PS3 Beta Trials

[Updated as of 23/12/10 @ 22:30]

Here, I intend to keep a record of any Beta testing I’ve participated in and what I think of them for those that haven’t been lucky enough to get into them or for those generally pondering.

Regular Betas

Playstation Home (Closed Beta): Most people will probably have heard of this by now – basically you create an avatar (similar to The Sims) and venture through various ‘spaces’ such as the Home Square or the Mall and you can interact with other users, dance and purchase items or take part in mini games.  The Beta had a lot to offer but a lot has changed since then as Home has just had its 2nd birthday and is jam packed full of features as well as limited time features such as Winter Wonderland where you do quests for Santa and earn rewards such as clothing or items for your apartment(s) in Home.

MAG: Again, MAG has been out for a while now and was amazing during Beta.  For those not in the know, it offers online matches with up to 256 players at one time.  There are match types with dramatically less players but I always opted for the 256 player ones as I figured there was more chance of finding bugs and glitches with more carnage going on – plus I wanted to have immense fun.  Didn’t encounter any glitches and the game was phenomenal.   No game felt as good as popping headshots at enemies parachuting into the field.

Planet Minigolf: This was OK but a bit boring and took a while to load so I didn’t play this one much.  Graphically it looked lush but sadly didn’t give it much time which I reckon it deserved.

ModNation Racers: Had a quick go on this but didn’t get a good go due to work and various other things and then when I had a chance to settle down and dedicate some serious time to it…the trial had closed!

PS+ Betas

Assassins Creed: Brotherhood: Had doubts about this but it turned out to be amazing – best moment: I ended up being some kinda monk-looking fella and my screen flashed up with my target so I headed towards where the HUD was directing me and up flashed an indicator to say my assassin was hot on my heels so without breaking cover, I calmly ambled over to a circle of monks and joined them.  My attacker took out the guy next to me (an AI character which resulted in him losing points) and I quickly turned and took him out scoring a bonus.  Nothing can really compare to that feeling of pressure, tension but all out coolness at the same time.

Killzone 3: One of the best Betas I’ve taken part in, not just the game but other features.  On Killzone.com you can check your stats and monitor unlockables gained as well as any medals/ribbons achieved.  As for the gameplay, only way I can describe it is that it’s slicker than Killzone 2. The character feels weighty without feeling sluggish.  Weapons have oomph and kills are satisfyingly awesome.  The select few levels were very detailed and posed different challenges such as vantage points for snipers to take you out or tight corners where turrets can be placed to perforate any unwitting chap getting pinned down there.

Little Big Planet 2: At this point I haven’t played the Beta yet so no verdict or feedback yet.

DC Universe Online: Levelled up to around level 8/9 and done quite a few missions – check out Flickr for my uploaded pics.  Was loving the Beta until the pricing was announced – check out my “DC Universe Offline” post.

I will update this post with any new Betas I’ve taken part in.