Friday, December 31, 2010

Pleystation 3 Is In Competioin With Xbox 360 And Nintendo Wii

Playstation 3 is more advanced model of the old Playstation 2 and being made by Sony Computer Entertainment they are trying to stay in direct competion with Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii. The first PL2 was relased in 11/11/2006 and there was many models made shortly thereafter including the hard disk drive 20,40,60,80, and 160 GB.

These were the first five models and the only great diffence in the overall apperance was the number of USB ports,the absence of the door which covers the flash card readers on some models and the color of trim.

Below is a picture of a old style Playstation 3 model.

The only one in production now is the new redesigned slim model referred to as the PL2 Slim game console.Cutting the size by 36% making it much lighter and it features a upgradeable 120GB,160GB,250GB, and 320GB hard drive that is 33% smaller.

Here is a picture of the new version of Playstation 3 released in 9/01/09.



If you would like to buy this game console or any game or reated items click here!

Customer Reviews

PS3 or Xbox 360, or Wii?4
The PS3 is a great system. Easy to use, futuristic on-screen interface, quality sleek hardware, awesome graphics, lots of benefits. But should you get a PS3 or Xbox 360? And what about the Wii?

Note: I own all three devices, and I appreciate all of them. I don't have any bias to one system or the other, just my personal experience and opinion...

PS3============================================
What I like MOST about the PS3:
1) Future proof Blu-ray player (Sony updates the player over the Internet for free; it now supports 3D movies/TVs)
2) Clean, more futuristic on-screen interface (feels more mature then Xbox 360)
3) Better/Smoother/Faster graphics (in the 10+ games I own on a 60" 1080p HDTV)
4) Free online multiplayer gaming (no monthly/yearly fees like Xbox 360; which I hate about Xbox)
5) Watch your online netflix shows on PS3 for free (Xbox requires Xbox live account to use your netflix account; another thing I hate about Xbox)
6) Exterior: More futuristic, luxurious, mature "look". Looks more like a sleek Home Theater appliance. (Xbox 360 more oriented to youthful crowd; Xbox looks more like an 'entertainment' device)
7) Lighter, slimmer, smaller controller. Built-in longer lasting rechargeable battery. (the Xbox controller does not come with a standard rechargeable battery, and it feels heavier and more bloated then the PS3 controller).
8) Built-in wireless connectivity. (an option on the Xbox)
9) Built-in optical/toslink connectivity for home theatre audio connection. (an option on the Xbox)
10) I can use my (or any) wireless blue-tooth cell phone headset for voice/chat enabled games. (The Xbox cannot)

What I like LEAST about the PS3:
1) My first PS3 (the 'fat' one) had a disc drive failure after 13 months of ownership; 1 month beyond its warranty. The PS3 still works, I just cant use discs. That means I cant watch blu-ray discs on it and I cant play disc based games on it. I can still play games through the PlayStation store (demos, etc), I still can watch netflix on it, and I still can watch movies from my PCs over the network on it. The fact that my PS3 disc drive died after about 1 year of limited delicate usage really concerns me about the quality of the hardware and customer support/treatment. I paid over $400 for my first PS3, and I used it maybe twice a week. After searching the web about my problem, I found this was a rampant problem with the fat PS3. Did they fix this problem with the slim PS3? Time will tell; I sure hope so. I just wish Sony would have fixed my problem for free (as I feel it was shoddy hardware or poor engineering that resulted in this problem, not me).
2) Games (new and used) are generally more expensive then the Xbox 360.
3) I liked the glossy look of the first generation PS3. The new PS3 slim looks a little flimsier/cheaper. It is smaller though, and that's a plus.
4) The rechargeable battery in the PS3 controller is not swappable. That means if your controller dies mid-game, you have to plug it in to use it. (The Xbox controller has swappable batteries)
5) When I download a game (full or demo), I can't play it immediately. After the download (which could take over an hour), I have to install the game (which could take another 10-30+ minutes), at which time my PS3 is unusable until it completes. The Xbox downloads in the background and plays immediately without having to install the game. Also, if I turn off the PS3, the download stops (the Xbox finishes the download even when turned off).

