BusinessWeek's Wildstrom: "PS3 is a winner"

by Alan Rose { Nov 28th 2006 at 2:55PM }

BusinessWeek's Stephen Wildstrom has one of the best jobs in the world -- he gets to play with the latest high tech gadgets and then talk about them in his Tech&You column every week. For the Dec. 4 issue, Wildstrom reviews what has become the envy of early adopters, hardcore fanboys, and extortion artists everywhere: the PlayStation 3.

While he states up front that it will take months to determine the success of PS3, Wildstrom declares Sony's new console a winner on the gaming front -- a verdict I take exception with because of a simple admission he makes halfway through his write-up: "I'm not much of a gamer." During his short time with the PS3, he experienced how the controls work for Tiger Woods 07, Resistance: Fall of Man, and Genji: Days of the Blade -- and not much else.

I enjoy reading Wildstrom's weekly columns, as he spends a lot of time reviewing personal media products that focus on movies, music, and photos. Ironically enough, he says the PS3 comes up short in these areas, and he's not impressed with it as a home entertainment device. Instead, his praise for the system is based solely on its gaming prowess.

Even recommending the PS3 for consumers who "have the budget", and are willing to pay "at least $100 more than an Xbox 360", has faulty logic. First off, if you expect to have a PS3 before the end of the year, the difference will be significantly greater than just a few hundred dollars (and the cost has been even higher for those who've been mugged, beat up, and shot). Secondly, how can a system be considered a winner on gaming merits alone when it's currently "a bit short on games"?

So, does the PS3 really "got game"? Potentially, but people that don't (like Mr. Wildstrom) are not really qualified to decide.

From the same BW issue: Can the "Father of the Xbox" make Microsoft hip?

Tags: BusinessWeek, PlayStation 3, ps3, sony, Stephen Wildstrom, tech and you

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

werk @ Nov 28th 2006 3:01PM

SDF to the rescuuuuuue!

Jeff @ Nov 28th 2006 3:04PM

"Wildstrom declares Sony's new console a winner on the gaming front -- a verdict I take exception with because of a simple admission he makes halfway through his write-up: "I'm not much of a gamer.""

But somehow this is ok for people to say in positive reviews of the Wii?

Nintendo wears this as a badge of honor whenever somebody says it in reference to one of their systems. So Sony's only allowed to appeal to hardcore gamers?

jron @ Nov 28th 2006 3:05PM

i want what he's smoking

Balla360 @ Nov 28th 2006 3:09PM

Someone needs to desturate that photo.

kschude1@progressive.com @ Nov 28th 2006 3:14PM

FROM THE ARTICLE:
"The heart of the PS3 is the Cell Broadband Engine, developed jointly by Sony, Toshiba (TOSBF ), and ibm (IBM ). It crams nine processors onto a single chip barely a half-inch square. "

AAAHHHH!!!!!

How many times have I seen this misrepresented. Sony's own adverts in this month's EGM says the cell has 8 SPUs/SPEs. From what I've heard, it only has 7 active, plus the PPC Core. Why do people keep saying there are more than 7? Did I miss something? Did they add that last one back in there?

number40one @ Nov 28th 2006 3:14PM

ya need to loosen your tie there buddy

@ Nov 28th 2006 3:15PM

"Nintendo wears this as a badge of honor whenever somebody says it in reference to one of their systems. So Sony's only allowed to appeal to hardcore gamers?"

Its like the Apple Halo effect... Nintendo fanboys have become snobbish, gaming elitists. Shunning mainstream gaming and regurgitating whatever Nintendo PR feeds them, worshiping Reggie in the same way that Macheads worship Steve Jobs.

Its cool and hip to be in Ninentdo's camp right now.. so, like the chimps they are, they just lap it up.

JodyAnthony @ Nov 28th 2006 3:28PM

"Its cool and hip to be in Ninentdo's camp right now.. so, like the chimps they are, they just lap it up."

Yeah, because none of us Nintendo fans have been playing Nintendo since '85. Oh wait.

Joel @ Nov 28th 2006 3:29PM

I agree with Daniel because i also own all three next-gen consoles and through experience with the three, i can actually say that the ps3 outshines the wii and the xbox 360 in every way. Sony has really delivered a console that the whole family can enjoy in numerous ways. I can't wait until this Christmas and next year when most of my favorite games will come out. Until then, I'll just have to occupy my self with Resistance: Fall of Man and then some Gears of War.

Joel @ Nov 28th 2006 3:29PM

The Intangible Fact @ Nov 28th 2006 3:30PM

@ Daniel

I've played both and to say that the PS3 is so much more then the 360 just proves your dont own a 360.

