Thinking of buying a PS3...

[Reprise]

Better late than never, I'm thinking of entering this generation by buying a Playstation 3.

Bit stumped by all the different models and prices though. Anything I need to know? Any help?

Second hand or new? Slim or normal (old?) model? How large is advisable for hard drive space? Are there any manufacturing problems I should know of? Anything that is going to be really important to know, or consider, before buying a model?

Also, as a huge retro fan, what are some games you can recommend? I really aren't up to date to with the modern generation, but I really want to pick up Sonic Generations, Catherine and possibly the Metal Gear Solid HD collection?

[noiseredux]

I'm thinking of entering this generation by buying a Playstation 3.

You should!

Bit stumped by all the different models and prices though. Anything I need to know? Any help?

Second hand or new? Slim or normal (old?) model? How large is advisable for hard drive space? Are there any manufacturing problems I should know of? Anything that is going to be really important to know, or consider, before buying a model?

supposedly the fat models had higher rate of overheating. I don't know. Both of mine are fat models. If playing PS2 games matters to you, then the 60GB is the best model for that as it's full hardware emulation.

Otherwise go with a slim as they're newer and built better supposedly. If you buy used, make sure the seal is not broken indicating it's been opened up and dicked with.

HDD size depends on if you are going to buy a lot of download titles. Saves don't take up much room, but full games do. I have about 20 downloaded games I'd guess, and my 60GB is running out of room already.

Also, as a huge retro fan, what are some games you can recommend? I really aren't up to date to with the modern generation, but I really want to pick up Sonic Generations, Catherine and possibly the Metal Gear Solid HD collection?

Sonic's Ultimate Sega Genesis Collection is amazing for the price. Tons of beautifully emulated Genesis and SMS games.

3D Dot Game Heroes will appeal if you love Link to the Past.

Rayman Origins gets a lot of love. Haven't played it myself.

For fighting there's tons of great 2D stuff -- KOF13, Arcana Heart 3, BlazBlue. Mortal Kombat. And there's Street Fighter 4 and MvC3 which are 3D looking, but play 2D.

Sonic All-Star Racing will appeal to Mario Kart fans. It's my favorite Kart Racer since Double Dash.

If you like SNES or PS1 JRPG's you should check out Cross Edge.

LittleBigPlanet is easily my favorite platformer since Super Mario World.

...and you can't go wrong with Catherine, but you already mentioned that.

[chupon]

I'm still on my 60GB launch model - although I had to replace a burned out power supply. But that gave me the excuse to upgrade to a 500GB hard drive.

I'd recommend getting a slim model though. I plan on getting another PS3 soon and it'll definitely be a slim.

As far as games go there are tons of games collections being re-released with updates.

Sly-Cooper collection
Prince of Persia collection
SIlent Hill collection
MGS you already said
Sega collection you already mentioned

As Noise indicated fighters are where it's at on the PS3. It also has some great DL content. Pinballs, Braid, Limbo, Shatter, plus some great ps1 games on the cheap.

[Ziggy]

It's already been said, but get a used fat only if you want to play PS2 games on it. Otherwise, I see no reason why the slim isn't the better choice. I'll always opt to buy something new when possible.

Don't really worry too much about the hard drive size, especially if you're getting a fat model. I'm not sure what the prices are between slim models, but if the larger hard drive model isn't that much more, than I guess it'd be worth it if you're worried about the room. Otherwise, it's very easy to upgrade the hard drive. Google "PS3 hard drive upgrade" or similar for a YouTube video or whatever, it's really easy.

LittleBigPlanet is easily my favorite platformer since Super Mario World.

LBP is definitely my favorite game for the system! It's a fun game alone, or insane good times with friends. And the music is amazing! Why is there no official soundtrack? I have only played the demo for LBP2, but it seems just as good if not better than the first.

I've must have said this a zillion times on here, but whatever, Bioshock really showed me that FPS aren't dead. I really fell out of touch with FPS in a world of COD and clones, Bioshock was a breath of fresh air for me. It's a FPS first and foremost, I guess. But it wouldn't be a stretch to call it a survival/horror, it definitely has a horror-type atmosphere through the entire game. The 1950's setting also makes it very unique, and helps to add to the creepy atmosphere. Then there's the sci-fi aspect of it. The first and second game take place in an under water city. And in addition to guns and such, you gain some awesome sci-fi abilities like elements (fire, ice, lightening) and telekinesis as well as many other abilities. Multiple endings depending on what you choose to do in the game, and a story twist at the end. The sequel was just as fun. Some complain that the sequel's story was weak, but I say, who cares?

