PC Magazine: "PlayStation 3 Simply the best Game in Town"

It's been two years since Sony launched the PlayStation 3, and although the box itself looks the same today, a lot has changed. The price has dropped; developers have released dozens of cool new titles; and Blu-ray has triumphed as the high-definition video format of choice. Perhaps most important, Sony's continual upgrades help the PS3 constantly evolve—bringing new functionality, including enhanced online game play, offering support for the latest Blu-ray features, and adding access to downloadable videos. At $399.99 (direct), the PS3 is still pricier than Microsoft's Xbox 360, the Xbox 360 Arcade, and the Nintendo Wii, but it has matured into a multifunctional console that fits perfectly at the center of any home entertainment setup. For serious gamers and Blu-ray buffs alike, the PS3 is simply the best game in town.
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Much of what we said in the original PS3 review still holds. This review will focus on what has changed since 2006: the addition of the Dual Shock controller, the numerous improvements to the PlayStation Network, and improved Blu-ray playback.

The baseline PS3 costs $399.99 and comes with a 80GB hard drive, two USB ports, and integrated Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Sony also sells a 160GB version for $499.99, which includes the game Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and a free voucher to download another title, Pain. Keep in mind that these new models won't play your old PlayStation 2 games, but there are now plenty of PS3 games to choose from.

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On the outside, the PS3 hasn't changed much. The slick, shiny curved black frame remains a fingerprint magnet. Measuring 12.8 by 3.8 by 10.8 inches (HWD) and weighing 11 pounds, the PS3 is bigger and heftier than either the Xbox 360 or the Wii. It includes the aforementioned two USB ports and an Ethernet port, as well as an HDMI output and an optical digital audio output (SPDIF). In the box, you get a composite AV cable, but you'll have to spring for an HDMI cable. Get one. It's worth it.

Unfortunately, Sony chose to leave out the media card readers that were included in the first-generation PS3. The media card slot, which supported SD, CompactFlash, and Memory stick, is simply sealed over on new units. This is a serious disappointment for digital photo fans. I use these slots on my original PS3 often: I simply pop in an SD card for an easy way to watch slideshows on my HDTV. Losing these slots cuts costs, but it's a definite step backward. Now, to move images and other files on and off the PS3, you have to attach a thumb drive or a PC via cable to one of the USB slots on the front of the unit.

PlayStation Phone to Hit Shelves Next Year?

Fresh speculation concerning the development of a PlayStation-branded phone has reared its head, with Sony insiders reportedly indicating that a new handset modeled on the PSP could launch next year.

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Playstation 3 Firmware 2.36 soon, v2.40 to include trophies

We’re also happy to officially report that the 2.40 system software update for PS3 will include “XMB” access in-game. The update will also include “trophies,” an exciting new feature that we’ll be providing more details on soon, as well as some other new enhancements.

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A 70-Year-Old's Take on Metal Gear Solid 4

At 70, my dad isn't probably the typical Metal Gear Solid gamer, probably not even the typical gamer. But after watching me play through chunks of Grand Theft Auto after its release he vowed to pick up the Playstation 3. Why the PS3? Because the original Xbox, now a magnet for dust in his house, got a chance and it was the Playstation's turn.

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Gag order? Bah! EGM refuses to review Metal Gear Solid IV

So Konami doesn't want reviewers can't mention the 90 minute cutscenes, the grotesque install size, and other items if they want to review MGSIV? EGM said, "Screw that! We got journalistic integrity over here. Keep your damn MSGIV." Well done EGM.

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Kojima So Not Disappointed With MGSIV

When Hideo Kojima said the MGS4 graphics on PS3 weren't to his "satisfaction" or that he realized there were lots of "restrictions" the PS3 posed, he didn't mean it. He meant to compare it and his game to a flying car. Even if a flying car doesn't make it into space, it's still revolutionary. "I wanted to convey my thoughts like that," he says.

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The Top 10 Worst PlayStation Ads We've Seen

Over the past few years, Sony's controversial attempts at viral marketing for the PlayStation brand were not well-received by the general public. The company had been criticized on numerous occasions for various failed ad campaigns. Campaigns didn't just fail to hit their target markets, but more importantly had an adverse effect leaving many upset

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Konami Asked ‘MGS4′ Reviewers Not To Mention Certain Things

I’ve been told by two gaming media sources who asked to remain anonymous that Konami representatives had been asking print reviewers to keep some technical details out of their reviews, namely the length of the game’s cut-scenes and the size of the game’s installation on the PlayStation 3. Such details wouldn’t have been plot spoilers. . .

