PS3 backwards compatibility issues

[sabre2922]

from IGN.com

Sony may have included the PS2's CPU and GPU with every PlayStation 3 system, but the system still appears to be having some problems with backwards compatibility.

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We did find a few problem titles by looking through the list. Here's a quick run down.


# Tekken 5: A number of modes don't play background music properly.

# Xenosaga Episode II: The opening movie sometimes stops and sometimes doesn't properly play background music.

# Code Age Commanders: Problems (including data loss) with save game data.

# Radiata Stories: Background music during movie scenes may not play back properly.

# Star Ocean Till the End of Time (includes Directors Cut): Movie scenes may not have proper sound playback.

# Driving Emotion Type-S: BGM may not properly play back during races

# Gran Turismo 4: The screen may freeze following the title demo.

# Hot Shots Golf 3/4: Some sort of problem with the controls becoming unresponsive

# Operator's Side: The game freezes at the logo screen when started up with the Seamic controller

# Onimusha Dawn of Dreams: Screen will occasionally appear 2cm to the right

# Hyper Street Fighter II Anniversary Edition: The screen will not appear correctly in some instances. The S.F.II Movie cannot play properly.

# Megaman X7: There are times when the background music won't play properly

# Devil May Cry: The screen will sometimes freeze during the title demo

# Onimusha: During movie playback, the sound will occasionally stop

# Suikoden III: Cannot read PS1 data during the game.

# Silent Hill 2: When going from the title screen to the demo screen, the screen may freeze

These are the major problems we found looking through the numerous pages for Sega, Namco, Capcom, Square Enix, Sony and Konami.

Some problems, including those for Ace Combat 5, Oz, SOCOM and so forth, were fixed with the System 1.10 update. Sony still lists those problems in the database.

We also noticed a few recurring problems, sometimes based off a common feature, sometimes carried across an entire series of titles. The PS3 Virtual Memory Card specifications do not allow for PS2 games to read PS1 data, which is something that's apparently used in Suikoden III and a few other titles. Most of the microphone-compatible games seem to have problems. Konami's dance/music games seem to have a number of problems.

In addition to the software compatibility issues, Sony has made public the issues that arise due to hardware differences between the platforms, specifically the PS3 not using physical memory cards, not using a multitap, not having rumble built into its controller and other issues related to different hard disk and USB specifications.

As previously announced, you can keep using your PS2 game saves by purchasing a Memory Card Adapter (which is currently harder to find in Japan than actual PS3 units, it seems). Once you have the adapter, you'll be able to transfer your save files to the PS3 hard disk. The only catch is that games whose save icon displays a "No Copy" icon in the PS2 browser cannot have their data copied over.

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HDMI also gives problems to PS2 games. Sony states that as of 11/11, when the PS3 is connected to your entertainment center using HDMI, PS2 and PS1 games will output only in 2ch digital. When switching to Dolby/DTS modes for PS1 and PS2 games that are compatible with these sound systems, you'll get no sound output. For now, Sony recommends using an optical cable for such titles. This, of course, will require that you go into the settings menu and change the audio output cable.

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Games that use the hard disk will currently not run. The problem is that the built-in PS3 hard disk cannot currently be used as a PS2 hard disk. We haven't tried it out ourselves, but this means games like Final Fantasy XI and Nobunaga's Ambition Online won't work.


The complete article here: http://ps3.ign.com/articles/745/745439p1.html

[jajaja]

Good thing you can update the firmware then.

[sabre2922]

Good thing you can update the firmware then.

agreed

although those are a few very popular titles in that very short list freezing up etc. GT4,Devil May Cry,Silent Hill 2, and Onimusha

im sure much of this will be fixed by the second shipment of consoles for both Japan and the U.S. launch.

In fact this all may bode well for the European launch as they may get the more solid PS3 launch consoles by default with more of the bugs and glitches smoothed out.

I feel for the hardcore gamers out there that may shell out buku $$$ for their shiny new PS3 here in the U.S. and then try to play a AAA PS2 game like Gran Turismo 4 on it only to have it freeze on them right after the intro vid.

[Mayhem]

Add to the list, PS3 does not support the Guitar Hero controller and you can't hot swap either.