JodyAnthony @ Nov 28th 2006 3:31PM

#14, mandarin: "says he's not much of a gamer and proceeds to say PS3 is the winner. No grounds except for brand loyalty. "

How can he be being loyal to the playstation brand if he is not much of a gamer?

The Intangible Fact @ Nov 28th 2006 3:40PM

@13. "I agree with Daniel because i also own all three next-gen consoles and through experience with the three, i can actually say that the ps3 outshines the wii and the xbox 360 in every way. Sony has really delivered a console that the whole family can enjoy in numerous ways. I can't wait until this Christmas and next year when most of my favorite games will come out. Until then, I'll just have to occupy my self with Resistance: Fall of Man and then some Gears of War."

Suuuuuuuuuuuuure.........you failed to mention the sloppy framerate, quirky six-axis controller and idiotic load times.

skwisgaar @ Nov 28th 2006 3:40PM

He's just glad he can see the reflection of his red face and yellow teeth on the ps3 surface.

Koo @ Nov 28th 2006 3:41PM

@8
So many generalizations...

If you knew anything about the culture of Mac users you would know that opinions on Steve Jobs and the direction the company goes in as there are opinions on gaming. People who enjoy macs realize that apple makes a pretty machine...and it works well (for their purposes) to boot. This is being an informed consumer.

You need to look up elitism. Broadening your audience, offering a more affordable price point, disolving negative stereotypes about gaming, and offering pletiful supplies go against this idea entirely.

"Mainstream gaming" is an oxymoron. Creating games selling a console is in no way "shunning" any gamer. Maybe have a preference for games that has yet to be addressed on the Wii, but you do NOT, fortunately, represent gamers on a whole.

You know, being positive about what you like in gaming instead of negative about what you hate (and troll every post on) is not the way to go about improving the community as a whole.

I love all games...it's nice to just be able to enjoy them. Also, apes don't lap...that's cats...you could have said "are sticking the honey covered stick into the anthill of positive press." That would be a good troll.

JodyAnthony @ Nov 28th 2006 3:41PM

MosquitoControl @ Nov 28th 2006 3:52PM

I love BusinessWeek, but haven't had a chance to get to this issue yet.

I'll pick it up. Your critique is true, if he's judging it as a gaming machine, but knows nothing of gaming, his argument to gaming fans is moot. It's like me walking into an art gallery and telling patrons that my friend's fresco is incredible because it seems skilled to me, despite me not really knowing what else is out there.

But it all really depends on how he attacks it and what his reasoning is.

Jerry @ Nov 28th 2006 3:54PM

so what you're saying is, people shouldn't have an opinion? he should just go on the internet and read what people are saying and follow along?

Daniel @ Nov 28th 2006 3:59PM

As an owner of all three consoles, and being a self-professed 'hardcore' gamer, I feel more than qualified to speak on the PS3, and I'm surprised as any to say that it's the bomb-diggity, for lack of a better phrase.

I'm the furthest thing from a Sony fanboy, and it's hilarious now reading all these anti-Sony people who have never even touched a Sixaxis controller comment on how PS3 is 'teh sux'.

It's a slick system that looks awesome, is quiet as all hell (quieter than the Wii in fact), has surprisingly short load times (the games I've played at least) and tons of much-appreciated extra ports. This Business Week guy says he doesn't think the multimedia stuff is a big deal, but I think it is.

But yeah, it really was worth the wait. The PS3 is so much more than the 360 is (again, I have absolutely nothing against the 360). But I can't even keep track of how many friends of mine (and myself) who had 360s conk out at launch. The PS3, though I've only had it for a short while, has had nary a hiccup the entire time. Kudos to Sony. Sure they've made a lot of mistakes along the way, but the final product is superb.

Oh, and Resistance is challenging Gears of War for my most-played game right now. It's flippin' awesome.

All we need now, are a lot more games for PS3.

razer @ Nov 28th 2006 4:03PM

I have both a PS3 and XBOX360 and I can say that the 360 owns the PS3. The only thing the PS3 has over the 360 is it is quiter. The Sixaxis controller is lightweight garbage, the dashboard and online is not even in the same ballpark. The couple of games I have take a lot longer to load on the PS3 which makes me question the other 2 people who commented in this thread about owning both. Everyone has their personal preference, but if you like a lot of games, better looking games and seamless online experience the 360 is it. I don't know one person who has started on the 360 and been happy when using the PS3. I would just recommend that anyone thinking about getting a next-gen console play both and look at all the online functions before purchasing, the Sony hype train is huge but don't be fooled.

