5 Reasons Why I'm Buying a PS3

by RPG Site Staff on 04 October, 2006

5 Reasons why I'm buying a PS3

So fair enough, the Sony have been getting a lot of flak lately over the PS3 for various different reasons, but I think a lot of people are writing it off too early.

There are plenty of different reasons why the PS3 will be a more-than worthwhile investment. People just seem to be focusing on the negatives. I've compiled a list of reasons why the PS32 will be a worthy purchase. Bear in mind I plan on owning all 3 next-gen consoles (I already have an Xbox 360).

5. Storage Medium

There's no denying that Blu-Ray is by far the superior format of those used by the next-gen consoles. With a storage medium over 5 times larger than any of thier competitors, the Playstation 3 is sure to have some pretty epic games, which is good news for RPG fans everywhere. Microsoft and Nintendo are both using the Standard DVD format, which can store a maximum of 9GB on a dual layered disc. This pails in comparison to Blu-Ray's 50GB capacity. The increased storage will allow more detail to be put in the textures and models, which is perfect for the new 'HD era'.

A 50 GB Blu-Ray disc, in all it's glory.

Ever since games where on magnetic tapes, storage mediums have improved from one generation to the next. From cartridges, to CDs, to DVDs. Blu-Ray is the next logical step in that progression. Because of Sony's chosen format, the PS3 also includes a next-gen movie player and will also play DVDs and CDs. At the begining of the HD era, where more and more storage space will be required, the storage medium will be crucial and Blu-Ray has a clear advantage.

4. Controller

Whether or not you believe the idea was stolen from Nintendo, the PS3 tilt-sensing controller is bound to have a positive impact on gameplay. New aspects of gameplay will be available, without foregoing a traditional controller as Nintendo have done. How many times have you seen people tilting a controller as they play to try and help that car get around the corner? It's intuitive to make these movements and relate them to on screen actions. A tilt sensitive controller means that new players will have something that's a lot easier to get to grips with and for more season gamers, there's still the tradional control method there to use.

The new and improved 'Sixaxis' controller.

As for the rest of the controller, Sony have gone with the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' mentality. The classic Dual Shock layout remains, which I believe is one of the most comfortable controllers ever. There have been some slight revisions to the controller, such as more trigger-like shoulder buttons and finer analogue sensitivity. The batteries are also built-in to the controller, so unlike the Xbox 360 and Wii, you won't need to buy a separate battery pack or replace the batteries every few days. Even better, they'll be wireless this time around. I personally think all the next-gen consoles have great controllers, and Sony have made some great additions to thier tried and tested Dual Shock.

3. Raw Power

The Playstation 3 will be the most powerful console of this generaion. If you haven't seen what it's capable of, in MGS4 or FFXIII you should definately check out some screenshots. The console boasts a 3.2 GHz processor, and 256MB of RAM for each the processor and the graphics processing unit. Rest assured, you'll be getting some pretty slick graphics out of the machine.

Linux will be pre-installed on the PS3 hard drive, this will allow a lot of individually made content to appear on the PS3, similar to the homebrew content that's playable on the PSP.

Izumi Kawanishi:

"Because we have plans for having Linux on board [the PS3], we also recognize Linux programming activities… Other than game studios tied to official developer licenses, we'd like to see various individuals participate in content creation for the PS3."

A full web browser will also be included, along with the Playstation Network Platform, which will allow gamers to play online for free.

2. Value for Money

Despite the price tag, the PS3 is excellent value for money. sure, the console itself is $200 more expensive, but what's inside more than makes up for that:

Xbox 360 Standard: $399.99
Gold Xbox Live Subscription: At least $49.99 (per year)
Wireless Networking Adapter: $99.99
HD-DVD: $199.99
Total: $749.96

Playstation 3 standard: $599.99
PS3 Network Platform: Free
Wireless Networking Adapter: Built-in
Blu-ray player: Built-in
Total: $599.99

Plus you're getting a more poweful console, with a hard drive 3 times the size, a tilt-sensitive controller and card readers built in. So there's no doubt that the PS3 is great value for money.

1. The Games

Metal Gear Solid 4 is bound to be a classic.

The number one reason for buying any console is obviously the games. The PS2 built up great 3rd party support for Sony, and a lot of developers will be looking to carry over thier support to the PS3. With the 360 selling approximately 4 units in Japan and the Wii covering new ground and being less reliant on hardware, the PS3 will be the number one option for many Japanese developers.

Resident Evil 5 looks set to uphold Capcom's high standard of quality.

With games like Gran Turismo 5, Devil May Cry, Metal Gear Solid 4, Final Fantasy XIII, Resident Evil 5, Ridge Racer 7 and Grand Theft Auto 4 already announced, does the PS3 really need anything else?