Most would agree that Rumble on the PS3 has been a long time coming, especially as it's available almost everywhere else that matters already apart from Europe. Under these circumstances, you can hardly be blamed for using the internet equivalent of “that guy down the pub with the large coat” to acquire one. How I managed to get my hands on one is unimportant really but it should be noted I decided against the discount Rolex. The DualShock 3 cost me around £31 inc. p&p which, considering the embargo and current price of £28, for a SixAxis is a pretty good deal. Although by the time it's officially released, most likely along with Metal Gear Solid 4 on 12th June, I expect this price to come down a little.
Aside from Metal Gear Solid 4 you may be surprised to learn that even now there are a great number of games that already support the rumbling controller. Under cover of software patches, this support has been snuck into a many titles including MotorStorm, Uncharted, Warhawk, Resistance, and Heavenly Sword to name just a few, not forgetting of course, all those PS2 games that currently run on the PS3. I managed to sacrifice some time to try it out for you on Gran Turismo 5 Prologue and Grand Theft Auto 4. GT5 brought back that sometimes delicate and always precise rumble I'd been missing so much. Sliding into the corners at speed gave a small tweak to one side of the pad, while thwacking rubber against rumble strip produced enough vibration to loosen the odd fingernail. GTA 4 gave the most surprises as here the rumble was used in some of the most imaginative ways. From thunder crashing around you to certain intimate moments with your girlfriend, you are provided with no end of palm stimulating joy.
As the pad seemed to be getting a good workout on GTA, I decided to continue my stint for a further 8 hours for the sole purpose of testing the batteries - of course. I then invited the boys round for most of the next day and had some much needed PES action. And I’m happy to say that it did indeed hold up against the strain, lasting the whole 2 days non-stop on a single charge. With that concern put to rest, another that’s been flying around the interweb is the lack of tilting controls. I’m not sure why some would think Sony might have dropped SixAxis controls but don’t panic they are still there and have been thoroughly put through their paces in the bowling lanes of Liberty City. To be honest, the extra weight now found inside the DS3 has probably improved the feel of the SixAxis controls. Somehow it seems as if you gain some extra precision by having more feel for the movement of the controller. It certainly felt more natural when bowling in GTA and far more satisfying when flung at speed through the nearest open window after attempting that bleeping bank robbery for the umpteenth time.
In the end there’s not much left to say really, it’s a SixAxis with rumble that you’ll have no choice but to buy in a couple of months anyway. So should you fear the future? Not at all, and I wouldn’t blame you for trying to get there a little early either.
Aside from Metal Gear Solid 4 you may be surprised to learn that even now there are a great number of games that already support the rumbling controller. Under cover of software patches, this support has been snuck into a many titles including MotorStorm, Uncharted, Warhawk, Resistance, and Heavenly Sword to name just a few, not forgetting of course, all those PS2 games that currently run on the PS3. I managed to sacrifice some time to try it out for you on Gran Turismo 5 Prologue and Grand Theft Auto 4. GT5 brought back that sometimes delicate and always precise rumble I'd been missing so much. Sliding into the corners at speed gave a small tweak to one side of the pad, while thwacking rubber against rumble strip produced enough vibration to loosen the odd fingernail. GTA 4 gave the most surprises as here the rumble was used in some of the most imaginative ways. From thunder crashing around you to certain intimate moments with your girlfriend, you are provided with no end of palm stimulating joy.
As the pad seemed to be getting a good workout on GTA, I decided to continue my stint for a further 8 hours for the sole purpose of testing the batteries - of course. I then invited the boys round for most of the next day and had some much needed PES action. And I’m happy to say that it did indeed hold up against the strain, lasting the whole 2 days non-stop on a single charge. With that concern put to rest, another that’s been flying around the interweb is the lack of tilting controls. I’m not sure why some would think Sony might have dropped SixAxis controls but don’t panic they are still there and have been thoroughly put through their paces in the bowling lanes of Liberty City. To be honest, the extra weight now found inside the DS3 has probably improved the feel of the SixAxis controls. Somehow it seems as if you gain some extra precision by having more feel for the movement of the controller. It certainly felt more natural when bowling in GTA and far more satisfying when flung at speed through the nearest open window after attempting that bleeping bank robbery for the umpteenth time.
In the end there’s not much left to say really, it’s a SixAxis with rumble that you’ll have no choice but to buy in a couple of months anyway. So should you fear the future? Not at all, and I wouldn’t blame you for trying to get there a little early either.
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