UPDATE: The demo unit does do various HD resolutions, unlike what I previously posted.
At work, we have received our display unit to show off the Playstation 3. In this post, I will talk about the issues that we have and some general gameplay comments.
We have it plugged into the Sony Bravia X series (40″) via a $60 or so HDMI cable (the expensive Belkin PureAV cable that we had received with the unit broke due to the cabinet being moved around and bending the plug).
Note though that the unit supplied is actually a special version of the PS3 that is modified to only (unless there is a way around) act as a demo unit with none of the options modifible. The issue with this is that the PS3 is only running into the LCD at 576p compared to the 1080i/p capability that retail units and the display supports. Hopefully though, we will be able to run Blu-Ray discs (movies and games) on the unit, but we don’t have any yet.GameplayThe demo unit comes with two games on the 60GB Hard Drive. One is Formula One Championship Edition and the other is Motorstorm.
Motorstorm
Motorstorm involves you to drive around a dirt track in the demo in either a truck or a motorbike. Gameplay is pretty intense but does have the issue of the SIXAXIS controller being quite sensitive if you are in the motorbike and have the motion sensor on.
F1
F1 Champonship Edition is one of the best F1 games that I have played. The graphics are based on the 2006 series TV graphics and looks quite nice on the widescreen display.Gameplay is also a bit easier but I did find using both thumbsticks to drive (left one is for steering while the right is for acceleration and braking) was a bit odd compared to using the buttons. Also, the default buttons for acceleration and braking is via the X and Square buttons (from memory) and not the shoulder buttons unlike Motorstorm.
Overall rating
Of course, these are first-release games and are also cut-down done demos. I rate it 8/10.
Would I buy one, yes if I had the money.