[jajaja]

Didnt GT4 have its own issues even on PS2 also? I've heard someone had problems running it.

[Oobgarm]

I dunno. I always wonder what the HUGE deal is about backward compatability. The main focus of the system is to play the current games. I'd think that most of the people getting a PS3 already have a PS2.

I'm sure that Sony will iron most of those problems out, though. It's a pretty substantial list. @_@

[MegaDrive20XX]

ACK! It freezes on SH2? :shameful: This will not do!

Yet, this firmware will hopefully fix it.

[jajaja]

I dunno. I always wonder what the HUGE deal is about backward compatability. The main focus of the system is to play the current games. I'd think that most of the people getting a PS3 already have a PS2.

I'm sure that Sony will iron most of those problems out, though. It's a pretty substantial list. @_@

I was just thinking the same thing actually. Its cool to have backward compability of course, but since i got my PS2 i've used it maybe 10-15 times tops with PSX games. I dont buy a PS3 to play PS2 and PSX game, same as i dont buy a Wii to play Super Mario Bros 1.

Its always been like this tho, when a new product comes out there is always some people who look for errors at once. Its kinda sad tho, i mean, looking for erros just to say "boooo, look at <company>, they sux!".

[Kid Ice]

I will never download a "firmware update" for a console I own. It either works or it doesn't. THAT'S IT.

[Sailorneorune]

Backwards compatibility is mostly used by people who don't want to have a bunch of consoles hooked up in case they get the itch to play an older game. I keep my PS2 connected for use with both PS1 and PS2 games, because my PS1 is old and unreliable.

However, from the looks of things, in the hypothetical situation that I do get a PS3 before hell freezes over (not preordering, not fighting with ebay assholes, just waiting), the PS2 will stay connected... as will all the other consoles I've got connected.

[jajaja]

I will never download a "firmware update" for a console I own.

Why not?

[petewhitley]

I will never download a "firmware update" for a console I own.

That doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I suppose you never got around to downloading Windows Service Pack 2 either?

[shadowkn55]

I will never download a "firmware update" for a console I own.

That doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I suppose you never got around to downloading Windows Service Pack 2 either?

Last time I checked, a PC wasn't a console.

[jajaja]

True, but the principle is just the same if something can be fixed, why not fix it? Its like your car break down and you wont take it to the shop for fixing because either it works or it dont.

Reminds me of when i played Titan Quest. That game crashed like 50 times, literary, before i could finish it. I had to delete alot of files from my save folder etc to get past the crashes. Was a pain in the ass. Then patch 1.08 (the first patch) came out. I decided to install it just for fun to see if it fixed the crashing issues i had. So i started to play it again from start with patch 1.08. When i finished it again i had like 0 or 1 crash i think. The difference was amazing.

So if you're going to play Titan Quest now, will you play with v1.0 that crashes alot or will you update it to fix alot of bugs?

[badinsults]

You would think that they would do a thorough test of popular games before releasing the system. I mean, they are not emulating the PS2, they are using actual hardware to run this stuff. There is no excuse for so many problems.

[carlcarlson]

so all of those problems will be present in the launch systems? that's unacceptable. I want to play guitar hero!

[Emuaust]

Jebus, you would think with all the bitching that the 360 had flawless BC LOL LOL

It seems some these problems also appear in the slimline consoles,
at least in some territories, check playstation.com out for more
info but I know the scph 7000X models have problems running
games too, maube not a BC problem more so a problem with
the original hardware.

[jajaja]

You would think that they would do a thorough test of popular games before releasing the system. I mean, they are not emulating the PS2, they are using actual hardware to run this stuff. There is no excuse for so many problems.

Actually there is only 1 problem, its playing old Playstation games. Afaik its only the GPU and CPU thats included, not the other hardware. Alot of the games have much ASM code in them so if its not 100% the exact hardware its bound to be some problems. It was like this with PS2 also, it cant play every PSX games. Same with Xbox 360 too, it cant play all Xbox games.

There are well over 1000 PS2 games, dont know how many PSX games, but its alot. Almost all of the games on the list does work, but with some minor problems. This list only contains a handfull of games, what about the rest, do they work?

