Happy New Year mina!!! Can you believe it's 2008 already? 2008 marks numerous events which include - a leap year, International Year of Planet Earth, International Year of the Potato, and the Year of the Rat (which is one of the most favored). We also see the departure of Bill Gates on July 31, the Games of the XXIX Olympiad will be held in Beijing from August 8th to the 24th, the 44th U.S. President will be elected on November 4th, and Suicide Booths will be invented (at least according to Futurama)!
I also think that 2008 is the year of something else that Wikipedia doesn't mention - the Year of the PS3. Probably half of my audience just rolled their eyes and moved the mouse to the "back button", but I ask that you stay with me for just a bit. I am a Sony fangirl, a huge one, but not a bad one either. I realize the importance of the other two consoles and I don't hate them (ok, maybe just a little bit). I'm very glad that they are in the market though, because competition is what drives greatness. So, with that said, this next statement will probably shock my fellow Sony fanboys. I'm glad that the PS3 is 3rd in the three-way console race. *gasp* I know, I probably just gave Shacks210 a stroke with that (since he knows how diehard I really am) and there will be a "dismissal" email from the Gamer Advisory Panel in my inbox shortly. But it's true, I'm glad, why? Let's rewind to the last generation console cycle. Do you remember a little console called the GameCube from Nintendo? As I recall (though my memory could be a little off) it had a hard time competing against the PS2 and the Xbox and ended up 3rd in a three-way console race. Now look at Nintendo and their new console, the Wii. It is sitting pretty as top dog. Not too shabby for Nintendo. They did what was necessary to achieve that success; they persevered with hard work, competitiveness, and dedication; and made sure to put out the best that they could offer. That's why I'm glad that the PS3 is sitting in 3rd right now. It makes Sony work, and hard. Undeniably, the PS2 was an amazing console with lots of support but the PS3 hasn't been shaping up to be the same as its predecessor. The PS3 has some extremely stiff competition, and that's a good thing. Like I stated before, competition drives greatness. With the PS3 sitting low man on the totem pole, it tells Sony that they need to work hard, put in the effort, and deliver. Just like an athlete, too many wins can go to your head. So you need to get back to basics and ensure that you are truly in it to win it. That is why I am truly happy that Sony has to play "catch up" to get closer to the leaders of the pack, because it can only benefit us all.
HARDWARE - The PS3 wasn't even out for a full year and we saw two new SKUs and a price drop. Some people saw this as a bad thing, but I think this was a good move. The PS3 is expensive compared to other consoles, though it's a good deal when you consider that it has a Blu-Ray player in it (yes I know, I'm going to play every card). Offering two different price points helped the PS3 sell well during the 2007 holiday but many people were disappointed with the fact that the new versions don't support full backwards compatibility (though the 80Gb does have emulation, just not the Emotion Engine).
"So, What Does This Mean For 2008" - With HDTV prices dropping everyday, the PS3's high definition capabilities will only further its appeal to the public. Also, the RSX chip is now being produced at 65nm instead of the 90nm seen in current PS3s. The RSX chip might even be down to 45nm by Q3 or Q4. This means, once again we could see another price drop quite soon for the PS3 (the redesign of the Cell chip from 90nm to 65nm is equated with the price drops of the 40Gb and 80Gb SKUs). We could even see a "slimed down" version of the PS3 similar to the PS2 slim model. We are also seeing a lot of game themed consoles, which is a great idea. Who wouldn't want a MGS or DMC themed PS3?
SOFTWARE - One thing you have to give Sony credit for, they have the most 1st party studios out of all the console players (and a lot of 2nd party support as well). Wikipedia sites 19 different studios (GameSpot only mentioned 15), that's more than Microsoft and Nintendo combined. So, while the 3rd party support was slightly lacking during the first year and exclusives were few and far between, Sony was truly dedicated to supporting the PS3.
"So, What Does This Mean For 2008" - Great things. To start, the 1st party developers (and 2nd party developers) are quite experienced now. Insomniac is already on their 3rd game and the PS3 just turned 1 last November. Naughty Dog's Uncharted looked spectacular, especially given the fact that Uncharted has Naughty Dog's first crack at a PS3 game. I can only imagine (and drool) what their next title will look like. I also think that we will see fewer delays on multi-platform and 3rd party games. With more developers with PS3 experience under their belts, we will finally be able to enjoy those great games instead of waiting a month while everyone else soaks in the goodness. We will also be seeing some nice 3rd party exclusives like the much anticipated MGS4, FF XIII, and FF Vs. XIII.
