PS3 BC Information

[big isy]

This sure to get a few riled up.



Taken from The Inquirer

Only one of the top twelve games works

By Dean Pullen: Tuesday 13 March 2007, 13:06
A REPORT FROM German site Cynamite has given us our first glimpse of the new backwards compatibility software emulation within the European p********** 3.

Sony announced over a week ago that the European version of the PS3 would not feature hardware-based backwards compatibility in the form of the PS2's Emotion Engine.

This is despite both the Japanese and American versions of the console featuring the chip. These therefore offer a significantly high degree of backwards compatibility.

Cynamite has managed to get its hands on a European PAL PS3 prior to the official launch date, and has begun performing backwards compatibility testing.

The list of games tested are claimed by Cynamite to be the top-twelve PS2 software titles, and are listed as followed:

# God of War
# MGS 2: Sons of Liberty
# MGS 3: Snake Eater
# Shadow of the Colossus
# Guitar Hero 2
# Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
# Okami
# GTA: Liberty City Stories
# Eragon
# Final Fantasy X-2
# Ratchet & Clank 3
# Lumines Plus

Its reported that only ONE of these twelve games operates properly - Eragon. All other titles refused to run, and referred the user to future software updates and the Sony Website to read the downward compatibility list.

It's possible that this console hasn't received the latest firmware patch destined for European consoles on release (it was reported to be running 1.50), but if it is the case that the PS3 backwards compatibility will be performing as badly as this, then European gamers will be in uproar.

Interesting :flower:

[Mikewarrior]

http://forum.teamxbox.com/showpost.php?p=9062393&postcount=36

That (Both posts) says it all.

[big isy]

ouch indeed, although I'd take those posts with a pinch of salt being the teamxbox forums an'all ;)
Funnily enough, the firmware update that enables the bulk of the PS2 titles to work is 1.6 and is releasing on the European release day :lol:
We also know there will be 1000 titles BC from the off, shouldn't be too bad.
Still worrying news though.

[Mikewarrior]

ouch indeed, although I'd take those posts with a pinch of salt being the teamxbox forums an'all ;)
Funnily enough, the firmware update that enables the bulk of the PS2 titles to work is 1.6 and is releasing on the European release day :lol:
We also know there will be 1000 titles BC from the off, shouldn't be too bad.
Still worrying news though.

We know it doesn't help sales... Like someone said (Makes a lot of sense too)

"The 360's BC has no impact on people buying a PS3. It doesn't matter what the 360 can and can't play from Xbox to people with PS2 games buying a PS3.

The PS3 BC is more important because there's many, many more PS2s in the world than xboxes, and many many more PS2 games. Plus the early adopters over there most likely DO own a PS2, so it's a bigger issue."

[big isy]

Isn't that true? :confused:

[Mikewarrior]

Isn't that true? :confused:

The B/C which was something Sony gave Microsoft's 360 a hard time about is broken on the PS3 as well now. I mean seriously, with the size of their European PS2 market... what is Sony thinking?

[big isy]

But its not broken. It's something that can be worked on via firmware updates, something the 360 has been trying to do.
And remember, the 360 launched with only 2 titles BC, Halo and Halo 2 and they still had sound problems. 1000 titles BC on day one is pretty damn awesome considering.

[Mikewarrior]

But its not broken. It's something that can be worked on via firmware updates, something the 360 has been trying to do.
And remember, the 360 launched with only 2 titles BC, Halo and Halo 2 and they still had sound problems. 1000 titles BC on day one is pretty damn awesome considering.

Are you sure the 360 launched with only 2 B/C Xbox games at first? I really don't remember. Plus, I won't take Sony's word on that 1000 PS2 titles B/C on the European PS3 launch just yet... If it happens, I'll be amazed... If it doesn't, I'll laugh at Sony and anyone who believes in them.

[DeaconBlade]

why again did they decided to use software for Europe's BC?

[Mikewarrior]

why again did they decided to use software for Europe's BC?

