First time PS3 buyer
 

Ok, first, the backstory.

My birthday is on August 30. I recently bought a very nice LCD HDTV when our other tube TV died a little over a year after buying it. I am very happy with my HDTV, but I have yet to get a Blu-Ray player all the while wishing one would just arrive magically on my doorstep. So as a gift to myself on my birthday, and since Sony was so nice as to knock down the price on their new PS3 Slim, I'm splurging.

So, my question to you:

I want to buy one game and one movie to start off. While I expect to be renting Blu-Ray movies from now on, I don't expect to be purchasing or renting any games for a long time after I get the first one. I'd like both the game and the movie to be a showcase for the TV. I'd also like them to be a decent game and a decent movie!

So, for those of you with a PS3 and/or a Blu-Ray player, if you had to go back to the beginning and, knowing what you know now, start all over again -- but you could only choose one PS3 game and one Blu-Ray movie to show off your HDTV -- what would they be?

EDIT: And to keep it interesting for you 360 players out there, do you think that even though the 360 doesn't have a Blu-Ray player I should get it over the PS3? What would be the first and only 360 game you would buy?

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Well I own both a PS3 and a 360, and I'm technically a little more biased towards 360. But I do love my PS3 as well. So I'll advise you with that since it's a big decision to make.

I would definitely get Uncharted for my first game, and for my first Blu-ray movie?

The Dark Knight. With the extra hi-res IMAX shots included it's really a visual treat that must be seen to be believed. My first Blu-ray movie purchase was Casino Royale as well so that's a good starting place.

Ratchet and Clank: Future Tools of Destruction is also good fun and with an additional runthrough for extra replay. The choice is yours!

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Magus stole my answers.

Uncharted is an extremely gorgeous looking game. It is fun to play, and you have reason to go back to it time and time again. The only issue you may have is the game could be beat in about 8 hours or so.

As for movie, The Dark Knight is the way to go. It is one of the 3 blu rays that really pops due to the IMAX scenes, and just the scope of some of the scenes.

As for 360 and PS3, while I think it is wiser to buy a PS3 for the Blu ray, if you want a system for movies. I say go with the Xbox 360, with the Netflix features, you literally have hundreds of movies and TV shows at your finger tips, and even a decent selection of hi def stuff as well. The streaming is top of the line as well. And gonna be selfish and suggest The Orange Box so that you could join the rest of GT in our games.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

I'm curious, since you guys bring up netflix. (And I'm too lazy to look but..) How much is the subscription to Nexflix, and do you need xbox live to get it? What level of XBL do you need and how much is that subscription?

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Good question there, I'm curious as well. And is the HD content from Netflix 1080p or 720p?

Magus & BaB: I have seen the E3 videos for the latest Uncharted, and it did look gorgeous. Did the first one look that good?

Ooh and I forgot about the Dark Knight IMAX shots. That must look sweet.

Magus: Why do you say Ratchet and Clank, because it is fun, or because it looks good? Both? Something else?

BaB: I'm not sure what you meant -- so are you saying if you wanted movies you would go with the PS3 or the 360? Oh, and I would love to get in on the Orange Box play, but I've got it for PC and I just can't see myself getting used to playing FPSes on analog sticks again after the PC and also the Wii.

Other opinions?

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Well just for my personal picks

Top 5 Blu Rays in no Order
The Dark Knight, Casino Royale, Sin City, Iron Man and Wall-E

As for the movies question, I was just saying that Xbox has more content for movies as it allows you to instantly stream if you have Netflix and I believe the movies are outputted in 720p.

And after speaking with Munk, it seems like you need XBL for Netflix which has to suck because then it goes up to like 58 bucks just to get the thing running. And 8 bucks a month (for a single DVD out at a time) for Netflix.

And Ratchet and Clank is a pretty and awesome game.

But now that you mention it, both games are getting sequels this year and would make sense to wait for Uncharted 2 since it adds in an impressive online mode.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Just go with whichever you want. Both are great systems. The only real differentiator is that the 360 has a superior online experience.

I would also wait to buy a 360 until Microsoft undercuts or matches the PS3's new price point, which should happen soon.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Ratchet and Clank is an awesome to play and actually look at to be honest.