PERIPHERALS - This is where I think you can truly see a difference from the Sony of today and the Sony of yesterday. The first thing I said when I saw the SIXAXIS (I love how it's a palindrome) was, "Where's the rumble?" Well, I'm truly happy that Sony listened to many PS3 gamers by going back to the drawing board and redesigning the SIXAXIS into the DualShock 3. I think if it had been the PS2 that lost its rumble feature, it would have stayed lost. But because Sony realizes that they have to put in the effort to gain our loyalty, they didn't just ignore our outcry; they actually listened to us, and listened closely. So, thank you Sony for bringing rumble back. As for motion control, I like that it's included but dislike how "tacked on" it really feels in most games. Is it necessary to have in a controller? Probably not, but I am waiting for that one game that takes motion control to the next level. Now, onto Sony's other Periph, the PlayStation Eye. I've always been a big supporter for the EyeToy, so I was quite excited about the new Eye for the PS3. Though the PS2 version never achieved wide range success, hopefully the PS Eye will.
"So, What Does This Mean For 2008" - Now, I can get a nice hand massage when I play Tekken 6! I think we will finally see motion control used in a good way. Look at Army of Two, you know how when you go to snipe, the scope always bobs up and down. Well, in Ao2, that bobbing is actually going to be you. Yes, the motion control will actually pick up your movements, so I'd start practicing on holding your breath. As for the PS Eye, I think it's much more useful now with the PS3 being connected to the internet. It's a great peripheral to use when chatting as a webcam and a mic. It has also been implemented in some games as well. Look at the game Eye of Judgment. Who, would have thought that you could do that! I absolutely think that is one of the most innovative games I have ever seen or played. Then you have Burnout Paradise with the "mugshot" feature. Totally pwned a friend? Send him a friendly pic letting him know how much you rock. Totally got pwned? Send him a pic reminding him that you will get your revenge next time. The Eye totally opens up some interesting possibilities in gameplay. I can't wait to see what they come up with next.
NETWORK - It's Free! (oh, c'mon, you knew I had to mention that) Ok, so most good things said about the PSN are on features that aren't even out yet (Home, anyone?). Well, I'll admit, it's no XBL, but it hasn't been out as long either. I think the PSN got off to a pretty good start. Demos, downloadable games (some of which actually don't suck too badly), videos, themes, wallpapers, and other random garbage that no one cares about (really, who downloaded the Click Blu-Ray trailer? If you did, please let me know). But all in all, it's a good start though it's lacking some key things. In-game xmb (or at least messaging, that's all I want), bigger friends list, custom soundtracks, play video and music in chat room, bigger chat room, a chat room that doesn't look like an insane asylum, and some other things would be nice.
"So, What Does This Mean For 2008" - HOME. All I can say is Home is going to fix it all (or at least I pray it does, but I'm pretty sure it will). If you haven't seen the latest videos on Home, go now, really I'll wait. 1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, 3 Mississippi . . . oh you're back already. Well, what did you think? Pretty cool, huh? But no, I do realize how some of you feel. Whiney boy, "Oh, it looks like the Sims." Annoying girl, "Why don't you go and just get a real life?" Creepy dude, "w00t, now I can stalk her in virtual life too!" But no, for me, I'm excited about Home. I have a lot of really good friends that don't live in my area (no one would live here by choice, I'm only here because they feed me) so Home is the perfect opportunity to just kind of socialize with them. I mean, we chat in our insane asylum (I'm not joking, the chat room is a white room, that's it!) but it's not the same as walking around in our virtual space and catching a quick gaming of bowling. Even, if you aren't a big fan of virtual lives, the features that Home offers are great (or at least will offer). Movies, music, in-game connectivity (I'm hoping the Helghast invade Home and kidnap people, just kidding . . . or maybe not.) and a boat load of other features make home an online feature that Sony did not have to provide. And if you aren't too big on the idea of Home, don't worry. Sony isn't completely forgetting about the PSN. They plan on revamping it and upgrading it as well. So, rejoice my comrades!
