Ask PS3 Fanboy: More edition [volume 06]

Keep checking back every weekend -- we'll be sure to answer all intelligent, fun, and relevant questions that you may have. If you haven't asked us anything yet ... why haven't you? Send an e-mail to majed @ ps3fanboy.com with the subject "Ask PS3 Fanboy." We'd like to stress, if it doesn't include that subject heading, you're question will not be answered. If you've got PSP-related questions, be sure to ask them on Ask PSP Fanboy.

Sven asks: Buy the MGS4 bundle now and get backward compatibility, or wait for the new 8o gig machine?
PS3F answers: That depends, it seems that the only features of the MGS4 bundle that are important to you are the BC function and the MGS4 game. Since you can get the game anywhere else, you just need to ask yourself: how much do I need BC? It's actually quite overrated; if you've got a PS2, you'll just want to take good care of it and use that to play PS2 games. PS1 games work fine on either system. We'd recommend going with the new 80GB units. If you don't have a PS2 but plan on picking up PS2 games to play on PS3, then check here for compatibility.
Jarrett G. asks: I just got a 80GB (older model) to replace my 3-month old 40GB, so I could play my PS2 games. I was surprised by the difference in noise (from the fan) and the amount of heat produced. Is there that much difference between the two hard drives used or is there something else hardware or software related that creates the extra heat. Also, should I be worried about my new PS3 overheating?
PS3F answers: We wouldn't worry about your PS3 overheating. Just make sure you keep the vents clean of dust, and keep your PS3 in a spacious area so that air can circulate around it. And yes, 40GB PS3s and the older 80GB PS3s have different heat sinks. While they will perform differently, both are still very good at keeping your system cooled.
Fenil S. Adam S., Daniel S., Pesico, Shafeek, Marcus A., Justin D. all ask: Does [insert title here] have Trophies?
PS3F answers: We'd like to remind you all that everything that we know about what games will/will not feature Trophies can be found on our Trophy Portal. You'll find the most comprehensive list regarding Trophies there. Bookmark it, and check back often to see if it is updated.
Aziz S.A. asks: What happened to the 120-160 GB PS3 with reduced RSX die size? Is it really just a rumor? Don't you think that when they introduced the core 80GB PS3 that brings to assumption that there will be a higher-end PS3? One that differs with more than what's available in the current 80 high-end unit?
PS3F answers: Well Aziz, looks like you got your answer directly from Sony on this one. Now aren't you happy that we hadn't answered your question last week? Your assumptions were correct; pat yourself on the back. You deserve it!
Aziz S.A. asks: Why isn't there a PS online store in Kuwait [or insert other names of countries without PS Store]? I mean we're part of Europe, aren't we?
PS3F answers: Yes, SCEE does handle Middle East affairs, but that won't affect anything. Saudi Arabia has a PS Store the last time we checked. Just keep in mind that setting up a PS Store requires massive amounts of resources. Uploading, hosting, and then maintaining content are just a few of the basic steps. The more important challenges involve dealing with the banks and the credit card companies to ensure proper transfer of funds. That's not easy. Then of course, once they get past that, there are the laws.

Daniel V.: Will there be a Substance/Subsistence version of MGS4 coming out as a stand-alone disc or as an add-on on the PSN?
PS3F answers: We highly doubt the PSN download part, but we're 99 percent sure there's going to be a re-release in the same vein as Substance and Subsistence. What's going to be on it though, it's too early to know; the game has only been out for less than three months. We'll know something about that in the next year. We don't see any reason why it would be released any different from Substance/Subsistence. We'd expect a multi-disc set, probably with MGO cut out. Again, don't take that as gospel; we're not Konami and it's just our personal insight.
Tiffany H. asks: Any news on the PS3 versions for Romance of the Three Kingdoms from Koei and Deus Ex? I know they're supposed to be in development. Being two of my favorite franchises from PS2, I'm wondering when they'll hit PS3?
