Post by "Wildfox" Meta S. Foxx on Sept 4, 2010 10:41:41 GMT -8
I know people here are now and have been very skeptical of the PS3 since it first came out, but as of late the PS3 has been really shining in the software department, and many of the best games have come out just for that system. Recently IGN came out with its version of the Top 25 Best, but I'm going to tool through that list for a moment and give you some of my recommendations. I'm going to go through disc-based games first before I go to PSN downloadable games.
ModNation Racers
For those of you who liked Mario Kart and Sonic & Sega All Star Racing, this one's for you. The one advantage it has over both Mario Kart and Sonic & Sega is that the game gives you the freedom to play and create not only your own player characters and vehicles, but also your own racetracks, and share them with the rest of the world. The creation tool is actually top notch, too. One of Sony's development studios, Sucker Punch, actually used the track creator to make a track based off of Empire City where their hit game, InFamous is based off of. The amount of creativity you can put into this game, in terms of your characters, vehicles, and tracks are near limitless, and the best thing, like I said earlier, you can share them with the rest of the world. People all over PlayStation Network can drive on your tracks and you can drive on others' tracks as well. I highly recommend this for any casual racing fan and for the creative thinker.
Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack In Time
Those of you that are already familiar with Insomniac's Ratchet and Clank series should have no problem diving into this game. However, this game does differ from previous installments. In this one, both Ratchet and Clank are separated from each other and you get to play as both characters during different segments of the game. The segments with Clank are the most mind challenging. Insomniac really did a fantastic job with the puzzles for Clank's runthroughs. Of course the highlight of the game would be Ratchet's segments with the blowing up of things and the sometimes wacky weapons he gets to use. The weapons leveling system is still in effect, and as you progress through the game, you get to buy new weapons and armor from the little concession stands. The witty writing is also very well done here, too. The game has a great deal of funny moments in it, and also has its own charm to it as well. If you loved Ratchet and Clank on the PS2, you'll definitely be in for a real treat here. On that note, I would check out the first of the Future trilogy, R&CF: Tools of Destruction to get you caught up with the story. That one's really good, too.
Heavy Rain
This game is a masterpiece! Fans of horror games will instantly love this one. You play as four characters who are trying to solve a mystery of a serial killer known as the Origami Killer who abducts young boys and drowns them leaving an origami figure in their hands and an orchid on their chest. Each segment of the four characters is just bone chilling as they go through their playable segments. It's kind of hard to describe on paper, so one must play this game in order to get the real gory details. There are several different endings to this game and the ending all depends on your decisions in each character's playable segment, so you have to carefully think about your decisions and choices you make otherwise you might not get the ending you want. Like I said, you love bone chilling horror games, this one's for you.
God of War III
Yep, just like the last two, God of War III is made of pure badass. Our favorite angry, God slaying, antihero, Kratos, is back and more colder than ever. The story and gameplay aspects are just as you would expect from a God of War game. You have the puzzles and the very epic boss fights, including one with Hercules of all people. Now to be fair, I've only demoed this game and have yet to immerse myself in the full experience, but what I can say for the Demo, it really is frikkin' sweet, seeing all the God of War greatness glorified in HD. Still, if you loved the first two God of War games, I definitely recommend this one.
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriot
Yeah, even years after this game came out, it's still a hot commodity. The famous Metal Gear Solid game has been a PlayStation exclusive since the first installment back on the original PlayStation. And the fourth game is just as epic. I got this game with my PS3 when it was bundled with it back in 2K7 and I've finished it already. Great storyline that includes a now old and rapidly aging Snake in his quest to save the world from the Guns of the Patriots. All of the original MGS aspects are there as well as some really beautifully done cut scenes that detail some of Snake's backstory. There are even some parts of the cut scene where you can view a special second angle of the scene, kind of like something a second angle of a DVD movie. The boss battles here were absolutely awesome, and it was hard for me to put the controller down during those. Of course the the best part of the game was at the ending act where you ultimately end up in a very familiar location (which will be familiar to you if you played MGS1). This is one game I would say you have to pick up if you get a PS3. No one should have that system and not play this game.