Xbox 360============================================
What I like MOST about the Xbox 360:
1) More people have it. In other words, all my friends, family and coworkers have Xbox 360s. Which also means if I want to play online with them, I have to use my Xbox, which is also a con for me. (I'd rather use my PS3 because of the better graphics and lighter/smaller controller).
2) I can download games, updates and demos in the background, even with the Xbox turned off. So I can start a download and go to bed without leaving the box on all night. (The PS3 cant do this)
3) When I download a game (full or demo), I can play it immediately. On the PS3, you have to download it (which could take over an hour), then install it (which could take another 10-30+ minutes), at which time your PS3 is unusable until it completes.
4) My late generation Xbox elite has lasted longer then my first generation PS3 (surprisingly)
5) It doubles as a Media Center extender. I have a PC that records shows for me in Media Center (like a Tivo but no monthly fees). I can access these shows and watch live TV over the network via my Xbox. This is a VERY cool and under-talked about feature. And most people with a Windows PC can do this; look it up.
6) The console and games (new and used) are cheaper then the PS3.

What I like LEAST about the Xbox 360:
1) Still no blu-ray player. This is a major con compared to the PS3. It WILL play regular DVDs, however.
2) In my experience, graphics are a little lower quality then my PS3. In Grand Theft Auto IV, I can see farther and more objects at a time on my PS3. The PS3 has a faster frame rate, where the Xbox feels almost blurry. The colors are more crisp on the PS3, the Xbox is more washed out, like water colors. Some may not even notice this, I do.
3) No built-in wireless connectivity. You have to buy a very expensive adapter to have wireless connectivity.
4) No built-in optical/toslink connectivity for home theatre audio connection. You have to buy an adapter to do this.
5) No rechargeable battery. You have to buy a rechargeable battery and kit to do this.
6) Not a major deal, but the on-screen interface is more kid-feeling then the PS3. I'm an adult and the PS3 feels more like its targeted to adults then children/teenagers.
7) YOU HAVE TO PAY TO PLAY ONLINE. I don't understand this. It's ridiculous to me. It's way overpriced. I can't play online with my friends unless I buy a monthly or yearly Xbox live pass. I hate this about the Xbox. I HATE THIS. I already gave them hundreds of dollars in the console, games and accessories; stop asking me to pay to play. As you can see, this is a major con to me. I also cant watch my Netflix account without paying for an Xbox live account. Boo!
8) The Xbox has a pretty bad reliability record. I believe they have eliminated most of the issues that plagued the earlier consoles, however. My neighbor has replaced his Xbox 4 times; FOUR TIMES! I have not. He plays his every day all day though; I play once or twice a week for less then an hour.

Wii============================================
I bought the Wii after playing it at a friends house. I was blown away by the idea and experience of motion based controllers. We played golf, boxing, tennis, ping pong; it was an amazing experience - for the first time.
After I had the Wii, I quickly lost interest.
Here's why:
1) Horrible graphics. I paid a lot of money to have a 60" High Definition full 1080p home theatre. The Wii graphics look like absolute kiddy crap on my TV. The Wii has no high def. Its like playing a first generation Nintendo NES on a HDTV. Its horrible, and for this 1 reason I can no longer enjoy my Wii. Nintendo is way behind the modern day high end graphics of today.
2) The motion controller novelty has worn off. Its fun on a few games, horrible on others. I don't know, the novelty of the Wii has just worn off for me; and several of my friends.
3) It just doesn't feel like a modern quality device. While I'm sure its reliable, it just feels like a child's toy; the exterior, the interface, the games, etc. Sorry, I guess I've just grown up.

Conclusion============================================
In conclusion, I would say the Wii is more suited to young children. The Xbox is a great device, and so is the PS3. I can live without my Wii; but I would have a hard time choosing between the Xbox and PS3. For that reason, I choose to have both. If Xbox made online multiplayer free (eliminated the Xbox live cost), and included a blu-ray player, I would choose the Xbox over a PS3 (even with the better graphics on the PS3). But for now, I say buy both. By the Xbox as a gaming device, and justify the PS3 as blu-ray player with benefits.

