The Verdict on the PS3′s 3D Gaming
Ever since James Cameron’s Avatar demolished records at the box office, 3D has been at the forefront of the future of entertainment, both at home and in theaters. While 3D films continue to outsell their 2D counterparts at the box office, the Home Theater industry already has begun it’s attempt to translate that same success into the homes of consumers around the world. This will prove to be a much more difficult task however, since there is obviously a major difference in paying $20 per movie ticket to see the latest flick in 3D as opposed to plunking down thousands of dollars on a new 3D-capable HDTV, especially when the majority of consumers only recently upgraded to HD. Of course the expense doesn’t end there either; you’ll need a 3D transmitter and active shutter glasses to view the images coming from your 3DTV. You’ll also need a 3D source: either a 3D capable Blu-Ray player or in our cases, a PlayStation 3.
That’s right, Sony isn’t lying when it says that the PS3 “Only Does Everything”. The PlayStation 3 is already capable of 3D gaming, provided you’ve updated to the most recent system software. That means each and every one of you own part of the 3D equation (note: a PS3 firmware update is due this September which will allow the playback of 3D Blu-Ray movies). At this year’s E3, Sony painted a clear picture that 3D is going to play a major role in it’s upcoming software line-up – both with first and third party software. We got a chance to try some of Sony’s upcoming games in 3D, and while we were certainly blown away, it didn’t give us a clear answer as to if 3D was worth the investment. Since part of our goal is to inform the masses about what’s hot in the world of PlayStation, we took it upon ourselves to take the 3D plunge and give you a straight answer if 3D gaming is all it’s cracked up to be. Simply put, it sure as hell is.
Having already tried some 3D games at E3, we had an idea of what we were in for. However, there’s a big difference in the frantic, geek-gasmic environment of E3 and the quiet confines of our office while relaxing on our couch with a can of soda. Basically, we were able to come down from cloud 9, concentrate, and really put the 3D games through their paces. At the moment, the 3D offering on the PSN isn’t exactly brimming with excitement – most of the games are 3D updated versions of older PSN titles, and 3D capable demos of recent PS3 titles. At the time of publishing, the games available in 3D are: Super Stardust HD, Wipeout HD, PAIN (only certain gameplay modes), and two demos, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift and MLB: The Show 2010. Don’t get me wrong, these games are fantastic titles, some of the best on the PlayStation Network or any downloadable environment for that matter, however let’s face it, they’re not new and exciting like Killzone 3 or Motorstorm: Apocalypse. Or are they? Playing each game in 3D was like a whole new experience sans one, which was particularly PAINful to play through. Though I think my issue was more with the game modes available for it than the actual 3D.
We’ll start with our favorite of the bunch, MLB: The Show 2010. We’ve spent numerous hours putting our hometown favorite, the Boston Red Sox, through many a season in the regular version of the game. After just a few minutes of playing the 3D version, it was easy to see that MLB: The Show 2010 ‘knocked it out of the park’. The first thing you’ll notice, and this is something you’ll find throughout all the 3D games and the 3D experience in general, is the amazing amount of perceived depth that is created. It really seems as though you’re looking out into a baseball field. This extra level of depth is especially useful at bat. Keeping your eye on the ball and swinging accordingly was much more life-like and accurate. You can plainly see if the pitch is going to be a ball, or if it’s something you want to swing at. Another instance where the 3D really stands out is with player profiles, stat, and score tickers. They definitely appear to just ‘pop’ out of the screen at you.
The second you’ll want to show off if you so choose to pick up a 3D set, would be Motorstorm: Pacific Rift. Again, the level of depth added by 3D is stunning, and at the same time very helpful in your race to victory. That layer of depth helps you judge turns and just how far (or close) your opponents are. Mud splatter slings toward the screen with unprecedented realism, and when you crash… let’s just say you might find yourself attempting brutal, high-speed collisions on purpose just to see vehicle parts strewn about in glorious 3D. As good as Motorstorm: Pacific Rift is in 3D, it isn’t even half as good as what little we played of Motorstorm: Apocalypse. Bodies of pedestrians flipping over your hood, towering skyscrapers crumbling as you zoom by at death-defying speeds. Motorstorm: Apocalypse is going to be one of Sony’s killer apps for 3D gaming on the PlayStation 3 in the near future.