Killzone 2
Remember back in 2K4 when Sony tried to release a Halo-killer, and the end result ended up being the less-than-stellar Killzone? Yeah, after that you would think Sony wouldn't try again with the franchise, right? Well, Killzone 2 kind of snuck up from out of nowhere and ended up being a damn good game. Sony definitely improved on the aspects of the gameplay and mechanics of Killzone and then some. They actually came up with a really great storyline, made the game look as pretty as they could, and fixed up everything that was wrong with the first Killzone game. A lot of people were blown back at how amazing this game was, which goes to show that even though the initial starting title of a franchise might not be a stellar beginning, but it's what you do with it that makes it a stellar series. And Sony did a lot to it that it's direct sequel, Killzone 3, is one of the most anticipated upcoming games. I think the Halo-killer has arrived in the form of Killzone 2, so if you're one for this sort of thing, go for it.
InFamous
As much as I've been angry at Sucker Punch for ignoring us Sly Cooper fans in favor of InFamous, I have to say that this is a really impressive game. You take the role of a biker messenger, Cole McGrath, who is caught in an explosion that devastates a good chunk of the fictional city, Empire City, which turns the city to chaos and Cole gaining Electrical powers. The game has a Karma system that ultimately the players control, though the story is mostly about Cole trying to restore order to the city with his new powers. However, you control Cole's destiny in determining if he's good or evil, and they do effect how Cole grows and how the populace reacts to him (which could be relief or fear of him). The use of the electrical powers are really well thought of, as Cole can interact with anything that requires electricity, and he also uses his powers for offense and defense, too. This is another one of those games that you have to play to believe. Now this game you can get in physical disc form or you can get the full version of the game off the PlayStation Store on PSN, so there are two ways you can enjoy it. Check it out.
LittleBigPlanet
This is what introduced the world to the new form of Play, Create, Share concepts and turned it upside down. This is ultimately a platform game that, like ModNation Racers, allows you to create your own worlds and levels and share them with the rest of the world. The central character that you take control of is a character called Sackboy (or Sackgirl if you chose female or a more gender neutral Sackperson) as you guide him/her through the worlds that you either create or the ones that are created for you in the game. There are some DLC on PSN that adds extra characters and stage creation tools. If being creative in your games is what you like, this is for you. Like ModNation Racers, the creative mind will enjoy it.
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Okay I've already talked about this game in another thread in this board so I'm not going to go into detail about them (Look for the tread named "Uncharted"). But like Metal Gear Solid 4, I classify both of these games as must plays, and I still hang on to the thought that you can not own a PS3 and not play them. They're both masterpieces in themselves, and equal that of a summer blockbuster movie. Naughty Dog (famous for first developing the Crash Bandicoot series and then going to the Jak and Daxter series) really outdid themselves creating these games, and from the action scenes and the puzzle solving, the writing also helps this game immensely. Actually go on Youtube and search for some of the funniest Uncharted moments. I can guarantee a few good laughs as it demonstrates the really great writing the game has. Bottom line, if you get a PS3, make sure that these games are one of the first you play.
Now on to some of the best PSN downloads.
Super Stardust HD
This is a more updated version of a little known computer game that was released on the old Amiga called Super Stardust which first came out in 1994. The game was essentially an Asteroids clone with some significant features including shields and power-ups. The concept of the game was this: you're a spaceship set around a dome of a planet you have to protect from asteroids made of rock, gold, or ice, and from invading alien species. It's controls are very simple as it uses the analog sticks (the left controlling movement of the ship, and the right controlling the gun firing direction) and the L1 and R1 buttons to select your weapons. Power-ups come in the form of tokens that are collected from destroying green asteroids and sometimes from other enemies. Collecting a token that corresponds to the name of the weapons (Rock Crusher, Gold Melter, and Ice Splitter) increases the weapon's power which includes number of shots and rate of fire (maximized at 100% and goes into a short overdrive mode at 200% when another power up is collected). Other tokens include Points (which increase your score), Bombs (which are collected at the start of Phases 2-4) from a ship that carries them), Shieds (which grant you protection from being hit by an enemy which destroys you on impact if you're not shielded and also acts as a bomb if you collect another one while shielded), and Extra Ship (which are extra lives). There are five stages in the game that consist of five phases. The fifth phase is the boss battle for that particular planet. The game has two DLC add-ons. One being Solo Mission which adds three extra modes (Endless, Bomber, and Time-Attack). The other is Team Mission which adds two-player co-op into the mix and also grants you a ship editor. So if you like old school arcade shoot-em-ups, this you you might find some enjoyment out of. And I do believe there is a bundle for this that includes all the add-on packs.