PS3F answers: Koei have not said anything on the next Romance of the Three Kingdoms game, but it is very logical that it will appear on the PC and perhaps on the PS3 as well. This quietness is strange, normally Koei would have released an Asian version by now -- given how they regularly churn out ROTK titles. However, we assume they must be working on something big (or regretfully nothing at all) and just keeping things hush hush. If there is going to be new information on ROTK XII for PS3, then expect to see the earliest reveal to be at Tokyo Game Show; we'll be reporting from Japan for TGS, so make sure you tune in come October. As for Deus Ex, it seems that none of us have really been keeping tabs on this one, so we couldn't say for sure.
Felix D. asks: Hey PS3 Fanboy, is there any way to take a screenshot of your PS3? Either in a game or in the XMB menu?
PS3F answers: Nope, that is not possible. The only current way is if you purchase a video capture device (which can run pretty expensively), and then hook it up to your computer and do it that way. There are, however, specific games that support in-game capture for Youtube, but you only have a few choices: PixelJunk Eden and Mainichi Issho.
Latrell C. asks: The loss of Final Fantasy XIII as an exclusive is a big loss no doubt. But do you think if Sony brought back a sequel or prequel to The Legend of Dragoon on PS3, then would FFXIII's lost exclusivity be as bad as many PS3 fanboys make it out to be? I mean, Legend of The Dragoon was better than Final Fantasy VII in my opinion and a game like that on PS3 would surely lift the hardcore fanboy's spirits.
PS3F answers: Honestly speaking, comparing the two series is like comparing bananas to oranges. They're both part of the same group but completely different. To answer your question shortly: no, we don't think a new Legend of Dragoon game would constitute redemption for Final Fantasy XIII's lost exclusivity in the eyes of fanboys. While we could argue about which game was better all day, we'll just stick to more objective facts; LoD isn't as popular as Final Fantasy. Sure, if SCEI wants to make a new LoD game, certainly many people would be happy, but definitely not on the same scale as a new Final Fantasy would.
Devin S., Aziz S.A.: What is the mysterious game that BBC reporter talked about?
PS3F answers: Even if we knew the answer to that, we couldn't tell you. Or ... we'd have to kill you!









Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Deaddy @ Aug 23rd 2008 6:07PM
Backward compatibility is not overrated if you want to play your PS2 games on HDTV. Without the upscaling through PS3 they look absolutely terrible.
kevin @ Aug 23rd 2008 6:33PM
but peoples main"excuse" why they whine is about gameplay not graphics.
I got an 80 gig motorstorm bundle because of the HDD space and memory card readers i could care less about BC i bought a next gen system to play next gen games not to be stuck in the previous gen era.
kloteradyingrose @ Aug 23rd 2008 8:59PM
I've heard that even with upscaling the PS2 games look like crap.
Oh and choosing the 80 GB over the 60 GB because of more storage is the STUPIDEST thing you could EVER decide upon. This isn't the Xbox Please Fix Me where you pay 1.5 dollars per GB or for the 20GB you pay 5 dollars per gig and are capped off at 120GB.
You can get a 120GB for less than the price of a PS3 game. You can get a 500GB for 220 roughly. You can also get a 320GB for the same price that the 360 Cows/Lemmings have to pay 180 for 120GB while that same amount gives us a 320GB HDD (our company isn't milking us for anything the Xbots are being milked. We used to be called cows since they were saying we are being milked, but now almost nothing we have is additional. Sony isn't milking us so we technically can't be Cows anymore. If anything the 360 users are both cows AND lemmings for following a company with a system that CONSTANTLY fails AND having to pay so much for proprietary crap)
John-Paul-Jones @ Aug 23rd 2008 7:58PM
BC compatibility is NOT overrated. One of the many key points of the PS3 is to unite both the PS1 and PS2 systems into one system which in turn can also play next-generation games. That, for a lot of people, is a big win. From my understanding of the E3 2008, Jack Tretton stated that there are still a lot - and I mean a lot - of PS2 owners out there that haven't transitioned to the PS3 yet. Don't you think people would want to revisit the past with some nostalgic games? Take for example Metal Gear Solid 4. There's no doubt that some people who haven't followed the series are now picking up the PS1 and PS2 MGS games. The Final Fantasy series on the PS1 and PS2 is also another example. Ultimately, the point is that I don't think you would want to have both the PS1 and PS2 systems taking up space in your living room.
