*I HAVE PLAYED THE PLAYSTATION 3*
Not to think that I would have ever uttered those words before November 17 but it has happened. Its almost to overwhelming to all take in right now. The atmosphere and everything is just buzzing with Playstation 3 here. They have had to create a longer line for more people to wait in. This is attracting a huge crowd. Let me put it to you like this, anyone between the age of 13 and 35 that has walked through the door has asked about what is going on. Before we walked into the Magnolia area the first 4 of us were patted down and wanded like you would be at an airport. This was to check for any kinds of recording devices. They were very strict about this. Again, I am sorry it took me so long to write this up, my hands are still shaking. And now on to what you have all been waiting for.
The System:
Besides the fact that the console is EXTREMELY shiny, it is amazing to look at. We were playing on the 60 GB version with full working wireless and wired internet. But well get into that in a bit. Each of us got to turn it off, on, and reset it. Trust me it was an experience in its own. The buttons on the front ARE touch sensitive using body heat. The unit also had each type of flash card already in the system so we could see how to access, edit, and delete content that was stored. From the moment you turn it on you know its a Sony! The colorful background and music make you feel comfortable while holding the AMAZING new Six Axis controller. Ill get into that in a bit as well. The unit we were using was connected through HDMI as I previously mentioned in an earlier update. We were playing on a Bravia as well with full 7.1 surround. The stereo had a black plastic cover over it so we couldnt see the model, but it obviously hasnt released yet.
The XMB:
As with the videos flying all over the internet, the new cross media bar is present with FULL functionality. What did I just say? FULL? Thats right. Everything was accessible. This model had been reset to use for today so that meant creating a Playstation user ID immediately after we turned on the console. Since there were 4 of us we each got to create a user ID with each of our controllers. The layout of the XMB is the same as the more recent pics released on the internet. Configuration for all the settings, pictures, videos, music, it was all there. There was preloaded content on the HDD. It was not confirmed whether or not it would launch preloaded with the system. The friends option was also present. We added each of our Playstation user IDs and each of us showed up on the list. We were also showed a demo of how the camera will work during the XMB and during a game. No we werent using the new Eye Toy, actually the eye toy for the PS2, but it still showed us what to expect. You can choose to record while in the XMB, or broadcast during a game.
Blu-Ray:
After playing around with the XMB it was time to see why the console is $600. The rep pulled out Click on Blu-ray. After maneuvering through the menus and watching some of the movie we were all impressed. The quality looked amazing and the sound was incredible in 7.1. I was very impressed with the loading times as well. Especially loading the disc in the slot, very fast! Both of the games we played were also on Blu-ray discs.
Games:
After getting enough of Adam Sandler, it was time to actually try out the system for gaming. Before I get into the games let me talk about the controller.
Controller:
As of late there have been very few negative comments about the controller. I can safely say that if you like the current controller, you will be right at home with this guy. Yes, it is lighter. Yes, the vibration is gone. But Sony has made up for this. It seems to be VERY responsive with its motion sensing capabilities. Even though we only played one game that utilizes it, it was enough. To the comments about the controller feeling like a cheap piece of plastic, you are very mistaken. Its something new, and has been changed. Remember, were supposed to be Welcoming Chang3 remember? Anyways you get used to it, that comment was very drastic. The Playstation button takes you to the XMB and pauses the current game, allowing you to go back and look at a picture, play a quick song, or browse the internet for cheats before continuing in the game. The trigger buttons feel okay as well, a good change for games like Resistance. People with sweaty hands though, take warning, you may need a towel next to you. The controller feels a lot better with dry hands.
Games Cont:
Now back to the games. Resistance and Lair, still just demos, are games that look pure amazing. Now of course it doesnt hurt to be playing on a 1080p set, but they really are stunning. The combination of the power of the PS3 and the motion sensing made Lair a very fun game. Lair will be released on March 1, 2007. Resistance was amazing as well. If you like fps then you will need to get this on launch. Again with the graphics and surround sound, you forget about even having the vibration in the controller. The vibration from the subwoofer was enough, maybe even better. If a grenade goes off in real life, does it just shake your hands? NO. It rocked the sub we were using and made it feel like it went off outside the store.
Finally what about the Online? What is it called? What does it look like? Let me assure you we are still wondering ourselves. After trying to connect to the Playstation Network we were greeted with a screen that said coming November, 17, 2006. We assume you will figure that out tomorrow from the Playstation Show. Any other questions? Post away, I probably have the answers!