Flower
I think everyone knows of the ongoing debate on whether video games are a form of art or not. I think with Flower, though, there is no debating on the artistic side of games. I didn't believe it at first, but after demoing this game (with the demo finally being released on PSN after months of its release), I can truly say this this game is a work of art. This is the game that beat out several XBL games to be called Indie game of the year. The basic premise of this game is it starts you out with some flowers in a pot sitting in a windowsill. Upon selecting that flower, you're taken into a dreamstate of that flower. In that dreamstate you control a gust of wind that at first carries a single flower petal, but will carry a host of flower petals as you pass through several flowers in a meadow field causing them to bloom. The trail then leads to a dead plain in the field which after you found and bloomed all the flowers in the meadow will turn lively again. The visuals of this are truly stunning, and it is accompanied by some really beautifully composed music. This is basically one of those games that if you're having one of those days where you're just too stressed out over, simply playing this game will put you into a more relaxes state due to the visuals and music. Definitely try this one out. You'll see why it won Indy Game of 2K9.
Echochrome
This is for those sorts that love complex puzzle games, and let me tell you, this one is really complex! In order to solve these puzzles you have to manipulate the 3D game board you are presented and you have to do it precisely. One misstep will cause you to lose. It's hard to explain how it works without leaving most of you confused, so I would suggest looking up some videos on Youtube. Seeing those will explain everything. But I've played it and I enjoyed it, even if it was a little complicated. But hey, that's what made it challenging.
Fat Princess
This is one of those "Capture the Flag" type games, and is one of the most insane ones I've ever seen. In this game, you going one of two opposing factions that are trying to capture your "flag" from the others' castle, only the "flag" they are trying to capture is not really a flag, but actually the castle's princess. Now I know what you're thinking. That's way to simple and been done before, right? Well here's where the wackyness comes into to play. In addition from defending the your team's castle, you have to MAKE it difficult for your opposing team to get their princess back by feeding the princess numerous slices of cake so that she becomes fat and heavy which in tern makes it difficult for the enemy to take their princess back home! Like many CtF type games, your faction comes with a number of classes that have different abilities. Some other classes can be either earned in the game or purchased via DLC. This is best played online and is playable up to 32 players (16 for each faction). If you love CtF games and would like something different, here's one for you.
Wipeout HD
Fans of the original Wipeout games on the PS1 will automatically be familiar with the legendary futuristic racer. Wipeout HD takes what previous installments had and updates everything about them. The visuals combined with the speed of the game is really impressive and is displayed very well at 1080p. Everything you love about Wipeout is here, the incredibly fast ships, the weapons, the tracks...and add in new features such as online multiplayer races and tournaments, it's all you would expect from a Wipeout game and then some.