Nice smooth 60fps gameplay is hard to beat. And yes Uncharted did look THAT good, even in the first release, and the second promises much better. Also The Last Guardian looks to be a nice masterpiece as well as Heavy Rain, though it was delayed.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

I would probably get Metal Gear Solid 4 if I were to get a PS3. Then my first movie would either be 300 or Watchmen. Both are visually amazing.

Yes, if you have a 360 you need a subscription to xbox live and netflix. If you get a PS3 you can buy http://www.themediamall.com/playon/plugins for $50...which ends up being cheaper in the long run.

As for streaming quality, it depends on your internet speed.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

I honestly wouldn't get MGS 4 unless you really enjoy watching your games.
I got turned off because in the first two hours, maybe 30 minutes or so of it was actually controllable, but alas.

Also, I have yet to see 300 so couldn't comment nor Watchmen, but curious why. I don't remember anything in the movie standing out too much visually.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Thanks for the info about netflix guys.

Anyway, to answer the original question of the post.. I'd personally go for MGS4. But since you're implying that you'd only have one game for a very long time, I'd lean towards GTA4 in that case.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Vampyr & Game & BaB: The watching as opposed to playing with MGS4 does worry me. Is it as much non-playing as BaB makes it out to be? What about the visuals... are they -- excuse the term -- awesome?

Vampyr: I could see 300 being amazing. Have you actually seen it on Bluray, though? Is the video quality particularly impressive? As for Watchmen, while I think visually it may be impressive, I didn't like the movie very much. As much as I want impressive visuals, I also want a game/movie I can play/watch.

Game: For length I guess GTA4 is a very good point, and something I didn't think about when BaB mentioned Uncharted is only 8 hours. What about gameplay, though... now that it has been awhile since GTA4 came out and all the hype has died down, would you say it was really worth all the hype? Were the visuals awesome?

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

I haven't played much beyond that with MGS 4, but I heard from my friend that the ending clocks in at near 2 hours so take that as you will.

I didn't want to get into a pissing match about the Watchmen which is why I didn't mention my own opinion on the movie, but one of the reasons I haven't bought it on any format is I don't think I can sit through it again.

And on GTA 4, I don't think the visuals were that great when they came out and I assume a year and a half has done it no favors.

Now before answer on gameplay, if you have never played any of the GTA games beforehand, I would recommend it.

If you have though, I got bored about a quarter of the way through because no matter how awesome a sandbox game is... there are limitations to the mission structure so around my 3rd scout out an area, and protect someone making a deal mission, I just grew bored.

Now if you want a sandbox game that doesn't take itself too seriously I recommend Saints Row, the only problem is the game looks rough around the edges.

If you want a game that combines value and length I guess something like Resistance 2 would be up your alley, now I've played very little of it, but it does look nice and offer online play so make of that what you will.

I still stand by my picks of Uncharted or Ratchet though.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

MGS4 is a game that KNOWS it looks good, and it does. Looks and sounds great too if you have the surround sound to back it up. And yeah. The ending is very long and most of it is really just answering questions from the six canon games before it. So there's a lot to take in especially if you don't have any previous knowledge of the MGS backstory, although there's a download on PSN for free that gives you the background info on all that is Metal Gear, including not spoiling whatever you haven't completed in MGS4.

MSX2 - MG1, MG2:Solid Snake
PSX - MGS1
PS2 - MGS2, MGS3
PSP - MGS:Portable Ops

And also, people seem to forget that there is Metal Gear Online, which while it does have some of the deathmatch modes, it's got some other interesting stuff too.

I can imagine 300 looking good, but again I haven't seen it in HD so I can't vouch for anything. The Pixar films have always been great because they have a lot of attention to detail even though they are very "cartoony" in nature and art style.

I've heard Resistance 2 has a insane multiplayer mode that gets better as you get more experience, but I have yet to play it so I couldn't tell you.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Yes its a ton of cutscenes, though the gameplay is good and very well polished too. Its just that the games main focus is on the plot and cutscenes.. its like the ending to the Metal Gear 'Solid' series. If you're a big fan of MGS1, 2, or 3 you'll like it.