To save $$ so that they can charge more in Europe than in Japan.... LoL

[big isy]

The software emulation is something that's moving to the US and Japan. Its simply cheaper for them to do it this way. I'm guessing there'll be benefits to the consumer as well like tweaked visuals and such. There's also the issue of overheating risks with having the emotion chip in there (which is pretty funny since its tiny now).
So long as I can play my Tenchu I'm not going to argue, 'sides, they have a whole year to fix it if they **** it up before I jump aboard.

I hear ya on that Mike. As with anything any company promises I prefer to keep my feet firmly on the ground. Although, the laughing part I won't do ;)

[big isy]

To save $$ so that they can charge more in Europe than in Japan.... LoL

*slaps Forehead*
I'm not getting into this again, we already had to have the 32 man stop us last time so please, lets not go there.

[Mikewarrior]

*slaps Forehead*
I'm not getting into this again, we already had to have the 32 man stop us last time so please, lets not go there.

Well they did give Japan a price cut right before launch... Kenny-K wanted one cheap. ;)

[big isy]

Only because they don't lose as much there since there's no import taxes. U.S is pretty lenient on the import taxes whereas the EU and UK (UK import tax is different) is way up there. Hell, we pay more than treble the amount that you guys pay on some electrical stuff.

[Mikewarrior]

Only because they don't lose as much there since there's no import taxes. U.S is pretty lenient on the import taxes whereas the EU and UK (UK import tax is different) is way up there. Hell, we pay more than treble the amount that you guys pay on some electrical stuff.

But I thought they were getting a huge tax break because it's in the computer category... remember, Super Computer/PC replacement?

[big isy]

Nope, no cut for them. They tried though.

[Sirharper]

So both consoles do BC poorly (at least in Europe). Both consoles should have dropped it altogether.

[blazsox]

why again did they decided to use software for Europe's BC?

It was Sony's plan all along. Their initial plan was to release the first shipment with all PS2 hardware inside to allow for easy BC. In time they planned to completely take out PS2 hardware to turn to emulation. Obviously they feel emulation will work now. Plus this makes for upscaling PS2 games to HD much easier, or so I hear.

This was all planned. I cant find the article on GameSpot, but I know for fact it was posted around August on that website.

Besides I dont see the problem with this - this cleans up the PS3 from more heat (two systems running in one....yeah tell me that doesnt cause heat).

[big isy]

So both consoles do BC poorly (at least in Europe). Both consoles should have dropped it altogether.

Microsoft has proven to do it poorly by what we already have experienced. Sony has yet to show us what it can do. For all we know it could be great or a complete bummer.
I expect there will be a substantial amount of titles available, if not on launch then very soon after.

[big isy]

update on BC, looks like that german site was a little off.


Sony's Phil Harrison reckons "everybody just needs to calm down", telling our sister site GamesIndustry.biz that the strategy behind PlayStation 3's backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 is still in place.

That's despite strong reaction to news last month that the European PS3 specification would be altered to help save Sony money - the cost being a lower number of supported games from past formats.

"The strategy has not changed. We have made a technical change to the machine which moves us from being a hardware-embedded backwards compatibility solution to one which is a combination of hardware and software," Harrison told gi.biz in an interview during GDC.

"While that has unfortunately reduced the total number of games that will be compatible from the PS2 catalogue, it's important to remember that the PS1 catalogue remains unchanged, and definitely, March 23, we expect over 1000 titles to be playable for PlayStation 2. Within that list is the vast majority of games you would want to play.

"So I think everybody just needs to calm down and be comfortable that the strategy is still in place."

Sony plans to publish a backwards compatibility list on 23rd March, with additional titles set to be supported through downloads via the PlayStation Network.


I've just come back from the ThreeSpeech.com Playstation 3 event at 3Rooms in London. It was encouraging to see some of the fattest and nerdiest bloggers out in force.