Critter Crunch
Okay this is the last game I'm going to talk about because it's one of my all time favorites. When I first saw this game I thought there was no way this game would work, but once again when I got the demo of it and played through it, I was hooked and literally immediately purchased the full game. This is one of the most beautiful looking and innovative puzzle games ever released. But before I go any further, this was first released as an iPhone and iPod Touch game that caught on quite fast with most puzzle gamers who had i-devices. The game creators, Capybara decided to bring the game to home consoles and introduced it to the PlayStation audience. The game has you playing the role of a cute little critter named Biggs. Using his long tongue, he grabs smaller critters on the board and spits them into the mouths of larger critters. There are three sizes of basic critters: a small fly like that can't eat anything but is fed to a medium sized yellow/red critter; the medium sized critter is fed to a large pink/purple critter. When a smaller critter is fed to a larger one twice, the fed critter explodes, or pops, creating a gem that Biggs himself eats. Feeding yellow/red critter who has feasted on a fly critter (you can tell if a medium or large critter is fed by their puffed up cheeks) to a larger critter (regardless of if it's been fed or not) will cause that critter to pop as well. If a critter is perfectly lined up in the proper chain, like small fly, to medium to large, feeding the fly to the medium critter will cause the large critter to in turn eat the small critter thus causing a food chain which doubles the score. If you pop a critter and there are several others lined up next two it, this causes a chain and the corresponding critters will pop as well. There are also other critters that will be introduced as well, such as a bomb critter and a static critter (both of which are cannibalistic as they will eat anything including their own kind). Along with the gems that Biggs eats as critters pop (which I forgot to mention will increase in size the bigger chain or combo you pull off), several power-ups can be collected as well such as a Watermelon slice (which allows you to shoot seeds), a chili pepper (when spitted out it clears one row of critters), a soda can (which rearranged the board) and a paint can (which changes all medium and large critters to default yellow and pink colors) to name a few. The game also has a two player mode so that two players can challenge each other in a feeding frenzy. The two player mode has some interesting power-ups that are exclusive to that mode making it difficult for your opponent to play some. Last little bit, the game is over when one critter makes it to the bottom of the board where Biggs is, and in a really funny scene, they all gang up on him in a puff of smoke and just beat the crap out of him for a few seconds until they shift towards either the left or right side of the screen which reveals a beaten and battered Biggs. Those are some of the interesting gameplay aspects that Critter Crunch has, and I think you might want to play the full version to see all of them. Really I don't want to give too much away because that takes the fun out of it. Really, though, this a fun addictive little puzzle game and is one of the most beautiful looking ones, too, which is most unbecoming of a standard puzzle game. The graphics consist of really well rendered backgrounds combined with the characters themselves which look like a really well animated cartoon. And it's in 1080p, too! Give this one a glance at! You won't be disappointed by it.
So those are my pics for the best PS3 games on the console thus far. I know there are going to be even more greater releases coming out later and I'll probably do another thread to commemorate those as well. But for those that are skeptical of the PS3 and just don't know what games to play on it, this list is for all of you because I wanted to show you all that, yes, there are great and amazing games on PS3 and that it would not be a waste of your money to get one, but you have to know where to look and who to talk to about all the good software titles. If anyone here decides to pick one up, come to this list to see what you should be playing on this system.
ModNation Racers
For those of you who liked Mario Kart and Sonic & Sega All Star Racing, this one's for you. The one advantage it has over both Mario Kart and Sonic & Sega is that the game gives you the freedom to play and create not only your own player characters and vehicles, but also your own racetracks, and share them with the rest of the world. The creation tool is actually top notch, too. One of Sony's development studios, Sucker Punch, actually used the track creator to make a track based off of Empire City where their hit game, InFamous is based off of. The amount of creativity you can put into this game, in terms of your characters, vehicles, and tracks are near limitless, and the best thing, like I said earlier, you can share them with the rest of the world. People all over PlayStation Network can drive on your tracks and you can drive on others' tracks as well. I highly recommend this for any casual racing fan and for the creative thinker.
Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack In Time
Those of you that are already familiar with Insomniac's Ratchet and Clank series should have no problem diving into this game. However, this game does differ from previous installments. In this one, both Ratchet and Clank are separated from each other and you get to play as both characters during different segments of the game. The segments with Clank are the most mind challenging. Insomniac really did a fantastic job with the puzzles for Clank's runthroughs. Of course the highlight of the game would be Ratchet's segments with the blowing up of things and the sometimes wacky weapons he gets to use. The weapons leveling system is still in effect, and as you progress through the game, you get to buy new weapons and armor from the little concession stands. The witty writing is also very well done here, too. The game has a great deal of funny moments in it, and also has its own charm to it as well. If you loved Ratchet and Clank on the PS2, you'll definitely be in for a real treat here. On that note, I would check out the first of the Future trilogy, R&CF: Tools of Destruction to get you caught up with the story. That one's really good, too.
