Sony PlayStation 3 (2012)

By Will Greenwald

Sony has given the PlayStation 3 its second makeover since the game system first debuted in 2006. This new version is smaller than the "Slim" update from 2009 and sports an even bigger hard drive, offering 250GB and 500GB versions that put the original 20GB and 60GB PlayStation 3 systems to shame and offering a sizeable upgrade over the 160GB and 320GB versions , which are still available.

At $269.99 for the 250GB model and $299.99 (list) for the 500GB model, the new PlayStation 3 systems are either identical or only slightly more expensive than the previous versions while offering nearly twice the capacity. On the downside: The new sliding-door, top-loading-disc design feels a little like a step backward designwise. If you don't mind a slight compromise in build quality in favor of storage capacity, the new PlayStation 3 is a top-shelf system that offers the same gaming, Blu-ray playback, streaming video, and entertainment features that keep it our Editors' Choice for video game systems.

Even-Smaller Size

The new PlayStation 3 is slightly smaller than the previous, slim version and downright puny compared with the original PS3, which could be hollowed out and used as a carrying case for the new system and two controllers. At 2.3 by 11.4 by 9 inches (HWD) and 4.5 pounds, it's positively dwarflike compared with the massive, tanklike 3.9-by-12.8-by-10.8-inch, 11-pound original PS3. The new design is built entirely out of black plastic, like the previous PlayStation 3 models. However, its lighter design means it doesn't feel quite as solid as either of its predecessors.

The slot-loading optical drive of the slim PS3 has been replaced by a stationary optical drive under a sliding plastic door. The round Power and Eject Disc buttons have been replaced by a plastic bar on the right side of the front of the system. The left side of the bar serves as a mechanical button that slides the spring-loaded door open. The right side of the bar serves as the power switch. The back of the console holds HDMI, Ethernet, optical audio, component (with adapter) and power ports, and two USB ports sit tucked under the front of the system, giving the new PS3 the exact same ports in the exact same positions as the previous model.

Whether the PlayStation 3 looks better than the slim version from 2010 is a matter of taste, but it definitely doesn't feel as sturdy. The sliding plastic disc door makes the side of the PS3 feel flimsy and wobbly, and the button bar is awkward-feeling and coarse compared with the execution on the previous version's buttons. The Open button only pops the door open; when you put a disc in you have to close the door manually. This execution pales in comparison to the PS3 slim, and even the slot-loaded disc tray of the original.

On the inside, the only big difference between the new PlayStation 3 and the previous version is the hard drive space (either 250GB or 500GB). It uses the same Cell processor made with a 45nm manufacturing process as the previous PlayStation 3, a big step up from the original PlayStation 3's 90nm processor in terms of size and efficiency but not a big change from the most recent version. Besides the hard drive capacity, the PlayStation 3 models share the same power and capabilities across the board: They can play PlayStation 3 games and Blu-ray movies, and access a wide variety of content through Sony's PlayStation Network. Like its predecessor, the new PS3 doesn't support any form of backward compatibility with earlier PlayStation or PS2 games.

Same Excellent Features

Because the new PlayStation 3 has the same gaming and media-playing abilities as its predecessor, I won't go into depth detailing all of its features. For a full look at what the system can do, our PS3 Slim review gives a good look at what the PlayStation Network can offer and how the console functions as a game system and a Blu-ray player. It remains a flexible, powerful game and movie system that can access a ton of content both online and in disc form, and its larger hard drive sizes mean you can download more content than ever.

Currently, most major game releases are cross-platform between the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, but if you want to play certain system exclusives like Halo 4 and Gears of War: Judgment, you'll want an Xbox 360, and if you want to play God of War: Ascension and PlayStation Battle Royale, you'll want the PlayStation 3. As with all game systems, check that the game you want to play is available on the console before purchasing one. If you want to watch 1080p movies and don't already have a Blu-ray player, the PlayStation 3 handily beats the Xbox 360, since it does double duty with its built-in drive. You should consider purchasing the optional $20 Blu-ray remote control to go with the system if you want to use it as your primary Blu-ray player or media box, though; playback control is a pain on the DualShock 3 controller.

