When it comes to gaming consoles, there are few better ones than the PlayStation 3. When Sony took its hugely popular PlayStation console to the third (and latest) level, no one was quite sure how good it would be. After all, the PlayStation 2 was no slouch! But what hit the market in the form of PS3, was a storm of cutting edge technology that swept gamers off their feet and left competitors biting the dust. So, no wonder that every critic had to offer glowing PlayStation 3 game reviews!

The main reason behind this is that once you play a game on the PS3, you are bound to fall in love with the console. You will realize that it will be really tough to better seventh generation gaming consoles such as this. So what is it that encourages everyone to offer their tribute to this amazing device in the form of positive PlayStation 3 game reviews? Here's a probable answer.

? It is the first console to unify online and offline gameplay via the PS network.
? It is the first console to use high-definition optical disc format or Blu-Ray technology. These media storage discs offer upto ten times the storage capacity of conventional DVD's. In fact it is the first Blu-Ray 2.0 compliant media player on the market.
? Though originally available in five different models, the PS3 is now available in a slim and evolved version that looks good and plays even better.
? It is Hi-definition enabled. This means that you can hook it up with your HD TV and experience amazing pictures and sound, like never before!
? There is a whopping 120 GB of space available, so you might as well stay inside it! Jokes apart, this much random-access memory allows you to store a lot of games and other types of media easily.
? The PlayStation 3 comes with accessories such as wireless six-axis controllers. This allows you to take gameplay to a new level altogether. You can not only control the game by pressing the buttons on the controller, but by moving the entire controller left, right, up and down. The fifth and sixth axes you see!

The availability of the most amazing and visually brilliant game titles has made this platform even more popular and this has invited more eloquent PlayStation 3 game reviews.

Go online and read any of the numerous PlayStation 3 game reviews. You'll see that everybody loves the PS3!

Sony has introduced the Playstation 3 network with the aim that it will enhance the gaming experience of the users to a great extent. The company claims that not just the gamers, even the developers, who design the Playstation games, will be able to derive its benefits. With its high end features, it has taken the whole gaming world by storm within a very short time.

The gaming industry has grown leaps and bounds in the last few years. More and more people across the globe are getting interested in the various gaming gadgets that have been launched by the different companies. In this highly competitive field, the leading brands are doing their best to woo as many customers as possible. Perhaps the Playstation 3 network is one such ploy, or marketing strategy formulated by Sony, which is undoubtedly one of the front runners in this industry. To give it their best shot, the makers have developed this network with features and facilities that are truly top class.

Here is a closer look at some of the most attractive and beneficial attributes of the PS3 network:

? It's has features like a web browser and downloadable content and hence can add significantly to your gaming experience. This means that you have access to different games that you can obtain from the Web. Instead of using your PC as a medium for download, now you can directly get the games in your gaming tool.

? The Playstation 3 network can be accessed through the Xross Media Bar or XMB. The interface will be an expanded version of the PSP XMB interface. So this is easy and convenient to use.

? Other than gaming, the PS3 network will also make movies, music and other entertainment contents available to you.

? Through this network you will be bale to participate in multiple player games via the virtual world. You can even have a live interaction with the other users through the chat facility that is included in the network.

? There is no size limit to the games that you can download using this multi utility network, so effectively both 2 and 3D content can be downloaded.

? Last but not the least, if you want to take the pleasure of gaming while on the move, you can transfer the downloaded games from the PS3 network to your PSP as well.

With so many lucrative features you must be already planning to get yourself hooked onto the Playstation 3 network. Do so without delay and take your gaming experience to a whole new level!

No electronic device can be perfect. Usually the more complex it is, the more is the chance that it will develop problems that drive you crazy! There are, after all, few things more frustrating than to see your favorite gadgets lying uselessly in front of you. If you are an avid gamer you might already have been a victim to frustration and ceaseless agony when your console passed out. So, if you are planning to buy one, you should know about some common PlayStation 3 problems.