kevin @ Aug 23rd 2008 8:18PM
@john
"One of the many key points of the PS3 is to unite both the PS1 and PS2 systems into one system"
how about no one of the many key points of the ps3 IS bring a high definition entertainment system from sony as bringing blu ray movies, hd gaming, all that good stuff not rot from old games.
PiemanPieman @ Aug 23rd 2008 11:53PM
I think a PS2 hooked up with component cables looks fairly comparable to the PS3's upscaling. That could just be my TV being nice too, though.
Still, I wouldn't want to give up hard drive memory cards and a wireless controller not to mention the simple ease of it. I still have a PS2 hooked up to my TV usually, and I agree that it isn't a dealbreaker, but the system still loses some value in my eyes because of it.
I ended up with the MGS4 bundle and I think I'll be pretty happy with that.
Bkalasin @ Aug 24th 2008 4:26PM
Agreed. Backwards compatiblity is not overrated. What SONY fails to take into account is that many of us decide to graduate to the current generation when our PS2 DIES. The ability to still play the games we already own is a major factor when deciding to spend the extra 300-400 dollars on a PS3.
SONY in my opinion is throwing away a huge amount of their potential market by asking people to do away with their current game libraries in order to upgrade.
Eric E @ Aug 25th 2008 10:09AM
If PS3 will last 10 years, think PS2 will last another 10? Do you think your current PS2 will last another 10 years. (mine needed constant lens cleaning last i checked, i have a 60gb so its been a while)
IMPORTANT QUESTION:
5 years from now i'll still be able to play my ps2 games.
Will you?
Gonzo @ Aug 25th 2008 12:48PM
BC just seems like one of those small things that would make a big difference in sales around now.
As time goes on and ps2s start to break, the casual ps2 owners aren't going to want to make their game libraries obsolete.
A friend of mine just bought a new ps2 because his old one broke and he still wants to play some of those games. There are a couple of next gen games that he wants but he's talking about getting the cheaper 360 (also because he too wants to play his own music in whatever game he wants) for those. If the ps3 had BC, he would already own one.
So it depends but I think they're cutting out a wide group of savy consumers who might be willing to move on if they could take their existing library with them.
MetalGearsOfSolidWar @ Aug 23rd 2008 6:16PM
Well thanks for answering my question staff.
LoD is so under rated. At least Versus is still exclusive =D
strike @ Aug 23rd 2008 6:37PM
My questions not there =( Oh well, maybe next time.....
Do you guys release ask ps fanboy randomly in the weekends? I thought it was every friday.....
Mishi @ Aug 23rd 2008 6:48PM
What BBC reporter is he referring to? Did I miss something?
Noshino @ Aug 23rd 2008 6:56PM
supposedly this amazing game that doesn't compare to anything seen thus far, and according to him, it wasn't Heavy Rain
Majik @ Aug 23rd 2008 7:33PM
Darren Waters.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/2008/02/playstation_bounces_back.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/2008/07/is_the_mystery_game_revealed.html
Comment 16, second article:
"@ALL The game was NOT Heavy Rain. I promise you it is not that title."
massive_98 @ Aug 23rd 2008 7:02PM
What is the mysterious game that BBC reporter talked about?
My money is on EyePet because its a Sony London game and just recently announced. Or it could just be Heavy Rain.
