The PlayStation 3 is a powerhouse console. Everyone knew that was the case when it was released in November of 2006. Much like every other console at launch, it suffered from a small offering of titles, though all can agree that Resistance: Fall of Man was a gem. This similarity with other consoles showed that the PS3 too could be mortal. Coupled with the backlash due to the high price, the PS3 was off to a rocky start. Oh yea, did I mention the obligatory launch shortages?
The PS3 had a solid 2007. Titles that helped show off the potential of the console were released. Two titles in particular were Uncharted and Ratchet and Clank. These two heavy hitters were a success with the growing number of console owners. There were other titles as well; Heavenly Sword immediately comes to mind. The game cries out for a sequel, but we can discuss that another day. Lair was also released in 07. I said that 2007 was a solid year, it was not perfect.
PlayStation staked its claim in 2008. Several titles were released that help to define the PS3 experience. Kojima delivered gaming perfection with Metal Gear Solid 4. This was followed up with the release of Socom, LittleBigPlanet, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift, Buzz! Quiz TV, and Resistance 2. That is a mighty fine resume. This is all in addition to the release of Home, the revamped PlayStation Store, the video download service, and the trophies with in-game XMB. PS3 did not dominate the world with sales due to economic troubles and a price drop by a wily competitor, but 2008 cemented the PS3 as a real player.
Killzone 2 is title that is leading us into 2009. The tech demo, actual footage, or whatever you would like to call it that was shown a while ago has been matched, and in many areas, surpassed. The hype behind this title has many excited about the future of the PS3. Heavy Rain, InFamous, and Uncharted 2 are all locks for this year as well. I sure hope that they sneak White Knight Chronicles somewhere in there. But there has been an unexpected development. The PS3 is lending its strength to the PSP.
The release of PS3 titles on the PSP will breathe new life into the dying platform. (The PSP has been plagued by piracy which has led to the lack of 3rd party support). LittleBigPlanet, Motorstorm, and Assassin’s Creed will lend much needed strength the platform. The PSP is the strongest competition that the GameBoy has ever had. Though the PS3 is not leading the consoles in sales this generation, it does have a bevy of highly successful and original titles. Further strengthening the union between the PS3 and PSP will help Sony on both the home console and portable console front.
By the time March 2010 comes around we are hoping to see a nice price drop for the PS3. Additional features would also be a great benefit. MAG and God of War 3 will be released before the end of the fiscal year. Sony has continued to strengthen the PS3 exponentially as each year goes by. A history such as that can only be encouraging when you think about a console with a 10-year lifespan.