The PS3 embodies the absolute cutting edge of modern gaming technology. But that doe not mean that it is an absolutely flawless device. Even the great Achilles had a weakness! Some of the common PlayStation 3 problems that you should be aware of are:

? Issues in up-scaling images. If your HDTV supports 1080i resolution, but not 720p, then the PS3 simply cannot up-scale the images to 1080i. So, you might have to settle for playing games on 480p resolution. This means that you end up missing out on the amazing video rendering capacity of the PS3.
? Overheating. Like most other multimedia machines, the PS3 heats up as you play. The longer you play the more it gets heated. If the machine overheats, you will get to know by seeing the front panel, where green and red lights will flash alternately.
? Distorted images when you connect the PS3 with a VCR or DVD player. This is more of a built-in security check rather than a problem. The makers do not want you to be able to make copies of movies via a VCR. Maybe they do not yet realize that no one copies DVD's like that any longer!
? Games hanging up on the logo screen. This is one of the more serious PlayStation 3 problems and you should immediately inform the manufacturers for seeking a replacement or repair. Though rare, this is an issue with the lens of the Blu-Ray player and is more or less irreversible.

The good news is that, you can avert some of the most common PS3 problems, by remembering the following tips.

? Do not keep your console in a congested space where circulation of air is next to impossible. Allow ample space at the back and on the sides, to avoid overheating.
? Do not use pirated software on your PS3. The game processing unit might malfunction if it fails to load the game.

So be a bit prudent and steer clear of PlayStation 3 problems!

There were many trailers for upcoming games showcased at this year's E3, but none surprised the audience as much as the new Mortal Kombat trailer. The Mortal Kombat franchise has spanned a multitude of consoles and styles, and this upcoming game is recognised as the ninth main addition to the series.

Recent additions to the franchise have been met with criticism, as the Mortal Kombat titles never really stood up to competition posed by games such as Tekken and Street Fighter, but feedback from this latest trailer is quite positive. The 3D arena has been eschewed in favour of the traditional 2D battles, a trend that is becoming increasingly popular in current beat em ups. However, as with Street Fighter 4, the characters remain fully rendered in 3D, and the graphics are already looking amazing.

PlayStation 3 120 GB

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $299.99

Amazon Price: $299.99

The new Mortal Kombat is marketed as bringing the franchise back to its controversial roots, and so a high emphasis on blood and gore is taking place. Traditional fatalities are back and more violent than ever judging by those showcased, and the new 'x ray' attacks are particularly gruesome. These involve the camera swinging into close up mode and the action slowing down to reveal the internal damage dealt with various attacks. Bones shatter and muscles tear as the full extent of internal injuries are revealed. It is a shocking yet innovative display.

After years of being stuck labelled as a mediocre franchise, many are whispering (and hoping) that Mortal Kombat might return to its former mastery. The trailers we have seen so far are certainly pointing Mortal Kombat in the right direction.

The 'Westerns' genre has been a difficult act to sell in the gaming world, most games based on the period flunk dramatically. However, Rocksteady's latest title, Red Dead Redemption, has won almost universal acclaim from critics and players alike. It is being hailed as the complete Western experience in videogaming.

Red Dead Redemption

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $59.99

Amazon Price: $55.99

Red Dead Redemption is a sandbox game, which means you inhabit an open world and are largely free to explore it at your leisure. The storyline follows John Marston, a former outlaw who is blackmailed by the government to hunt down his former gang members and spread further law and order throughout the frontier.

Aside from the main plot, there is plenty for players to do. Gamers can hunt for food, play games of poker, take additional jobs and join stakeouts, to name but a few. The title also incorporates a morality system similar to such games as Fable, wherein your deeds will effect your fame and cause strangers to act accordingly. Red Dead Redemption makes extensive use of period accurate weapons and even different breeds of horses. The authenticity of the game is what has earned it such high praise.

