So you want to join in with the latest generation of console gaming, but don’t know where to turn? Want to get online and start kicking some gamer bottom, but aren’t too sure which is the console for you?

Well now here’s a treat for you. It’s a cold dull evening, so I’ve come to the decision to knock up ten informed reasons as to WHY you should splash out on a Sony PLAYSTATION 3 80 GB Console with Killzone 2 (PS3)
. And before the fanboys start flooding in with their bitter hate, Xbox 360 and Wii versions will be arriving in the next few days. So here we go with ten reasons why you should make a Sony PLAYSTATION 3 80 GB Console with Killzone 2 (PS3)
sized hole in your bank statement.

Online is free and easy

Getting your PS3 online is almost as simple as hitting the top of today’s music single charts. Being ready to connect to your wireless network out of the box, with most homes now packing a decent internet connection and some form of wirless router, it’s merely a case of selecting a few options screen choices. And if you’re struggling along with a wired router, a length of Ethernet cable will see you straight.

And once you’re online, you don’t need to worry about any form of fee’s. With online gaming brand spankingly free, and a cracking included internet browser, there’s little doubt that online wise the PS3 is the true king.

LittleBigPlanet

So much was promised of LittleBigPlanet. We were assured that we’d be able to create and play just about anything our warped imaginations could conjure up. And you know what? They weren’t telling big porkie pies.

Forget the few irritating folks who point out the inconsistent physics, LittleBigPlanet is a true show of what kind of gaming we can look forward to in future years. Not only does it pack a lengthy and enjoyable story mode, but once you head online the game opens up a whole new level of enjoyment.

Whatever you fancy doing, you’ll be catered for. If you merely want to try out a few levels on your lonesome (and if anyone has any levels they highly recommend, please do leave a note in the comments section) then go for it. But if you fancy teaming up with up to four fellow gamers to rush through some stunningly designed gaming goodness, then LittleBigPlanet offers up the lot.

All that would be more than enough for most, but the incredibly easy to use level creator allows you to knock up and upload just about anything you can dream up. Seriously, you’re imaginations pretty much the only limit. An absolute must for PS3 owners.

It’s the Playstation pad you know and love

Alright so the left analogue stick might just be in the wrong place as proven by the Xbox 360 controller, but a huge number of gamers were introduced to these cracking hobby with one of the earlier Playstation pads, which makes this one easy for anyone to get to grips with.

And now with the DualShock 3 wireless controller out in the shops, you can feel every nudge, punch, and explosion in the palm of your hands.

The Playstation brand

Old school gamers may try and deny it, but the Playsation brand is one of gamings most recognised names. After the phenomenal success of the original Playsation which tempted a whole generation of youngsters to the joys of gaming, this is one brand that’s always going to be renowned.

As one of Sony’s most well known names, you can always be safe in the knowledge that Sony aren’t going to turn their back on the PS3. And when you’re shelling out the best part of £300 for a console, that’s the kind of knowledge you love to be familiar with.

Playstation Store

While the other online gaming stores are concentrating mainly on old school games, the PSN seems eager to show off some of the most fantastically designed modern day gaming wares.

Fl0w, Echochrome, Super Stardust HD (alright, that ones a sequel to an old school Amiga title, but it’s still truly fantastic), Flower, and Noby Noby Boy are just a handful of the stunningly well designed wares available for bargain prices. In fact, once you’ve bought a few, expect your time with your solid state games to suffer immensely.

Playstation Home

Alright alright, Playstation Home at the moment is one of the biggest disappointments since Paris Hilton made the huge mistake of opening her mouth. After all the hype and expectation, Home is a 5 minute playest every few days at the very best. Assuming you last that long before someone claims to be “humping” your character.

But the future still promises to offer a hell of a lot of goodness for this social networking service. As bare as all is at the minute, there’s so much Sony could easily do to make Home a real reason to pick up a PS3. Regular interesting events are required, as much more customisability is required for those used to the likes of Bebo and MySpace. Time will tell if Sony can truly make a big thing of Home, but with their track record, you wouldn’t ever bet against them.

Blu-ray

With Blu-ray thoroughly thrashing HD-DVD, the PS3 is now the console of choice for film lovers everywhere. With Blu-ray functionality constantly updated on the PS3, it’s the one device that you can truly rely on to play your movies at their very best for years to come.

And despite what some might try and claim, the difference between DVD and Blu-ray is a huge jump in quality. The crystal clear nature of the visuals is reason enough to plump for Blu-ray versions of your favourites, but don’t forget about the sound. If you’ve got yourself a decent surround sound kit set up then you’re in for a real treat.

Future potential

With the PS3 still a relative youngster in the gaming world, you just know that there’s so much more to come. Though the latest title have looked phenomenally breathtaking, give it another year or so when developers are really pushing the PS3 and expect jaws to strike the floor more often than if Scarlett Johansson happened to appear naked in your front room.

Think back to the PS2. As gorgeous as those early titles were at the time, compare those to the God of War II and you can see just what kind of jump we can be expecting. The jump in visual clarity now from even the first batch of releases is a hefty lift in itself, without even contemplating what the future can bring.

And with constant hard drive support, Blu-ray, and immense processing power to utilise, you can expect some talented game developers to create some truly incredible experiences in the future. Some of which, right know, we couldn’t even comprehend…

Killzone 2

Universally high review scores (let’s ignore EDGE’s polite 7/10 for a second) are exactly what we were all expecting with Killzone 2. After the much mocked videos all those years ago were written off as mere fantasy, it’s only now we can try it out for ourselves that you realise that those videos aren’t half as stunning as the full game.

Not only is Killzone 2 a huge jump visually, but the sheer amount of what’s going on makes this one a sure fire star. You’ll be noticing little touches of design brilliance for months as you play through this absolute corker.

Note: It’s not as good as Halo/Half-Life 2/Call of Duty 4 though.

God of War III

Does anything really need to be said about this one? The first next generation sequel to a series that looked not only stunning on the lowly PS2, but proved to be two of the very best action games ever created, is something to salivated over like, well, a naked Scarlett Johansson. Notice a theme?

Disagree with anything here? Then feel free to leave a comment. Have any suggestions for additional reasons? Then again, comment away. And be sure to check back for the Wii and Xbox 360 offerings in the next few days.