My theories on how Remote Play would work included maybe allowing you to play PSP games on the TV through the PS3 and access the saved information from your PSP on your PS3, or just converting the PSP into a controller for the PS3, even though it was shy a few buttons and an analog stick. Some desirable functions, right? However, these lovely scenarios did not hold any truth when the proof pudding appeared.
So, what does Remote Play do? Remote Play streams the PS3 menu to the PSP and allows you to access the movies, music, and pictures saved to the PS3’s hard drive exclusively. It seems that some games might be able to be played on the PSP screen in this mode, but none of the games I had access to at the time allowed this. During Remote Play, the TV is rendered almost completely useless: a grey screen telling you the system is in Remote Play mode is shown, and you have the option to play the sound through the TV speakers versus the PSP speakers. Considering the PSP can already access music, movies, pictures, and games using its own software, Remote Play basically renders the PS3 as a bulky, stationary memory card.
My point: why do game companies waste their resources making seemingly useless functions when there are clear ways to make functions that will compel people to go out and buy their consoles? Think about it: if there were a way to connect a PSP and PS3 together so you could access data from both at once and be able to stream content from the PSP to the TV through the PS3, don’t you think it might make people feel at least a little bit compelled to buy the companion to the console they already own? It’s a simple function that could result in greatness, but perhaps I’m just a dreamer. As it stands though, I don’t think I would ever even consider getting a PS3, if only because I’m so disappointed in the opportunity they missed.
On a different note, I am the one in charge of the blog’s eventual visual design/amazingly awesome game oriented visuals, so if you would like to offer some input, or just happen to know where a newbie could learn some HTML, feel free to send me a message or something. This has been Periwinkle Ranger Kisa. Thank you for sticking with me through this lovely wall ‘o text.
It's interesting to note the Gamecube/Advance and Wii/DS titles that have taken advantage of this same thing. The first ones that come to mind for me are Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventure (only multiplay-able if you have the special adapter and an Advance system for each player) and Megaman: Command Mission (allowing you to use your advance to search out hidden items), both for Gamecube. On the Wii, you can look for Animal Crossing: City Folk to interact with AC: Wild World on the DS (allowing your character to move from one city to the other, or visit. Maybe City Folk is your summer home?).
ReplyDeleteOther than the Animal Crossing mechanics, they connection between systems and their associated handhelds is often as avoided as cross-OS gaming (of which only a few titles have crossed, such as Team Fortress 2, which is now free on Steam for both MACs and PCs).
It's sad that these next-gen platform combos do not embrace the power and utility available to them, whether it's lazy developers or software gaps created by the platform manufacturers...
Well you may get your wish with the Wii U. It seems to be built on utilizing having a more hand-held-like element (in this case a controller with a touch screen). Games can be streamed to it, and games will utilize this second screen. We'll see how this ends up in 2012...
ReplyDeleteYes, where Sony has fallen short, Nintendo has the opportunity to shine. Speaking of Wii U, I've written up a post about it if you're interested in my opinion.
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