Memento: Blog on Anime, Manga, Games, and Japanese pop culture

High Definition

June 26, 2008 | 17 Comments

Metal Gear Solid 4

I've been very reluctant to jump on to the HD bandwagon mostly because my television is still SDTV and a good HDTV will cost me a lot of money. Besides, I often wondered if it's worth it, since the majority of games don't look that impressive or HD-like, IMO. I actually tried to fight the urge to buy this particular console and I'm still suffering from a little bit of buyer's remorse. However, I really wanted the Hagane (Gun Metal) version of PS3 so I figure this is a good excuse to jump into the HD market. Much to my delight, it's totally worth it. The picture looks unbelievable even though my TV is only SDTV. As for MGS4, I've always wanted to play a game where the storyline is seamless with the game and this game offers that exact experience. I know a lot of people dislike having long cut scenes in their game but I love it since the enjoyment that I derive from a game is not only from its interactivity but also from the story that it is trying to tell. Without a story, a game will feel kind of hollow and an unfulfilling experience for me. Besides, it's really hard to tell where the cut scenes end and when the game starts in MGS4. The transition between the two elements is so smooth that it's impressive.

The PS3 itself turns out to be a lot more impressive than what I had in mind. When I purchased the Gun Metal, I simply wanted it because it will be finger-print resistant in comparison to the Black Piano version. However, it's nice to know that the color itself is very impressive in person. Depending on the lighting condition, it gives off a different impression on what color it actually is (for example, it looks black in the photo due to the flash). As for the actual console, it's actually kind of fun playing with the different kind of configurations that it has on offer. I am pretty impressed to know that I can stream videos/anime from my external HD into PS3 and then watch them on my TV. It's been a while since I watch anything on TV that it's actually nice to be able to do this. I'm also surprised with the amount of freebies I can download off the PS store. I haven't tested the Blu-Ray capability thoroughly but Casino Royale looks really sharp and detailed even on my SDTV. The console is also surprisingly very quiet that sometimes I wonder if it's working. The only negative point I can say about it is that it doesn't play PS2 games since the Gun Metal PS3 is the one with 40GB HD and no emotion engine.

Metal Gear Solid 4

As I said before, the reason that I've been holding out this long before finally buying an HD machine is because I don't have an HDTV. It feels silly now but it wasn't back then. I just wasn't sure that SDTV can accept HD signals well. Also, it's not until a few months ago that Blu-Ray starts to see an increase in the number of titles released. I figure there's no point in buying an HD machine which can't play HD movies and until it was decided as to which format would win, I didn't want to waste any money. Well, now that Blu-Ray turns out to be the winner, I can happily purchased that Perfect Blue Special Edition Blu-Ray disc. Anyway, I also think that it's not until MGS4 that there's a game that I really want to play. I'm glad that the game matches my expectation and more. It's a really beautiful game that has so many option that I am a bit overwhelmed at the moment. It will take me quite a while just to understand how to do certain things in the game since right now I just want to take a look at the world within the game. I will definitely do a more thorough review of the game once I have a good grasp of it and have played the majority of the stories. So if you'd like to talk about it, please use spoiler tag.

I actually want to play other games as well (Uncharted, Devil May Cry 4) but due to fact that I don't have much time these days, that will have to wait until holiday. Anyway, I was wondering how many people have actually started using HD machines/TVs these days. How many people have already converted from SDTV into HDTV or are you still reluctant to take that step like I do? I mean I don't even know the difference between LCD and Plasma and which one is better so that's one reason that I'm still on the fence. And the price of those TVs are still ridiculously expensive. I know I can pay it using credit card but I hate being in debt. Moving along, what game propelled you to go HD gaming or will make you want to go HD? MGS4 was clearly the game that made me turned HD. I'm glad that I took the plunge and can't wait until games like Little Big Planet, Resident Evil 5 and the two Final Fantasy XIII are out. If none of these game interest you, what will motivate you to make the change from SD to HD? Would it be games or would it be something else (ie. new technology).

