PS3 Launch Guide - Genre Breakdown

By: Andrew Joy & Jared Black

For one of the more accepted genres out there, with a lot of titles often blurring the lines, action games are actually one of the worst represented on the PS3 at the moment. Like RPGs, it was looking strong at one point, then several titles got pushed back (or just disappeared all together), leaving us with only four titles that could qualify as "action" for launch. Sadly, none of them are really standouts either.

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Sonic the Hedgehog sees the return of the blue speedster and a great number of his friends (and enemies), and even introduces some new ones. Chief among those, this game will see the unveiling of the psychokinetic Silver the Hedgehog, who arrives from the future to stop Sonic from triggering the end of the world. Unfortunately, the PS3 version is delayed, but only until sometime mid-December, so you should be able to see small rodents zip around at high speeds before year's end. In the meantime, you can read our preview.

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	A sequel to the 2005 PS2 game Genji: Dawn of the Samurai, Days of the Blade is a third-person action title that could easily (and aptly) be described as a hack-and-slash. While the gameplay likely won't offer much variety, players can enjoy some slick eye candy, not to mention attacking historically accurate giant enemy crabs' weak points for massive damage, on day one! Sorry, we couldn't resist.
	When it was recently reviewed by popular Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu, Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire received a pretty decent score...of course, the big robots featured in the manga and anime are much more popular over there than they are here. However, for those stateside - otaku or not - there will likely be plenty to enjoy as well. The game may not have the sheen of most next-gen games, but the worn-out look of the mecha certainly suits the ongoing war between the E.F.F. and Principality of Zeon that you'll be taking part in. Sadly, details on the multiplayer aspect (either online or off) are scant at the moment.
	A strange mix of a squad-based shooter and a flight sim, Blazing Angels is making its across all next-gen systems, as it will soon to be available on all three. As the player completes levels, he gets a new pilot added to the team, and each has a special command that can be used in battle with various results, whether drawing away enemy fire, taking out large groups of enemies, or even repairing your plane. The PS3 version should make use of both the system's power and its controller, offering slightly enhanced graphics (from the Xbox 360 version) and a new way to play.

Surprisingly, the FPS genre was more filled out than originally expected. Though there are just three games, each looks to be an excellent addition to the PS3's launch lineup, having either proven itself on another system or otherwise having shown to be shaping up quite nicely. As a bonus, most of the subgenres are represented here, with CoD3 filling up the obligatory WWII shooter slot, Rainbow Six claiming the squad-based slot, and original IP Resistance: Fall of Man jumping up for the sci-fi genre.

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Out of all the games headed to the PS3, Resistance is probably the most anticipated. Featuring a compelling story of an alien invasion in an alternate 20th century timeline, the game looks to go directly against the Xbox 360's Gears of War. To that it adds on feature after feature with detailed graphics, online play and even motion-sensitive controls. Be on the lookout for our full preview for more information.

The Rest

The latest installment in the Call of Duty 3 series may be the best yet, and the PS3 version may be the best version out of the three headed to next-gen systems (Wii included). With top-notch graphics and online play, the PS3 version can easily stand up to what you'll get on the Xbox 360, and the SIXAXIS controller even gives it a fighting chance against the Wii. Check out our full preview for more information on the game.

When Vegas is taken over by terrorists, Team Rainbow must come in and sort things out. While you can likely expect more of the same in terms of gameplay, Rainbow Six: Vegas also features lush graphics and tons of online play. Most importantly Vegas is being developed by Ubisoft Montreal, the team responsible for the excellent Rainbow Six 3.

Like sports, racing is almost always well represented at the launch of a new system, and the PS3 is no exception. There aren't a whole lot of original properties here, with three of the four games being sequels (Koei's futuristic racer Fatal Inertia is the exception), but it should be a solid lineup nevertheless.

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Out of all the games coming out for Sony's new system, Namco's racing title Ridge Racer 7 has the whole package. The game looks fantastic, makes use of the SIXAXIS, has enough courses to keep you playing well after it comes out...and that's to say nothing of the online modes. The latest installment of Ridge Racer hits the PS3 at launch, and it seems to have a lot going for it - with the scores from Japan (a 36 out of 40 in Famitsu) seeming to back that up. You can read our full preview here.

