The Search For Skill on the PS3 - LingeringRegime's Blog

LingeringRegime's Blog

The Search For Skill on the PS3

Posted on October 17, 2011 at 05:04 PM.

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In an age of 1080p 3D TV's and Wireless Bluetooth Surround Sound Gaming Headsets skill in online console games are like finding a needle in a haystack.

We are saturated with auto-aim assists, perks, boosters, franchise micro transactions, etc.

Where has skill gone? Skill. Remember that? Depending upon your hand eye coordination and instincts rather than an IGN guide or a YouTube glitch guide.

Luckily, there are a few games that I have found that take some skill to play online for my PS3.

FIFA 12
Wipeout HD/Fury
Gran Turismo 5
PES 2012 (Coach Mode)

FIFA 12: Manual Controls are a true challenge that will physically cause a light sweat to bead on your forehead while playing online during an intense game. Every movement and pass takes a deft touch. Any slight mistake can lose you the match, and conversely any shot that you hit true can bring you the victory. Perhaps the best Sports experience I have had online. It essentially eliminates cheese, which is something I thought was impossible.

Wipeout HD/Fury: With Auto Assists turned off and racing on the Phantom Circuit this game is an absolute beast. You had better know the courses like the back of your hand or else you will be slamming into the wall over and over again. With no one else to blame but your slow reflexes. It is unabashed in its learning curve, and makes no qualms about it. One of the most underrated multiplayer games on the PS3, bar none.

Gran Turismo 5: While I don't have a racing wheel now, when I did this game with all assists off provided a serious challenge online. It also did a great job making sure your competitors were on the same level playing field. With numerous tracks and voluminous vehicle assortment, if you love cars/racing this game should never get old.

PES 2012: Master League Online (Coach Mode) is Crack. While it doesn't take any manual dexterity, it does take a good grasp of tactics and lineups. With the ability to save 50 replays to your HDD this is a Soccer Manager Wannabee's dream come true.

There are other games I like to play online. Uncharted, Battlefield, Resistance, and COD. They are fun to pick up and play. But, they have safety nets. Perks, Boosters, Noob Tubes, Commando Lunges, etc. Anyone can pick up and play them and do well fairly quickly. The other games take more practice and are more rewarding to master, in fact mastering them may be a life long pursuit. Most importantly to me, as a gamer in his mid 30's, they are less frustrating to play. Less cheating and shouting in your ear.

If you feel you want a more rewarding challenge that levels the playing field, give these four games a try. Have a nice day.

P.S. Please ignore the grammatical errors and spelling miscues.