PS3 Back Compatibility Issues

Apparently the PS3 isn’t as back compatible as first thought despite it containing as PS2 processor and chipset as well as the Cell processor. IGN is is reporting that a search function has appeared on the Japanese Playstation website which allows users to find out whether or not their PS1 and PS2 games will work on the PS3.

Some of the issues found so far include ingame music failing to play, problems with cut scenes, saved date becoming corrupted and game crashing.

This isn’t as bad as the Xbox compatibility problems (ie the Xbox 360 and Xbox are barely compatible with each other), but still a minor annoyance for anyone planning to buy a PS3 as an upgrade for their PS1/2.

When Fanboys Attack – Joystiq Criticise Zelda

Joytsiq writer Vladimir Cole and Editor Chris Grant have managed to get the fanboy’s hackles raised with two posts illustrating the same side of a controversial coin.

In his original post, which I personally would tend to agree with, Cole claims that the graphics that the Wii is capable of aren’t quite all they’re cracked up to up to be. He illustrates this this by saying that signs cannot be read from a distance and that the colour palette is bland. He also goes on to compare Twilight Princess to ESIV: Oblivion, a fair comparison given that Oblivion raised the bar for all RPGs both in terms of gameplay and graphics. His final conclusion is that:

‘it’s clear that we’re playing a GameCube game that’s had motion-sensitive controls bolted on in order to move Wii boxes off of retailer shelves. Zelda will do that job admirably — it will still sell in the millions.’

This brought down the wrath of the fanboys, linking to pre-rendered screenshots and videos and rolling out Reggie Fil-Amines quotes left right ands centre.

Web Round Up – Americans Get Wiis and PS3s, Brits Jealous

So, over the past couple of days, Nintendo and Sony have been handing out demo machines to the US press. Here’s a round-up of the coverage offered by three major sites. Engadget links open in a new window, others open in the original window.

Engadget

Unboxing the Wii – Pictures & Video

Unboxing the PS3 – 20 Gig Model & PS3 Dissected
Setting Up the Wii – 16 Minutes of video