Buying a PS3 - What am I looking out for?

F-Stop

I have an xbox360 - I like it, have no problems with it, etc. I spend about 10 hours a week on average playing games. It seems to me that the PS3 is getting some really good exclusives now, and there will be more over the next year. I am considering buying one, but up to now I haven't paid too much attention. So I'm not aware of the different packages (or indeed bundles). I just looked up the prices on a few websites and it seems to be around 400 euro (one site had a 40GB and 80GB model at the same price which seemed, well, odd). It's odd that the Irish based websites don't give details on bundles, and just the system price.

I don't want to be caught out like I was with the xbox and a year after purchasing it have to upgrade (for the larger HDD, quieter running noise, slightly better hardware), so I would like to pay for what I need. I would like this to be in some way future proofed - I don't want to have to upgrade it in the next year. Three years would be fine, even longer, even better. I also don't want to get it and then have to go back to the shop to buy extra controllers, etc. like I did with the Wii. Are there any other essentials that don't come with the system that I need to get?

OK, so LBP. What else is a must have game. I'm not picky about games - I'll try anything. So any suggestions are welcome, but anything that is multi console I've either played or passed on.

Thanks in advance for your input.

(I know I mentioned the Xbox, but please don't get fanboyish, this is not a troll post - I'm sure there are lots of people on here who like playing games, like playing good games, and have multiple systems.)

Zonda999

In terms of extras's you have to buy, there aint much extra to buy when getting a ps3(e.g, wifi is inbuilt, controllers already have an internal rechargeable battery). Obviously theres only one controller in the box but new ones are only about 40e online. A bluetooth headset might also come in handy

Oh yeah, online gaming is completely free on the ps3:)

F-Stop

Thanks Zonda -

so 40 euro for a second controller. That's doable. Free online gaming - doable too - not that I do much online gaming anyway, but free is still better.

L'prof

Zonda999 wrote: »

In terms of extras's you have to buy, there aint much extra to buy when getting a ps3(e.g, wifi is inbuilt, controllers already have an internal rechargeable battery). Obviously theres only one controller in the box but new ones are only about 40e online. A bluetooth headset might also come in handy

Oh yeah, online gaming is completely free on the ps3:)

Drakes Fortune, Resistance are well worth a look and Resistance 2 is out on Friday.

brendansmith

F-Stop wrote: »

not that I do much online gaming anyway, but free is still better.

Get call of duty 5 and this will all change

Captain Chaos

brendansmith wrote: »

Get call of duty 4 and this will all change

Fixed that for you.;)

Helix

ps3 price cut in march

AnCapaillMor

Resistance 2 is pretty sweet, onlines great, will finally be able to play quiet europeans after friday. LBP is a must. Order wipeout HD from the store. Jasonorr mentioned drakes, get it, its platinum now.

Also go here www.videogamesplus.ca, Ps3 games are region free.

Ste05

Yeah Resistence 2 is good, I'm currently playing my way through it. But one title you should defo get is Metal Gear Solid 4, it's basically art, great game, probably the best game I've played in years! (Although I haven't been a hard-core gamer in a looong time, but MGS4 completely sucked me in)

I'm currently waiting on VG+ to send me my copy of LBP and I'm looking forward to that.

F-Stop

Helix wrote: »

ps3 price cut in march

I've heard conflicting things regarding a March price cut. And just saw this earlier today. I don't mind a price cut in 4 months time so much, but if it was something like a price cut with upgraded models I might think twice.

Thanks for the advice. Definitely need to get an extra controller, and gameswise: Resistance, Resistance 2, Drake's Fortune, LBP, and I'll have to try MGS4 just because it exists. I was kind of interested in Motorstorm 2, but no one has mentioned it, should I pass on it? How does it compare to something like Pure? Oh yeah, and Wipeout HD looks like fun.

L'prof

F-Stop wrote: »

I've heard conflicting things regarding a March price cut. And just saw this earlier today. I don't mind a price cut in 4 months time so much, but if it was something like a price cut with upgraded models I might think twice.

