAS PS1 backwards compatibility and internal Wi-Fi
- 2 USB ports, NO multimemory card readers
Old 80GB:
- (price varies, not in production)
- Piano Black system w/ chrome trim
- uses software emulation for PS2 backwards compatibility (about 95%)
- HAS PS1 backwards compatibility and internal Wi-Fi
- 4 USB ports, HAS multimemory card readers
60GB:
- (price varies, not in production)
- Piano Black system w/ chrome trim
- uses built-in PS2 hardware for PS2 backwards compatibility (about 99%)
- HAS PS1 backwards compatibility and internal Wi-Fi
- 4 USB ports, HAS multimemory card readers
- rumored to be more susceptible to hardware issues like YLOD
40GB:
- (price and availability varies, not in production)
- Piano Black / Ceramic White / Satin Silver system (all have satin silver trim)
- NO PS2 backwards compatibility
- HAS PS1 backwards compatibility and internal Wi-Fi
- 2 USB ports, NO multimemory card readers
20GB:
- (price and availability varies, not in production)
- Piano Black system w/ black trim
- uses built-in PS2 hardware for PS2 backwards compatibility (about 99%)
- HAS PS1 backwards compatibility
- NO Wi-Fi (Ethernet cable required for online play - wireless adapters also available)
- 4 USB ports, HAS multimemory card readers
HDMI and component cables are sold separately.
What is the Yellow Light of Death (YLOD)?
The Yellow Light of Death (referred to as YLOD) is a major hardware failure of the PS3. It's rumored to affect mainly the 60GB versions of the PS3. Sony has not to my knowledge released any official information regarding the YLOD, but there is an Unofficial YLOD Information Thread on the Playstation forums. Refer to that thread for all of your YLOD background and repair information.
What are multimemory card readers?
Multimemory card reader means that particular version of the PS3 has slots for Memory Sticks (SD and PRO cards - used for PSP, some digital cameras, some cell phones, etc) and Compact Flash cards (also used for digital cameras).
Were some versions discontinued?
Yes, the 20GB was discontinued first because of poor sales, and the 60GB was the only version in production for a while. Once the Old 80GB and 40GB versions were introduced, the 60GB was discontinued. You probably won't find the 20GB or the 60GB new. The Old 80GB and the 40GB have now also been discontinued to make way for the New 80GB and the 160GB. Now, all "fat" PS3s have been discountinued to make way for the new SLIM models, available with 120GB or 250GB hard drives. The prices vary for all versions that were discontinued, so you may find them at a cheaper price than what is listed. The price may also vary depending on special bundles offered by certain sellers. In any case, you will have more luck looking for them used.
If the some versions of the PS3 have only 2 USB ports, will I be able to play with more than 2 players at a time?
Of course you can; all PS3 controllers are wireless. In fact, you can connect up to 7 wireless Bluetooth/USB devices at once, whether it be 7 PS3 controllers, 4 controllers + 1 Bluetooth headset + 1 wireless USB keyboard + 1 wireless mouse, etc, etc. You only need the USB ports to transfer data and/or charge your controllers and other wireless devices and you can buy a USB hub for about $10-$15 to add more ports if you really needed them.
Will the versions without PS2 backwards compatibility ever have PS2 backwards compatibility through software emulation like the Old 80GB?
No, not unless a new model of this version is introduced. The Old 80GB still has the PS2 graphics card (the GSX) and uses software emulation to give it the ability to play PS2 games. All PS3 versions are capable of software emulation like the Old 80GB, but it would still need the PS2 graphics cards to play PS2 games. However, rumors are swirling that even this is capable through software emulation and that Sony can and might patch it in at some point in the future.
Why does the Old 80GB PS3 have worse PS2 backwards compatibility than the 60GB and 20GB versions?
The Old 80GB uses software emulation, while the 60GB and 20GB versions have actual PS2 hardware inside them. As of right now, none of the PS3s are 100% backwards compatible, but the backwards compatibility issues with some games will be corrected over time through system updates. You can check backwards compatibility for the specific PS2 games if you're worried as to whether your 20GB, 60GB, or Old 80GB will play it.
Can I play PS2 games online using my PS3?
Yes. There's no official confirmation that this works, but some of the more recent PS2 games I have tried worked fine on the PS3.
PS3 ONLINE SERVICE
What about Online play?
Online service on the PS3 (called the Playstation Network) is completely free. The PS3 has the Playstation Store, where you can download free demos, videos, images, themes, rent / buy movies (in HD or SD), and buy PS1 games, other arcade-like games, add-ons to PS3 games, and entire PS3 games. On the XMB, once you log in to Playstation online account, you can see your buddy list, whether or not your buddies are online and what they're playing if they are online. You can send them a message or invite them to a chat room where you can use voice chat. You can also access saved photos,music, and videos from your XMB and this may be available in-game in the future.
What is Home?
Sony has released a basic version of Home; it's a virtual world where you can create and customize an avatar and a home for your avatar (ala The Sims). Also, you can access stuff from the Playstation Store in virtual shops, hang out at public spaces with other online PS3 users, and play virtual arcade games. You can text chat using your PS3 remote or keyboard or voice chat using a Bluetooth headset. You can invite your new-made friends back to your private home and share music and videos saved on your PS3, and even invite them to play multiplayer games together. Here is a Gametrailers.com 25 minute Home walkthrough.
Here are more Home demonstrations on Youtube: Home Demonstration Part 1/2
Home Demonstration Part 2/2
How does the Playstation Network (PSN) compare to Xbox Live (XBL)?
According to my experiences and the opinions of many others, Xbox Live isn't that much better than the Playstation Network. Unlike Xbox Live, access to online play on the Playstation Network is completely free. I've had my PS3 since January 2007, I have Comcast high-speed internet, I use a Linksys wireless G router to connect the PS3 to the internet wirelessly, and I have experienced very minimal (little to no) lag online or other online problems in general. I've heard from others on this site with both the PS3 and 360 who have said that the gamers on Xbox Live are generally less mature and there is more racism and cursing on Xbox Live than on the Playstation Network. Of course that may be due to the fact that fewer people have the PS3 right now. In the end ... it all depends upon your specific tastes and preferences. I can only share my opinions ... you will have to try them both out and form your own opinion.
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