Sloppy Seconds @ Nov 28th 2006 4:03PM

That guys teeth are really yellow and gross

$Dan O\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Leary$

Dan O\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Leary @ Nov 28th 2006 4:08PM

I work in a professional office, and all the talk around the water cooler over the last 2 weeks has been about gaming. While informal, the CEO of the company is even getting a WII at this point. It looks like Wii is the hit with "non fanboys".

Adam @ Nov 28th 2006 4:09PM

Scary! His teeth appear to be yellow

mandarin @ Nov 28th 2006 4:14PM

Whats the point of that article? This drunk-looking guy says he's not much of a gamer and proceeds to say PS3 is the winner. No grounds except for brand loyalty.

BklynKid @ Nov 28th 2006 4:14PM

Someone give #8 a star.

Skwurl @ Nov 28th 2006 4:20PM

Daniel,

How does Resistance compare to GOW grpahically? I had a change to play GOW last night and was floored by the engine.

Just curious.

Skwurl @ Nov 28th 2006 4:20PM

I truly feel sorry for our little troll '>'. Not once in my life have I ever seen someone who has totally lost the meaning of why we play games - actually wait, I have: Vlad Cole.

Videogames to these clowns have been reduced to a lifestyle choice. With them, it's impossible to have fun with a game that doesn't contain the words 'grand', 'theft' and 'auto' in the title.

Jake @ Nov 28th 2006 4:21PM

There are just so many more good games available this year for the 360. And, there are a few more on the horizon as well. PS3 will probably eventually be better, but playing Lost Planet, GoW, and R6 Vegas this year sounds better than playing Resistance. I mean, PS3 will eventually get R6, Oblivion, and others, but why wait so long when you can have it now with better online?

KBeat @ Nov 28th 2006 4:22PM

Walked in to Best Buy in Pasadena, CA this morning to get a couple of new DVDs, and there were 20 or so PS3s available for purchase. They were gone in short order, but there they were, with no line or hassle. I almost made the plunge but I am happy with the 360 for now and didn't feel like taking a PS3 from the eager gamers around me just so I could eBay it.

Skwurl @ Nov 28th 2006 4:29PM

Daniel,

Excuse my previous typing fiasco. Anyhoo...I’m not surprised that you gave the edge to Gears. It’s an incredible looking game. I'll have to ask my brother if he experienced the same freezing during his time with it.

With all the press on the Unreal 3 engine, people often forget about the new Crytek engine being developed. It will be interesting to see what the PS3 and 360 will do with these new DX10 engines.

Aex @ Nov 28th 2006 4:32PM

@Skwurl

From everything I have read (and seen) I believe GOW > Resistance in terms of graphics. Resistance could have really benefited from some AF. This is not saying Resistance looks like crap. Resistance is a great game over all, just like GOW, and as you progress further and further thru the game it only gets more stunning and beautiful.

All reports so far point to: Graphic wise, Audio wise, Soundtrack wise GOW is better. Story wise, Uniqueness (weapons from the rachet and clank team, DUH!) wise, multiplayer wise Resistance is better. Everything else is pretty even most say.

Personally, I'm in the category where I want both tons, but don't feel like purchasing the systems until more of an offering is shown. GoW and Dead Rising don't do enough for me to buy a 360. Resistance isn't enough to buy a PS3. And Zelda... Well Zelda will be on the GC I have, so absolutely no reason for me to buy a wii. Definately when each system has a good showing, GoW and Resistance will be first on my list to buy.

olanarchangel @ Nov 28th 2006 4:33PM

I don't think #8 deserves a star at all, he's just being a troll. People like Nintendo because they've for the most part delivered. While the Gamecube wasn't the raging success they hoped for, there were still quality games. You rarely heard anything about peoples' Gamecubes not reading discs or any Nintendo system breaking, especially in comparison to the Playstation consoles (with the exception of the PS3, I've not heard anything yet). I'm not saying there's no such thing as Nintendo fanboys, all three companys have their camps. I do think you're being a little harsh, though.

@#2
The majority of business articles previously featured thatg heralded the Wii as the winner did so from a business standpoint, not a gaming standpoint. They dicussed such things as the price and the supply at launch, whereas this article tries to make a point for the PS3 based on the gaming aspects.

Antonio @ Nov 28th 2006 4:35PM

Humm...seems like he has gotten caugh up in the PS3 hype machine. I'll get my PS3 next year when better games are out, but the 360 can definatly keep up with PS3 today and going forward (just better graphics technology on the ATI chip).