If your a parent shopping for a teenager and only want to buy 1 device, go for the Xbox 360. Chances are, most of your child's friends will already have one, and they can all play online.

If your an adult that demands the best and has little time to play games (like myself), get a PS3. Its sleek, its got better graphics, its wireless, and it has a blu-ray player.

I hope this review gives you some insight and help with your choice, and a little knowledge of all the systems from an experienced and unbiased owner. If so, please click on "YES" below this review to vote it as helpful
 If you`re a Xbox 360 game player then click this link to my store!

Let`s Play Some Football With Madden NFL 11

Madden NFL 11

Madden NFL 11

Features

  • Experience Madden NFL redefined online as well as a new level of excitement with revamped audio presentation, from the booth and the field
  • All-new GameFlow playcall system puts you inside the helmet of an NFL quarterback like never before, allowing you to execute authentic NFL game plans one play at a time
  • Play games in half the time with an all-new playcall system, as you experience the drama and excitement of a full game in less than 30 minutes
  • All-new Dual Stick Control drastically reduces button dependency for the ball carrier by mapping key moves to the right and left sticks
  • New Coaching Tips automatically pause the game at critical points to help explain each situation as it unfolds
Watch this video!  Oakland Raiders vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
Madden NFL 11 is the 22nd version of EA Sports' classic video game football franchise. Featuring cover athlete Drew Brees, Super Bowl XLIV MVP and quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, Madden NFL 11 incorporates a blend of simpler, quicker and deeper new features with time-tested classic features expected from a game in the Madden franchise. Features included in the PlayStation 3 version include Franchise mode, All-new GameFlow playcall system, dual stick control, extensive online functionality and more.
Madden NFL 11 game logo
Battle for the ball in the secondary from Madden NFL 11


The Madden NFL franchise regenerated for PS3.
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A Simpler, Quicker and Deeper Madden
Madden NFL 11 redefines the way you experience the game of football. Simpler: from 350 plays down to 1, the all-new GameFlow system puts you in the helmet of an NFL quarterback, to execute an authentic, situational game plan, one play at a time. Quicker: with 60-minute game times reduced to 30, spend more time on the field and less in the playbook. Same drama, half the time. Deeper: Madden NFL 11 is feature-rich, with improved animations and control options, enhanced online functionality, and new broadcast and audio presentation that delivers the NFL experience fans have come to expect.

Key Game Features
  • From 350 Plays Down to 1 – The all-new GameFlow playcall system puts you inside the helmet of an NFL quarterback like never before, allowing you to execute authentic NFL game plans one play at a time. Add a new level of strategy by customizing your own offensive and defensive game plans, or have plays based on your favorite team’s real-life tendencies called for you.
  • Play Games in Half the Time – With an all-new playcall system, spend less time in the huddle and more time on the field as you experience the drama and excitement of a full game in less than 30 minutes.
  • Don’t Just Play, Feel It – All-new Dual Stick Control drastically reduces button dependency for the ball carrier by mapping key moves to the right and left sticks. Run through holes, break tackles, and explode in the open field with a more fluid, intuitive, and responsive running system. All-new locomotion provides true acceleration and deceleration, plus natural planting and cutting, while delivering the authentic-feeling Madden NFL to date.
  • Play, Learn, Win – Rookies can enjoy success quicker than ever before. New Coaching Tips automatically pause the game at critical points to help explain each situation as it unfolds. A revamped playcall system draws player routes on the field as in-game coach’s audio provides helpful hints to better execute the play.
  • Redefining Madden NFL Online – Last year we gave you Online Franchise and Online Co-op, now Madden NFL 11 delivers an all-new game mode that will change the online experience yet again.
  • See It. Hear It. Feel It. – Experience a new level of excitement with revamped audio presentation. From the booth to the field, Madden NFL 11 brings gameday to your living room like never before.
Additional Screenshots:
Offensive playbook example from Madden NFL 11

Customized playcalling..
If you would like you to buy this game or any other Playstation 3 games or any accessories click on this link!


