PS3 3D: The Verdict

While 3D viewing technology has its haters, there's no doubting it's here to stay - at least for a while. Nintendo has created a new handheld around the idea of 3D gaming and Sony is pushing the technology hard through the PS3 and a range of compatible TVs. While games like Crysis 2 will deliver 3D gaming to the Xbox 360 and PS3, if you want the largest selection of 3D games on a console the PS3 is really the only option.

3D doesn't come cheep at the moment, though, with sets starting at just under a grand and many retailing for a lot more. With a Sony BRAVIA HX803 set up, 3D glasses donned and a selection of 3D titles ready to go, I headed into the new dimension to see if all the talk has been worth it.

Killzone 3

This is the big one. Killzone 2 is widely regarded, alongside Uncharted 2, as the most visually impressive PS3 game on the market, so a lot is expected of the first-person shooter's third outing, this time with full 3D support. I got to try out three levels from an early build (remember, it's not due for release until February 2011), and in truth it's a mixed bag.

The way your weapon sticks out in the middle of the screen is neat, but it also looks a little like it's been pasted into the scene rather than appearing like it belongs. Weather effects, on the other hand, look excellent. The little snowflakes that blow around look amazing as they seemingly float between the screen and your eyes. The biggest effect 3D has, however, is adding depth to the environments. One section featured a fire-fight along a snow-covered mountain path which led up to a Helghast base. This scene, for want of a better description, just looked more impressive in size when played using the 3D mode.

MotorStorm Apocalypse

While looking a fair way off in terms of its overall graphical presentation, Apocalypse already features impressive 3D support. I only got to sample one fairly basic track, set in a crumbling city, but debris flew past my car and into my face, a large tanker looked incredibly imposing as it rampaged through the pack and the environment had a real sense of depth. There's clearly a long way to go in terms of development, but I have high hopes that Apocalypse will be one of the leading titles in the 3D arena on its release.