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October 31st, 2007, 21:32 Posted By: wraggster
from gamepro
PLAYSTATION 3
Freezing Sixaxis controllers
This is a widespread phenomenon, but it's been shockingly underreported. The Sixaxis controller connects to the PS3 via a wireless Bluetooth signal; from time to time, this connection is apparently interrupted. When the signal drops, all controller input will "freeze" for as long as five seconds (seen countless times in Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection) before re-connecting and playing as normal.
Some evidence points to the Bluetooth technology, as freezing never happens when the Sixaxis is connected via a USB 2.0 cable. It also seems to happen more frequently when the battery is more depleted. A firmware fix might fix or better manage these disconnects -- they really are a drag during marathon sessions of Tekken 5 and Warhawk.
No Sixaxis auto-off
It's almost 2008. Wireless controllers should know when to shut off. Period. But the Sixaxis stupidly remains on, sucking at the internal battery even when it hasn't been touched in hours. It's not a huge problem now, but when the DualShock 3 and its battery-gobbling rumble mechanism are added to the mix, battery life could suffer. A software patch could theoretically enable this sorely needed feature.
Still no Xbox Live equivalent
It's been twelve months since the PS3's launch, and there still isn't a decent alternative to Microsoft's Xbox Live service. Sony deserves major props for introducing free online matchmaking, but the lack of a holistic, integrated online community and store make PS3 online play a pale shadow of the Xbox 360's offering. No standard voice chat? No in-game buddy lists or messaging? That's completely unacceptable. We hold out hope that Home, Sony's budding virtual community, will somehow address these massive shortcomings, but there's been no word on whether it features in-game messaging or buddy lists.
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No bundled microphone
This is another one of those small, smart details that Microsoft mastered: virtually every Xbox 360 sold comes equipped with a small, cheap headset/microphone. This means that almost every Xbox Live user can voice chat right away - no extra purchases needed. None of the PS3 models comes with a headset, so the vast majority of online PS3 matches are eerily silent affairs. Sony should follow Microsoft's lead: package a cheap USB headset (possibly powered by the Sixaxis's mini-USB port) with the 80GB PS3s.
Developers aren't taking advantage
The PS3's technologies sure sound impressive -- Blu-ray storage, the Cell processor, hard drives, et cetera -- but you wouldn't guess that by seeing the third-party games released thus far. Sony's in danger of losing developer interest for the PS3, mostly because the PS3's highly specialized technology is far harder to program for than the Xbox 360's more straightforward approach. The new-fangled Cell CPU is a particular sticking point for game developers, who are forced to make a difficult choice: spend lots of time mastering a complicated CPU, or cut corners and treat it more like the Xbox 360's standard CPU. Most developers are trending towards the latter solution, which hurts third-party PS3 games. The solution: Sony needs to spend more energy on teaching game developers how to program for Cell, as well as building better middleware solutions to ease PS3 development. Otherwise, third-party PS3 games will continue to suffer when compared to their Xbox 360 counterparts.
Motion sensing: not a strong suit
Motion sensing: use it or lose it
The Sixaxis's motion controls continue to be ignored by the vast majority of PS3 developers. Why is that? Because, as a primary input method, the motion controls in the Sixaxis leave a lot to be desired. Ever play Lair? Sony needs to think hard about the future of Sixaxis, and find a way to make the motion sensors matter for all games. We suggest looking at Gran Turismo HD's use of the motion sensors: setting the controller down brings up a menu screen; picking it back up resumes the game.
The backward compatibility problem
Sony recently introduced a new, low-priced PS3 that costs $399 but drops the PS2-era backward compatibility. This triggered a mini-outcry among some blogs and forum threads, yet there seems to be a middle ground that Sony isn't exploring. Why not offer $10 or $20 downloadable PS2 games that are compatible with all of the PS3 models? Compressed, many of these games could be squeezed to a more manageable size for storage on your PS3's hard drive. Even offering Sony-developed PS2 games, especially legendary games like God of War II and Shadow of the Colossus, would be a great start.
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No bundled HD cables
In theory, the PS3 is intended to be the ultimate HD set-top box. So why does it come with crappy low-def cables? Throwing in a free set of component or HDMI cables would be a huge convenience for consumers. How much can these things possibly cost? They're dirt-cheap on Monoprice.com, and you know Sony can get even better prices from their suppliers. Include 'em already!
It's the games, stupid
Don't be fooled: the PS3's sales problems revolve around games, not its high price. If there was a Halo 3-sized hit on the PS3, gamers would gladly shell out $500 to play it. Sure, the PS3 is pricey, but games talk. All in all, North American gamers just haven't been that impressed by the PS3's lineup of exclusives. Where are the Halo 3s, the Mass Effects, the BioShocks? One problem is that Sony relies too heavily on its Japanese developers -- a strategy shared by Nintendo -- and too little on its European and U.S. studios. Microsoft was wise to focus on its Western development studios, as these games resonate more with North American gamers.
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