Right, so I will go ahead and assert my “modliness,” according to Superking, and decree that there shall be no trolling in this thread.
The Memory Card Adapter
As for firmware 1.80, you can write to memory cards with it, though I still just use the internal memory cards for my saves (since it’s not limited to 8MB or 15 “blocks”).
MGS4 and FFXIII Exclusivity (New rule as of Jan 08, 2008)
Henceforth,
any conjecture about the exclusivity of MGS4 or FFXIII without a link to a credible and neutral source where an exec from either Konami or Square Enix, respectively, comments on the matter specifically, will be considered trolling
. Don’t do it; we are all tired of this stupid bullshit, and you WILL receive and infraction for breaking this rule.
Kotaku
Regarding the above stipulation, do not post Kotaku blogs as credible sources. They are not, and Kotaku is a joke. It is, however, absolutely fine to post Kotaku blogs regarding any other news.
Reseting Display Resolution
If you need to, for whatever reason, reset your display settings (say you go from a 1080p TV to a 720p TV and get a black screen), turn on your PS3 and hold the power button/thermal plate until your PS3 beeps twice. At that point it will reset and auto-detect your display settings.
I need a new HDTV to fully experience the awesome. What do you use, and what do you recommend?
I have a Westinghouse LVM-37w3, and I think it’s a great TV at a great price. I highly recommend it, but I must warn you that it does not include an ATSC tuner for HDTV, so you will need to buy your own decoder.
Superking is using a Sharp Aquos LC-32GP1U, and he says it’s fantastic.
Other awesome HDTVs include Sharp’s Aquos line, Sony’s Bravia line, and Pioneer’s Kuro.
That’s all well and good, but I want a cheap HDTV. I’m not rich like you Rockefellers
Check out the Element FLX-1910. I have one of these at my apartment, and it’s a great bargain that works beautifully.
Do I need HDMI? What cables should I get?
In general, you will need HDMI to get the most out of your PS3, but you don’t need to spend $50 at Best Buy to get cables. I recommend this one. I’m using it myself, and it works fine.
Here’s an even cheaper one! Cop that shit!
If you’re thinking about getting Monster cables, scroll down further in this post to read my opinion of them.
Blu-ray movies
Oh, and to the new PS3 owners, don’t skip out on Blu-ray movies. They look AMAZING, and after watching them, I can’t ever go back to standard DVD (or shitty HD-DVD).
Blu-ray vs. HD-DVD
The main difference between BD and HD-DVD is the exclusive studio support each side has (HD-DVD has Universal and Paramount exclusively. BD has everyone else). In terms of the disc technologies themselves, though, BD is a higher density disc (more storage), has higher bandwidth (which allows for uncompressed audio, which HD-DVD can’t do), and has a more durable disc coating. All BD players support 1080p native resolution as well, while many HD-DVD players will only support 1080i and then de-interlace the signal (it supposedly looks the same, but I haven’t tested it).
My Blu-ray (and DVD) Collection
PS3 games I personally recommend
-Uncharted - This game is amazing. It is like Prince of Persia (platforming) meets Metal Gear Solid (stealth gameplay) meets Resident Evil 4 (battle) meets Crash Bandicoot (chase sequences and character appeal) meets Ratchet & Clank (skill points). It is super fun, and it has amazing graphics. I would say this is a must-have for anyone with a PS3.
-Ratchet & Clank: Future Tools of Destruction - It’s a beautiful platformer and third-person shooter (sort of. There are tons of weapons). There’s lots to do, and it’s tons of fun.
-Super Stardust HD - This is my favorite of the dual-stick shooter genre. Featuring multiple weapons, a boost system, and a spherical field, this game is like Asteroids meets Geometry Wars.
-Everyday Shooter - This is another dual-stick shooter, and it’s pretty fun.
-Blast Factor - Another good dual-stick shooter, featuring some motion controls.
-Calling All Cars! - This is a fun game to play online every once in a while. It’s kind of like Twisted Metal meets Micro Machines, and it plays more like a ball-game, since you have to hold onto criminals you catch. It’s well worth its asking price.
-Tekken 5 Dark Resurrection - It’s online T5DR. That’s probably all I need to say.
Games I’ve played but don’t really recommend
-Assassin’s Creed - I have this and feel that it’s more of a rental.
-Heavenly Sword - I also have this, and it’s pretty fun. Looks really good, too, but it lacks replay value. It also features some atypical controls for a game of its genre.
-Ninja Gaiden Sigma - I like this game, but I hate the camera. It’s fun, though.
Monster? cables
Don’t buy them. They aren’t actually better than any other cables, and they cost significantly more. These cables only offer two real advantages:
- Gold plating, which prevents corrosion/oxidation. However, you can get the same effect by unplugging and replugging your cables every few months.
- More shielding, which doesn’t actually make any difference in most environments.
Will my backwards-compatible games be unplayable with lag?
At most, you get 1-2 frames of lag, which only comes into play for things like fighters and rhythm games that require frame-perfect timing. For every other game, I highly doubt you will notice the 1/30th of a second delay.
Further, this only applies to 480i-native games that get upscaled on LCD HDTVs.
Microfiber dusting cloths
DO NOT USE MICROFIBER CLOTHS FOR DUSTING ANYTHING, EVER.
This is, like, the shadiest product (microfiber for PS3/360/electronics) I’ve ever seen. I guess the concept of the microfiber towel is still relatively new in the electronics world, but car guys have known forever that it simply is not made for dusting and WILL scratch your shit. The reason for this boils down to one main point: the smaller gaps in its material will not allow dust to pass through it, and using it on a dusty surface will drag the dust over your surface and grind micro-scratches into it.