The PlayStation 3 is compatible with PlayStation Move  to offer motion control for games. While technically superior to the Nintendo Wii's motion controls and more directly useable than Microsoft Kinect , PlayStation Move has failed to find much of a footing besides gimmicky games. This might change soon with Sony's Wonderbook, an augmented reality book that promises additional Move functionality in both education and entertainment titles.

Despite the PlayStation 3's long lifespan, it's not likely Sony will replace it any time soon. My guess is the soonest we'd hear of a PS4 or similar replacement would be at the Electronic Entertainment Expo next June, and even then, it wouldn't likely be released until late 2013, or even 2014. Given that, the new PlayStation 3 is a welcome upgrade, but not a necessary one if you're already a PS3 owner. The larger hard drives for around the same price lets you put more content on the system, but otherwise it's functionally identical to the last iteration. The new, smaller design is certainly easier to carry around and tuck into your home theater system, but not significantly so. Its sliding door, open-top optical drive feels like a downgrade to the previous version's elegant slot-loading drive, and it makes the system look and feel slightly flimsier. Despite these flaws, the PlayStation 3 remains one of the best home entertainment tools you can get, with all the features of a game system, a Blu-ray player, and a streaming media box built into one high-capacity package. Combine Blu-ray playback with PlayStation Network, a service that lets you play multiplayer games online without an additional subscription, and the PS3 continues to edge out the Xbox 360.

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Street Fighter X Tekken (PlayStation Vita)

By Jeffrey L. Wilson

Street Fighter X Tekken joins BlazBlue Continuum Shift Extend and Mortal Kombat  as the fighting games of note on the Sony PlayStation Vita  . Capcom's tag-based 2D fighter, which pits many of the company's most popular fighting game characters in a knock-down, drag-out brawl with Namco Bandai's Tekken pugilists, is an incredible portable fighting game package. Capcom packs in online multiplayer, cross-platform play with PS3 owners, augmented reality, extra characters not found in the console version, a controversial Gem System, and much, much more. The result is an engaging, deep fighting game that's only hampered by a few game-design issues.

Basic Training

Boasting 55 playable characters, Street Fighter X Tekken sports one of the most stacked rosters in fighting game history. It features the 43 fighters found in the PS3 version plus 12 new playable characters: Blanka, Cody, Dudley, Elena, Guy, Sakura, Alisa Bosconovitch, Bryan Fury, Christie Monteiro, Jack-X, Lars Alexandersson, and Lei Wulong. There are many characters and styles to master, which gives the game longevity. If you can't find a pair of fighters that appeal to you, you shouldn't play fighting games.

Once you select a duo, you duke it out vs. the computer in single-player mode, or against others. Multiplayer is the path to walk if you want a true challenge, as seasoned fight fans will blow through the single-player modes with ease. Fortunately, Street Fighter X Fighter includes several multi-player modes including local ad-hoc and online cross-play brawls with both PS Vita and PS3 owners. The latter is an excellent addition as it expands the pool of potential players. Unfortunately, lag crept into the online experience on a regular basis when I tested the game using home and office connections. Ad-hoc mode was an overall far less laggy experience.

Mechanics and Bonus Features

Street Fighter X Tekken does an excellent job of pulling Namco Bandai's characters into Capcom's universe. Tekken characters keep many of their signature moves, so fans of the popular 3D fighting series should at feel at home after learning the Capcom timing. The combat is satisfying; blows are solid and impactful, even more so than the far more cartoony Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Hardcore fight fans will welcome the six button control scheme that gives players more attack options that MVC3's watered down, noob-friendly four-button set up (granted, the PS Vita's button arrangement isn't best for six-button fighters). I loved the fact that you can charge Super Arts moves if you don't have enough meter—shades of SNK Playmore's Art of Fighting.

That said Street Fighter X Tekken features rather annoying that attempt to rope-in casuals. "Battle Tap," for example, is a PS Vita-exclusive feature that lets users unleash special moves by touch a portion of the screen. It breaks the flow of the match, however, as it "Casual Style" removes a major part of the fighting game experience by not requiring players to have much input knowledge—they can, in theory, crank out impressive moves with a minimum of stick and button combinations. There's also a Quick Combo mode that lets you perform editable combos. Pandora Mode lets you sacrifice a tag partner for an eight-second damage boost—that's not nearly enough time to even the odds vs. a good player. The Gem System, which harkens back to the Marvel Super Heroes fighting game, adds jewels activate when specific conditions are met in order to boost offensive, defensive, and regenative abilities. The fighting game fan within me hates these additions—it's an insult to the intricately designed fighting engine—but I can understand Capcom's desire to expand the base.

