PS3 Move and KZ3 could be the end of 360 shooter dominance.

No one can deny the influence or sheer popularity of the 'shooter' on the modern console. A large number of people playing online multiplayer on the 360/PS3 dedicate at least some time to games Like COD, Battlefiled, Killzone, and Halo. To date, one could argue that much of the draw to the 360 and it's paid LIVE service has been for multiplayer games like COD and Halo. The hours sunk into Modern Warfare 2 are nothing short of staggering. It is this popularity that helps keep the 360 in a strong standing among shooter fans.

But what if something came along that dethroned the 360 as the "shooters choice". What if there was a must-have game/accessory that was not on the 360? Watch closely, because I think that the Move Sharp Shooter and Killzone 3 might be that magic silver bullet that Sony needs to dethrone the 360.

Why do I think this combo will be a "game changer"? Well, early reports are that dual-shock users can't compete with SS-Move users in KZ3 multiplayer. Online multiplayer is a competitive place, and if there is a way to get an edge... you can bet everyone will want in. It is possible that the SS-Move will become the next "must have" shooter accessory on the PS3. Sounds like fun. So now why would you buy the 360 version of Modern Warfare 3 if you could get the same game, but with a signature Modern Warfare 3 AK-47 with tiger camo for the PS3?

So if Move/shooter accessories stick, Move sales go through the roof, and there is a accessory revolution with plastic guns that goes back to the glory days of Guitar Hero. In this scenario, the 360 would no longer be the bleeding edge console of choice for shooters. The 360 would slowly loose core supporters, and more importantly, the core group of people that fork out 60$ a year for LIVE. The fallout for the 360 could eventually be console killing.

But as we all know, this is all a big "what if." If you would like to consider the weight of Amazon.com preorders as a yardstick for success, KZ3 is going strong. The Sharp Shooter? Well, it is doing fine, but it is hardly tearing up the charts. But, if KZ3 leaderboards are topped by Move users... expect sales of the SS to pick up... especially if Move support becomes standard for future PS3 shooters.

The big question is, how long will gamers be willing to hold up a gun while playing? One could imagine a few sore shoulders in the making. It will be a hard sell to change gamer habits, or top the convenience and comfort of a controller. Still, it took a long time to convince shooter fans that controllers were a viable option over mouse and keyboard... but it happened.

I am thinking Microsoft is hoping the Sharp Shooter doesn't catch on. If it does, you can bet Microsoft will have a "me too" Kinect 12 gauge, or a Xbox 720 to distract you with flashy shooter graphics.

[theonlylolking]

I believe it was the beginning of the end for the xbox 360 when 2009 started.

[Nike]

Okay, but why? It's still selling and the Kinect had a great reception.

[The-Tentacle]

The Xbox isn't gonna disappear just because of this as MS have focused on the casual market now. They have basically handed the core audience to Sony.

So now the shooter kiddies will be buying PS3s but the xbox will still be around, charging people to play online and setting peoples houses on fire, just like before.

[theonlylolking]

@the tentacle
That is more probable than just the xbox just dieing.

@capdastro 011000100110010101100011011000 0101110101011100110110010100100 0000110000100100000011001110110 0001011011010110010101110000011 0000101100100001000000110100101 1100110010000001101101011011110 1110010011001010010000001100001 0110001101100011011001010111001 1011100110110100101100010011011 0001100101001000000111010001101 0000110000101101110001000000110 0001001000000110110101101111011 1010101110011011001010010000001 1000010110111001100100001000000 1101011011001010111100101100010 0110111101100001011100100110010 0

[GodofSackboy]

You just said "because a Gamepad is more accessible than a mouse and keyboard?

amirite?

[killcycle]

Could not have said it better myself. For that you deserve a bubble tenticle.

[Capdastaro]

Keyboard and mouse can't kill the controller so how will a motion sensor attached to a big plastic gun kill controllers let alone a console...

Stop living in a dream world, we have you surrounded, put down your plastic gun with glowing ping pong ball and put your hands in the air

[guitar_nerd_23]

"Keyboard and mouse can't kill the controller"

Hahaha, I dare you to go onto steam and say that to a counter strike player. :)

[Capdastaro]

No you are missing the point...

he its making out that move is the best medium to use, we all know k&m is the most accurate yet controllers dominate even though there is the possibility to implement support for it, they don't because controller is the most widely used on consoles.

[Neko_Mega]

Because alot of reviews have said the Sharp Shooter is just the same as using a keyboard and mouse.

[Legion]

@NekoMega

You do realize that KZ3 has shown to be a favorable game with the PS3 Move but so far people prefer to play it with the Move and not the Gun. with that said... if a btter gun system is created then it will push players into getting used to the peripheal. But I really don't see a peripheal changing anyones mind on what console to choose for themselves when it comes to FPS.

[Wh15ky]

@Capdastaro

Keyboard and mouse control is not the most practical for console gaming. Most people play their consoles whilst sitting or lying on their couch. How do you use a mouse and keyboard without sitting at a desk?

[zgoldenlionz]

i suggest watching some youtube vids on how to setup the move with kz3, with 0% capture box and 100% movement speed its pretty close to using a mouse. i do agree about the sharpshooter though i bought it and it makes my aiming worse i gave it an hour and still didnt like it. but ive been playing the multiplay with the move and im doing great so far. so give it a try instead of resorting to cheapshots about the looks of the move controller, shouldnt the look of the controller be the last thing on your mind while playing a game anyway?

