PS3: First Impressions
I got a PS3 about 5 weeks ago, along with Resistance: Fall of Man, and Ridge Racer 7. Then I downloaded Blast Factor and the expansion pack. Impressions follow, in sort of a rambling way:
Resistance is an excellent FPS with good weapons, great draw distance, and a decently difficult campaign mode. I haven't attempted the Superhuman setting that unlocks when you finish the game once, but I'm sure it will be fun. The cooperative mode is good, and the online multiplayer is fun as well. Given the player's limited mobility, the online isn't the best FPS online experience I've had (due to having played a lot of UT and Quake on my Mac), but the team objective game modes are interesting. The fundamental problem is that console FPSs are difficult to control since there's no keyboard and mouse. Resistance has a good auto-aim that helps, but doesn't feel automatic. As Insomniac has had long practice with shooters from doing the Ratchet and Clank series, this isn't surprising. Resistance also uses the same weapon switch interface as R+C, which makes it easy to change weapons very quickly. On the whole, it's a good game, and a very respectable first outing for Insomniac on the PS3.
Blast Factor is a good arcade shooter. I recommend the upgrade pack, since the multiplayer and extra speed modes are easily worth $4. Ignore any reviews of this game that give it low marks. It's fun, has great sound design, good graphics, and is fun. It's fun, too. I think that's what games are supposed to be... And the purchase experience on PlayStation Store really is like this.
I haven't played as much RR7, having been busy with Blast Factor and Resistance. But it makes nice use of the tilt-sensing controllers. Online battles are fun, and the single-player mode seems to have a lot of play in it. Though I must say, I find it annoying that the game refuses to ever use the word "car;" they are always referred to as machines. This sounds very awkward at times.
Overall, I've had a good experience with the PS3. I still am mad about having no rumble in the controllers, but that may soon be rectified. And my friends like it too; some of them have already sold their Wiis in preparation for dropping the large dough for the PS3.
Resistance is an excellent FPS with good weapons, great draw distance, and a decently difficult campaign mode. I haven't attempted the Superhuman setting that unlocks when you finish the game once, but I'm sure it will be fun. The cooperative mode is good, and the online multiplayer is fun as well. Given the player's limited mobility, the online isn't the best FPS online experience I've had (due to having played a lot of UT and Quake on my Mac), but the team objective game modes are interesting. The fundamental problem is that console FPSs are difficult to control since there's no keyboard and mouse. Resistance has a good auto-aim that helps, but doesn't feel automatic. As Insomniac has had long practice with shooters from doing the Ratchet and Clank series, this isn't surprising. Resistance also uses the same weapon switch interface as R+C, which makes it easy to change weapons very quickly. On the whole, it's a good game, and a very respectable first outing for Insomniac on the PS3.
Blast Factor is a good arcade shooter. I recommend the upgrade pack, since the multiplayer and extra speed modes are easily worth $4. Ignore any reviews of this game that give it low marks. It's fun, has great sound design, good graphics, and is fun. It's fun, too. I think that's what games are supposed to be... And the purchase experience on PlayStation Store really is like this.
I haven't played as much RR7, having been busy with Blast Factor and Resistance. But it makes nice use of the tilt-sensing controllers. Online battles are fun, and the single-player mode seems to have a lot of play in it. Though I must say, I find it annoying that the game refuses to ever use the word "car;" they are always referred to as machines. This sounds very awkward at times.
Overall, I've had a good experience with the PS3. I still am mad about having no rumble in the controllers, but that may soon be rectified. And my friends like it too; some of them have already sold their Wiis in preparation for dropping the large dough for the PS3.