Heavy Rain
This game is a masterpiece! Fans of horror games will instantly love this one. You play as four characters who are trying to solve a mystery of a serial killer known as the Origami Killer who abducts young boys and drowns them leaving an origami figure in their hands and an orchid on their chest. Each segment of the four characters is just bone chilling as they go through their playable segments. It's kind of hard to describe on paper, so one must play this game in order to get the real gory details. There are several different endings to this game and the ending all depends on your decisions in each character's playable segment, so you have to carefully think about your decisions and choices you make otherwise you might not get the ending you want. Like I said, you love bone chilling horror games, this one's for you.
God of War III
Yep, just like the last two, God of War III is made of pure badass. Our favorite angry, God slaying, antihero, Kratos, is back and more colder than ever. The story and gameplay aspects are just as you would expect from a God of War game. You have the puzzles and the very epic boss fights, including one with Hercules of all people. Now to be fair, I've only demoed this game and have yet to immerse myself in the full experience, but what I can say for the Demo, it really is frikkin' sweet, seeing all the God of War greatness glorified in HD. Still, if you loved the first two God of War games, I definitely recommend this one.
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriot
Yeah, even years after this game came out, it's still a hot commodity. The famous Metal Gear Solid game has been a PlayStation exclusive since the first installment back on the original PlayStation. And the fourth game is just as epic. I got this game with my PS3 when it was bundled with it back in 2K7 and I've finished it already. Great storyline that includes a now old and rapidly aging Snake in his quest to save the world from the Guns of the Patriots. All of the original MGS aspects are there as well as some really beautifully done cut scenes that detail some of Snake's backstory. There are even some parts of the cut scene where you can view a special second angle of the scene, kind of like something a second angle of a DVD movie. The boss battles here were absolutely awesome, and it was hard for me to put the controller down during those. Of course the the best part of the game was at the ending act where you ultimately end up in a very familiar location (which will be familiar to you if you played MGS1). This is one game I would say you have to pick up if you get a PS3. No one should have that system and not play this game.
Killzone 2
Remember back in 2K4 when Sony tried to release a Halo-killer, and the end result ended up being the less-than-stellar Killzone? Yeah, after that you would think Sony wouldn't try again with the franchise, right? Well, Killzone 2 kind of snuck up from out of nowhere and ended up being a damn good game. Sony definitely improved on the aspects of the gameplay and mechanics of Killzone and then some. They actually came up with a really great storyline, made the game look as pretty as they could, and fixed up everything that was wrong with the first Killzone game. A lot of people were blown back at how amazing this game was, which goes to show that even though the initial starting title of a franchise might not be a stellar beginning, but it's what you do with it that makes it a stellar series. And Sony did a lot to it that it's direct sequel, Killzone 3, is one of the most anticipated upcoming games. I think the Halo-killer has arrived in the form of Killzone 2, so if you're one for this sort of thing, go for it.
InFamous
As much as I've been angry at Sucker Punch for ignoring us Sly Cooper fans in favor of InFamous, I have to say that this is a really impressive game. You take the role of a biker messenger, Cole McGrath, who is caught in an explosion that devastates a good chunk of the fictional city, Empire City, which turns the city to chaos and Cole gaining Electrical powers. The game has a Karma system that ultimately the players control, though the story is mostly about Cole trying to restore order to the city with his new powers. However, you control Cole's destiny in determining if he's good or evil, and they do effect how Cole grows and how the populace reacts to him (which could be relief or fear of him). The use of the electrical powers are really well thought of, as Cole can interact with anything that requires electricity, and he also uses his powers for offense and defense, too. This is another one of those games that you have to play to believe. Now this game you can get in physical disc form or you can get the full version of the game off the PlayStation Store on PSN, so there are two ways you can enjoy it. Check it out.
LittleBigPlanet
This is what introduced the world to the new form of Play, Create, Share concepts and turned it upside down. This is ultimately a platform game that, like ModNation Racers, allows you to create your own worlds and levels and share them with the rest of the world. The central character that you take control of is a character called Sackboy (or Sackgirl if you chose female or a more gender neutral Sackperson) as you guide him/her through the worlds that you either create or the ones that are created for you in the game. There are some DLC on PSN that adds extra characters and stage creation tools. If being creative in your games is what you like, this is for you. Like ModNation Racers, the creative mind will enjoy it.