Not perfect, still fun4
Against what appears to be the tide of public opinion among users (as opposed to yes-men reviewers) I paid full price for the new iteration.I am not a hard core gamer, so little glitches that irritate some do not bother me all that much, but I felt compelled to share some thoughts. I am playing exclusively Franchise vs. CPU, so I can't speak to online issues.

The appearance of the game is nicely done, although I don't see any significant improvement there from Madden 10.I do like the two-stick running. Once I got used to it, I did feel like I had more control, and the running is more realistic. Unlike one reviewer I read, once you get the hang of it I do find it to be somewhat intuitive. Overall, I think the running is much more lifelike and a big improvement from last year. The other thing I noticed about the game (and NCAA 11) which I kinda like is that when you are tackling you had better be in position or the guy is gone.I played several games where the RB just runs through the line and goes--once for 98 yards on 3rd down. That made me a little cranky. It seems like the RB's will break a lot more tackles than in the last version, which I found hugely frustrating as I am still getting used to play. I am a big Rams fan, and granted they suck, but I mean I played against Adrian Peterson and he was tossing would be tacklers aside like Superman. I get that he's Adrian Peterson, but I also got abused by some third string RB for Tampa in a pre-season game. I didn't bring anyone down until the third contact.It was as frustrating as it is to be a Rams fan in real life.

The "Strategy Pad" is abysmally stupid and inefficient. It makes me really wonder what the people at EA are thinking about when they make these totally unnecessary changes. This thing adds nothing to gameplay. It's kind of a huge FU to those of us who have been supporting the game over the years. I am not that great on the controls, but in my opinion it takes twice as long to make adjustments. I was playing Jets v. Pats the other day against the CPU and was getting torched by Wes Welker. I went to double team him and could literally not get it done before the ball was snapped, like, 8 plays in a row, and EVERY play was a pass to a wide open Welker--I kid you not, every play until they scored. I almost threw the six-axis thru the screen.Pretty infuriating. Which brings me to my next criticism. Gameflow, IMO, is useless for anyone who has played the game before. I was trying it out in this game, and it never occurred to my brilliant coaching staff to double team Welker. I couldnt tell who my personnel were, and on offense they call the same plays over and over again. At first I thought it was a cool idea to "be in the helmet" and have the coaches talking to you. But, oh my, the stupid things they say. "OK, lets run it up the middle and hopefully the blocking will be there...Ok, take a five-step drop and hit your receiver"--you know, stuff the coaches really say. Once, on defense the coach tells me to watch out that I don't get torched long down the sideline, and guess what happened? Anyway I played the Jets/Pats over without Gameflow, and found it to be pretty enjoyable. The other thing I noticed is that offense is way too easy and defense way to hard. I played all weekend and every game was 38-35, 42-30, etc. And I echo what someone else said about the CPU making superhuman comebacks in the third quarter.

And who the heck is Gus Johnson? I never heard of him, but what a dork. He sounds on some of the play by play like he's trying to be a cross between John Wayne and Rod Serling. And great commentary. My QB drops back, and Gus says (in this really excited voice) "IT's A PASS!!!". Like, no S#@% Sherlock. I dont know why something so simple as reasonably intelligent commentary just seems to elude EA.

Having said all that,I must admit I find these failings do not really significantly diminish my enjoyment of the game play. If you can get past some of this stuff, it is highly entertaining. It should come with a gift card for anger management class though.

EDIT-have played a number of games and I have discovered that with a little slider tweaking, you can make the gameplay not so heavily offense-oriented and much, much more enjoyable.


Check the best video games for Xbox 360 or any related items here! 
QB hashing it out with the coach on the sidelines in Madden NFL 11

Action on-field and off-field
 
 
Onfield playcalling strategy and advice in Madden NFL 11

Play, learn, and win.
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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Great Racing Game -Product DescriptionGran Turismo 5

Gran Turismo 5

Gran Turismo 5

Product Description

Gran Turismo returns with the most realistic and complete racing experience. An unprecedented collection of over 1,000 meticulously detailed cars, complete with robust online racing and community features, and just about every style of racing imaginable - all in Gran Turismo's signature cutting-edge graphics.

Watch this video!