With all the problems Sony had so far around the production i dont think testing way over 1000 games, each for several of hours, just to see if they run 100% or not on the PS3. These problems can be fixed tho, just give it some time if you really want to play PSX/PS2 on the PS3. I'm assuming you're getting one?

[Kid Ice]

I will never download a "firmware update" for a console I own.

Why not?

Let me restate that. I will never purchase a console that requires a "firmware update" (yes this means I will never purchase a PS3). A videogame console should not need a firmware update. (now excuse me while I take out my dentures)

Yes I have downloaded Windows updates. That's for a PC. I don't want a videogame console that comes with the same headaches as a PC. It would make infinitely more sense to play games on my PC instead of purchasing the console.

[-hellvin-]

I will never download a "firmware update" for a console I own.

Why not?

Let me restate that. I will never purchase a console that requires a "firmware update" (yes this means I will never purchase a PS3). A videogame console should not need a firmware update. (now excuse me while I take out my dentures)

Yes I have downloaded Windows updates. That's for a PC. I don't want a videogame console that comes with the same headaches as a PC. It would make infinitely more sense to play games on my PC instead of purchasing the console.

God forbid ever having to wait 6 seconds for a console to download a firmware update and provide you with better features and bug fixes???? The 360 has had MANY numerous firmware updates and they've done nothing but improve as far as I can remember anyhow. It's not a complicated process. The system turns on, tells you to download an update and a few seconds later it reboots and you're good to go.

If you'd rather find something that can't be updated and can leave you with unfixable bugs that by all means....

[jajaja]

I will never download a "firmware update" for a console I own.

Why not?

Let me restate that. I will never purchase a console that requires a "firmware update" (yes this means I will never purchase a PS3). A videogame console should not need a firmware update. (now excuse me while I take out my dentures).

I dont you have to download the firmware, unless the games require version x.xx firmware to run. The times where a console is a console is pretty much over. Before, all the consoles did was to play the game that was inserted, but todays console are more like a media center or a small PC. lol dentures :)

How is it with 360 and Wii btw? I set up Live on my sisters 360 2 days ago and i was asked to download some update 2-3 times. 2 times i did it, the last i skipped (didnt have time). If i didnt get these updates, wouldnt i be able to use Live properly then?

[petewhitley]

Let me restate that. I will never purchase a console that requires a "firmware update" (yes this means I will never purchase a PS3).

Or a Nintendo Wii or an Xbox 360 (both of which require firmware updates; yes even the holy Wii). Or a Sony PSP. Actually, it looks like you probably won't be buying any future systems as firmware updates are pretty much the norm at this point.

[Maxx]

Call me old fashioned, but I don't play games online. I don't ever hook my console up to internet. That means I'll never be able to download patches which means I’m knowingly buying a piece of junk right out of the box.

As far as the BC issues? I think BC is great! See, I don't mind having my little PSOne right next to my slimline PS2. How many people here actually have all three models of Genesis because your a collector? I've got mine! I don't have all three hooked up to my TV, but they look nice sitting on my shelves anyway.

I've slowly but surely come to the realization that if your worried about Space Constraints that you are in the wrong hobby. How many NES titles are there? I only have 300 and the shelf I have them on cannot hold one more cartridge without tape.

Now that everybody is going to PS3, I will be in hog heaven buying everybody’s PS2 junk for $3-$4 a console just like I did with the PSx. I have 12 of the original PS gray models and 4 of the PSOne models. I have found people just giving this stuff away because their PS2 was BC. Fine by me!

[GrandAmChandler]

No Guitar Hero Controller? Nice Job Sony.

[segagamer4life]

I will never download a "firmware update" for a console I own.

That doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I suppose you never got around to downloading Windows Service Pack 2 either?

nah, he never upgraded to 95...LOL

[Kid Ice]

Let me restate that. I will never purchase a console that requires a "firmware update" (yes this means I will never purchase a PS3).

Or a Nintendo Wii or an Xbox 360 (both of which require firmware updates; yes even the holy Wii). Or a Sony PSP. Actually, it looks like you probably won't be buying any future systems as firmware updates are pretty much the norm at this point.

I was going to buy a Wii Sunday. I will investigate this but if it's true that it requires an internet connection for full functionality I will NOT buy one. Maybe you younger folks are accustomed to getting jerked around with all these "updates" but I have better things to do than "fix" something that should have been 100% functional the first time I bought it. No sale. And if this means no more consoles for me, that's that.