Another reference game for 3D would be WipEout HD. Although, this seemed to have the smoothest and most fitting 3D effects, it also was the one that seemed to have strained our eyes a bit. However, that may have been due to the lightning fast speeds coupled with the bright colors and deadly twisting turns. Needless to say, this game could give you a headache even without 3D enabled, especially thanks to its mind-numbing difficulty. The games menu really stands out, as does the vehicle select screen. The hovering ships give the feel that they’re actually hovering above the track, much more pronounced than in regular 2D viewing. The added depth again helps you to judge your turns, although it’s not quite as effective as it is with Motorstorm. I guess it boils down to if you’re a fan of WipEout games as to how much you’ll find pleasure in the 3D effect. I for one am not the biggest of fans, so the 3D may have been impressive, my experience with the game in 3D was only slightly improved over my normal enjoyment levels – which is not very much. That sentiment leads me to the next game we tried…
Next up is the PSN-exclusive, physics demonstration that is PAIN. PAIN always came off a bit juvenile for me, so for all you sophisticated potential 3DTV owners, this may not be your cup-of-tea. The 3D effect was less pronounced in PAIN than any other game we played. Of course – as with all 3D games – there was certainly an added level of depth, but it just didn’t have much of an impact (pun-intended) as other games. 3D was only available to certain modes within PAIN, specifically the mime/clown-toss, and the bowling modes. Maybe if the 3D was applied throughout the entire game, we could have had a better experience with it. Overall, 3D felt extremely tacked on, and was by far the least impressive out of all the titles we demoed.
Now, it’s time for Super Stardust HD. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the game, it’s essentially the title that led the charge with PS3 trophies and because of that and the game’s undeniable charm, it will forever have a place in our hearts. The game itself is perfect for 3D. You’re ship stays stationary while you rotate whatever planet you’re on in order to dodge incoming space rock and enemies all while trying to snag power-ups and shoot one of your 3 available weapons to save yourself from destruction. Bits of intergalactic rock fly about with every shot. Your weapon and the enemies you are trying to take out seem to jump out at you. One specific effect that caught my eye – when particularly large rocks plummet toward the planet, the 3D depth effect is in full force. Even though you’re goal is to avoid crashing into said rocks or enemies, by far the most impressive 3D effect is when you crash – shrapnel and space particles rush out at you intensely, albeit briefly.
Last up is Tumble. It’s the only 3D capable PlayStation Move game available on the PlayStation Move demo disc that’s packed into every PlayStation Move Starter Bundle at the Move’s upcoming September 19 launch. At heart the game is a glorified tech demo turned puzzle game. Despite this, it’s a real blast to play, and even though the demo offers only a peek into what the full game promises, it’s was enough to test it out with 3D. More than any other game, the 3D depth here is the most noticeable particularly because you use the PlayStation Move in a 3D plane to manipulate blocks by moving the controller in, out, up, down and side-to side. Different sections of the demo have you building towers with the blocks and others have you slapping explosive mines over jenga-styled towers, detonating the mines to blow the tower apart. The added 3D effect made building sound structures all the more simple, as you’re able to accurately judge depth thanks to the 3D. Tumble may be the real show stopper the PS3 has to offer in terms of 3D gaming this year, however you’ll need PlayStation Move and the demo or full game to experience it.
After a good week playing these games on and off, we’re confident that we’ve come up with all the main points that the current 3D offering has to offer. Now that you’ve read what we have to say on the subject, it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth your money. Our opinion is that 3D gaming certainly is worth the investment, particularly for entertainment fans. Although the current line-up of 3D capable games is not going to blow your mind, it’s varied and still growing. However, in the coming months leading into next year, we guarantee that 3D is going to become increasingly more important to the PlayStation 3 gamer as Sony is clearly pushing the format with ferocity. With first-party titles such as Killzone 3, The Fight: Lights Out, and Motorstorm: Apocalypse arriving as the first built for 3D games, the budding format will have truly blossomed and anyone with a 3DTV will be the envy of your social group. That is until they realize just how much it adds to the gameplay and visual experience, then they’ll buy their own set. 3D gaming is here folks, and it isn’t going anywhere. So if you’re planning on buying a new TV anytime soon, start saving your pennies and make sure it’s a 3DTV. Once you see it and experience it first hand, you’ll agree… it’s certainly something special.
17 Responses to “The Verdict on the PS3′s 3D Gaming”
I really want one. But I figure I’ll wait until hopefully TV’s that don’t require glasses will come out at reduced cost.
Come on guys , this article should of been out 3 months ago !!!!!
I can only imagine playing something like Vanquish in 3D. The tech is here. I think we are living in some of the best times to be a gamer in years…
to be honest i havent used 3d on my set for over 2 months, when killzone and other triple A titles come out it will be another matter. P.S the Sont TV’s are shite in comparison to the panasonic ones !
Next Spring can’t come soon enough
Everyone that keeps talking about “no-glasses 3D” doesn’t sem to realize that’s only DEPTH (and shallow depth, at that). Nothing “Jumps out at you”. Just like the DS.