As far as I know, there is going to be a 160GB model very soon. Don't know why they haven't been released yet, see here.

Otacon

F-Stop wrote: »

I've heard conflicting things regarding a March price cut. And just saw this earlier today. I don't mind a price cut in 4 months time so much, but if it was something like a price cut with upgraded models I might think twice.

If you can wait for the price cut, do but I haven't seen it confirmed anywhere. Thing is, they probably won't confirm it before Christmas anyway to keep sales up.

F-Stop wrote: »

Definitely need to get an extra controller,

Yes. I have four controllers now, two Dualshocks and two Sixaxis, for PES 2009 and such.

F-Stop wrote: »

Resistance

I wouldn't bother with the sequel out.

F-Stop wrote: »

Resistance 2

Played this recently, big improvement on the original. Not a COD4 beater but still good.

F-Stop wrote: »

Drake's Fortune

Best platinum game out at the moment

F-Stop wrote: »

LBP

You will lose yourself in this.

F-Stop wrote: »

and I'll have to try MGS4 just because it exists.

Well worth it, definitely in the top three of best PS3 games.

F-Stop wrote: »

I was kind of interested in Motorstorm 2, but no one has mentioned it, should I pass on it? How does it compare to something like Pure? Oh yeah, and Wipeout HD looks like fun.

Played Motorstorm 2 and it is a lot of fun. If you are unsure though, get the PS3 and download demos. There's one for Motorstorm 2 as well as a lot of the games above.

Also, if you like RPGs, look at Fallout 3. Also check out Burnout Paradise for a fun racer.

Kashkai

Agree with Uncharted and COD4 as must haves.

Ressistance 1 was good but not much replayability. Never tried it online as COD4 was soooooooooooooo good online.

Try Deadspace if you want good scary action on board a spaceship infested with aliens. Best game I've bought in a long while.

Games to avoid are Haze, Turok and Far Cry 2, not worth the money even second hand.

Fol20

id wait a tiny bit because they are going to have to do a price cut to compete with the 360..it wont be until after xmas now and march seems like a good month to unveil it.

F-Stop

Wow, getting great replies here. Appreciated.

Jasonorr, thanks for that I wasn't aware of the 160GB model, it might make sense holding on for this, especially if there is going to be a price drop. I also didn't realise that the backwards compatibility seems to have been abandoned. Doesn't matter too much as I sold all my PS2 games, but replaying Shadow of the Colossus, or Silent Hill 2 would have been nice, and I still regret never playing ICO.

Prosperous Dave - yeah, Dead Space is awesome. I played it on the 360 and loved it, one of my favourite games this year. And, I actually am enjoying Far Cry 2, though I doubt I'll have the patience to see it through to the end. While I fully understand the criticisms people make against it, and to a large part agree, I actually think what they did with it was quite brave. Then again, I like going for long walks in real life too...

Otacon, thanks for your breakdown of games. I'll give motorstorm 2 a go and probably just skip to Resistance 2.

Otacon

BTW there are a whole host of PSN-only games that you should look into. They are mostly small games, sometimes remakes of retro games. If you want some really addictive fun games, look into any of the Pixel Junk games (Monsters, Racers, Eden), Super Stardust HD, Riff Everyday Shooter, Bionic Commando, Mega Man 9, The Last Guy... there are loads more.

Also, when choosing a PS3, the HDD should be too big a concern as getting a new bigger one is easy peasy lemon squeezy. They are just laptop 2.5" HDD's. Search this forum for more details on that.

AnCapaillMor

Yeah better off and proably cheaper to get a 40g model and chuck in a standard 2.5" hd. You'll get a 250g hd for around 70.

Motorstorm 2 is pretty good, have'nt got into the online part of it yet but if its as good as the originals it'll be quite good.

Can't believe i did'nt mention MGS4, get it, you'll need a big bucket of popcorn fr it, its more of a movie than agame.