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Okay I've already talked about this game in another thread in this board so I'm not going to go into detail about them (Look for the tread named "Uncharted"). But like Metal Gear Solid 4, I classify both of these games as must plays, and I still hang on to the thought that you can not own a PS3 and not play them. They're both masterpieces in themselves, and equal that of a summer blockbuster movie. Naughty Dog (famous for first developing the Crash Bandicoot series and then going to the Jak and Daxter series) really outdid themselves creating these games, and from the action scenes and the puzzle solving, the writing also helps this game immensely. Actually go on Youtube and search for some of the funniest Uncharted moments. I can guarantee a few good laughs as it demonstrates the really great writing the game has. Bottom line, if you get a PS3, make sure that these games are one of the first you play.
Now on to some of the best PSN downloads.
Super Stardust HD
This is a more updated version of a little known computer game that was released on the old Amiga called Super Stardust which first came out in 1994. The game was essentially an Asteroids clone with some significant features including shields and power-ups. The concept of the game was this: you're a spaceship set around a dome of a planet you have to protect from asteroids made of rock, gold, or ice, and from invading alien species. It's controls are very simple as it uses the analog sticks (the left controlling movement of the ship, and the right controlling the gun firing direction) and the L1 and R1 buttons to select your weapons. Power-ups come in the form of tokens that are collected from destroying green asteroids and sometimes from other enemies. Collecting a token that corresponds to the name of the weapons (Rock Crusher, Gold Melter, and Ice Splitter) increases the weapon's power which includes number of shots and rate of fire (maximized at 100% and goes into a short overdrive mode at 200% when another power up is collected). Other tokens include Points (which increase your score), Bombs (which are collected at the start of Phases 2-4) from a ship that carries them), Shieds (which grant you protection from being hit by an enemy which destroys you on impact if you're not shielded and also acts as a bomb if you collect another one while shielded), and Extra Ship (which are extra lives). There are five stages in the game that consist of five phases. The fifth phase is the boss battle for that particular planet. The game has two DLC add-ons. One being Solo Mission which adds three extra modes (Endless, Bomber, and Time-Attack). The other is Team Mission which adds two-player co-op into the mix and also grants you a ship editor. So if you like old school arcade shoot-em-ups, this you you might find some enjoyment out of. And I do believe there is a bundle for this that includes all the add-on packs.
Flower
I think everyone knows of the ongoing debate on whether video games are a form of art or not. I think with Flower, though, there is no debating on the artistic side of games. I didn't believe it at first, but after demoing this game (with the demo finally being released on PSN after months of its release), I can truly say this this game is a work of art. This is the game that beat out several XBL games to be called Indie game of the year. The basic premise of this game is it starts you out with some flowers in a pot sitting in a windowsill. Upon selecting that flower, you're taken into a dreamstate of that flower. In that dreamstate you control a gust of wind that at first carries a single flower petal, but will carry a host of flower petals as you pass through several flowers in a meadow field causing them to bloom. The trail then leads to a dead plain in the field which after you found and bloomed all the flowers in the meadow will turn lively again. The visuals of this are truly stunning, and it is accompanied by some really beautifully composed music. This is basically one of those games that if you're having one of those days where you're just too stressed out over, simply playing this game will put you into a more relaxes state due to the visuals and music. Definitely try this one out. You'll see why it won Indy Game of 2K9.
Echochrome
This is for those sorts that love complex puzzle games, and let me tell you, this one is really complex! In order to solve these puzzles you have to manipulate the 3D game board you are presented and you have to do it precisely. One misstep will cause you to lose. It's hard to explain how it works without leaving most of you confused, so I would suggest looking up some videos on Youtube. Seeing those will explain everything. But I've played it and I enjoyed it, even if it was a little complicated. But hey, that's what made it challenging.