Handsome bear though that Stephen. Will need to save that pic.

fightinfilipino @ Nov 28th 2006 4:39PM

this article seems a bit...one sided. it does sound as if the author only read information about the X360 and the Wii off of Sony's now-infamous "comparison chart" for his research. it also sounds as if he's been living in a cave with a PS3 while the Nintendo hype machine has been going in other media outlets. at least those compare all three systems instead of giving them passing (and incorrect) glances.

Marty @ Nov 28th 2006 4:47PM

If the guy played Genji and came off impressed, his praise for the console should probably come with a grain of salt - as he clearly isn't very well-versed in games, or the potential quality of them.

DirtDevil @ Nov 28th 2006 4:50PM

He must be paid by Sony...

PhillyRampage @ Nov 28th 2006 5:07PM

"I'm not much of a gamer, and about all I could do in the short time I had with the PS3 was to learn how the controls worked in such games as Resistance: Fall of Man, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07, NBA '07, and Genji: Days of the Blade. But I can say the graphic details and effects on a high-def display were by far the best I've seen on a game console, and the play was brisk and smooth."

Hm... I wonder if this guy ever touch an Xbox 360 and Gears. I'm sure Genji and Resistance look nice but "by far the best I've seen on a game console"? please... , also to say NBA 07 & Genji's gameplay is brisk and smooth is really reaching.

flash @ Nov 28th 2006 5:14PM

Im glad to see that not all anylast are bribed by M$ to promote there crap. Im tyred of seeing lower reviews on the ps3, when it is obously better in every way than the 360.

MarxMarvelous37 @ Nov 28th 2006 5:20PM

@ Daniel - "The PS3 is so much more than the 360 is (again, I have absolutely nothing against the 360)."

Really? Can you provide more details here? (Not flaming, really am curious.)

From my perspective (for full disclosure I am an open-minded 360 owner), I don't see much of anything more:

- BR support doesn't mean much b/c of next-gen DVD war uncertainty, irrelevant for many. Very inconclusive that it adds anything to games (other than FMV).
- HDMI means nothing to me unless it makes things actually look better. From most reports (movie-wise) component vs HDMI is inconclusive. ICT is likely not a factor since it won't be implemented at least for many years.
- ...?

Not to mention all the big pluses for the 360 (Live, game selection, price, Media Center extender, etc).

Jettic @ Nov 28th 2006 5:29PM

It's funny how you guys at Joystick are pounding this guys comments on the ps3 into the ground in this post but whenever the 360 is praised by someone, you all are okay with it, im not saying beeing a 360 fanboy is wrong, but you may just wanna consider changing this site to 360fanboy.com first, or stop biasing the consoles....

just a thought....

Pixelantes Anonymous @ Nov 28th 2006 5:32PM

Reading his "review", the only way he reviews the games is by how they look. Typical.

Another problem with these non-gamer reviews is that they're one offs.I would imagine him or anybody like him reviewing any next-generation system and say they're all the bomb diggity. Of course they are. If they weren't, they would've completely bombed.

I'd be much more interested in a comparison review. Not that it would really influence me in any way since I'm likely to own all the systems at some point (currently have the Wii60). I've played about half a dozen PS3 games incl. Resistance.

If I were to review all the systems right now, I'd pretty much say that the 360 is for anyone that's into online multiplay (I am) or shooters, Wii for the pure fun factor (Wii Sports kicks ass) and PS3 you should wait until better games come along (ESPECIALLY if you already own a 360).

Ryan @ Nov 28th 2006 5:38PM

@Daniel

I don't believe you. I think you're one of the new breed Sony fanboys. Gone is the PS3 is god like crap and now you pretend to own a 360 and while you "like" it, it just doesn't hold up to the PS3. It's a load of crap.

I have owned a 360 since launch. I know around 10 other people who purchased a 360 within 3 months of launch. Want to guess how many of us have had our 360's die? 0 (Zero). Yes maybe thats just good luck but I always find it odd that people who "like" the 360 but LOVE their PS3's seem to know 50 people who have had their 360's die. It makes no sense.

On to Gears of War... Having now beat the game multiple times and spent a countless amount of time playing multiplayer I have NEVER had my 360 freeze while playing this game nor have I even heard about someone's 360 freezing while playing Gears. While you did not address this it fits here, I'm tired of hearing about Resistance multiplayer being better, sure it has 40 people but where's the co-op? I'm sick of death match because I'm not 12 and don't get to sit at home and practice all day... oh and by the way all the parents who bought their prepubescent children Gears you need to be shot. (On a side note while I have thouroghly enjoyed Gears its lasting potential is a little weak)

I admit my time spent with a PS3 has been limited to about 1 hour. The whole time was a friend of a friend showing us Resistance. My initial thought on the PS3 was damn that thing is big. After I got over that I enjoyed my time with the PS3 but can't say I could justify $600 for it. Or even $400. It comes off as a solid system but nothing more than the 360 I have owned for a year. And I really don't see the appeal to Resistance... not saying its a bad game but I guess I was just expecting more after what I had been hearing.