Poll: Do you like cut scenes in your game? Have you gone HD with your home entertainment?

Posted by Garten
Comments
June 26, 2008 | Jared wrote:

MGS4 is awesome, isn't it? I don't think I've played a game with this much detail and repeat value. I really like the camera that they give you to take pictures. I heard that there will be extra contents available to download soon so I can't wait for that as well.

June 26, 2008 | omo wrote:

Rock band made me buy a PS3, but looking back, that consisted only 35% of the total motivation. 65% was the ability to watch imported Blu-ray anime, and man is it worth it.

A side bonus is the ability to download Japanese stuff off PSN Japan.

That said, I've gone HD since 2006, so I've been reaping the benefits long since... Not sure if I can live with a SDTV again ^^;;

June 26, 2008 | beaner2k6 wrote:

I have an old school tube tv, but its HD! and widescreen too. MGS is my favorite series of all time, I have spent a crapload of money on it. I've been doing speedruns, trying not to get seen or killing anyone, for the big boss emblem, I'm suffering because I can't watch the scenes, The clock counts everywhere except the MGS dream scene and the loading screens :P

June 26, 2008 | Greg the Bunny wrote:

I'd go HD when Final Fantasy XIII is out. I mean, MGS interests me as well but not as much as FFXIII. Come on SE, this game has been in development for ages!!

June 26, 2008 | Ed wrote:

I'm a sucker for special edition too. (also a proud owner of the Hagane special edition.)

But you really need to shell out for an HDTV. If anything, sports in HD is a whole new dimension.

June 26, 2008 | Crusader wrote:

I got my HDTV during last year's black Friday in the US and initially used it for my 360 and Wii. It wasn't exactly an impulse buy but I was already saving up for a 37 incher, until the ad for a 46" for around the same price popped up. Now that MGS4 released my brother's PS3 is tethered to it since he likes to play GT5 Prologue on a big screen.

I got a copy of MGS4, but have yet to finish it since school started and I didn't open mine until a few days after it was released. I got to act IV in two days since one of the missions took a few more tries. What difficulty are you playing at by the way? I started off on Big Boss Hard since my buddie who played on Solid Normal found it to be less challenging than in past games.

June 26, 2008 | Garten wrote:

But you really need to shell out for an HDTV. If anything, sports in HD is a whole new dimension.

I have my eyes on Pioneer's Kuro but the price is ridiculous.

I started off on Big Boss Hard since my buddie who played on Solid Normal found it to be less challenging than in past games.

Just Solid Normal for now. I just want to enjoy the sights first before seriously playing it for the rewards, etc.

June 26, 2008 | Cloud wrote:

I actually got a HDTV before any of the HD consoles were out, because our trusty SDTV exploded and died. Fortunately we have HDTV channels in Sydney, so I could at least experience HD, but it wasn't until I bought an Xbox360 that I got to experience HD gaming.

I bought a PS2 after the HDTV, so all my PS2 memories are on the big screen. The one disadvantage of HDTV is that you're able to see the defects of SD much more easily. I had to get component cables for my PS2.

First HD game was Mass Effect, and that was stunning.

With HD gaming, the only real difference between HDTV and SDTV is size. An SDTV has the same amount of detail, just smaller.

June 26, 2008 | Sara wrote:

I can't even buy PS3, let alone HDTV so it'll be a while before I can watch High-Def channels or movies.

I would love to play MGS4 but I haven't got the money for PS3 just yet. Maybe when the price drops a bit more, I'll buy it along with DMC4.

June 26, 2008 | muhootsaver wrote:

Damn! That looks sexy. 0_0 I have yet to purchase PS3, mostly because I am not interested in any of the anime Blu-ray title out so far.

June 26, 2008 | Garten wrote:

I am not interested in any of the anime Blu-ray title out so far.

While I have to admit that the selection is lacking, I thought you're Production IG fan and they have some of their titles on HD (ie. Ghost in the Shell). Also, have you seen, Satoshi Kon's Perfect Blue?