Fat Princess
This is one of those "Capture the Flag" type games, and is one of the most insane ones I've ever seen. In this game, you going one of two opposing factions that are trying to capture your "flag" from the others' castle, only the "flag" they are trying to capture is not really a flag, but actually the castle's princess. Now I know what you're thinking. That's way to simple and been done before, right? Well here's where the wackyness comes into to play. In addition from defending the your team's castle, you have to MAKE it difficult for your opposing team to get their princess back by feeding the princess numerous slices of cake so that she becomes fat and heavy which in tern makes it difficult for the enemy to take their princess back home! Like many CtF type games, your faction comes with a number of classes that have different abilities. Some other classes can be either earned in the game or purchased via DLC. This is best played online and is playable up to 32 players (16 for each faction). If you love CtF games and would like something different, here's one for you.
Wipeout HD
Fans of the original Wipeout games on the PS1 will automatically be familiar with the legendary futuristic racer. Wipeout HD takes what previous installments had and updates everything about them. The visuals combined with the speed of the game is really impressive and is displayed very well at 1080p. Everything you love about Wipeout is here, the incredibly fast ships, the weapons, the tracks...and add in new features such as online multiplayer races and tournaments, it's all you would expect from a Wipeout game and then some.
Critter Crunch
Okay this is the last game I'm going to talk about because it's one of my all time favorites. When I first saw this game I thought there was no way this game would work, but once again when I got the demo of it and played through it, I was hooked and literally immediately purchased the full game. This is one of the most beautiful looking and innovative puzzle games ever released. But before I go any further, this was first released as an iPhone and iPod Touch game that caught on quite fast with most puzzle gamers who had i-devices. The game creators, Capybara decided to bring the game to home consoles and introduced it to the PlayStation audience. The game has you playing the role of a cute little critter named Biggs. Using his long tongue, he grabs smaller critters on the board and spits them into the mouths of larger critters. There are three sizes of basic critters: a small fly like that can't eat anything but is fed to a medium sized yellow/red critter; the medium sized critter is fed to a large pink/purple critter. When a smaller critter is fed to a larger one twice, the fed critter explodes, or pops, creating a gem that Biggs himself eats. Feeding yellow/red critter who has feasted on a fly critter (you can tell if a medium or large critter is fed by their puffed up cheeks) to a larger critter (regardless of if it's been fed or not) will cause that critter to pop as well. If a critter is perfectly lined up in the proper chain, like small fly, to medium to large, feeding the fly to the medium critter will cause the large critter to in turn eat the small critter thus causing a food chain which doubles the score. If you pop a critter and there are several others lined up next two it, this causes a chain and the corresponding critters will pop as well. There are also other critters that will be introduced as well, such as a bomb critter and a static critter (both of which are cannibalistic as they will eat anything including their own kind). Along with the gems that Biggs eats as critters pop (which I forgot to mention will increase in size the bigger chain or combo you pull off), several power-ups can be collected as well such as a Watermelon slice (which allows you to shoot seeds), a chili pepper (when spitted out it clears one row of critters), a soda can (which rearranged the board) and a paint can (which changes all medium and large critters to default yellow and pink colors) to name a few. The game also has a two player mode so that two players can challenge each other in a feeding frenzy. The two player mode has some interesting power-ups that are exclusive to that mode making it difficult for your opponent to play some. Last little bit, the game is over when one critter makes it to the bottom of the board where Biggs is, and in a really funny scene, they all gang up on him in a puff of smoke and just beat the crap out of him for a few seconds until they shift towards either the left or right side of the screen which reveals a beaten and battered Biggs. Those are some of the interesting gameplay aspects that Critter Crunch has, and I think you might want to play the full version to see all of them. Really I don't want to give too much away because that takes the fun out of it. Really, though, this a fun addictive little puzzle game and is one of the most beautiful looking ones, too, which is most unbecoming of a standard puzzle game. The graphics consist of really well rendered backgrounds combined with the characters themselves which look like a really well animated cartoon. And it's in 1080p, too! Give this one a glance at! You won't be disappointed by it.
So those are my pics for the best PS3 games on the console thus far. I know there are going to be even more greater releases coming out later and I'll probably do another thread to commemorate those as well. But for those that are skeptical of the PS3 and just don't know what games to play on it, this list is for all of you because I wanted to show you all that, yes, there are great and amazing games on PS3 and that it would not be a waste of your money to get one, but you have to know where to look and who to talk to about all the good software titles. If anyone here decides to pick one up, come to this list to see what you should be playing on this system.