Not only that, but the content most likely can’t be played both ways. It’s either in 3D or not (for now). . With a “real” 3DTV (with glasses), you have the potential for “Avatar-level 3D” (as long as the game/movie content is made with quality). If you have no idea what I’m talking about, go to Best Buy and demo the 3DTV’s. That’s not going to happen without glasses. But it will be cheaper. Just like the DS. Will you fall for it?
“But I figure I’ll wait until hopefully TV’s that don’t require glasses will come out at reduced cost.”
I guess you plan on waiting about ten years then…considering the current 3D with glasses TV’s won’t really start dropping in price for a couple years and we won’t see 3D without glasses for a while. I think you underestimate how much these electronics companies like money. I don’t mind wearing glasses anyway. I like the idea of the Sony TV’s because of the integration with the PS3 and the XMB, but anytime I am looking at TVs I always think Samsung stands out as far superior in color and clarity…but is also the most expensive….Of course, for all I know it could be the electronics stores messing with the settings to make the more expensive TVs look better, but I have always thought Samsung makes great products.
How were the glasses Sev? The main problem I hear about 3D gaming is that the glasses start to get a bit uncomfortable after a while.
at least the glasses look cool.
Four thousand dollars and still having to buy and wear glasses just for some depth gimmickry? Thanks, but no thanks. Sorry, I played several 3D games at E3 and just am not sold on this being “the future” of gaming. It’s not even “the future” of home entertainment. It works well in theaters because the enormous screen takes up almost your entire field of view. So unless you have a 100″ screen at home that you sit four feet away from, the effect is greatly diminished.
Also, considering I just dropped a good amount of cash on a 42″ 1080p 240hz Bravia XBR9 last christmas, I’m in no hurry to drop over three times as much (plus additional costs PER pair of glasses) for a gimmick effect.
@giese095 Considering I’m only 17 I won’t have that kind of money anyways till prob 10 years from now lol I didn’t really think that comment thru, I just want 3D tv’s in general to be a little cheaper even if it takes a few year to get there.
The glasses aren’t that bad. I’ve sat and watched entire movies in 3D and didn’t have a problem with them (and I have a fat head). I do find myself having to move my head side to side and up & down to see if the images better some times. The longer I watch or play, I forget that I have them on or that I’m watching in 3D. The 3D effect is pretty cool on my 52LX900, even when it’s upscaling regular TV or blu-ray. That golf game that was broadcast in 3D two weeks ago was really outstanding even though it was just golf. I want to see a 1st person shooter in 3D, that’s going to be the clutch game for me, and if it’s as good as what’s out there now, it will be fantastic.
I just recently purchased the UN55C8000 samsung LED 3D tv. I think that the picture quality is absolutely amazing, the 3d is awesome, but i have a problem with the glasses. It’s not that the glasses aren’t comfortable its that the samsung glasses have no frame along the bottom of the lense. meaning that when a sibling tossed a pair lightly onto the bed and it hit a wiimote with the silicone skin on the entire lense cracked and filled with black fluid… If you are going to invest in a 3d tv I would recommend getting the Xpand glasses. they work with all major models currently, and not only that but they are the most comfortable ive tried, have the best contrast ratio when watching 3d (you may notice on some glasses the screen looks a bit greenish due to the glasses) and they are about the same price as most others. Xpand are the guys who have been helping theators and events with 3d solutions for years.
Oh and yeah superstardust HD is absolutely awesome so it mlb 2010 and motorstorm. I am with these guys when they comment about wipeout HD. I have not gotten a sick feeling or eye strain with 3D yet… except for wipeout hd of course.
hello …
i think i said so a lot of times …3D is coming for good this time …
I want to MOVE it MOVE it, i want to .. in 3D
cheers!
So how is the input lag for the LX900?
This is starting to remind me of the PSP Go. Sony was going to make all this money by eliminating physical media, so they came out with an overpriced product and then…nobody bought it. Now they’re going to make all this money by getting people to re-purchase something they already own, so they come out with an overpriced product and…
I give it a year before they’re making excuses about how “sales were never the aim” and “it was just an experiment to test the technology”.
Just like the Go.
hmmm… well at least while I’m waiting for tv prices to drop, I’ll also be waiting for them to bolster the 3D line up. And having looked at the upcoming line up, I’m sure I’ll own quite a few 3D games by the time I can afford another TV. Its a shame that the WipEout HD 3D gives you a headache, that was one I was really looking forward to seeing, I’ve been a fan of that series since the original. I hope it doesn’t do that to me…