Christmas Buyer's Guide - Playstation 3

PS3 Feature | Hopefully that big black package is not a lump of coal.

After dominating the console wars for the best part of a decade, Sony has seen more bumps along the way then the Titanic with the Playstation 3. However, unlike the aforementioned vessel, the PS3 is still afloat. Rumble, hardware concerns, Home delays, and removed backwards compatibility aside, the machine has still done okay and some have even been murmuring of a comeback. And while in terms of games there have been some disappointments and some delays, there still have been a few games that will please the faithful. Here are a few of them that were released exclusively on the PS3 this year.

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Eye of Judgment

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-2
Developer: SCEI
Publisher: SCEE

The requirements to actually play Eye of Judgement may be a little on the steep side, but there certainly isn't anything else out there like it. Basically, it's one part collectible card game, one part videogame, done so with help of the Playstation Eye and a playing mat. If card collection and videogames are your thing, then Eye of Judgement gives you a good look at both worlds.

Our review said: While EOJ will not be everybody's cup of tea, those with a love of fantasy and strategy will probably eat this up. As with traditional CCG’s, collecting all of the cards will be something of an attraction in itself, if only to view all of the different creatures the developers have created in 3D. Of course to acquire some of the rarer creatures and spells, it won’t hurt to have deep pockets and a bit of luck when purchasing booster packs. Could it have been made without the physical cards, play mat and the elaborate camera setup? The short answer, yes. In this regard, it’s equally fair to label it a gimmick. All things considered, if you’re looking for a distinctly different game this holiday season, EOJ’s unique brand of card battling fun could be just the ticket. [FULL REVIEW: 7.5]

Folklore

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Game Republic
Publisher: SCEE

RPGs have been a tad high and dry on the PS3 in its first year, so Folklore was a welcome addition to the PS3 library. It's not strictly an RPG, and it's not strictly a murder mystery. However, the two aspects come together to provide a unique and compelling experience. It's certainly much better than Game Republic's last effort.

Our review said: Folklore was needed on the PS3. Not just because it’s a good RPG, but a good, unique game that is exclusive to the system. While it does nothing brilliantly, all the aspects come together to make game better than the sum of its parts. It lacks universal appeal, but it's quite unlike any other game available. If you’re after an RPG ,or at least something different to play, you could certainly do a lot worse than Folklore. [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]

Heavenly Sword

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Ninja Theory
Publisher: SCEE

Heavenly Sword has set a new bar for cinematic quality in a game. The presentation of the story is second to none, and is on par with any summer Hollywood blockbuster, and it plays pretty well too. Nariko is not the Goddess of War who dances rings around her opponents as she wields the omnipotent Heavenly Sword. The game also has some neat Sixaxis implementation.

Our review said: When push comes to shove, it may be found that Heavenly Sword, while a great game, doesn’t quite do enough to be an absolute must-buy. Still, it has a fantastic story that is arguably better than most within the genre and has a remarkably deep set of characters and back story. Button-mashers will be given a rude awakening, as the combat rewards finesse and timing. The counter system works particularly well, though there are times where the combat is exposed and feels restricted. Thankfully, there is enough variety and minor innovations to make up the numbers. Not to mention that the game looks and sounds brilliant. While it may be short it is certainly satisfying and still ends up as one of the better exclusive/action games on the PS3, action games of 2007 and one heck of an experience, so long as you can accept that this is not Goddess of War. Not to mention, a great first up effort from Ninja Theory. Definitely a must rent for PS3 owners. [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]

Motorstorm

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-12
Developer: Evolution Studios
Publisher: SCEE

Motorstorm made huge splash a number of E3s ago with a jawdroppingly unfathomable trailer. While the final product didn't quite live up to it, it came reasonably close. As far as arcade racers go, Motorstorm literally gets you down and dirty with intense and fast racing action. Not to mention, it's quite a nice sight to behold.

Our review said: MotorStorm is a fantastic racing game and a brilliant new IP for Sony. There are however some things which are missing from the game which stop the game from getting an even higher score. The omission of a quick race option and the short single player mode both indicate that the game's development was a little rushed for the launch of the PlayStation 3. Despite this, MotorStorm comes highly recommended, it's an addictive racing game and features some of the most incredible AI ever seen in a console game. [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]

Ninja Gaiden Sigma

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Tecmo
Publisher: Eidos Interactive

Despite being a remake of a three year old title, Ninja Gaiden Sigma manages to be one of the best action games currently available. There isn't much that comes close to the white-knuckled action and ridiculously powerful enemies that you come across in this game. Ninja Gaiden Sigma will truly test your gaming skill, and for those who can't hack it, you're now going to be subjected to being a ninja dog. It also happens to be one of the smoothest running next-gen games as well.

