• 12Mar 07

  13 Things To Improve The PS3

  After reading the *ahem* opinion of the GS staff on what could be done to improve the PS3, I was left with a bad taste in my mouth. So many constant comparisons to the Xbox 360 that, while not really being biased, definitely showed what system they prefer. Since reading it I've had time to think about the potential improvements that could benefit the PS3 without any comparisons to other consoles.
  
  1) Games.
  The first and foremost priority is to get the games to the public. Blu-ray player or not, the gaming community is not going to even give the PS3 a second thought without games to play. If I had a complaint it would be the amount of games currently out. For a system that was delayed as much as it was, there should have been a hefty supply of games.
  
  1a) Diversity of games.
  It's not just enough to have lots of games, but to make sure that they cover the specific genres that players enjoy. Not everyone like shooters or racing games. There needs to be a full variety of RPGs, shooters, racing, sports, RTS, etc. like its predecessor in order for the public to justify the price tag.
  
  1b) Court third party developers.
  The reveal of Playstation Edge in order to assist developers in working with the PS3 was step in the right direction. Now they need to work their words and pocketbooks into securing good third party exclusives and attempt to get addition content for multiplatform releases.
  
  1c) Beef up first party games.
  Sony has proved in the past that it can make great first party games like Jak & Daxter and God of War. Now would be a good time to work on new first party titles. Sequels are easy, but definitely not the greatest draw. Sony needs to work its creative muscle to create new franchises in new genres to let their consumer base know they've still got it.
  
  1d) Ensure game value.
  Gaming is becoming expensive these days. Consoles and games have continually increased in price along with the amount of accessories for them. Games need to be made with a solid amount of replay value.
  
  2) Improve advertising.
  Sony needs to rethink their PS3 ad campaign. The current brand of ads are very abstract and confusing. A much more simpler approach with a direct sell might be a better end. A commercial as simple as a buddy going to play his friend's PS3 and showing some of the gameplay footage could really tweak the public's interest.
  
  2a) Lose the attitude.
  To be confident about one's product is one thing, but to be overly egotistical is another. Sony needs to take a step back when doing shows and not be so forceful with the presentation. Previous bold quotes like "next-gen doesn't start until we say it does" or "we can sell X consoles without any games" hype a product to such a degree that consumers will be disappointed when you can't deliver. Sony needs to get humble about things and realize the potential danger of their competitors this time around.
  
  3) Build up the online environment.
  If you're really going for free online, then make it worth it. It should be a selling point, not something to mock by the public. Work towards more online games and make sure that Playstation Home is fully functional when released.
  
  3a) Ensure lots of online content.
  Sony Connect seems like it's been in limbo forever now. Sony needs to bring their downloadable content to the forefront and make sure that it's affordable.
  
  4) Cross sell the PSP.
  It seems with the need to push the PS3, Sony is almost neglecting their other strong running current system, the PSP. With the PSP and the PS2 keeping Sony's gaming department afloat until the PS3 becomes profitable, Sony needs to show you why buying a PSP is cool and demonstrates all of the features that not it does, but also how it works with the PS3.
  
  5) Quickly work to reduce the cost without reducing quality.
  Surprisingly enough, technology drops in cost incredibly fast. Sony needs to put its know-how to the test and find cheap, quality parts for the PS3 in order to reduce its cost as soon as possible.
  
  5a) Don't abandon backwards compatiblity.
  With the European launch on the horizon, Sony has decided to remove the Emotion Engine chip out of EU PS3s, presumably to save costs. If this is the future for all PS3s, make sure the backwards compatibility works for as many games as possible, all preferable. You'll save money not only on the cost of manufacturing, but you'll keep your consumer base happy as well.
  
  6) Offer a long warranty.
  With the high cost of the PS3, consumers are going to be wary to purchase it, especially in light of the previous consoles early problems. Sony needs to ensure that they're willing to keep your system working in the event of a problem, hopefully at no cost to you. A year warranty or even two would greatly work to increase consumer confidence.
  
  • Posted Mar 12, 2007 6:02 pm PT
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• 14Feb 07

  Unusually bored...

  I want to play some video games on my PSP or PS2, but I just can't seem to get into the right mood for it. I'm getting frustrated with the low level of PSP games released thus far and some of the really great ones are far off.
  • Posted Feb 14, 2007 12:25 am PT
  • Category: Other
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• 2Feb 07

  Next up...Pirates!

  Thinking about getting Sid Meier's Pirates! Can't figure out why GS decided to give the score an 8.6 based on some weak sound and music problems, but the game looks pretty fun. I've been needing a new PSP game to pass the time. I haven't picked up the PSP for anything other than web browsing or music playing in over a week.
  • Posted Feb 2, 2007 10:43 pm PT
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