Ratchet and clank would be worth a go too, also gone platinum.

L'prof

AnCapaillMor wrote: »

Yeah better off and proably cheaper to get a 40g model and chuck in a standard 2.5" hd. You'll get a 250g hd for around 70.

Motorstorm 2 is pretty good, have'nt got into the online part of it yet but if its as good as the originals it'll be quite good.

Can't believe i did'nt mention MGS4, get it, you'll need a big bucket of popcorn fr it, its more of a movie than agame.

Ratchet and clank would be worth a go too, also gone platinum.

Putting the hard drive in isn't for everyone though!

Otacon

jasonorr wrote: »

Putting the hard drive in isn't for everyone though!

Why? Have you had trouble?

L'prof

Otacon wrote: »

Why? Have you had trouble?

No, haven't tried yet, I might after Christmas. I'm just saying that not everyone would want to mess around with it, that's all!

Otacon

jasonorr wrote: »

No, haven't tried yet, I might after Christmas. I'm just saying that not everyone would want to mess around with it, that's all!

I can understand that, but just so you know, it doesn't void your warrenty. Its also easy as pie to do, no need to be a techie to do it.

L'prof

Otacon wrote: »

I can understand that, but just so you know, it doesn't void your warrenty. Its also easy as pie to do, no need to be a techie to do it.

I'm aware of that, I was mean that while that might seem great to us, other people might not want to touch it at all!

I've heard the screws that are in the PS are very soft and easily ruined? Also, do you know what specs are on the drive that is in there already? 7200/10000 RPM?

Otacon

While I agree with you that most people would not want to mess with it, I wanted to point the OP in the direction of some helpful threads that explain how to do it and what HDD might be best.

As for the drive itself, its 5400, though putting a 7200 in there will work too, (though pointless)

L'prof

Otacon wrote: »

While I agree with you that most people would not want to mess with it, I wanted to point the OP in the direction of some helpful threads that explain how to do it and what HDD might be best.

As for the drive itself, its 5400, though putting a 7200 in there will work too, (though pointless)

It's really only 5400 in the PS now? Will 7200 not perform slightly better?

Otacon

More power consumption is all you'll get really. IIRC the read speed will not improve.

F-Stop

I wasn't aware you could swap the HDD, and I've replaced hard drives in laptops before so I wouldn't be too worried. I would have assumed it voided the warranty, that it doesn't is a real plus. I can probably get a 160GB 5400 HDD from a laptop from work (I won't nick it, they have been upgraded and just sit there waiting for the WEEE man).

Thanks to everyone for their input by the way. Pretty much decided that it's time to get a PS3. My girlfriend said she might get me one for Christmas, but at 400+ euro that's just way too much. But I could easily save 400 by March, except of course I WANT ONE NOW.

Anyway, cheers. You've all been very helpful. One of the games that really is drawing me to it is Heavy Rain. Does anyone think it's actually going to come out in 2009 (or will it be another Alan Wake), and will it live up to the hype? It sounds incredible, and if it actually manages to pull off half of what it claims will still be a must have title.

F-Stop

Oh, and also... As Otacon mentioned, I've heard really good things about Pixel Junk and will definitely be checking out their games.

Otacon

F-Stop wrote: »

One of the games that really is drawing me to it is Heavy Rain. Does anyone think it's actually going to come out in 2009 (or will it be another Alan Wake), and will it live up to the hype? It sounds incredible, and if it actually manages to pull off half of what it claims will still be a must have title.

Its being made by the guys who made Fahrenheit. If its as good as that, then I will most definitely be getting it. Its one of the most original concepts I've heard for a game in a while.

Kashkai

F-Stop wrote: »

Wow, getting great replies here. Appreciated.

Jasonorr, thanks for that I wasn't aware of the 160GB model, it might make sense holding on for this, especially if there is going to be a price drop. I also didn't realise that the backwards compatibility seems to have been abandoned. Doesn't matter too much as I sold all my PS2 games, but replaying Shadow of the Colossus, or Silent Hill 2 would have been nice, and I still regret never playing ICO.