[RCM]

Let me restate that. I will never purchase a console that requires a "firmware update" (yes this means I will never purchase a PS3).

Or a Nintendo Wii or an Xbox 360 (both of which require firmware updates; yes even the holy Wii). Or a Sony PSP. Actually, it looks like you probably won't be buying any future systems as firmware updates are pretty much the norm at this point.

I was going to buy a Wii Sunday. I will investigate this but if it's true that it requires an internet connection for full functionality I will NOT buy one. Maybe you younger folks are accustomed to getting jerked around with all these "updates" but I have better things to do than "fix" something that should have been 100% functional the first time I bought it. No sale. And if this means no more consoles for me, that's that.

I agree with you 100%. I became a strict console gamer to bypass PC BS. It sucks but that's the world we play in.

[Lord_Magus]

Let me restate that. I will never purchase a console that requires a "firmware update" (yes this means I will never purchase a PS3).

Or a Nintendo Wii or an Xbox 360 (both of which require firmware updates; yes even the holy Wii). Or a Sony PSP. Actually, it looks like you probably won't be buying any future systems as firmware updates are pretty much the norm at this point.

I was going to buy a Wii Sunday. I will investigate this but if it's true that it requires an internet connection for full functionality I will NOT buy one. Maybe you younger folks are accustomed to getting jerked around with all these "updates" but I have better things to do than "fix" something that should have been 100% functional the first time I bought it. No sale. And if this means no more consoles for me, that's that.

I agree with you 100%. I became a strict console gamer to bypass PC BS. It sucks but that's the world we play in.

Count me in as well...

All these updates\patches are doing is allowing developers\manufacturers to make (even more) half-assed products, since now they can just put out a patch some time down the track, and fix all the bugs that shouldn't have been there in the first place. Also, don't forget that you usually need to *pay* (one way or another) for these updates, in order to end up with the final, fully functional product you already payed full price for when you picked it up from the store...

It's indeed a sad reality, but right now new consoles = extremely bad value for money (with the Wii being a possible exception). Gamer's are getting less for their dollars than ever before, and I find it greatly discouraging that most of us not only tolerate it, but accept it with a smile altogether :/

Consoles should've never went online. Case closed.

[jajaja]

All these updates\patches are doing is allowing developers\manufacturers to make (even more) half-assed products, since now they can just put out a patch some time down the track, and fix all the bugs that shouldn't have been there in the first place.

This is not the case. Upgrading the firmware will not fix a gamebug in <insert game here>. Patching a console game is yet to be done, but its not unrealistic that it will happend in the future. But for now, patching the games is not whats happening, its the console's firmware only.

[shadowkn55]

All these updates\patches are doing is allowing developers\manufacturers to make (even more) half-assed products, since now they can just put out a patch some time down the track, and fix all the bugs that shouldn't have been there in the first place.

This is not the case. Upgrading the firmware will not fix a gamebug in <insert game here>. Patching a console game is yet to be done, but its not unrealistic that it will happend in the future. But for now, patching the games is not whats happening, its the console's firmware only.

Game patching is done for xbox b/c on the 360. Not all the games work so once in a while ms will release a patch that makes a few more original xbox games work on the 360. Updating the console's firmware isnt much better anyway. The console should be 99.99999% (rule of 5) bug free and reliable when it is released. Giving the option of future updates only gives them room for sloppiness. I got tired of updating the PSP on a monthly basis so I sold that sucker.

[RCM]

All these updates\patches are doing is allowing developers\manufacturers to make (even more) half-assed products, since now they can just put out a patch some time down the track, and fix all the bugs that shouldn't have been there in the first place.

This is not the case. Upgrading the firmware will not fix a gamebug in <insert game here>. Patching a console game is yet to be done, but its not unrealistic that it will happend in the future. But for now, patching the games is not whats happening, its the console's firmware only.

I was under the impression that a few 360 titles were patched already and that some consider the Hurricane pack for Ninja Gaiden (Xbox) to be a sort of patch.

Anyone care to chime in?

[jajaja]

All these updates\patches are doing is allowing developers\manufacturers to make (even more) half-assed products, since now they can just put out a patch some time down the track, and fix all the bugs that shouldn't have been there in the first place.