The Aggie CEO @ Aug 23rd 2008 8:47PM
EyePet tho????
shoot yourself...........smh......
j.howlett @ Aug 23rd 2008 7:31PM
i somehow took a snap shot in fl0w. i was playing one day then must have pressed something because it appeared in my picture folder
kevin @ Aug 23rd 2008 7:38PM
every time you evolve it takes a screenshot
j.howlett @ Aug 23rd 2008 9:37PM
okay i haven't really played it since the expansion and i had gotten all the forms before
infekt @ Aug 23rd 2008 7:36PM
LoD was sooo good.
Dahk @ Aug 23rd 2008 7:43PM
About the overheating PS3s. I have a first-gen 60Gigger, and while the heat sinks are probably not as good, the fans churn out the heat quite well.
Unfortunately my TV stand doesn't really have that much room for placing all my boxes. So having the PS3 (with the fan to the side) sitting beside another box, heats the OTHER box like MAD. Lol so careful where you put it =).
Also, it's frozen like (MAX) 3 times before probably due to overheating. But at least it doesn't brick - works fine after a reset.
xcrunk @ Aug 23rd 2008 7:52PM
Have you or anyone on your staff ever farted in their hand, and smelled it?
I think PlayStation Nation is privy to this info.
Ninjacrank @ Aug 23rd 2008 11:56PM
I have done as you requested, and it smelled like the finest caviar.
Horshu @ Aug 23rd 2008 8:23PM
1. Sell your 360.2. Buy a PS3 and actually try it out, for Christ's sake.3. You're done.
CL34N3R @ Aug 23rd 2008 8:25PM
By getting in writing that you will never play on PSN. Knowing that you're on xbox live and we're on an entirely different network will make the PS3 RULE!
The Aggie CEO @ Aug 23rd 2008 8:45PM
ummmmmm simple.....
wait another year or 2.......just as with all PlayStation systems after the first 2 years games come out of nowhere........
Jarret @ Aug 23rd 2008 8:59PM
Thanks for answering my question.
Nineteen88 @ Aug 23rd 2008 10:24PM
Woah, Thank you so much guys for answering my questions. I can't describe how happy I am. *smiles*
Hopefully we'll continue to communicate steadily in the future.
I appreciate your efforts.
Thanks again.
Nineteen88 @ Aug 23rd 2008 10:41PM
Waah! I would like to say "THANK YOU" for the quick response. I didn't expect it SO quick. *smiles*
You guys are the best. *looking at Majed agreeingly*
Hopefully we'll continue to communicate steadily in the future.
I appreciate your efforts.
Thanks again.
exetermako @ Aug 24th 2008 3:56PM
Why do people always say that they only want to play "new" games, not old? So I guess that the PS2 having an amazing amount of some of the greatest games ever made means that the system is worthless now that the PS3 is out... Whatever - if I feel like whipping out God of War II, Final Fantasy X, Shadow of the Colossus, and so on, I'd rather do it on my PS3 than hook up yet another video game system with yet another set of video cables that run on a lower resolution.
bkalasin @ Aug 24th 2008 4:34PM
Agreed. Backwards compatibility is not overrated. What SONY fails to realize, is that many of us made the jump to the current generation when our PS2s DIED. The ability to still play the games I already own was a major selling point to me when deciding whether to spend the extra 400 for my PS3.
SONY in my opinion is throwing away a huge segment of their potential market by asking people to do away with their current game libraries in order to upgrade.
Without backwards compatibility, they simply would not have gotten my money. If that doesn't make SONY sit up and pay attention, nothing will.
Popfrogs @ Aug 25th 2008 12:41AM
You do realize it's more expensive to manufacture consoles with even _partial_ BC right? Sony has taken an enormous loss this generation just to get the console into your hands.
I say to hell with BC. I'm done playing PS2 games. Of course I say this being a launch 60GB owner but I haven't played a PS2 game since I finished GoW2.