Prosperous Dave - yeah, Dead Space is awesome. I played it on the 360 and loved it, one of my favourite games this year. And, I actually am enjoying Far Cry 2, though I doubt I'll have the patience to see it through to the end. While I fully understand the criticisms people make against it, and to a large part agree, I actually think what they did with it was quite brave. Then again, I like going for long walks in real life too...

Otacon, thanks for your breakdown of games. I'll give motorstorm 2 a go and probably just skip to Resistance 2.

Far Cry 2 - "I like going for long walks" - thats funny, I like it but it'll piss the fanboys off who like walking around their virtual world for hours and hours and hours and..........................:D:D:D

Zonda999

jasonorr wrote: »

As far as I know, there is going to be a 160GB model very soon.

Its already out!! Was released about a month ago. If you can get a good deal with it, it may be worth the extra 50e

L'prof

Zonda999 wrote: »

Its already out!! Was released about a month ago. If you can get a good deal with it, it may be worth the extra 50e

It's supposed to be, but I haven't seen it anywhere, have you?

Zonda999

jasonorr wrote: »

It's supposed to be, but I haven't seen it anywhere, have you?

Well i've seen the official box in a few places, as well as bundle deals of it advertised. It has a purple box whereas the 80gb has a white box(I think). Hav'nt seen it in the flesh but it looks exactly the same as the 80gb i think

L'prof

Zonda999 wrote: »

Well i've seen the official box in a few places, as well as bundle deals of it advertised. It has a purple box whereas the 80gb has a white box(I think). Hav'nt seen it in the flesh but it looks exactly the same as the 80gb i think

I'm sure it's exactly the same to look at, I just haven't seen any of them in any of the shops...I've seen the box itself (as if the shops were advertising that it was coming soon), but I've only seen the 80GB version for sale in the shops!

Helix

F-Stop wrote: »

I was kind of interested in Motorstorm 2, but no one has mentioned it, should I pass on it?

no

definitely not

motorstorm 2 is absolutely brilliant

i hated the first game but my christ this has it all

noodler

Otacon wrote: »

While I agree with you that most people would not want to mess with it, I wanted to point the OP in the direction of some helpful threads that explain how to do it and what HDD might be best.

As for the drive itself, its 5400, though putting a 7200 in there will work too, (though pointless)

Haven't some people claimed a 7200rpm wrecked their PS3S from overheating?

L'prof

Otacon wrote: »

More power consumption is all you'll get really. IIRC the read speed will not improve.

Would you recommend something like this?

Otacon

jasonorr wrote: »

Would you recommend something like this?

Yeah that's the kind of thing you are looking for. Though, shop around cos I'm sure there are cheaper versions than that.

noodler wrote: »

Haven't some people claimed a 7200rpm wrecked their PS3S from overheating?

It does cause more heat alright, but I haven't seen these reports myself so I can't say for sure.

Helix

the ps3 is built for a 5400rpm hard drive, so it baffles me why anyone would put in a 7200rpm one when there are zero benefits

L'prof

Helix wrote: »

the ps3 is built for a 5400rpm hard drive, so it baffles me why anyone would put in a 7200rpm one when there are zero benefits

I think it's because it's very hard to find anywhere that says exactly that on any official site and so people just assume faster is better!

thebman

Anyone know if there will be a price drop before Xmas. I saw a rumour somewhere online about it that due to the current economic climate they were thinking of price dropping.

Of course it is probably b*ll*cks. Anyone have any ideas?

I'm thinking of getting a Bluray player and was going to get the current Xtravision offer but then I thought about the PS3 and thought it might not be too much more expensive but it is a fair bit more expensive still.

I have a 360, Wii and laptop that can run any game out so I don't need it for the games really.