Which leads me to the finale... the new breed Sony Fanboy gushes over their PS3 while claiming to like their 360 and not be said Sony fanboy which is completley illogical. ANYONE who owns a 360 and a PS3 right now would have to say that at this moment in time the 360 is superior. Will this hold true in 6 months possibly not but right now saying that a system that has had refinements and is in its second generation of games is less than a system that has been out a week and has one game that anyone is talking about is ludicrous.

So stop. If you're going to be a fanboy jump in the deep end. Where's azn1080p that guy needs to come back and set his fanboy buddies straight. This failed attempt at pretending you don't have preconceived notions as to which system you like best is BS. I'm not saying the 360 will win this generation, I don't even know if I care who wins, I like the games I'm playing now. However, I am completely sick of these illogical arguments that are being made by the Sony fanbase. If you are going to lie do your research and make plausible statements. You and all of your friends 360's have died so many times you can't count and to top it all off it freezes 33% of the time you play?!?! It's a load of crap! If my 360 did that I would toss it in the garbage.

Get to college (or if by some chance you are in college) take a course on logic and argument. Come back and then convince us all how while you like your 360 (which apparently may stab you in your sleep) the PS3 with its release games and your 1 week knowledge of the system is the superior choice.

Mike @ Nov 28th 2006 5:42PM

I own a PS3, and I'm fully prepared to defend the system's greatness.

That being said, I agree with your sentiments, Alan. This guy is not a gamer, and his justifications for declaring PS3 a "winner" are weak.

I just wanted to congratulate Alan on making a thoughtful post, which is increasingly becoming rare on Joystiq.com (*cough* blake snow *cough*)

Matthew Ryan @ Nov 28th 2006 5:47PM

YELLOW TEETH

TB @ Nov 28th 2006 5:53PM

"Well, I'm not a car driver, but the Fiaro is way better than the Ferrari."

Blind leading the blind. Like bleating sheep. Screw consumer awareness, throw your money away.

Les @ Nov 28th 2006 6:16PM

Not sure I understand the ending to this entry where the author writes: So, does the PS3 really "got game"? Potentially, but people that don't (like Mr. Wildstrom) are not really qualified to decide.

Why aren't people like Mr. Wildstrom qualified to speak their opinion on how much of a winner the PS3 may end up being? Simple because he's not much of a gamer? How many of the hardcore gamers who declared that Sony's PS1 would be a failure because Nintendo and Sega pretty much owned the market ended up being correct? (Yes, I do remember those days.)

It seems to me that anyone making any predictions on the success of Sony's machine is engaging in little more than speculation regardless of whether they're much of a gamer. And when you consider the fact that the relative success of any platform is dependent on more than just hardcore gamers buying it (e.g. the mainstream populace which consist mostly of casual gamers and people who "aren't much of a gamer" types) then I'd argue that what they think of the platform may be relevant to the discussion.

I haven't a clue whether the PS3 will succeed or not and I'm not much worried about it, but it seems a little elitist to dismiss Wildstrom's opinion simply because the author doesn't feel he's enough of a gamer for his tastes.

Usedtabe @ Nov 28th 2006 6:28PM

Oh yes flash, it's obviously so much better than the 360. You and ">" make me laugh. Please tell me if you belong to Sonydefenseforce.com, because I do, and I would love to flame the hell out of your asses. My name on their is the same as it is on here.
So, please provide me a link stating, in english (not bat-shit crazy fanboy talk) why the PS3 is so much better than the PS3.

P.S. Good luck with that link, considering it's hard to find factual evidence for an opinion. Face the fact that maybe the reviewers aren't as ready to eat the Sony bullshit pie that so many of you fanboys grovel in

Izzy-B @ Nov 28th 2006 6:33PM

I have to be honist with every one on here all the new gen consoles ar good. What people should do is just find system that they want and if they don't like it take it back or sell it on ebay. People really shouldn't dislike systems because they should just be payin attention on there system. Early today my friend and i were aguing over this game he said there's only NBA 07 and i said there's also and NBA live 07 he said NBA live 07 is just a new NBA 07 ( what a dumbass) so i think people should just shut up and think about there own crap. My oppinoin is that PS3 is the best system but listen that oppinion can change or i might be wrong but hey that's me people need to just leave it at that.