Phil Harrison basically gave a recap of his presentation at the GDC. Although there wasn't any new revelations, the demonstraton of Playstation Home went down very well with a couple of people gushing praise.

* The Playstation Home team are working to allow people meeting in Home to launch directly into a game.

* Phil said Sony are looking at ways for people to sell items to one another, however they do not want to become a bank and take on the responsibility and regulations that entails.

* There is a long-term plan to allow people outside a cinema/movie theatre in home, to 'go in' and download the film to their PS3.

* Possibly some aspects of Playstation Home will be accessible via the PSP, obviously limited by its hardware.

* Phil did confirm that the PAL/Euro version of the Playstation 3 currently has over 1200 compatible PS2 titles, with more to be added to the list by the time the console launches. This will be via a necessary firmware upgrade to 1.6 (the consoles were shipped over 4 weeks ago.)

* The Sony PR man said that a new HD camera and mic. with spatial awareness will be coming later in the year. Also downloaded PS1 games playable on the PS3 will happen- but later this year.

Looks like we've been confirmed 1200 titles BC. That's great news for those getting a PS3.

[Mikewarrior]

update on BC, looks like that german site was a little off.


Looks like we've been confirmed 1200 titles BC. That's great news for those getting a PS3.

Both parts had this to say at first...

Sony's Phil Harrison reckons

Phil Harrison basically gave a recap

People still believe in what that guy has to say... Do you really?

[big isy]

Sony's Phil Harrison reckons "everybody just needs to calm down", telling our sister site GamesIndustry.biz that the strategy behind PlayStation 3's backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 is still in place.
I'm guessing you're referring tothat in which case you completely took it out of context. he was refering to the reaction fans (and others) were having to recent news. Not really sure what news he was talking about as he didn't say nor did the site mention it.

ANd if you managed to read the bold parts like I actually recommended then you'd know he's 'confirmed' 1000 titles BC.

[Mikewarrior]

ANd if you managed to read the bold parts like I actually recommended then you'd know he's 'confirmed' 1000 titles BC.

Yeah, he also "confirmed" that the E3 2005 Killzone footage is REAL in-GAME footage during the show.

So, why do you believe this again?

[big isy]

Because I'm not anti-sony and like to think that people do tell the truth sometimes.

[Mikewarrior]

Because I'm not anti-sony and like to think that people do tell the truth sometimes.

I'm not anti-Sony... I'm anti lying/arrogant/BSer = Yeah O.k. I'm anti-Sony. LOL ;)

Anyways... Phil hasn't shown very many times that he can tell the truth, so it's a wait and see.

[big isy]

Whats the number of titles already working for the US and Jap regions in BC? Cause, I would imagine the figure for the European region would be higher if not the same.

[Mikewarrior]

Whats the number of titles already working for the US and Jap regions in BC? Cause, I would imagine the figure for the European region would be higher if not the same.

Why would it be the same or higher if they take out the PS2 hardware chip-set?

Software emulation is much, much, MUCH harder to do on a console... It takes a lot of programming work, unlike the U.S & Japanese versions of PS3 that have the PS2 hardware in it.

[big isy]

Well, are the US and JAP versions that work via hardware emulation running all the titles across the library? I'm pretty sure they aren't
And the US and JAP consoles are also going to switch over to the software emulation route in April.

[Mikewarrior]

Well, are the US and JAP versions that work via hardware emulation running all the titles across the library? I'm pretty sure they aren't.

Now that's a good question.. I don't really know on that answer, because there hasn't been anything said on that subject.

[big isy]

Where's psxtreme when you need him :lol:

I'm pretty sure 98% of titles were said to be running but there's just so many that its difficult to get a solid answer from anyone.

I think they key thing is getting the most popular titles on there. Microsoft did a half-decent job but there's still a couple titles I really want not on their shortlist. I hope Sony does a better job of it.

It seems like Nintendo is the only on falling true to its word.