This is not the case. Upgrading the firmware will not fix a gamebug in <insert game here>. Patching a console game is yet to be done, but its not unrealistic that it will happend in the future. But for now, patching the games is not whats happening, its the console's firmware only.

Game patching is done for xbox b/c on the 360. Not all the games work so once in a while ms will release a patch that makes a few more original xbox games work on the 360. Updating the console's firmware isnt much better anyway. The console should be 99.99999% (rule of 5) bug free and reliable when it is released. Giving the option of future updates only gives them room for sloppiness. I got tired of updating the PSP on a monthly basis so I sold that sucker.

Ok, but i ment more like a real update to fix in-game bugs. If a patch gets released so <xbox game> will work on a 360, it doesnt fix any bugs in the xbox game. I shouldnt say with 100% accuarcy that patching console games havnt been done yet, but its far from a normal thing to do.

[Lord_Magus]

All these updates\patches are doing is allowing developers\manufacturers to make (even more) half-assed products, since now they can just put out a patch some time down the track, and fix all the bugs that shouldn't have been there in the first place.

This is not the case. Upgrading the firmware will not fix a gamebug in <insert game here>. Patching a console game is yet to be done, but its not unrealistic that it will happend in the future. But for now, patching the games is not whats happening, its the console's firmware only.

Just as a quick example that this is unfortunately becoming the norm with games as well, here is a link from kotaku talking about how Epic is already working on a patch for (just released!!) Gears of War: http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/gears-of-war/gears-of-war-online-patch-already-being-worked-on-214370.php

And if memory serves me correctly, I think Dead Rising also received a patch sometime down the track...?

But you're right, it's not really that popular in the console world yet. However, if PC games are anything to go by, soon there will be few if any games that will work 100% without needing the mandatory patch\update :/

[jajaja]

And i also agree that a console should be checked very carefully for bugs and faults before getting released, same goes for games. But these things are made by humans and all humans makes mistakes, its inevitable. The stuff also gets more advance and complicated, which leaves more room open for errors to be made.

[jajaja]

Lord_Magus: Ok, i stand corrected :) No big suprise that they patched a console game tho, it had to happend sooner or later, but i hope it wont be something that all games will have, or alot like PC games have. Todays consoles are more like a PC i would say. So many features, not like the old ones where you could only play the games.

[Kid Ice]

And just wait until you have to register the game you just paid for online before you can play it.

[GrandAmChandler]

Over 200 PS2 games don't work.

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/sony-admits-200-ps2-games-not-working-on-ps3/

[s1lence]

Over 200 PS2 games don't work.

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/sony-admits-200-ps2-games-not-working-on-ps3/


ZOMG IS TEH 360 ALLS OVER AGAIN?!?!?!?! LOL

[WanganRunner]

I was going to buy a Wii Sunday. I will investigate this but if it's true that it requires an internet connection for full functionality I will NOT buy one. Maybe you younger folks are accustomed to getting jerked around with all these "updates" but I have better things to do than "fix" something that should have been 100% functional the first time I bought it. No sale. And if this means no more consoles for me, that's that.


I hate to break it to you, but it looks like you're done buying consoles. The days of a standalone packaged product are over. All forms of console gaming will have online connectivity as an integral feature, and this is a GOOD thing.

Firmware updates are also a GOOD thing, as they allow consoles to grow and change over time. Think if you could download a DS firmware update that suddenly let you use Pictochat over the internet via Wifi instead of just locally?

Downloadable content is the future, and it's a good thing. I don't necessarily support online distribution of actual games, but the ability to download new levels, content, & features can't be labeled as anything but an improvement.

Want me to call a cab to take you to the old folks home?

(btw, I'm probably not much younger than you are)

[Daltone]

Call me old fashioned, but I don't play games online. I don't ever hook my console up to internet. That means I'll never be able to download patches which means I’m knowingly buying a piece of junk right out of the box.


I'm like this too. The increasing trend of patches for console games and firmware updates is a little disheartening.

[Kid Ice]

I hate to break it to you, but it looks like you're done buying consoles.


No sale. And if this means no more consoles for me, that's that.