Capcom tosses a number of sexy additions into the package such as 38 free alternate costumes, Near-compatibility, and KO Monument, which is where you view trophies of defeated foes. The game uses the PS Vita's front- and rear-facing cameras and augmented reality tech to drop fighters into the "real world," but it comes as a very tacked-on feature that serves no true purpose (it's also tricky to position the character).

Not Quite Black Belt-Worthy

Street Fighter X Tekken is a very solid game that unfortunately stumbles a bit due to online issues and some gimmicky—and relatively useless—PS Vita features. Still, Capcom's portable fighter is a fine addition to any fight fan's PS Vita library.

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WWE 13 (PlayStation 3)

By Jeffrey L. Wilson

The Attitude Era defined the WWE—and pro wrestling as a whole—from the mid-90s to early '00s. Fueled by the Monday Night War between WWE's "Raw Is War" and WCW's "Nitro" programming blocks, Vince McMahon's promotion pushed the wrestling envelope with a theme change that leaned more to adult sensibilities: class warfare, swearing, sexuality, and violence. Game publisher THQ and developer Yukes bottles a bit of that magic in WWE 13, an outstanding wrestling title that summons the controversial nature—and WWE Superstars—of years past in a dedicated Attitude Era Mode.

Are You Ready?

The Attitude Era is the game's true selling point, as it lets wrasslin' fans play key periods from that time frame. You start with the "Rise of DX," a hardcore match between the Heartbreak Kid and Mankind. In order to move onto to other Attitude Era matches, you must simply win the match. That's not difficult. But the real joy comes with meeting in-match objectives such as "Hit Mankind with a Chair" and "Win by Pinfall," which mirror what happened in the actual "Raw Is War" match in 1997. Doing so unlocks goodies that I won't spoil. Other Attitude Era Superstars include "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Three Faces of Foley, and "Blue Blood" Triple H.

WWE 13 displays television ratings info about the Monday Night War between Attitude Era matches—a nod to the brutal competition between the two organizations. Unfortunately, the game mode mostly focuses on the WWE product. I would've liked a larger WCW presence as WWE's focus change was a direct result of being spanked by WCW Nitro's ratings (spurred by the monster nWo angle), but this is a McMahon product, after all.

Let's Get Ready To Suck Ittttttttt!

WWE 13 has more than just '90s edge. It includes tons of today's Superstars such as Shamus, Miz, and coverboy CM Punk. Should you not want to use either wrestler set, you can opt to create your own in a Create A Wrestler mode that nearly matches Fire Pro Wrestling's insane amount of flexibility. You can tweak faces, move sets, and finishers—and share them online, too. Game developer Yukes includes several game modes such as tag team, triple threat, 6-man, handicap, and Hell in the Cell matches. All in all, there's a lot of content on the disc.

Yukes' wrestling engine is one of the best in the business as it overlays a deep mechanic with simple controls. You can wrestle highly technical matches using reverses and body part targeting, or just simply hammer opponents. In fact, the game's pacing very much mirrors the pacing of WWE matches—lots of chair shots, hot tags, and other spots that make fans pop. I noticed the occasional awkward reaction to blows, but it's nothing that sullies the product.

Dynamic camera angles highlight comeback, signature, and finishing moves, giving the game a very TV-like appearance. The production quality is top-notch, too: Wrestlers have their own intros (in the case of the Attitude Era wrestlers, their '90s TitanTron intros), and the announcers give serviceable commentary. The crowd really gets behind the action, but some of the move and weapon sounds lack impact. In addition, a high-pitched noise sometimes appears randomly and really grates on the ears.

Because Stone Cold Said So!

WWE 13 excellently captures the WWE's highest and lowest moments with its Attitude Era Mode, which harkens back to a time when professional wrestling was forever changed. It has a few bugs—THQ and Yukes have recently released a patch to fix some of the issues—but the game is worthy pick up for WWE fans.

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