Celebrate in style
On March 23rd 2007, the Playstation 3 launched in Europe amidst a wealth of controversy. Originally scheduled to arrive close to the US date in November 2006, the release was put back for four months due to an apparent shortage of Blu-ray components.
As March drew nearer, Sony dropped a further bombshell on potential purchasers, by revealing that the backwards compatibility of the device would be software based, rather than the hardware-based solution of the US machines. This meant that the number of PS2 titles that would work on the machine would be greatly reduced. Despite this being labelled as a cost-cutting move, the console was still due to retail at £425, without any software included, over £100 more than the Xbox 360, and more than double the price of the Wii, which was only just beginning its monumental rise to the top.
However, here we are, three years later and it's fair to say that the Playstation 3 has defied its critics and solidified its spot in this console generation. Now retailing for almost 50% less than its launch price, and with a vast library of software available, improved controllers (the Dual Shock 3 replacing the feather-light SixAxis) and free online play for everyone, the PS3 has become a pretty much essential piece of kit for gamers.
In honour of the Playstation 3 reaching its namesake age, we've put together a list of ten of the best exclusive titles for the console. These are the games that deserve pride of place amongst a PS3 owner's collection, games which you can't play on any other machine. Some of these have evolved from earlier Playstation generations, others are IP that made their début on the machine (or sequels to titles that did). Ultimately, if you're a PS3 owner, these are the must-have games. And if you've already got them, then go play them again!
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Nathan Drake's second adventure saw him step out of the large shadow cast by the sexy and awesome Lara Croft, and establish himself as a major player amongst gaming's elite action heroes. Meanwhile, developers Naughty Dog were able to leave behind their Crash Bandicoot past to create lavish jungle and underground locations, all of which formed part of a mature (without being gratuitous) adventure, while the addition of multiplayer gave it life beyond the story. From the opening moments, where Drake climbs up the side of a train hanging precariously off a cliff ledge, through to the final daring escape sequence, the action barely subsides. We said: "Among Thieves makes you want to continue playing whenever you get an opportunity. Many a meal will go cold and a sickie be pulled for some who buy this one!"
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots
Due to Hideo Kojima's insistence that this would be the last Metal Gear Solid in the Snake saga, the game is crammed full of familiar faces and plot finishes. This being the case, none Metal Gear fans will be forgiven for giving this a miss. Who am I kidding? Guns of the Patriots is a game that must be played by "everyone." Even if the cutscenes do drag on and the game never knows when to end (or make sense), behind the cinematics is a huge dose of extremely quality gaming. In fact, this is "the" reason I purchased a Playstation 3. Here's what our review had to say: "MGS4 is as close to cinema as video games get with its breath taking set pieces, numerous plot twists and fascinating characters."
