PS3 virgin - PS2 games and other stuff

[topper]

I'm about to dip my toes into PS3 ownership. Forgive me if these questions are adequately answered elsewhere - I'm still not sure...

Firstly, backwards compatibility with PS2 games. I heard that this was crap originally due to some problems with the graphics, but is it correct to say that with latest firmware, a 60GB PS3 will upscale PS2 games and DVDs to HD loveliness?

Also, without starting any holy wars, is it reasonable to say that the 360 usually edges the graphics but the difference is so slight that you have to be a real GW to care, and it's only like that as devs are developing for the 360 first then porting across? And as time goes by, devs may well get to grips with the PS3 more and we might see more of its graphical potential unleashed?

I'm basically going to use it to play PS2 games at first, and for some media stuff, then gradually get into Blurays and the odd sports game. The way I see it is that I have a chipped PS2 and a softmodded Xbox that I can sell, and the balance is pretty reasonable for the functionality I'd be getting. But if the PS2 BC is dodgy, I may not be so tempted.

[J0e Musashi]

Not all PS2 games will run unless you get a hardware BC PS3. All DVDs will be upscaled though.

Dunno about your grafx q.

[Brad]

Factual stuff:
Worst problem I had with BC was in Silent hill 2 where the dude's left leg would disappear now and then. Otherwise it's fine and upscales well. DVDs upscale very well.

Opinion stuff:
Regarding graphics... on the majority of multi-platform titles the 360 edges it marginally for the reasons you specified but only the guys on Beyond3d will notice. Occasionally games come out that look better on PS3. Some PS3 exclusives look better than anything that I have played on 360 e.g. Uncharted, metal Gear Solid 4 and Killzone 2

Disclaimer: PS3 was my first current Gen system and I tend to favor it over 360. Possibly I am biased.

[cutmymilk]

Graphically, depends on the devs. I'd say Killzone 2 is the finest I've seen this gen.

[InvisibleKid]

Also, without starting any holy wars, is it reasonable to say that the 360 usually edges the graphics but the difference is so slight that you have to be a real GW to care, and it's only like that as devs are developing for the 360 first then porting across? And as time goes by, devs may well get to grips with the PS3 more and we might see more of its graphical potential unleashed?

I don't want to start wars either.. just airing my opinion as a guy who writes renderers for consoles.

PS3 is ridiculous in terms of what it can achieve (see Killzone 2) but no-one has come close to making the most of it.

I have a feeling that for the rest of this gen we're mainly going to see that 360 games have the edge when it comes to multi-platform titles, it's ease of use for the programmer makes it that way. But just like last gen, where PS2 had ICO and Shadow of the Colossus and other beautiful gems - PS3 will have it's share too.

Not sure if that helps at all but I really think that's the way it'll go.

[topper]

Thanks all. Does the hardware BC model upscale PS2 games as well as DVDs?

[J0e Musashi]

Hardware BC does everything. No PAL version available mind.

[Robster]

So would I need a US 60 gb console to play everything?, and is the ps3 region free?.

[J0e Musashi]

Either a JPN 20 or 60, or a USA 20 or 60. PS3 is region-free, but your PS1/2 gaming and DVD playback is governed by the unit's region.