[Trebuken]

Amazed that people are so challenged in adapting to new ways of doing things. Espeacially when the new way is better.

In the past if a game was released buggy you were stuck with it. No fixes. It's not about bug testing. The games are released when the guy in charge decides they are, not the programmers. Ready or not they often are not. Now they can repair the issues after the fact and given the more advanced games and the longer developement times this benefits gamers greatly...even famiclones aren't 100% compatible.

The PS1/PS2/PS3 library, including all regions and variants clocks in at around 11,000 games. 10% of those are being reported as not 'fully' functional; I'd guess the 360 is still at about 60%.

The PS3 will likely see firmware updates for the Blu-Ray drive as well; another reason not to buy one...anyone want to give me their preorder yet?

What we are seeing a little of is the convergence of the PC with Consoles which extends to all home media equipment. In a couple decades you may have one unit that does it all...

Later,
Trebuken

[jajaja]

Is there really ~8000 games for PSX and PS2? @_@

[Kid Ice]

In the past if a game was released buggy you were stuck with it. No fixes.

Yeah, that was a big problem in the past with all those buggy games were released. Such as....uhh....uhhh...oh yeah, Impossible Mission for the Atari 7800. Gee I wish I could have downloaded a patch for that.

[Lord_Magus]

In the past if a game was released buggy you were stuck with it. No fixes.

...and that's exactly why we rarely (if ever) had any buggy games to begin with.

[PapaStu]

All these updates\patches are doing is allowing developers\manufacturers to make (even more) half-assed products, since now they can just put out a patch some time down the track, and fix all the bugs that shouldn't have been there in the first place.

This is not the case. Upgrading the firmware will not fix a gamebug in <insert game here>. Patching a console game is yet to be done, but its not unrealistic that it will happend in the future. But for now, patching the games is not whats happening, its the console's firmware only.

I was under the impression that a few 360 titles were patched already and that some consider the Hurricane pack for Ninja Gaiden (Xbox) to be a sort of patch.

Anyone care to chime in?

Fixing glitchy games is nothing new for either the PS2 OR Xbox (i'm not talking the X360, the original XBox).

XBox Live forces updates on numerous online games before your even allowed to play them, primarily to fix glitches and exploits in online play, but they are patches none the less. Halo 2 has a patch for it. If you've played online at all in the last year+ you'll have the patch, notice that when you turn on Halo 2 and your at the main menu screen theres a small 1.1 on the lower right side of the screen, theres your patch!

Sony has forced updates for some of their online games as well (SOCOM 2/3 come to mind) to help try and combat cheating.

I live with them because I play these games online and for the most part enjoy the extra content and playability online gives me, be it downloadable content, or online mulitplayer.

[Xizer]

That doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I suppose you never got around to downloading Windows Service Pack 2 either?

Hey, there's a good reason not to download Service Pack 2. I'm still using SP1; I'm afraid of trying to install SP2 again.

Last time I installed Windows XP Service Pack 2 my computer would only boot to a blue screen of death and give me an error. I tried everything such as the rebuild option and recovery console. In the end I had to install WinXP from my boot disc on a second hard drive, salvage as much data as possible from the first, reformat the first, and re-install Windows XP on it.

Summary: Microsoft fucked up with SP2.

[Trebuken]

It's goes against reason to compare Atari games with their 20 lines of code and the archaic updates that no one was made aware of to automatically downloaded updates and gigabytes of data on a modern console. You still have your Ataris and the homebrew community. The changes are realistic, your expectations from modern technologies are not.

I've owned virttually every console at launch and have never had issue with the hardware (Dreamcast had a bad pressing of some games). I believe that most launch failures are overblown and often the result of mishandling; though I don accept that they exist as is evident from the hardware revisions.

Later,
Trebuken

[jajaja]

Sony has forced updates for some of their online games as well (SOCOM 2/3 come to mind) to help try and combat cheating.

Does these fix in-game bugs or is it just anticheat like VAC and PB?




In the past if a game was released buggy you were stuck with it. No fixes.

Yeah, that was a big problem in the past with all those buggy games were released. Such as....uhh....uhhh...oh yeah, Impossible Mission for the Atari 7800. Gee I wish I could have downloaded a patch for that.