June 27, 2008 | TranceKuja wrote:

MGS4 is indeed an incredible game, however I find it difficult to return to it after finishing it. After having witnessed the entire plot, which is awesome beyond words, I don't really feel much like replaying the thing... weird, I know.

To answer your questions: Yes, I do like cutscenes in my games so that's why I love the MGS franchise so much. You should really give Uncharted a try as well, it's very immersive and it's the best looking game on the PS3.

When I first bought the PS3 I had an SDTV but I wasn't really happy with it. The graphics, I mean. Now I own an HDTV (HD-ready), it was a bit pricey but it was sooooo worth it! The difference in picture quality is like night and day, and I haven't regretted my purchase at all. Watching Blu-ray movies on it is, of course, also very pleasant ;)

So there's my two cents, I hope you enjoy your PS3 and choose to buy a HDTV somewhere in the future for the best possible experience!

June 27, 2008 | Mike wrote:

I am also just playing MGS4 in SDTV. I got the 80 GB instead because the GunMetal PS3 is just too costly. Have fun with the game. Once you get use to the control, is great!

June 28, 2008 | Jyun wrote:

Almost everybody whom I've spoken to about HDTV gushes about the quality of some of the newer movies and new dramas - of course, I'm only referring to the picture/sound quality...!

I'm also in Sydney, and went HD in 2006. I've seen 'Black Hawk Down' broadcast in HDTV, and there was a definite step up in the technical quality; as for which type of TV, the trend is running very much against plasmas at the moment

Whilst a plasma was the sexy and must-have home status symbol 5-10 years ago, LCDs have improved immeasurably, so much so that Sony has completely abandoned plasma. Also, they chew up a LOT more energy, and if you run a plasma and LCD side-by-side, the plasma at some point will have to click its multiple fans on to keep cool and the difference in noise does become noticeable. On a minor note, rather like CRTs, they can get burn marks into the screen. That said, they still have great picture quality

Pioneer, Hitachi, Panasonic and Fujitsu still make plasmas, but as I'm sure you've noticed, Garten, all those companies - particularly Pioneer - charge a big premium for the quality and the name

June 28, 2008 | muhootsaver wrote:

Hmm, now that you mentioned it, I do have quite a bit of Production I.G. stuff on my dvd shelf...;;; but I don't consider myself a production I.G. fan and certainly not going to buy region 2 GITS when it is one of the guaranteed titles to come into US. ^^ Same goes for Metropolis and Cowboy Bebop (though I doubt I will wait for Cowboy Bebop region 1 ^^;;)

About Perfect Blue, I have yet to watch it. Is it actually THAT good? I'm actually not a fan of horror movies ;p get scared too easily. I think I liked Tokyo Godfather the most out of the Satoshi Kon titles I have watched so far. And THAT title, if it is released in Blu-ray, I might think about purchasing a Blu-ray player.

June 28, 2008 | Garten wrote:

About Perfect Blue, I have yet to watch it. Is it actually THAT good? I'm actually not a fan of horror movies ;p get scared too easily.

Some people think it's his weakest movie but I disagree. I like the twist and turns that the story provides and at the end of the movie, I still have doubts as to what really transpired. It's a psychological thriller so if you like that kind of thing, you may want to check it out.

I think I liked Tokyo Godfather the most out of the Satoshi Kon titles I have watched so far.

That's like the reverse for me. I mean, I still like Tokyo Godfather but I feel that it's not as challenging/interesting as his 2 other films (to be fair, it's meant to be a feel-good movie), Perfect Blue and Millenium Actress. I haven't seen Paprika yet and entertaining the idea of buying the film on Blu-Ray. I also have yet to see Paranoia Agent.

June 28, 2008 | jonske wrote:

well in australia, sony had a promotion where if you bought a sony bravia LCD HDTV they would give you a PS3 free. and yeh, bravia's were selling like hotcakes during this promotion and was really hard to find shops with any stock.


btw. MGS4 is epic.


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