L'prof

brim4brim wrote: »

I'm thinking of getting a Bluray player and was going to get the current Xtravision offer but then I thought about the PS3 and thought it might not be too much more expensive but it is a fair bit more expensive still.

How much are we talking here? €250 for the bluray player, €400 for the PS3 (€350 up North with the exchange rate).

brim4brim wrote: »

I have a 360, Wii and laptop that can run any game out so I don't need it for the games really.

Except Playstation exclusives. Anyway if you don't mind having more games to play than you already do, go for it! It's Christmas

thebman

jasonorr wrote: »

How much are we talking here? €250 for the bluray player, €400 for the PS3 (€350 up North with the exchange rate).

Its cheaper than that down here now.

http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=365847
370 for console alone which is all I want.

Anyone know somewhere cheap in stores?

Except Playstation exclusives. Anyway if you don't mind having more games to play than you already do, go for it! It's Christmas

Only game I want is LBP. But I've still got to get through Gears2 and SSBB and Metroid Prime 3 and Fable 2 and Crysis and I'm thinking of getting Left4Dead :-/

Way too many games, way too little time

Otacon

brim4brim wrote: »

Its cheaper than that down here now.

http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=365847
370 for console alone which is all I want.

Anyone know somewhere cheap in stores?



Only game I want is LBP. But I've still got to get through Gears2 and SSBB and Metroid Prime 3 and Fable 2 and Crysis and I'm thinking of getting Left4Dead :-/

Way too many games, way too little time

If that's the case for you personally, then I would suggest waiting til after Christmas and maybe either picking it up in March if/when the price drops.

L'prof

brim4brim wrote: »

Only game I want is LBP. But I've still got to get through Gears2 and SSBB and Metroid Prime 3 and Fable 2 and Crysis and I'm thinking of getting Left4Dead :-/

Way too many games, way too little time

Resistance 2 is out on Friday, Buzz! is always fun, God of War III , Heavy Rain, Killzone 2 all next year, Metal Gear IV is great, so is Drakes fortune with a sequel due too! I'm sure there's more, but is LBP really the only game you want?

thebman

jasonorr wrote: »

Resistance 2 is out on Friday, Buzz! is always fun, God of War III , Heavy Rain, Killzone 2 all next year, Metal Gear IV is great, so is Drakes fortune with a sequel due too! I'm sure there's more, but is LBP really the only game you want?

LBP and Killzone 2 maybe. I'm very picky when it comes to games I buy.

I'm spoilt having owned every Valve game on Pc

I generally prefer story driven games and if it doesn't have a story, stuff like Mario Kart, Super Smash Brothers and LBP would probably be more up my street.

MGS4 would just have too many cut scenes for me after playing Half-Life for so long. Cutscenes just annoy me and its why I never got into Final Fanatasy. I loved the first MGS and played through the second and thought it was good but didn't like any of them after that.

The thing is if I have all the consoles and a Pc, I'm only ever going to have time for the big titles on each really.

Otacon wrote: »

If that's the case for you personally, then I would suggest waiting til after Christmas and maybe either picking it up in March if/when the price drops.

I don't think I can hold off that long Probably should though. My laptop plays Blurays through the HDMI out onto my tv but Vista makes it a chore to setup each time. I want to get the Dark Knight Bluray but I'd like to have a Bluray player to play it on instead of hooking up the laptop.

giggsy664

jasonorr wrote: »

Resistance 2 is out on Friday, Buzz! is always fun, God of War III , Heavy Rain, Killzone 2 all next year, Metal Gear IV is great, so is Drakes fortune with a sequel due too! I'm sure there's more, but is LBP really the only game you want?

Uncharted 2= Uncharted: Atlantis.

You can play as elena in 5/6 sub missions and 40 player online iirc.

L'prof

giggsy664 wrote: »

Uncharted 2= Uncharted: Atlantis.

You can play as elena in 5/6 sub missions and 40 player online iirc.

I'd be interested to see if the online is worth bothering with...there haven't been many so far that have!