PSP CONNECTIVITY - I absolutely love this feature, but never use it, lol. I think this was a great idea to allow gamers to access their PS3 content on the PSP. Everything from PSOne clas-sics, movies, music, and messaging; you can almost do it all. Though in game connectivity doesn't really exist right now, but the potential still remains. Think about it, you are alone in an urban battlezone, there are enemies everywhere and you need to find and rescue a nuclear scientist. This scientist alone is going to save the human race by developing a diet that consists of liquid sugar injected straight into the blood stream that makes you stay awake for 48 hours, giving you the energy to exercise for 24 hours and then to work for 24 hours. So, what do you do as a highly trained, super human Navy Seal that was raised as a Spartan warrior? You, throw out multiple cameras to survey the area, using the PSP to view each one while still keeping a look out for robotic ninja dog monsters that use caffeine to enhance their already powerful nose. And, then, oh no! You've been spotted. So, you quickly through out some Glade bone scented candles and grab your PSP to blow up the C4 you strategically placed by the pound, releasing the numerous cat gladiators who thus begin to attack the robotic ninja dog monsters who turned them into slaves. As you make your way to the scientist, you use your PSP to send out a homing beacon for your monkey comrades to drop a carpet bomb on the compound as you summon your awesome skidoo to make your escape. With the scientist and you safely off the island, you pull out your PSP for the last time to check your bank account to see if those 2 million steaks that you were promised are sitting in your bank account.
"So, What Does This Mean For 2008" - 300 Splinter Sniff coming to a store near you. Ok, probably not, but the potential for the PSP is there. I'd love to see you using it as a camera that you can place in stealth games; maybe to check your stats or to buy things instantly in a game and have it airdropped to you right on the battlefield; in strategy games and RPGs, it could be used to keep stats so that you can actually see more than 1/3 of the screen; or maybe even use it to view the PS3's xmb in game. Either way, I hope that 2008 will bring some games that use the PSP and its connectivity to the PS3. And we might even see some other devices connect to the PS3 like cell phones and microwaves (I can only hope that happens, then I can cook a pizza while crunchin' skulls).
BLU-RAY - It really annoys me when other PS3 gamers say, "I don't care about Blu-Ray, I don't even watch high def movies." Bakana! Every single game for the PS3 is made on a Blu-Ray disc, so Blu-Ray matters! But yes, all the news, data, and random information I get from that homeless guy down the street say that Blu-Ray is doing quite well. Don't forget too that Sony owns a lot of different movie companies including Columbia TriStar, Sony Pictures clas-sics, Screen Gems, and numerous others. Blu-Ray is truly a great form of media storage. I mean 50Gb of data on one disc!!! Insane!
"So, What Does This Mean For 2008" - Blu-Ray has a great chance of winning. Even if you don't buy Blu-Ray movies ("Buy Them! Buy Them Now!" This subliminal message is brought to you by E.M.T. Industries, where Energy. Machinery. Technology. = Life) you still support Blu-Ray by purchasing PS3 games. Plus, HDTV's are becoming more common which will only further Blu-Ray sales. Blu-Ray also means better and bigger games. It's rumored that the 360 version of Unreal Tournament 3 won't include all of the features in the PS3 version, do to disc size. And if you aren't excited yet, Hitachi is creating a 100Gb Blu-Ray Disc! That's double the size of current dual-layered discs! So, whether you have 100 BRD movies or just 100 PS3 games, Blu-Ray will affect everyone, in a good way. Blu-Ray for life!
SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR NON-PS3 GAMERS - Maybe it's time to give the PS3 another look. With a lower price point, two models, more games, and a boat load of features; the PS3 and Sony deserves a little more credit for their continual hard work in trying to make the best console. Though, there have been many blunders on the way, I truly feel the 2008 will see the PS3 flourish as it deserves to.
SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PS3 GAMERS - You aren't going to see the light of day for a while! Really though, we finally got Sony to listen to us! Yay! I know, we've all been patient and it has been a long time coming, but rejoice my fellow PlayStationers! The time has come, we will triumph, and we will get to play way b3yond our hearts desires.
In closing (holy cow, this is a long blog. Mina, gomen!) I guess my whole reason for this blog is to say, don't be so hard on the PS3. It gets really annoying when people dismiss any of the consoles for no good reason. All three are needed because it furthers competition and competition only means good things for us, the gamers. Also, though some of my predictions are a bit wild and out there, I hope that we will see some of those things happen this year. So, happy 2008 mina!!! I hope it is a prosperous, game playing, zombie shooting, rubber burning, mugshot taking, bomb throwing, terrorist fragging, demon slaying, turn-based action, mech fighting, hand massaging, monster summoning, stealthiest, rippin' car doors off, co-opin', awesome new year you ever have!
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