[Mikewarrior]

I think they key thing is getting the most popular titles on there. Microsoft did a half-decent job but there's still a couple titles I really want not on their shortlist. I hope Sony does a better job of it.

Now this is what I find hard to believe... Sony doing something better in SOFTWARE than Microsoft?

Software emulation takes a long time to get over 1000 titles to run properly... I won't/can't believe Sony can do it until it happens... If it does, I'll go crazy for Sony and think they work miracles.

[big isy]

I'm gonna hold you to that ;)
:lol:

[Sirharper]

Now this is what I find hard to believe... Sony doing something better in SOFTWARE than Microsoft?

Software emulation takes a long time to get over 1000 titles to run properly... I won't/can't believe Sony can do it until it happens... If it does, I'll go crazy for Sony and think they work miracles.


It would seem logical to believe that. The problem for you then is under that same pretense you would also need to believe that Sony would be doing hardware better.

[Mikewarrior]

It would seem logical to believe that. The problem for you then is under that same pretense you would also need to believe that Sony would be doing hardware better.

Yes, I would think that if I never owned a couple PsONEs and a few PS2s, and see with my own eyes that 360 games look better than PS3 ones.

[Sirharper]

Then your sight unseen opinion of Sony's software BC support is also invalid.

[Mikewarrior]

Then your sight unseen opinion of Sony's software BC support is also invalid.

My opinion has always been... I doubt because of their past actions , so it's a wait & see first... I can't see into their future, and I won't believe everything they say, BECAUSE of that past.

[big isy]

As I stated in the original post and numerous times already, no firmware update is present on the Euro PS3's at the moment so they won't have any titles on them besides a few. The firmware update goes up on the same day as the console launches in Europe, March 23rd. Good news indeed.

[Mikewarrior]

As I stated in the original post and numerous times already, no firmware update is present on the Euro PS3's at the moment so they won't have any titles on them besides a few. The firmware update goes up on the same day as the console launches in Europe, March 23rd. Good news indeed.

What about the people without broadband?

[big isy]

What about the people without broadband?

Theres always something with you ain't there?
I'm sure if they can afford a PS3 they'll have broadband :rolleyes:

[Mikewarrior]

Theres always something with you ain't there?
I'm sure if they can afford a PS3 they'll have broadband :rolleyes:

Everyone?

At least Microsoft has multiple ways to update the 360.. Sony once again shows that they don't care... Let's hope that they will have something.

[big isy]

I knew you'd find something to complain about.
Do you really think that anyone who has the PS3, no, can afford the PS3 will not have Broadband? Please tell me you're joking.

[Mikewarrior]

I knew you'd find something to complain about.
Do you really think that anyone who has the PS3, no, can afford the PS3 will not have Broadband? Please tell me you're joking.

I know this... I can't say everyone will have broadband.

[big isy]

Well, I won't be crying if they don't have a method for non-broadband users lol

[Mikewarrior]

Well, I won't be crying if they don't have a method for non-broadband users lol

Well that's sad... People wouldn't do the same for Microsoft. Nice to know that you hold Microsoft to a higher standard.;)

[big isy]

I never asked MS to have a disc based method for BC titles, I was perfectly happy with the firmware updates (which they still managed to ruin lol).
Both consoles are launching at different times. MS launched the 360 at a time when Broadband was a common thing but was still largely unused here in the UK. Now with the PS3 launch imminent, broadband has become much more widespread and most, if not all 360 users have broadband. So I would imagine the PS3 user base to already have Broadband.

[blazsox]

What about the people without broadband?

Download it from the PS website on your computer. Transfer it over to your PS3.

Wow, look at that - a method for non-broadband users (http://www.us.playstation.com/ps3/network/updates)

Hot diggity dog.

[Mikewarrior]

Download it from the PS website on your computer. Transfer it over to your PS3.

Wow, look at that - a method for non-broadband users (http://www.us.playstation.com/ps3/network/updates)

Hot diggity dog.

Nice, that's good of Sony to do.