How is PS3/Playstation Network?

[Dreakon]

I used to be a PC gamer but I can never seem to keep up hardware-wise, so now that I've given up and I'm on a laptop with a integrated video card, I think I want to give console gaming a try. Thusly, I'm thinking of getting a Playstation 3. A few questions...

a) How is Playstation Network (PSN)? I know it's no "Xbox Live", but is it functional enough where I'll easily be able to play my hockey games online and have fun? Are there a lot of people on most games all the time? Is the lag okay on a reasonably fast wireless cable network? As that's what I'll be using.

b) Going along with gaming online, let's talk specifics... is there still a lot of people playing Grand Theft Auto IV on Playstation 3? What about something with a "sequal" already succeeding it, like NHL 09? If I bought NHL 09 cheap for PS3, would people be online looking to play? And what about Little Big Planet?

c) What other things can I do with PSN other than play games? I'm guessing downloading demos, classic games, little indie games, that kind of stuff. I know there's a browser. Any other more community oriented things?

And most important, would anyone here recommend it over Xbox 360? Looking over the games catalog, PS3 has more exclusives that suit me better (MGS4, Little Big Planet, God of War III, Final Fantasy XIV in the future, Heavy Rain) unlike the Xbox 360 (Halo, Fable, Gears of War). Of course, there's plenty of games that belong on both consoles that I like as well. GTA IV, the EA games NHL series, Fallout 3, etc.

However, most of my friends have Xbox 360 (so I kind of wish I could play with them) and the most important part of getting this console is solid online multiplayer... which is why Xbox Live kind of appeals to me...


So yeah, I dunno. I've been wracking my brain trying to decide which is best for me and I'm leaning towards the Playstation 3. I don't know why, maybe I'm insane, but I'm curious of the random OnRPG forumgoers opinion. Go nuts.



Oh, and P.S: I don't own many movies and certainly no blu-ray discs... so the fact it's a blu-ray player as well really doesn't do much for me. I may watch my burned DVD's on it from time to time though. I watch most of my television shows and movies on my laptop (which will now have more HD space that I've given up PC gaming lol).

[Pok]

a) You notice the lag, much moreso that a PC game.

b) There are still someplaying GTA IV, I'd bet RDR has more. I haven't played LBP in ages, no idea, it was terri-laggy.

c) There is Home, I haven't used it since it came out mind you. You can get demos, chat, DLC stuff, same as xbox pretty much.

The multiplayer really depends on the game, some have great online (MGS4.. well in terms of lag anyways, shooting + console = herp a derp), while others are almost unplayable (LBP), others you can enjoy, but don't expect it to be top notch (running people over in cars in GTA IV online is almost impossible since they aren't where you see them). Voice is all about whatever bluetooth you buy as well, I haven't found many people with quality ones.

[kuturu4FA]

A) I don't lag, neither do my friends, so i'm guessing it's based off of your connection/residence.

B ) Grand theft nono, get MW2 please, i'll make your day when you play with me and my friends

C) Home ? bleh, don't use that.

ID- Almightyjuan and kcelf_1 do it

EDIT: I don't get my new ps3 till next week, sorry

[Dreakon]

So basically, the Playstation 3 is unplayable on a wireless connection and instead of getting a game I actually really like in GTA IV... I should get Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2...?

Would I expect better wireless performance from the Xbox 360 Slim (that has it built in)?

[Runwiththelight]

I play PS3 with WiFi fine on GTAIV and RDR <_<

[Izman]

I used to be a PC gamer but I can never seem to keep up hardware-wise, so now that I've given up and I'm on a laptop with a integrated video card, I think I want to give console gaming a try. Thusly, I'm thinking of getting a Playstation 3. A few questions...

A) PSN is great. No lag, no monthly fees. Just about a Xbox Live, although Xbox Live has cross-game voice chat, but that's about the only thing xbox live has over PSN.

GTA4? Maybe. Usually there is always a hand full of players playing a game, and seeing on how it was popular, I'd assume so. NHL games are released every year, so I would buy the most recent and play that. Littlebig Planet has tons of people on it.

C) Download movies, game demos, buy full games (even games found in stores), talk with friends in chat rooms, talk via Playstation Eye (webcam), everything the xbox can do (but cross-game chat voice chat)

I own both systems. PS3 all the way.

Not only does it have WAY more exclusives than the 360, but it has free PSN with built in Wifi (you have to buy a wireless adapter for $100 if you get a 360). It costs $60 a year to play online while PS3 is free. The PS3 also has a blue ray player.

After you buy a 360, you're looking at around $160 + $60 per year extra just to play online.

If price isn't a limit though, I'd still recommend the PS3. Overall, it's a more powerful system, capable of hosting 128vs128 war battles while the 360 can't do more than 10 players in Gears of War without slow texture loading.

PS. If you have an HD television, rent a blueray DVD. You wont go back.

EDIT: I see your next few posts are about internet connectivity. Let me put it this way.

My friend, has a router upstairs and a PS3 downstairs. It is separated by freakin everything. He plays at 20% wireless connectivity without a hiccup. I was kind of amazed actually, I mean, the PS3's wireless isn't god mode, but It certainly doesn't disappoint. The only thing I can see wrong with it is the lack of wireless N compatibility; but that's for high-end routers.

EDIT EDIT: You can set your router from N to something the PS3 is compatible with (I forgot the term. B/G maybe?) We tried wireless N. It was no different than the rest.