Open world games are becoming well loved within the gaming community, and with Red Dead Redemption it's clear to see why. Players can immerse themselves in a vast and interactive world, free to play exactly as they see fit. Add in exciting gunplay and a bristling storyline, and you're set to join in the praise of Red Dead Redemption.

Whilst the gaming world has been treated to a number of heavy hitting RPGs lately, the PlayStation 3 has enjoyed one exclusive title in the form of White Knight Chronicles. This title was initially dwarfed by the release of Final Fantasy XIII, but now that the dust is clearing White Knight Chroncicles is being recognised as a significant entry into the genre.

Following the hero Leonard, White Knight Chronicles charts his attempts to rescue a kidnapped princess. Joined by the usual motley crew of characters, you'll cross an entire world in your quest for justice. The title does boast an incredibly open world, which players are free to revisit once they've entered an area.

White Knight Chronicles International Edition

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $59.99

Amazon Price: $41.87

Whilst the graphics in this title fall short of Final Fantasy standard, the visuals are still great to look at. Character customization allows you to create your own hero, and White Knight Chronicles trumps the competition by inclusion of highly detailed and immersive towns. It certainly feels much more like a traditional RPG compared to the more cosmetic Final Fantasy XIII, and thus will appeal more to the core fanbase.

With an intuitive combat system which allows players to stack multiple attacks and customize pre-planned assaults, along with the crucial ability to shift between personal and computer control on all players, White Knight Chronicles rounds off an excellent RPG experience. If you're looking for a more traditional RPG in light of recent offerings, this title will definitely take that slot.

At long last, this week sees the release of God of War 3, the Playstation 3 exclusive which has been three years in the making. Continuing the vastly popular franchise from the Playstation 2, this is the first time we'll witness Kratos' adventures on a next gen console. Suffice to say, the wait has been well worth it.

The God of War franchise has always been a byword for action adventure mastery, and this title returns to show the rest how it's done. We join Kratos just where the last game left off, scaling Mount Olympus itself to lay siege to the remaining Gods that betrayed him. This gives rise to a number of new gameplay possibilities.

God of War 3 benefits from a dynamic camera, swinging and looping to follow Kratos in a stark contrast to the fixed camera of previous installments. The ascent of Mount Olympus also allows for some breathtaking gameplay elements, including flying high on wind pockets or battling Titans over sheer drops.

God of War III

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $59.99

Amazon Price: $49.99

Graphically, God of War 3 is stunning. The character details are highly developed, right down to skin pores. The diverse environments offer a rich display of creativity, from the domain of the Gods to the depths of Hell. The gameplay continues to set the standard, with Kratos gaining access to an impressive array of new weapons, all of which will play a strategic part in your varied battles.

It was almost a forgone conclusion, but God of War 3 is an amazing title. Every possible facet of what makes a game great is rolled into one; epic storyline, amazing graphics and engaging gameplay. The franchise continues to blow all competition out of the water, and if you own a Playstation 3 you simply must check it out!

The Star Ocean franchise has been around for a long time now, and remains a quietly successful alternative to the bigger JRPGs out there. Last year, the Xbox 360 was treated to the latest installment in the series; Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope. The game was highly regarded, but a Playstation counterpart was nowhere to be seen. Now, at last, gamers can pick up Playstation 3's Star Ocean.

The release of this title is not a straight port, but rather is titled the 'international' edition, and features some minor extras. Firstly, the original Japanese voice track has been added as an option. This is a welcome feature for those who prefer their JRPGs with a little more authenticity. Also, players can toggle the HUD display to reveal the original Japanese artwork for characters. Not a massive extra, but welcome nonetheless.

Onto the game itself, and Playstation 3's Star Ocean will not disappoint. The game builds on the combat system of previous entries in the series, offering a simple yet fun attack approach which is systematically levelled up as time goes on. New features like the Rush gauge add a new spin to the combat, rewarding quick handed players with further benefits.