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	If this PS3 sequel is anything like the Xbox 360 original, then Full Auto 2 is a hybrid between an actual racing game and car combat. The game has a nice look to it, putting the shiny back in next-gen...oh, wait. The game is quite full-featured, with a single player story mode, split screen multiplayer, and online play, but sadly it doesn't make use of the SIXAXIS' motion technology, which may or may not be a trivial complaint in the long run. For more information, be sure to read our preview.
	A futuristic racer in the vein of wipEout, Fatal Inertia has all the makings of an interesting launch day game. Using the PS3's power to its fullest for everything from the sleek ships to the vast array of physics-based weapons, it is the perfect way to show off your new system's power. Our only worry is that the game is created by Koei, a company that is, as of yet, unproven in the racing genre (instead best known for simulation war titles like Romance of the Three Kingdoms and the Dynasty Warriors series), but you can decide for yourself by taking a look at our preview.
	The latest game in the Need for Speed series makes a move to regain the popularity the series once had with Most Wanted, all while trying to keep the tuner mentality of Underground. Racing through city streets and the titular Carbon Canyon, players try to regain territory, building up money, cars, a crew of racers, and available mod shops. With some 40 cars to amass, over half a dozen areas to take over, and extensive online and offline multiplayer modes, players can be sure they'll get plenty of time behind the wheel.

Truly a poorly represented genre with most system launches, the PS3 actually had a decent looking RPG lineup until The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion fell out a couple of weeks ago. Now, we are left with just two choices, one unproven (Marvel: Ultimate Alliance) and another that has thus far only proven itself to be mediocre (Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom). Things should start to look better next year, though.

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Though never particularly received as well-crafted when the game or its sequel came out on the PSP, Untold Legends managed to get by mostly because the pickings were slim. Likewise, for anyone looking for a solid hack-and-slash on the PS3, Dark Kingdom may be for you. While the game got off to a somewhat rocky start, with the initial screens looking quite.well.awful, the graphics have improved considerably since then. For those of you interested in seeing what else we have to say about the game, you can read more about it in our preview.

The Rest

Stretched thin across multiple platforms (almost every platform, really, including GBA), this action RPG puts you in the Marvel universe and charges you with saving it. While there are hundreds of characters in the game, most are merely NPCs - with dozens of playable ones, though, players should have no trouble fulfilling their dream team fantasies. Plus, the next-gen versions have exclusive characters and system-specific controls! You can read our full preview here.

Of all the genres represented at launch, sports is certainly the most balanced of the bunch. Apart from the ever-popular mix of basketball and football, gamers will also be able to get their hands on hockey, golf, boxing, skateboarding and even pool this year. Sure, some of them may only be the most recent installments of some perennial hits, but that also means there is going to be something for everyone right from the word go.

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The latest installment in the Fight Night series, Round 3, has already appeared on the Xbox 360. However, when it makes the jump to the PS3, a lot of improvements are coming. In addition to a noticeable boost in graphics, the game also features some new and improved modes, including a first-person viewpoint, and use of the SIXAXIS controller.

The Rest

	EA Sports made a name for itself with the Madden franchise, and now the latest in its annual series is coming to the PS3. As always, there will likely be the usual roster updates, improved graphics and enhanced online play, but the PS3 is also getting some motion-sensitive controls that should not only speak to old fans, but probably attract some new ones as well. You can read our full preview here.
	The PS3 version of NBA 2K7, like most sports games, will feature improved graphics and SIXAXIS controls. Characters will now have signature animations that help them appear more lifelike, and move more like their real life counterparts. The controls will be used in a variety of ways, such as flipping the controller just like you are really shooting a free throw shot.
	Sony's own answer to NBA 2K7, NBA '07 is making use of everything the PS3 has to offer, from its online abilities (allowing you to download scenarios from real NBA games) to the SIXAXIS controller (allowing you to keep you opponents at bay and the ball in play). As for the graphics, well, I've got two words for you: sweat engine. The game will have lots of competition to face, though, both this year and next, so be sure to read our preview to find out if this one should be right for you.
	The latest of Tiger Woods' outings should be a vast improvement over past versions, featuring an extensive career mode, dozens of real and fantasy golfers and courses, an enhanced character creation system. The game is also set to receive a general boost in the graphics all around thanks to the PS3's technology. For golf fans, this may be the one to own.
	We recently reviewed this one on the Xbox 360, and NHL 2K7 has proven to be a solid entry in the sports genre. That isn't likely to change when it goes to the PS3. There might be a boost in graphics from one system to the next, and SIXAXIS controls will likely come into play at some point, but that is probably the extent of the changes, and it is also the only game for hockey fans at launch.
	As it was built ground-up for next-gen systems, Project 8 has realistic graphics and features SIXAXIS steering, but it is still a Tony Hawk game (a series that has long since gone stale) and online play had to be cut for the PS3 version. Those are some big obstacles to overcome, but to fans of the series it surely won't matter.

Posted: 11/13/2006