Other Source Component Reviews

The Games
I spent countless hours playing a host of third-party PS3 games, and I have the bleary eyes, heart palpitations, and carpal tunnel syndrome to prove it.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance—Activision (supports 1080p video resolution)
This game is my pick for the most enjoyable PS3 launch title. It flaunts customizable super teams and graphics that nearly let you count the layers of lacquer on the wood floor inside Arcade's Murderworld. Brace yourself for the bass of Thor's hammer and the treble of Wolverine's adamantium claws. Its performance is superior even to the outstanding Xbox 360 version (also from Activision).

NBA 2K7—2K Sports (1080p)
Wide shots of the game approach true photorealism, with natural character animations and artificial intelligence. Plus, the cheering fans provide great surround presence.

Madden NFL 07—EA Sports (480i/720p)
Yes, this is precisely the umpteenth edition of the genre-owning pigskin parade, but the bump in graphics and features make it worth the investment. Again.

Fight Night Round 3—EA Sports (480i/720p)
This game was the first PlayStation 3 demo I ever saw, and for good reason. The facial nuances—skin, muscles, and beads of sweat—are painfully lifelike. Plus, you can now get in the ring for first-person bouts.

Call of Duty 3—Activision (480p/720p/1080i)
PS3 offers the best way to play what might be the best World War II shooter, with amazing graphics and sprawling environments.

Tony Hawk's Project 8—Activision (720p)
This vast world with coincidentally ramp-shaped objects everywhere treats you to the best use of the SIXAXIS controller yet. You can lean, tilt, and turn your way through some bitchin' tricks.

Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom—Sony Online Entertainment (720p)
This action RPG is another fun hack 'n' slash with somewhat improved physics—although the camera angles are confusing at times. Maybe it gets more interesting a few hours in, or when you play online.

Need for Speed: Carbon—Electronic Arts (720p)

Ridge Racer 7—Namco Bandai (480p/720p/1080i/ 1080p)

Full Auto 2: Battlelines—Sega (1080p)

What would a new system launch be without a bevy of driving games? Check out the gritty underground racing circuit of Carbon, the oh-so-pretty, dreamlike world of Ridge Racer, and the futuristic fantasy combat of Full Auto, with its highly destructible environment and the Matrix-y, godlike "unwreck" rewind feature.