[noiseredux]

LBP is definitely my favorite game for the system! It's a fun game alone, or insane good times with friends. And the music is amazing! Why is there no official soundtrack? I have only played the demo for LBP2, but it seems just as good if not better than the first.

sadly, LBP2 doesn't seem as good to me. I'm more than halfway through right now. I mean it's good. But LBP was way better in my opinion.

[Gamerforlife]

Your first purchases should be

Valkyria Chronicles
Heavy Rain
Flower
Batman Arkham Asylum
Batman Arkham City
Ratchet and Clank Tools of Destruction
Sonic Generations

Probably the best games on the system right there.

[Gamerforlife]

Sly Collection and Ico/SOTC Collection are must haves if you haven't played them before. Also, download Castle Crashers and Beyond Good and Evil HD

[Gamerforlife]

Also, Little Big Planet sucks. I'm sorry, but it does. The controls are terrible and the level design doesn't help. It's only selling point is the create a level feature that people go nuts over

[dsheinem]

Your first purchases should be

Valkyria Chronicles
Heavy Rain
Flower
Batman Arkham Asylum
Batman Arkham City
Ratchet and Clank Tools of Destruction
Sonic Generations

Probably the best games on the system right there.

in YOUR opinion. You just listed three games I bought and then sold again (something I rarely do), a sequel to one of those, a game I only have because I got it for free, a game that's superior on another platform, and a game I enjoy quite a bit but only lasts about an hour or so.

The nice thing about the PS3 is that there's a LOT of variety, so fans of almost any and every genre will find a lot to like. But certainly don't take that list as the end-all be-all of good PS3 games, some of them are even poor in my estimation.

Also, Little Big Planet sucks. I'm sorry, but it does. The controls are terrible and the level design doesn't help. It's only selling point is the create a level feature that people go nuts over

I am going to have to support noise on this one. LBP is far and away the best pure platformer that doesn't have "Mario" or "Sonic" in the title in about 15 years or so. The PSP LBP game (not a port, by the way) is actually the best in the series so far in my opinon, but LBP 1 controls just fine. Sure, it's a little floaty compared to the tightness of the aforementioned mascot titles, but the level design of the series is made to work with this aspect of the engine, not against it. LBP absolutely stands by itself as a great platforming series without even mentioning the user designed stuff.

[Gamerforlife]

Your first purchases should be

Valkyria Chronicles
Heavy Rain
Flower
Batman Arkham Asylum
Batman Arkham City
Ratchet and Clank Tools of Destruction
Sonic Generations

Probably the best games on the system right there.

in YOUR opinion. You just listed three games I bought and then sold again (something I rarely do), a sequel to one of those, a game I only have because I got it for free, a game that's superior on another platform, and a game I enjoy quite a bit but only lasts about an hour or so.

The nice thing about the PS3 is that there's a LOT of variety, so fans of almost any and every genre will find a lot to like. But certainly don't take that list as the end-all be-all of good PS3 games, some of them are even poor in my estimation.

Yeah, that's just my opinion. I wasn't trying to imply otherwise. Hence me saying those are PROBABLY the best games on the system. Which game is superior on another platform? He implied this is his only current gen platform, so that seems irrelevant. It's really the only version he has access to. An so what if a game only lasts an hour if it's great? If you mean Flower, you're getting enough enjoyment for its asking price. I listed both Batman games because they are both great and you actually appreciate Arkham City a bit more if you've played Arkham Asylum, but both games stand on their own.

I am going to have to support noise on this one. LBP is far and away the best pure platformer that doesn't have "Mario" or "Sonic" in the title in about 15 years or so. The PSP LBP game (not a port, by the way) is actually the best in the series so far in my opinon, but LBP 1 controls just fine. Sure, it's a little floaty compared to the tightness of the aforementioned mascot titles, but the level design of the series is made to work with this aspect of the engine, not against it. LBP absolutely stands by itself as a great platforming series without even mentioning the user designed stuff.

I played a LOT of platformers games. I'm quite confident I've played more than you and LBP is easily among the worst I've ever had the displeasure of playing. Calling the controls floaty is a nicer way of saying that they're bad. The level design only make this more apparent, as it is NOT conducive to it at all.

but that's just my opinion, of course. I've seen many people criticize the game's controls though, but it always seems to get a pass regardless for some reason. I get that the game has charm. The game is completely built around charm, but that doesn't excuse bad gameplay