Features

  • Build a dream collection from over 1,000 of the world's most exciting cars, from exotic imports to muscle cars and performance supercars, to customize, race, and upgrade.
  • Travel the world to experience a wealth of real and fictional road, rally, NASCAR, drift and kart courses.
  • Expand the Gran Turismo experience with deep and robust online community features, and challenge friends in the new custom race lobby system for the ultimate track day.
  • New and improved modes include A-Spec, B-Spec, Photo Travel and Course Maker.
  • The most advanced Gran Turismo yet, featuring unrivaled graphics and a true-to-life driving feel.
If you would like to buy this game or any other Playstation 3 games or accessories follow this link!

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
The next installment of the award-winning Gran Turismo simulation racing franchise, Gran Turismo 5, is designed for play exclusively to the PlayStation 3 system. Known for its signature beauty and precision, this highly anticipated racer showcases new jaw-dropping cars, real-life tracks, and diverse racing styles. Gran Turismo 5 promises to deliver exciting advancements to the series, and in the process deliver in the most comprehensive racing experience ever.
Gran Turismo 5 game logo
The Real Driving Simulator is Here
True to its pedigree, Gran Turismo 5 takes the GT series, as well as the simulation racing genre as a whole, to a whole new level. The game features over 1,000 realistically rendered cars. This is nearly 300 more than were included in GT4 for PlayStation 2, and literally several hundred more than what was available in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, the first GT game variation developed for PS3. This tremendous list includes standard categories of vehicles, including stock cars, tuned pre tuned vehicles and tunables, but keeping with modern automotive technology GT5 also includes the latest, hybrid and electric car models. Just like any car, these can be raced, but as with their real-life cousins, players can also do things with these cars like monitor battery power as related to speed and other car usage. In addition, GT 5 features over 20 courses, more than 60 variations, a new physics engine allowing for realistic damage, a new in-cockpit view, HD support, and much more.
Camera angle from inside the cockpit in Gran Turismo 5
The Real Driving Simulator on your PS3.
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Multiple Play Modes
Local play options in Gran Turismo 5 include both a single player and split screen two-player arcade mode. GT Mode includes world map, my garage for storing your rides, car dealer, tuning shop, championship race, and license test. Online support through the PlayStation Network includes multiplayer support for up to 16-player races, an open lobby, text/voice chat, private room, online photo album, online replay album, and the ability to export replays to YouTube. Key Game Features
  • 1,000 Vehicles - 170 Premium new models, including hybrids and EVs, and 830 kinds of standard models similar to those seen in previous games.
  • Plenty of Courses - Rip it up in more than 20 courses, more than 60 layouts.
  • New Physics - The in-game physics system simulation is brand new to the series, and allows for greater realism and damage.
  • Arcade Mode - Allows for single race functionality and 2-player battle.
  • GT Mode Features - World Map, My Garage, Car Dealer, Tuning Shop, Car Washes/Oil Change, Race Championship (Series system, point system), License Test.
  • Online Features - 16-player support, Open Lobby, Text / Voice Chat, Private rooms, Online Photo Album, Online Replay Album, YouTube replay output.
  • Photo Mode - Photo Drive and Photo stage.
  • Gran Turismo TV - Video output to a PSP or PSP Go, Progressive Download, Improved user interface, continuous play for videos.
  • Sound Features - Custom soundtracks pulled from your PS3 hard-drive; Dolby Digital 5.1 and 7.1.
Additional Screenshots:
Two Ferraris playing follow the leader around a tight turn in Gran Turismo 5





 
Urban track location in Gran Turismo 5



Real locations and tracks.
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Customer Reviews

This game is a terrific value for $60.5
*** As I've updated my thoughts on various aspects of this game, I've wound up writing an extremely long and complex review. My apologies, though it's pretty amusing considering the game I'm discussing. Long story short: the game isn't perfect, but it's awesome and a huge step forward.

This game lives up to expectations as a major leap forward from GT4 and a cutting edge PS3 experience, so long as you're realistic and actually wanted a Gran Turismo style game. If you're expecting a game that is fully accessible quickly, instead of demanding patience and repeated accomplishment, or a game where you're forgiven for a lack of finesse, this may not be what you're looking for.