The reason I wouldn't reccomend it over a GTA4 is because its more like a movie then a game. (Assuming you liked the older versions) You're not going to want to stop playing it until its over (which will take a few days if you have a life). Once you complete it, it's not something that you'll want to hop right back on. I haven't messed with the online play much, so I can't speak to that.

And yes the visuals are great.

The gameplay is great to me, and I love the online play. And I think the game was worth all the hype.. And in my opinion the graphics were good, but its not as good as the above mentioned game (MGS4).. its just the atmosphere of the game that makes it better.

You seem to be very undecided.. if I were you I wouldn't even buy any games. Just rent when I'm ready to play haha.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Well thank you for the opinions!

First off I'm surprised no one mentioned any Pixar movies. Even when playing a DVD on an HDTV, Pixar movies look spectacular. I was seriously leaning towards Ratatouille. I of course did the prerequisite Google for "best blu-ray movie", though I didn't go far down that road. But from that search it seems that the Blade Runner ultimate Blu-Ray set is quite the masterpiece. Anyone have that?

So my decision has come down to --- *drumroll* --- The Dark Knight and Uncharted.

Both my girlfriend and I saw the Dark Knight on IMAX, so I know just how amazing the IMAX shots are.

As for Uncharted, I guess I wanted more glam than length. As much as a long lasting game like GTA4 or (I think to a lesser extent) MGS4 are nice, they are actually to my gaming detriment. I just don't have the time anymore. BioShock took me forever. That said, I think GTA4 will be in my future, but I doubt MGS4 will ever be because I have only playe MGS1.

Thanks again for all the opinions and the help!

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

I have Blade Runner on bluray, although not the "ultimate set", just the final cut. Don't know if there are any differences, but I'm guessing there isn't. I think it's really good, and I'm a big fan of the movie, but The Dark Knight should be the first choice for you. And everybody else :)

I also own Wall-e, and that's brilliant as well. In truth, Wall-e may be even better looking than TDK. But it's an animation, it doesn't have the same effect as TDK.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Even though it's not a movie, the "Planet Earth" DVD/Blu-Ray series looks goddamn phenomenal.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

It's a shame though because they had a really good deal on the Blu-ray set that was under 40 bucks or so at Best Buy around when I first got my PS3 and I didn't get it then so now it's back to 50+ :(

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Planet Earth does look phenomenal. I see that in my future collection.

Dude... http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Earth-C...1210065&sr=8-1 $40 + free shipping.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

I just brought home my Ps3 slim with Madden 2010 and GTA4. GTA4 is installing on it right now..

I wanted MGS4 instead of GTA, but MGS was sold out at the 3 main stores I go to... so I'll have to wait it out. I already played through that game anyway, so its no rush.

The Ps3 slim is smaller and noticably quieter then the old PS3, and I like the power buttons more. It actually weighs a lot still.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

...my PS3 never made noise.:confused:
Was it supposed to?:ohreilly:

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Dammit. Why'd you have to show me this. Now I'm gonna go spend more money mumble grumble..

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Nice, Game. I got all mine sent from Amazon but it won't be here 'til Thursday (some reason they're not shipping until tomorrow). I paid for overnight, but hopefully that cancels out with the money I saved on all the extras I bought as well. Perhaps I should have just gone to the ol' brick 'n mortar...

Where did you get it from?

Dude, I know. I took a lot of willpower for me not to plunk down the cash right there.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Which model do you have? The one I borrowed to play MGS4 on I could hear the fan on.. But then again maybe that's because I sat on it a good 6-8 hours at a time.

Oh, and if anyone's wondering.. Madden 2010 is cool, but I feel like they're just starting to get the gameplay quality on par with last gen. And GTA4 is GTA4.. I played it before. I mostly want to mess with the online play. I really want to get a basketball game now... Damn this expensive hobby.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

I have (had) a first release (backwards compatible), and a 40 gig.

Then again I'd never really play them for more than 2 hours in one sitting, aside from the time me and Dylflon's brother beat MGS4 in one sitting.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

My Wii makes a lot of noise too, is that normal?

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

That depends how hot the girl shaking the wiimote is.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Ew I'm the only one shaking it, is my Wii gay?