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Gran Turismo used for driver's education? Hell yeah!

The Driver, Alex Roy, had a chance to sit down with the inimitable director of Gran Turismo, Kazunori Yamauchi. The topics of conversation range from new cars, weather modeling, vehicle dynamics, plans for damage ('bout time) and how GT5 could be a great tool for novice and veteran drivers alike.

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UT3 LEGO! Best User Created Mod EVER! PS3 ver.

Total Destructible Level!!! Lego's...enough said!

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Gran Turismo 5 Prologue - April 17th / $40

It’s official - SCEA announced today the April 17 North American ship date for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, available exclusively for PS3. Developed by famed Polyphony Digital, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will be available for $39.99 on Blu-ray Disc (BD) and as a download via the PLAYSTATION Store.

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Bioshock team looking for PS3 developers

Something has us thinking that the 2K Boston team is making a PS3 game. Just call it a hunch. Of course, this is in stark contrast to previous rumors that they were avoiding PS3 altogether. Could the sequel to Bioshock be coming to PS3? Considering 2K's acquisition of the team, we say it's very likely.

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Mole: 80GB PS3 dead, 120-160GB with Dual Shock 3 incoming

Our inside source of all things video gaming has been right almost every time it comes out of the shadows to give us information, so I'm going to dispense with the back story. Wherever his or her information is coming from, it's usually solid. After I spoke to Sony about the possible discontinuation of the 80GB PS3 model, I lit the mole-signal.

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Dark AleX's PSP 3.80 M33 CFW released!

After much anticipation (and PSP scene drama, mind you), Dark AleX and Team M33 finally release CFW PSP 3.80 M33 - biggest change is that you can use the Network Update function to directly download new CFW updates from DAX himself!

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Sony Bringing Skype to the PSP

Skype, a program that allows you to talk to people for free via the internet, is headed for the PSP, Sony has revealed. Although Sony hasn't given it the whole press-release treatment, the revelation comes from an easily miss-able mention on their official site for the upcoming CES show.

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Sony boasts PlayStation holiday sales numbers

Sony's got plenty to be proud of: 1.2m PS3 consoles sold since Black Friday; 1.4m PSP systems (unsurprising to anyone who had difficulty tracking one down this holiday); and 1.3m PS2 systems. That's a total of 3.9m PlayStation consoles sold in less than two months and, with the recent Blu-ray news, we suspect PS3 sales may trend upwards.

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Echochrome hits both PSN & PSP on March 19th

Echochrome will see a simultaneous release on the PSP and PS3 (via a Playstation Network download) on March 19th. Previously, only the PSP version had a confirmed date, but reports now indicate that the two will indeed be released on the same day.

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PS3 production costs cut by half

It is being reported that due to removable of various components from the PS3's innards, coupled with smaller chip size, Sony has been able to cut the production cost of the PS3 by half since last year. Each console can now be produced at $400 a unit, rather than the $800 it was costing for each PS3 around November 2006.

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Metal Gear Solid 4 at Bug Testing Phase: No Further Delays

Today we bring you the exciting news that Kojima doesn’t want to disappoint his fans any longer - there will be no further delay for MGS4, as confirmed in the Kojima Report Podcast. Bug testing phase is imminent.

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MGS4 Contains Metal Gear Online Starter Pack: DLC to Follow

From an interview at CES 2008, where Kojima’s Playstation 3 offering is being demoed to a lucky few, comes the confirmed news that Metal Gear Online will be included with the purchase of the single player game, MGS4. It is, however, an online starter pack.

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Everything About Blu-ray-to-PSP Movie Transfer

When we heard about Blu-ray-to-PSP movie transfers getting all official we got pretty excited, even though the announcement was a little skimpy on the details: How big are the files? How long will it take to download a movie? How odious is the DRM? Most importantly, when? Well, we've got 'em all right here.

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Over 70 Weapons in MGS4: New English Demo Footage

Kojima revealed at TGS that there would be over 70 weapons in Metal Gear Solid 4, and what’s more they would be customisable. With CES going on right now, we are getting new footage of some of these weapons. Watching these five new videos from the MGS4 English demo, it’s almost safe to say that Kojima has done it again.

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Kaz Gunning For Profitable PS3 By Next Year

PlayStation boss Kaz Hirai has had just about enough of the PS3 posting a loss. He's sick of it! So sick that he's hoping to have the console turning a profit soonish. And by soonish, he means during the next financial year.

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Sony Bringing Blu-ray to PSP

Sony is planning select Blu-ray title that will include a version of the film encoded for the PSP.

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