PSN Downloadable Games: Why We Love Them
Written by Sev1512 
When I first turned on my launch PS3, one of the first things I did was create my PSN ID, and head over to the PlayStation Store.
Never had I purchased a downloadable game before, neither had I ever been offered a downloadable game on my console before.
My first purchase was Blast Factor, and it was love at first download.
Accessible, fun, hours of gaming, all for a low price
I am getting older, and with age comes responsibility. With responsibility you have less time for yourself…less time for gaming.
PSN downloadable games are the perfect solution for a lack of time. They don’t require many hours of dedication, and they don’t sport a hefty price tag. You can play them for a couple hours, or just a few minutes. They don’t even require you to leave the comfort of your couch. Such accessibility is needed in this fast-paced world. Especially for us “older” gamers.
PSN titles are also the answer for the ever-growing development costs that tend to hinder variety and innovation. It allows a developer to take a chance with a fresh idea, no matter how bold, and even if it flops it won’t put the company under. Examples of this have already been seen with flOw, PixelJunk Eden, and the much-anticipated Linger In Shadows.
A risk worth taking? Definitely yes
Another wonderful aspect of PSN games, is that larger studios, such as Insomniac can work on a PSN title amidst a hectic and demanding schedule of a full scale retail release. As seen with Quest for Booty, you get a low-cost quality game in between the ever-so-popular blockbusters.
One of the biggest reasons why I love PSN downloadable games, is that it’s an easy way to bring back classics. Whether it’s a remake or a re-release, PSN makes it simple and cost effective for publishers to bring back the classics that made us all gamers in the first place for the current generation of gamers to enjoy. Mortal Kombat II is one of my all-time favorite games, and being able to inflict a “flawless victory” on an opponent halfway across the world is a priceless experience.
Flawless Victory... PSN wins!
Lastly, let’s look at variety; a lack of which is blatantly noticeable in today’s shooter-filled market. You have mindless fun on one side of the spectrum with games like PAIN…on the other side you have games like PixelJunk Monsters, and Everyday Shooter.
With so many new downloadable games such as ‘Fat Princess’, and ‘Flower’ on the horizon, the future looks mighty fine for the PlayStation Network.
It's only the beginning...
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August 2nd, 2008 at 8:29 PM
Well stated. I don’t get why people love shooters. All in all most shooters are relatively the same. A few different weapons here and some style changes here, but more or less how many times can people handle doing the same moves over and over and over again?
Remember when platformers and action games flooded the market? Games like Prince of Persia. DMC, God of War, Shadow of the Collossus… is it just me or have atleast half of these games been replaced by Shooters?
August 2nd, 2008 at 8:29 PM
I only own Super Stardust HD (without the add-ons) and i’ll admit that I have had do much fun just with that, that I can’t wait to upgrade ti and get some more titles!!!
August 2nd, 2008 at 8:58 PM
I love the PSN games. I can’t wait for more to be released. I’ll play Fat Princess for hours on end.
August 2nd, 2008 at 9:01 PM
Pixel Junk Eden is the shit!
August 2nd, 2008 at 9:14 PM
The games are brilliant on the service; Blast Factor is great with the slowmo mechanic. I have about 8 titles from PSNs service; I admit, I regret buying ONE and that my friends; is ‘Lemmings’ or should I say, ‘Plays-bugger-all-like-all-previous-Lemmings-Games-Should-of-ported-PSP/PS2-version’.
The rest is awesome, love the shooters, experimental games and the wacky Pain, never know what you’re going to get on it, especially with the ball rolling with Siren and R&CQ4B.
I’m glad you guys have a good view on these games unlike Kamiboy’s rant on Sixth-axis.
August 2nd, 2008 at 11:56 PM
Very nice article. I love the new direction PlayStation Lifestyle has taken. Concerning the subject, I haven’t bought that many PSN games in the past. Trophies made me buy SSHD and Eden, and they are both games I have enjoyed a lot. So I’m gonna start to download more games. And it’s very nice not having to change discs.
August 3rd, 2008 at 3:31 AM
@ Pesico, I am really glad you like the new direction.
We are committed to making our readers feel apart of the PlayStation LifeStyle
August 3rd, 2008 at 6:04 AM
I can’t agree with you more. Lucky for me I still haven’t bought a ton of PSN games so I still have a lot to enjoy. Its just so great to be able to say”Oh hey, I have an extra 10 bucks on hand, why not get a new game?” And then 10 minutes later you are playing an awesome game that you didn’t even have to leave your house for.
August 3rd, 2008 at 12:32 PM
This is why the Wii is so successful.
August 4th, 2008 at 4:53 PM
@SOS,
Yeah but I have the Wii also – and the PSN games are always where I turn to first. I don’t know why. Any thoughts?
Sev – so true. As I’ve had less and less time, I try to get a quick fix and literally can’t boot up GTA IV by the time I need to head out the door. So I’ve started playing a garden in PixelJunk Eden. Or going for a trophy in PAIN.
All they need to add is a RESUME feature – kinda like the PSP goes into standby and boots back up where you left it (Wii does this with virtual console titles). Oh man, if the PS3 had this… I’d be on a roll and progressing so much further in my PSN games.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:03 PM
@Stalkingsilence
Hell yes. You really need to communicate this to SCE.