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

So impressions... thoughts... did it arrive... and sure that should have been first.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

It came in a day late (today), and I'm still at work. I guess they had a slight oversell of PS3s and weren't able to ship mine on Wednesday. The real kicker is that they ended up sending Uncharted, Dark Knight, and the Bluetooth Blu-Ray controller on Wednesday. SO... I had everything to enjoy the PS3... except the PS3.

But at least it shall be a nice way to finish off the week and to start my birthday weekend!

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

I would have to agree with you on that! Enjoy!

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

I bought College Hoops 2k8 from ebgames for $9.99 and I'm enjoying it more then Madden and GTA4.. go fig! I hope the NBA licence is never taken from 2k sports like how the NCAA BAsketball and NFL ones were. That'd be a tragedy.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Ok, impressions. Let's start with the Blu-Ray:

Dark Knight is awesome, and the IMAX scenes look great. But...

Ok, have any of you seen one of the newer HDTVs with Automotion Plus? Basically all the 120Hz LCDs have it now, Samsung and Sony do it best, but I think all the rest have pretty much caught up. When I first saw it at a store, THAT was when I knew HDTV had really arrived, because that's the first time it stopped me (and my girlfriend for that matter) in our tracks. It's cliched, but it's true -- it's like looking through your front window out at the movie happening right in front of your house. It looks like reality. For those who haven't seen it, it actually kind of looks like you're watching a soap opera.

Some people don't like it (since it's not the director's original intent blah blah blah). But for me, that is what HDTV is all about.

So, back to the Blu-Ray: the Samsung HDTV I have along with the Automotion stuff already made DVDs look amazing. The Blu-Ray, while definitely noticeably better, wasn't as big a jump for me since the DVD already looked so damn good. But I'm glad I got Blu-Ray, if just for the IMAX Dark Knight scenes.

Btw, Dark Knight: even more chilling the 2nd time watching it. The themes really sink in, and they are chilling thoughts.

On to the game: Uncharted.

Now this was impressive. The only other current-gen games I've played are TF2 and Bioshock, and both only on PC. They look good, but not as good as Uncharted, and not with the punch that a 46" HDTV gives.

Fortunately the gameplay is good, too. The controls can be a little wonky, especially with the platforming, not seeing an edge that you immediately fall to your death over, and jumping from one cover position to another (or just getting out from cover so you can start punching a guy). But I enjoy the cover and fire mechanics. I do not, however, enjoy going back to analog stick aiming. Balls on my face with that shit. But I'm sure I'll get a little better at it.

Verdict: Very good choices, both of them.

Thanks again guys!

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Good to see you enjoyed our picks.

And I am waiting for official confirmation, but it seems like Best Buy may have a similar sale for the PS3 next week as it had for the 360 this week, which means buy 1 get 50% off the second with potential on working w/ pre-orders.

Would use it for Uncharted 2 and Ratchet a Crack in Time.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

That automation stuff looks like crap. When I saw it at Best Buy they were using it with the Dark Knight and I think that when things aren't moving quickly (like Batman driving in the Batmobile) it looks too fake (like when Joker was being interviewed by Batman/Commissioner Gordon).

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Well I can't speak for the specific TV you were watching (mine is a Samsung 120Hz), but to me it looks superb. It looks like you're standing in front of the actors watching them in person. The detail is amazing.

But you're not the only one to not like it. Also note that the Samsung and I imagine most of them have different levels from low to high (or off) so you can get some happy medium.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

I saw an article once that read "HD Better than real life?"

I think I agree with that.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

In a sea of gimmicks, as long as you're happy with whatever you have, nobody else's opinion matters.

I'm kind of glad I got a 37" 1080p Aquos when I did, though. Personally, on every 120Hz set I've seen, everything just looks fast-forwarded. It's adding information that isn't there and it will never look right to me. 240Hz TVs are just confounding the problem, not fixing it.

The next TV I buy will be a laser or plasma TV, but that won't be for a while.

Also, I was playing the InFamous demo today and I really enjoy it.

And if you haven't been suggested Valkyria Chronicles yet, you better get it. Or else.

Re: First time PS3 buyer
 

Could anyone explain what Auto Motion Plus does? Google isn't very helpful.