PS 3 Gets Good Sporting Titles

by c.J
published by Rinie 3rd September 2009




For years, proud PlayStation owners have had a kind of superior satisfaction whenever the subject of baseball games comes up. Sure, they do get all the usual stuff from 2K Sports, but unlike those who are unwilling to take the plunge on the big black behemoth, PlayStation owners also get hands-down the best version of digital ballpark antics on any platform. In fact, SCE San Diego's 09 version of its baseball sim isn't just the highest-rated baseball game; it's the best-reviewed sports game of 2009! Try beating that. Chalk it up to a combination of killer visuals, a tireless attempt to capture the feeling of an actual baseball broadcast, and some seriously deep career modes that all add up to a game that some say is so packed with goodness that one could play it for an entire year -- conveniently when the next iteration hits stores.





For all the sports’ action that developers seem to have got down pat; it's deep but isn’t enough to satisfy the hardcore, yet series like Tiger Woods are pumped full of casual-friendly game play so everyone's happy. Where Tiger ends and chibi, big-headed anime-style golfers begin is ground zero for developer Clap Hanz's Hot Shots Golf series, one that simultaneously blends impressive course designs, pick-up-and-play controls and a cheery, unassuming presentation. Beneath all the adorable golfers and caddies, though, lies one of the best green-reading interfaces ever made, a fantastic risk/reward setup in how shots are hit, and tons of depth. The PS3 version also expanded on the online offerings with customizable avatars, a clubhouse and the option to set tournaments and tee times for competitions. Yes, the game is awesome and yes, you should grab it.



For years, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater was the only game in town. Skate changed that with the introduction of a more realistic game and a brand new control scheme. Skate 2 upped the ante, bringing back the analogue controls of the first and adding in more tricks to your repertoire. Oh sure, you can get off your board now, but that isn't what makes Skate 2 special. Handplants, footplants, fingerflips and more were added allowing gamers to get extremely creative with their lines. There were plenty of moments in the first Skate that had us saying "Hot damn!" There are twice as many of those in Skate 2. Of course, our personal favorite is the addition of the bone-cracking Hall of Meat challenges. Forget pulling off a line full of death-defying tricks. Instead, focus on gaining as much speed as possible, then launching yourself off your board and slamming your body into a wall. Crrrrack!