The storyline that runs throughout Playstation 3's Star Ocean is suitably grand, as one would expect from developers Square Enix. A great feature is the optional Private Actions, which allows players to interact between their characters to gain a deeper sense of character development. This is not integral to the storyline, but is great for those wanting to fully immerse themselves with the characters.

It may have taken a while, but Playstation 3's Star Ocean is definitely worth the wait. The visuals, whilst maybe not up to Final Fantasy standards, are still beautiful and the storyline will reward you the more you put into it. Any fans of the genre should definitely look into this great title.

The videogame industry, just like any other industry, is a highly competitive arena. Major consoles and developers are constantly striving to promote their own goods and propel their products ahead of the competition. One way to forge ahead in this respect is by securing exclusive products which aren't available on other consoles. These games are often so sought after that in some extreme cases fans may buy a console just to play a certain game. Some Playstation 3 exclusives have just that power.

It's true to say that Playstation 3 exclusives have suffered a little lately. Their competition, Microsoft's Xbox 360, have successfully wrestled a few Playstation exclusives from Sony and won the right to host them on their own console aswell. The high profile example here would be Final Fantasy XIII, which both overjoyed Xbox fans but seriously annoyed Playstation owners. Others have gone before aswell, including Metal Gear, Tekken 6 and Tomb Raider Underworld to name a few.

But PS gamers shouldn't be too angry, they still have a host of brilliant Playstation 3 exclusives to enjoy. Little Big Planet, despite being released years ago, is still a massive hit and continues to generate custom through PS Store extras. The Ratchet and Clank series remains a much sought after exclusive too, along with Uncharted, which is being hailed as one of the best new series in gaming history.

Excitement is also building for a range of upcoming Playstation 3 exclusives aswell. Heavy Rain, the innovative new 'interactive movie' is exclusive to this console, along with lauded RPG White Knight Chronicles. And of course, who could forget the heavy hitter himself- Kratos. Yes, God of War 3 returns to our screens soon- only on Playstation 3.

Plenty to get excited about then. Sony still retains a number of brilliant exclusives, and the Playstation 3 remains arguably the most successful and technically proficient next gen console. Playstation 3 exclusives are employed to reflect the genius and power of the console itself- and few can argue with the results.

Since its early beta days, Playstation Home has grown into a flourishing community of players. Generally described as a kind of huge, interactive 'Sims' interface, Playstation Home permits you to interact with fellow users across the world through a digital avatar. Players can chat, play games and watch interactive trailers and promotions. In addition, the emergent trend of Playstation Home exclusives is bringing in droves of fresh gamers.

Playstation Home exclusives can comprise of different features, including special game-based clothes or skins, reward based trophies and mini-games. Many PS3 titles use the trophy system, bestowing them upon users for passing certain challenges or unlocking specific things across the game. These trophies are Playstation Home exclusives and are viewed digitally in your 'space' ; so if you invite a fellow player into your space they'll be able to see your gaming perfection!

In order to promote their titles, many games producers create Playstation Home exclusives ahead of release to gather interest in their titles. These can include promotions, short demos or even exclusive skins and clothes primarily based on the title itself. As an example, ahead of the release of Street Fighter 4, Capcom made Ryu and Ken garments as special Playstation Home exclusives, available to purchase through the clothing stores.

By winning or unlocking specific trophies, Playstation Home exclusives will be accessible to you. By completing arcade battle in Tekken 6, users unlock a great cupboard for home space- in the style of a Tekken arcade machine! Just by owning Batman: Arkham Asylum on the PS3, you can unlock an exclusive Batcave area for you to visit whilst online!

The list of Playstation Home exclusives is almost endless, with loads of quality content being added all of the time. It is a neat way to widen the attractiveness of both the PS3 and the titles you will be playing on it, so boot up now and find out just what's on offer!