Anyone knows how many lines of code Impossible Mission has? Its not much compared to the new games, i can guarantee you that. More and complex code = bigger chance for bugs. Try Driver 3 for PS2 ;)

[Kid Ice]

It's goes against reason to compare Atari games with their 20 lines of code and the archaic updates that no one was made aware of to automatically downloaded updates and gigabytes of data on a modern console.

Fair enough. When you mentioned the utility of updates for bug fixes, my first thought was "But historically how many bugged games have we ever had". I guess now that games are becoming more technically complex (but not better for some reason), tolerance of technical glitches might be more reasonable. Or maybe not?

[Imstarryeyed]

Even the PS2 had at least one patched game. Star Wars Battlefront.. the only reason I know this is that I was working at IGN/GameSpy at the time and I was required to help the team setup the patching system.. the patch would patch itself into memory on every game boot and the patch copied itself to the memory card so you would only need to download it once.

I have to say however that in that games case it was a good thing cause it fixed some really ugly bugs that ruined the games play.

I am kinda a purist in that I would prefer not to see games patched like buggy PC software. I also realize that with agressive schedules and tons of people on boards complaining that something is late.. something is late.. something is late.. etc etc.. that companies push out games just to make release dates.

I have believed now for years that the game industry moves wayyy to fast.. games come out to fast that we players cant even enjoy them before something else is out. This hurry hurry schedule is what makes developers push out buggy stuff many times.

[PapaStu]

Sony has forced updates for some of their online games as well (SOCOM 2/3 come to mind) to help try and combat cheating.

Does these fix in-game bugs or is it just anticheat like VAC and PB?

Well SOCOM being as popular as it is, people look to no ends to exploit the game and once they find a weak point in the map they then clip themselves above/under the map causing chaos and are doing it pretty much untouchably. What they (Zipper who developed the games) did was fix points in the multi-player maps and try and fix other things that had become exploitable glitches like Infinite ammo and stuff that had come about by picking up and dropping weapons quickly.

Alot of the later fixes that i've seen have been via DNAS which is Sony's Anti Cheat system (which is almost impossible to uphold without an actual Hard drive built into the system like the XBox has) to combat people getting online and being able to use a GameShark or other cheat device.

[Leo_A]

Sounds more like you managed to screw up a simple procedure since millions of other people were able to install SP2 without problems, and it doesn't surprise me in the least that you weren't capable of doing it.

[GarrettCRW]

Actually, issues with the SP2 install are well known. Leo Laporte has discussed it numerous times on his KFI radio (and on Call For Help and the sea of podcasts he hosts).

[Leo_A]

Its more fun to blame Xizer for it though. :)

[jajaja]

I heard that PS2 games looks much worse on the PS3, is this true?

[Beefy Hits]

What about PS2 online games like Subsistence and Phantasy Star Universe? Can you go online with those with PS3?

[s1lence]

What about PS2 online games like Subsistence and Phantasy Star Universe? Can you go online with those with PS3?

I know MG3-S seems to work just fine.

[s1lence]

I heard that PS2 games looks much worse on the PS3, is this true?

I have mine hooked up with a HDMI cable and yes some of them look alittle bit funny. I blame that I put them stretched since I hate having the black on the sides. I played MMX Collection yesterday and it looked and played well.

The text in PS1 games looks terrible with the HDMI cable, imo. I was going to try the psychomantis battle on MGS and see how well that worked but I couldn't find my save file.

I will say that being able to put your memory card info on the HDD is pretty slick though.

[jajaja]

I have mine hooked up with a HDMI cable and yes some of them look alittle bit funny. I blame that I put them stretched since I hate having the black on the sides. I played MMX Collection yesterday and it looked and played well.

The text in PS1 games looks terrible with the HDMI cable, imo. I was going to try the psychomantis battle on MGS and see how well that worked but I couldn't find my save file.

I will say that being able to put your memory card info on the HDD is pretty slick though.

Ok, because i saw this movie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoCD9TwLrVs&eurl=

Ignore the fanboy comments in the begining, but is the games really like this? Not that it matters, but i would like to know if its true or utter bullshit.

[s1lence]

I didn't notice that and I'm pretty anal about video quality. I was going to try switching to the progressive modes that God of War and GT4 have and see what happens on the PS3.