How to play: I've been a fan of this series since the original Playstation edition. I've generally played all Gran Turismo games by acquiring a cheap car (a used Mazda MX-5 in this game), beating a few license tests, racing for money to upgrade my car, and then buying a faster car and yet more upgrades for it. As this goes along, I wind up building a racing empire, beating all the license tests (which open up access to harder races), and having a great time.

In GT5, there's a new element that changes this. You gain A-Spec exp for various accomplishments and have a level for A Spec and B Spec (B Spec refers to the AI driving your car for you). Every race and car and special event has a level (some are level 0) you must reach before accessing. If you hate the licenses, you can see the rest of the game without them by gaining levels (such as by winning races). Personally, I'm still beating the licenses (and you gain levels very fast this way), and playing through as I always have.

Graphics: The graphics are stunning. I was expecting the quality to equal Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, but they are improved somewhat, particularly with regard to anti aliasing. Tracks look lovely, and even the notorious 800 'non-premium' cars look excellent. If these were the best the game had to offer, GT5 would be the prettiest racer yet. And yet the 200 premium cars take that to the next level. Tracks are astonishing. Nurburgring is stunning, as the shadows from trees reflect off the suede interior of my Aston Martin DBS, and the sun sets, the line from 'uncanny valley' to simply 'you're really there' is crossed. I don't see how graphics can improve from this point and my eyes be able to detect it. One neat addition is how lights reflect off mist, other cars, gleam onto things, etc. The shadows are not as well done as I like, leaving some jagged edges, but otherwise the game looks amazing.

Sound: I have always complained that Gran Turismo's sounds are too synthetic and unrealistic. GT5 has made a huge leap forward. Change your exhaust system and you actually can hear it. I can tell if a car is a V8 or a V6. That magestic sound of a Ferrari's 12 cylinders is actually represented. I still hope the game moves forward with a few details. You don't get the throaty idle of an old pony car [edit: I stand corrected... the Cobra 427 has a raspy idle and sounds great)... but then you shouldn't be standing still in the first place. It sounds amazing on my 5.1 system. Lots of car sims support 5.1, but the doppler effect and different engine noises show incredible realism here. I really like the long list of BGM songs and menu music, but the game supports your own mp3s, which is wonderful because I will be playing this game long enough to want new tunes. The audio improvements also make the replays much more exciting. You will know what I mean when you watch some (or play B-Spec, where you command the computer to drive for you), though it's hard to really describe. You feel much more like you're at the race.

AI: It's great. I could swear that a car retaliated against me. GT has tended to have weak AI that drives in a row, and that is thankfully not the problem. In B-Spec you can monitor the mental fatigue and attitude of the AI competitors, and that kind of thing appears to be tracked in the other cars. The AI gets stronger as you progress to harder races (as do their cars).

Physics: Some will not enjoy racing this series on its full realism settings. If you're not talented, this game's maximum realism settings are simply very hard. The game makes some effort to accomodate the rest of us mere mortals with a lot of aids and settings, but actually being competitive with this game takes work. I think the physics scratch that realism itch many PC gamers have been demanding for years. You have to develop some skills before the game can really be appreciated. There don't seem to be mechanical breakdowns (IE: overheating when you damage your radiator), something I've always wanted to see in this series, but otherwise the realism is excellent. I think most gamers can jump into Arcade Mode on beginner pick the F40, and win a race.

Content: I wish there were a few additional car models and that all of them were premium (you get used to the awesome cockpits quickly!). I think the problem is that GT5 has so many cars included that people get the illusion they should have every single car they can think of. It's so comprehensive that you actually are surprised when something isn't there (ahem, Porsche). In other words, it's easy to be unrealistic and hope for everything... that's how much content you have here. There are so many historic and amazing racing cars in this game that it seems unfair to feel this way. Upgrade parts and fine tuning settings are comprehensive and yet easy for anyone to fiddle with. There are many tracks in this game, though my favorite test track from GT4 is missing. Some of the weather and nighttime settings only work for some tracks, but when they do they are absolutely awesome. There are lots of things like photo album and setting up your personal area that just don't appeal to me personally. Online features are fully fleshed out, though, with very large fields of racers, chat, etc.

