PS3

[waffel]

Well, now the PS3 won't read DVDs, sometimes reads CDs, and sometimes reads blu rays but never finishes loading one.

Going to be calling Sony tomorrow. 

[JWIV]

Looks like it's pay service time!

http://us.playstation.com/playstation-plus/

Anyone sign up for this yet? Or figure if it's even worth it.

[Segoris]

Out of the features listed (spoilered below) the beta invites and store discounts seem like the only items on there worth anything. Certainly not $50/yr worth though depending on what betas and what games are discounted

[fuser]

Depends, Wipeout HD is free if you pay for the service, also a free Fat Princess Warhawk DLC and some other reduced pricing 10-20% off it seems. They are suppose to have new free game(s) every month so it might pay for itself but still nothing stellar. The playing "demos" of a full game restricted to 1hr of play is pretty neat as you just purchase it and get the accumulated trophies and continue on.

There's also an incentive deal, if you pay for one or twelve months you get an additional 3 months free. The first few months better be packed with some good deals.

Still no cross game voicechat  

[jakonovski]

There's a catch on the "free" games. Turns out you're merely renting them, because as soon as you stop paying you lose the "free" games.

[Segoris]

Personally, I don't care for Wipeout or Warhawk and that's why I think it comes down to what games are free/discounted. Admittedly it could be really great or a big bust, and it's just not enough (and I don't think they'll make a habit of offering free games or good discounts on items I'd personally want). Just looking over this months discounted and free game list, the only thing that seems alright is the Fat Princess DLC for 20% off.

Now, if they offered discounts on official PS3 gear (headset, mini keyboard, etc) that would be something I'd go for and I'd actually buy Sony's items instead of using 3rd party.

[JWIV]

Fuck, or even just ONE free movie rental per month included would have been awesome. 

[Segoris]

Fuck, or even just ONE free movie rental per month included would have been awesome. 

That would have been great as well, absolutely.

[JWIV]

Fuck, or even just ONE free movie rental per month included would have been awesome. 

That would have been great as well, absolutely.

This is irritating me the more I think about it.  The amount of shit Sony leaves on the table drives me bonkers and it all stems from the fact that they simply can not get the divisions to agree on fuck all.   A perfect opportunity to highlight their movie service and to reiterate the point of the PS3 being a complete entertainment solution, and instead, they fall right back into limiting the PS3 as a gaming console and Playstation Plus as strictly a gaming service.

[Salamok]

How about the ability to install games to the HD, I friggen hate loading disks (damn you netflix!).  I don't buy many games but the choice is about 3x easier to make if it is something off of psn vs. a dvd.

[Azazel]

You'll always have to put a disc in. Basic anti-piracy measure.

[Segoris]

So, my Sixaxis controller finally got to the point where I have to keep it plugged in to use. That said, I'm looking for a new controller and thinking I'll get a Dual Shock 3 bundle with either Resistance 2 or Killzone 2. Any opinions on which would be the better game? I figure for ~$15 more than buying a controller alone that trying out KZ2 or Res2 would be worth it.

Also, anyone know if places like Best Buy who do electronics recycling accept PS3 controllers, if not are there any suggestions on who would handle that? I'd rather toss it to a recycling plant then just dump it in the trash.

[Salamok]

I have read 1 recent review that says the latest round of dual shock controllers are not the same quality as previous controllers.  There are aftermarket replacement batteries available for your existing controller for under $10.  I think I would give that a shot while biding my time for the new tron controllers.

[Segoris]

Thanks for that heads up, I didn't know about the new controllers. Also, and I don't know why, I thought I remember hearing that Sixaxis batteries weren't replaceable. Though a quick google search does show replacement batteries and that will be the route I take for the time being.

Also, there are some links of Sony stating they'll replace Sixaxis controllers for free when the battery dies. Anyone know if that is still true? That would be nice after new controllers come out.

[rrazcueta]

So, my Sixaxis controller finally got to the point where I have to keep it plugged in to use. That said, I'm looking for a new controller and thinking I'll get a Dual Shock 3 bundle with either Resistance 2 or Killzone 2. Any opinions on which would be the better game? I figure for ~$15 more than buying a controller alone that trying out KZ2 or Res2 would be worth it.

Also, anyone know if places like Best Buy who do electronics recycling accept PS3 controllers, if not are there any suggestions on who would handle that? I'd rather toss it to a recycling plant then just dump it in the trash.

Though both are kind of "meh" after playing really good shooters, KZ2 is the one I liked more. It's just really pretty, and the online multiplayer is actually good. Unfortunately it's hard to keep playing KZ2 online because it's just so harsh. Kind of wish there was a FFA mode. Warning: if you're used to easy peasy aiming like kb/m then avoid KZ2 like the plague. It has a momentum based rotation that is hard to adjust to. It makes you feel like a lumbering hulk, so it's hard to adjust after playing something like BFBC2.

If you are interested in R2 I don't think it'd be bad for $15. It's fun enough, and if you get a chance to play it online co-op you should. It's kind of sparse online in that game now, but the online co-op is awesome for a bit.

[Segoris]

Thanks for the feedback.

As an update though, it ended up not being the battery. The controller worked while plugged into the PS3 but not without being plugged in, this is why I figured it was simply a dead battery. When I got home though, I thought that since when pushing the PS button on the controller the 4 lights at the top would still blink meaning it must still have some charge if it was able to do that and figured that it must have been because I just updated to the latest PSN version. That was the problem, the PSN update de-synched  my controller and I just needed to push the little reset button (I didn't even know about this button, though being a wireless controller it makes sense) on the back of the controller while it was plugged in.

So no KZ2 or R2 but that's probably for the best right now with the backlog of games I already have.

[Rasix]

Uhh.. what the fuck did they do with the PSN?  I can't even log into PSN online. What kind of website fucking lags out my entire PC?

FACK.

Who designed this website? Jesus H.  This is horrible.

[Mrbloodworth]

Uhh.. what the fuck did they do with the PSN?  I can't even log into PSN online. What kind of website fucking lags out my entire PC?

FACK.

Who designed this website? Jesus H.  This is horrible.

http://us.playstation.com/ - That?

Runs fine for me. But ti does use a large dose of flash, but nothing performance chugging.

[Rasix]

It's interesting.  It chugs and wont' even load the log in on my home pc, but my crappy work laptop loads it just fine.  Just a horrible, horrible designed site. Finally figured out how to change my billing info.  DEATHSPANK INC!