Our review said: While it may be the same three year old game at its core and it may end up being surpassed many times over this generation, Ninja Gaiden Sigma is still among the top action games currently available. As far as PS3 games go, Sigma is the unrivaled top game from a rather meager selection (including the above-mentioned atrocity) and if you exclude the original game, there really isn’t much on the Xbox 360 either. The game may have been open to few more changes and it isn’t going to be terribly appealing for those who have already invested heavily in the Xbox games, which is the one major deterrent of an otherwise excellent game. Still, on it’s own, Ninja Gaiden Sigma retains its status as one of the top action games and one that’s there for anyone with the stomach for a real challenge of skill. [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]

Ratchet and Clank: Tools of Destruction

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: SCEE

After three very successful outings on the PS2 and another one on the PSP, the Lombax and the robot make their PS3 debut with Ratchet and Clank: Tools of Destruction. Widely touted as looking like a Pixar movie, it happens to be an enjoyable platformer, just as its predecessors were. Fans of the dynamic duo and those of platformers and action games are sure to get a lot of this latest Insomniac venture.

Our review said: Ratchet and Clank have made their debut on the Playstation 3 in style. Tools of Destruction is not only one of the best looking PlayStation 3 games, it's incredibly enjoyable, with some excellent weapons and some brilliant action set pieces. The Sixaxis control doesn't feel tacked-on, and our only real complaints with the game are very minor. Anyone who is a fan of action games should have absolutely no hesitation in picking up Ratchet and Clank: Tools of Destruction. [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]

Resistance: Fall of Man

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-40
Developer: Insomnic Games
Publisher: SCEE

Taking a small break from their staple series, Insomniac games released Resistance: Fall of Man along with the PS3 at the beginning of the year. Boasting an incredible arsenal of weapons and an extraordinarily large player-number multiplayer game, Resistance remains one of the best shooters on the system. Even if it is over a year old now.

Our review said: Resistance: Fall of Man is certainly no 'killer app' but it is without doubt one of the better first-person shooters in recent years. With an enjoyable selection of weapons, smooth controls, engaging AI and a selection of beautiful environments, there's very little here to dislike. There's little here in the way of originality given that it borrows heavily from a lot of games, but it at least takes those ideas and uses them well to create a highly enjoyable FPS. The fact it comes with a worthwhile online multiplayer mode makes this an essential PS3 launch purchase. [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]

Singstar

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-2
Developer: SCEE
Publisher: SCEE

You know what would be sweet? If they made a karaoke machine that could play games. Hold on a sec... With the release of the latest Singstar title, we can do that on our PS3s! When Singstar was released on the PS2, it was the game that helped Sony win over the casual market. Now, with the release of Singstar on the PS3, its looking to take it back once again, complete with much better videos and the ability to add to your song list.

Our review said: Singstar for the PlayStation 3 is a fantastic game and one we have no problems recommending to fans of the series. The lack of wireless microphones is a little disappointing, and the gameplay hasn't actually changed at all, but adding the SingStore into the game now negates the need for bimonthly disks, and as long as Sony gets content up on the SingStore frequently fans will always have something to sing. Singstar has the potential to kill every karaoke machine out there and is a game that will have your younger brother, mum, grandma and girlfriend playing. And possibly even enjoying it. [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]

Uncharted: Drake's Fortune

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Naughty Dog
Publisher: SCEE

As far as rollercoasters go, there aren't many more thrilling then Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. As one of the best games to be released on the PS3 this year, Uncharted combines intense set pieces with some breathtaking acrobatics and a stellar story. It's possibly the most fun that we've had so far on our big black and shiny box.

Our review said: It's the little things that make Uncharted: Drake's Fortune such an impressive game. The surprisingly deep combat, impressive AI, immersive cut-scenes, lack of loading and smooth frame rate combine to deliver not only one of the PlayStation 3's best games yet, but one of the best games yet this generation. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune is a game that should be in every PlayStation 3 owner's library. [FULL REVIEW: 9.0]

Warhawk

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-32
Developer: Incognito
Publisher: SCEE

You'd usually expect online shooters to find their home on the PC. However, one of the biggest and most frenetic of them all arrived on the PS3 this year. Warhawk may not have a huge amount in common with its 1995 PS1 namesake, but it makes up for it with some excellent Battlefield-esque combat, with heaps of weapons and vehicles at your disposal. Not to mention the online service on the PS3 is free, so you won't need to bother with subscriptions.

Our review said: For those who have yet to experience the adrenaline fueled rush of a frantic, online multiplayer game, Warhawk provides an excellent starting point. The unique visual style, large scale battles and focus on rewarding diverse play, combine to provide a very satisfying experience. In spite of the exclusion of the single player campaign mode and some buggy stat issues, the gameplay on offer is an addictive blend of modern warfare and screen filling chaos that’s hard to pass up. [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]

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Christmas Buyer's Guide - Playstation 3

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