I think the game is so large that the menu system, for example, the GT World home's dozen+ things to choose from, seems daunting at first. Just remember this is a game many will play for hundreds of hours. Expect to find the menus a little daunting at first, but I'm already finding them very easy to get around after a few days.

I'm surprised by the track editor. It's easy to use, though you can't design each turn exactly as you'd like. But you'll never run out of tracks! The special events are practically entire games to themselves with a real diversity ranging from Nascar to Top Gear to WRC.

Fun Factor: I think a lot of people are going to complain about this. As gaming has become more and more popular as a form of entertainment, games have accomodated more players by being easy. I am not saying this is right or wrong: but understand this product is not an arcade game. You will have to have patience and practice to fully enjoy a more subtle experience. The fun comes from mastery. I think that's a lot of fun, but some people do not. The Kart racing, Drift, and to be honest, Nascar, present some cheaper thrills. You can also dial up the driving aids and have a very easy experience, but if you're looking for Blur or Need for Speed, this game just doesn't offer that experience. I do have one complaint: the game requires a substantial loading time, and the loading of new tracks took longer than expected the first time. Once it's loaded something the first time, it seems to save some of the content on the HDD, and it's much faster to load that thing in the future. I have a huge HDD, but people who have smaller ones should be aware this game will need eight GBs (or perhaps a bit more).

Value: I am stunned at just how much game is here. It is ridiculous. They could cut the content, tracks, and types of racing by half and you would still have two games worth much more than $60. I've only really scratched the surface, but I already can see this is going to be my favorite PS3 game.

My final thought on this: it's the comprehensive game for people who love cars. Old cars, new cars, fast cars, average cars. It's almost like am interactive museum experience for cars (not to mention the actual interactive museum feature). It's also a comprehensive way to race with depth. Setup, driving styles, etc. It's like a racing school in your living room. The quality has exceeded my expectations. This game will impress you, and you will have fun playing it if you have the patience to advance through the levels.


Multiplayer race in Gran Turismo 5

PlayStation 3 160 GB

PlayStation 3 160 GB

Product Description

With the PlayStation 3 160GB system, you get free PlayStation Network membership, built-in Wi-Fi and 160GB of hard disk drive storage for games, music, videos and photos. And every PS3 system comes with a built-in Blu-ray player to give you pristine picture quality and the best high-definition viewing experience available. Whether it’s gaming, Blu-ray movies, music or online services, experience it all with the PlayStation 3 system.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
The fourth generation of hardware released for the PlayStation 3 entertainment platform, the PlayStation 3 160GB system is the next stage in the evolution of Sony's console gaming powerhouse. Loaded with a mix of multimedia features and functions available on earlier PlayStation 3 models, as well as a series of new advancements and refinements, the PlayStation 3 160GB system is destined to push the envelope in the realm of Next-Generation entertainment.
The PS3 logo
What's Under the Hood
As with previous models, the PlayStation 3 160GB system features an IBM "Cell" processor and a co-developed NVIDIA graphics processor that together allow the system to perform two trillion calculations per second. Yet the 160GB system manages to improve on this with its 45nm version of the processor, which although running at the same 60+nm speed as previous PS3 versions, uses less energy. This makes the unit's smaller size and quieter fan possible. Along with the traditional AV and composite connections, the 160GB system also boasts an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port, which delivers uncompressed, unconverted digital picture and sound to compatible high-definition TVs and projectors. (The system is capable of 128-bit pixel precision and 1080p resolution for a full HD experience) This console also provides for an extreme sound experience by supporting Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, as well as Linear PCM 7.1. Finally, it features cross connectivity with your PC network and PlayStation Portable (PSP) and its pre-installed, 160GB hard disc drive allows you to save games as well as download content from The Internet. Unlike The some other models of The PlayStation 3, The 160GB system does not offer backwards compatibility.

The PlayStation 3 120GB and included Dualshock 3 controller

Customer Reviews

PS3 or Xbox 360, or Wii?4
The PS3 is a great system. Easy to use, futuristic on-screen interface, quality sleek hardware, awesome graphics, lots of benefits. But should you get a PS3 or Xbox 360? And what about the Wii?

