It isn’t rocket science to know that with the PS3 at the new price of $299 there are plenty of people rushing to stores to get the system for playing some games, watching Blu-ray movies or do both. Since the PS3 has a few years under its belt, there are plenty of peripherals and exclusive games that are not to be missed. Here is a rundown of the stuff you should pick up when you take the plunge and buy a PS3. By no means is this a comprehensive list of everything PS3, these are just the essentials.
Games
This is probably one of the most important aspects that sets the PS3 apart from the other systems. Most the first-party games from Sony have pushed the limits of the system and delivered some unforgettable experiences. With either Blu-ray disc based titles or downloadable PSN games, Sony has been on a hit streak with returning franchises and fresh faces that have changed the gaming landscape.
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune
Nate Drake has all the spirit of Indiana Jones and all the action of a Bruce Willis movie. Exploring for ancient treasure on a lush island hasn’t ever been this fun. Tomb Raider can’t hold a candle to what Naughty Dog created with Uncharted. The lush environments and the web of intrigue that surrounds El Dorado is reason enough to play but the gameplay backs up the story nicely.
LittleBigPlanet
A game that defines a generation. It takes the concept of social media and executes it brilliantly in a video game. In addition to the incredibly charming single-player mode, you can play with three others. You can master levels created by you, your friends or from people around the world with the never-before-seen level of community interaction.
Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
Ratchet and Clank are staples in the world of video games. They would rank high in a list of all time gaming franchises with their past efforts but with Tools of Destruction, Insomniac really outdid themselves with a game that looks like you are playing a Pixar movie.
Folklore
Folklore might not have been popular, but the imagery and gameplay still hold up against the test of time. The story of a mysterious town and magical creatures is the stuff video games are made out of but the way Folklore presents it all is still breathtaking.
inFamous
inFamous is one of those games that is compelling from beginning to end. You start off with absolutely no powers and nothing that makes you feel different than any other John Doe walking the streets. After some freak explosion you become the living embodiment of electricity and you vow to stop whoever was behind it. When the story unfolds and you are confronted with the reality at the end, your mind will be blown.
Killzone 2
Textbook perfection of the FPS genre is what Killzone 2 lives for. By all accounts, it succeeds at creating a gritty and immersive world with best in class shooter action. Not only is the single-player a great experience but the online expands the game into legendary territory with an engrossing Call of Duty type ranking system, interesting maps and unique gameplay features.
Valkyria Chronicles
If you like something that is genre breaking, Valkyria Chronicles is something to consider. The mix of live action and turn-based strategy is something that hasn’t been done before and the presentation is jaw dropping.
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
MGS4 is one of the great exclusive titles from a third party. The final tale of Solid Snake is an epic tale in every sense of the word. All the loose ends are tied up and the sun sets on the old solider. There isn’t a single corner of this game that isn’t polished and that, tied in with all the other elopements, makes this game worth getting.
Fat Princess
It’s the newest of the bunch but it has classic written all over it. The top-down Team Fortress inspired battles are hectic and chaotic. You can easily let hours slip away as you vie for control of choke points while the other team is feeding your princess cake to make her enormous and difficult to carry. Plus, this game easily wins the best ending credits song.
Flower
The “video games as art” is a tired debate. Big thanks to Flower for finally showing that video games as a medium have the capacity to put all the critics to shame. Don’t confuse Flower for a traditional game in any sense, but the experience that it takes you on an incredible journey of a Flower’s dream.
PixelJunk Monsters
Some of the best co-op that money can buy isn’t on a FPS title. It is possibly on one of the most unlikely genres to support that kind of feature. Monsters is a tower defense game but with a charming personality that wins over any gamer that touches the controller.
WipEout HD
If you want to show off your new 1080p HDTV, WipEout is the game that will impress your friends. Running at a full 60 frames per second at full HDTV resolution, colors practically speak for themselves as you take all the twisty corners on this futuristic racer.
Hardware
You’ll need some extra equipment if you want to get the full experience of owning the system. These are a few of the best things you should have when you take the plunge.
Extra Controller
This is essential if you have people come over and play. Sony has recently released some brand new colors like the satin silver color that looks totally awesome. Look for red and blue colors to soon follow.
Blu-ray remote
You may think that your controller does the same stuff (and you’re right) but the convenience of having a remote is nice if you are heavy into streaming media or playing Blu-ray movies.
PlayStation Eye
The PS Eye is a neat device. Sure, you can video conference and take silly snapshots of you and your friends but many games implement the device in unique ways. In SingStar you can upload videos of yourself drunkenly belting out Queen songs or you can use it as your controller for forward thinking games like Eye of Judgment. The future is bright for this peripheral because the motion controllers Sony is developing will need this to work properly.
Bluetooth headset
If you want to go online to frag your friends, you’ll want to back your gaming skills up with some smack talk. The PS3 lets you use any Bluetooth headset but make sure you get one with decent quality because you end up getting what you pay for.
HDMI Cord
You’d think a PS3 would come with some digital cables to get the most out of your picture but it sadly doesn’t. Pick up an HDMI cord on the internet somewhere for cheap. Whatever you do, don’t pay the insane retail store prices because, truth-be-told, HDMI cables are the same no matter what.
On the Horizon
There are many more titles coming to the PS3 that are going to blow some socks off when they release. Eye Pet, Uncharted 2, MAG and many more titles are headed towards the holiday season. Those are just the first party titles. There are plenty of third party multiplatform games that are sure to rock like Modern Warfare 2, Assassin’s Creed II, Brutal Legend and Boarderlands. Most of the titles highlighted can be picked up for great prices if you look carefully. Remember, keep checking Kombo.com for the latest information and reviews for the latest titles.