Note: I own all three devices, and I appreciate all of them. I don't have any bias to one system or the other, just my personal experience and opinion...

PS3============================================
What I like MOST about the PS3:
1) Future proof Blu-ray player (Sony updates the player over the Internet for free; it now supports 3D movies/TVs)
2) Clean, more futuristic on-screen interface (feels more mature then Xbox 360)
3) Better/Smoother/Faster graphics (in the 10+ games I own on a 60" 1080p HDTV)
4) Free online multiplayer gaming (no monthly/yearly fees like Xbox 360; which I hate about Xbox)
5) Watch your online netflix shows on PS3 for free (Xbox requires Xbox live account to use your netflix account; another thing I hate about Xbox)
6) Exterior: More futuristic, luxurious, mature "look". Looks more like a sleek Home Theater appliance. (Xbox 360 more oriented to youthful crowd; Xbox looks more like an 'entertainment' device)
7) Lighter, slimmer, smaller controller. Built-in longer lasting rechargeable battery. (the Xbox controller does not come with a standard rechargeable battery, and it feels heavier and more bloated then the PS3 controller).
8) Built-in wireless connectivity. (an option on the Xbox)
9) Built-in optical/toslink connectivity for home theatre audio connection. (an option on the Xbox)
10) I can use my (or any) wireless blue-tooth cell phone headset for voice/chat enabled games. (The Xbox cannot)

What I like LEAST about the PS3:
1) My first PS3 (the 'fat' one) had a disc drive failure after 13 months of ownership; 1 month beyond its warranty. The PS3 still works, I just cant use discs. That means I cant watch blu-ray discs on it and I cant play disc based games on it. I can still play games through the PlayStation store (demos, etc), I still can watch netflix on it, and I still can watch movies from my PCs over the network on it. The fact that my PS3 disc drive died after about 1 year of limited delicate usage really concerns me about the quality of the hardware and customer support/treatment. I paid over $400 for my first PS3, and I used it maybe twice a week. After searching the web about my problem, I found this was a rampant problem with the fat PS3. Did they fix this problem with the slim PS3? Time will tell; I sure hope so. I just wish Sony would have fixed my problem for free (as I feel it was shoddy hardware or poor engineering that resulted in this problem, not me).
2) Games (new and used) are generally more expensive then the Xbox 360.
3) I liked the glossy look of the first generation PS3. The new PS3 slim looks a little flimsier/cheaper. It is smaller though, and that's a plus.
4) The rechargeable battery in the PS3 controller is not swappable. That means if your controller dies mid-game, you have to plug it in to use it. (The Xbox controller has swappable batteries)
5) When I download a game (full or demo), I can't play it immediately. After the download (which could take over an hour), I have to install the game (which could take another 10-30+ minutes), at which time my PS3 is unusable until it completes. The Xbox downloads in the background and plays immediately without having to install the game. Also, if I turn off the PS3, the download stops (the Xbox finishes the download even when turned off).

Xbox 360============================================
What I like MOST about the Xbox 360) More people have it. In other words, all my friends, family and coworkers have Xbox 360s. Which also means if I want to play online with them, I have to use my Xbox, which is also a con for me. (I'd rather use my PS3 because of the better graphics and lighter/smaller controller).
2) I can download games, updates and demos in the background, even with the Xbox turned off. So I can start a download and go to bed without leaving the box on all night. (The PS3 cant do this)
3) When I download a game (full or demo), I can play it immediately. On the PS3, you have to download it (which could take over an hour), then install it (which could take another 10-30+ minutes), at which time your PS3 is unusable until it completes.
4) My late generation Xbox elite has lasted longer then my first generation PS3 (surprisingly)
5) It doubles as a Media Center extender. I have a PC that records shows for me in Media Center (like a Tivo but no monthly fees). I can access these shows and watch live TV over the network via my Xbox. This is a VERY cool and under-talked about feature. And most people with a Windows PC can do this; look it up.
6) The console and games (new and used) are cheaper then the PS3.

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