[ian72]

The only problem with having to hold a gun while gaming is that your arms get tired quickly. Its alright if you can lean on the back of a chair, while stood behind it or something with your arms while playing, but if you don't your arms do get very tired quickly.
Thats the only problem I have had with gun games, Time Crisis etc, using a lightgun.

[Christopher]

So... what you're saying is that we need to make a height-adjustable platform that you can rest your arms on while playing! I'll let one of the various third-party peripheral making parties know!

Of course, just kidding. But, you know it just might happen...

[TheLastGuardian]

I have KZ3, Move and a navigation controller. I might buy a sharp shooter when the price drops.

I think the aiming is more precise with move but it's hard getting the camera to go exactly where you want it. Meleeing is also tricky with Move.

My main problem is getting comfortable. Just laying my hand on my armrest makes it harder to aim, especially downward. I imagine the sharpshooter would work better than just holding the controllers. I dream of someday being able to play KZ3 on a 3DTV with a sharpshooter.

[clrlite]

After gaming with the Move, I cant really go back to DS3 and I'm not really sure I would prefer a mouse. Move support is the main reason KZ3 and Socom 4 will probably be the only shooters I buy until Resistance 3 comes out.

For any of you that might still doubt the Move's accuracy, please check out my 15+ killstreak with Move(not bots either) while still warming up. http://n4g.com/news/699819/...

[TheLastGuardian]

Socom 4 is a third person shooter, not a FPS. I don't doubt the move's accuracy, I just think It's not as comfortable as the Dualshock 3. I still have to get used to it.

[clrlite]

Edit: there, I fixed it. I wasn't talking about you in that part TLG, I forgot I hit reply and just kept typing.

Meleeing and turning were the hardest parts for me at first too. Stick with it and tweak your settings and it will become second nature.
I agree with the statement about getting comfortable. I was and probably still will constantly tweak my posture, arm position, joint position, etc. as I improve my formula. I like to rest my forearm on my right leg when I play sometimes. Also, I heard that the handgun attachments work great too. Maybe you should check them out too.

[hot111]

It looks like a plastic toy for some 5 year old kid.

[evilunklebud]

I'm interested..... off to Amazon.

[jneul]

move does work amazingly well with kz3, not many days until it comes out, ps if you get aches and dont have a sharpsooter rest your arms on your lap, its still real easy to aim and you get no more aches

[Kon]

I noticed that all the blogs right now are written by fanboys. I miss the old blogs written by neutral users.

[DelbertGrady]

Lol! And the author of this one posted two other blog posts on the same day, all of them trolling the 360, of course.

[nskrishna2]

It's not as if you've never been guilty of trolling the ps3...just sayin

[nskrishna2]

Interesting piece..

[Captain Tuttle]

The Move is clearly superior to a pad for FPS's on consoles. Not sure about the Sharp Shooter. I've heard that it hinders rather than improves control when compared to the Move alone.

[Stationfan]

I own the Sharpshooter, and what i've played so far online Sharpshooter while dooable, would be just too hardcore.

Single player Sharpshooter is the best way to play if your using move, Because Single player its more straighforward action,

While in online your in a pit surrounded by people all around you, and you need all the reaction speed.

Its doable, but you would be in a big disatvantage, Now Move on one hand and nav another its a whole different best online, a quick Wrist movement, can turn you into a 360 degree,

If Microsoft keeps on settling for the status quo and COD DLC future prevails, then i'm trading it in for an NGP, and Play Portable Killzone game with the build in motion controls well use them to look, and turn with sticks.

[NicSage]

I have KZ3, Move & Sharpshooter.

Here are some problems with it.

Cons:
#1. Weight, it's all front loaded weight and in the middle, you have two controllers and then you also have the grip that seems to be rather weighty, what all this comes down to is too much weight in the front and it tires you out quickly. It should have been balanced.

#2. Accuracy, it is accurate and fun to move, but there is a slight problem with the accuracy. It is the same as using the Move by itself but when you look down the top of the gun the cross hair on my screen is slightly to the right and down a hair about an inch each. This isn't an isolated issue i'm just having, lots of people are having it, visit the killzone forums there are multiple posts about it.

Pros:
#1. It's awesome! I love using it even tho of the issues I've stated. My son runs around the house going bang bang bang, he is only 2 1/2. Daddy's little soldier.

#2. Easier to move around using the nav controller, the placement and angle of it feel very natural and I find it easier to move and throw grenades.

#3. Reloading options, turn the controller on it's side, hit the button on the bottom to simulate slapping a clip, or pump action. It's good fun.

#4. Trigger, it just feels right pulling the trigger on this thing, I can burst fire much easier using the sharpshooter than the Move alone.

Here are just a few pros and cons about the sharpshooter imo, If you are just happy with the move and are worried about the weight, I'd hold off picking this up. On the other hand you really get a great experience using the Sharp Shooter, I will be using it for single player then try it on multi-player but for now i'm sticking with just the move and nav by themselves for multi-player as i'm used to it and I only use motion controls for my FPS if available.

[Stationfan]

Its not going to end the 360, but this is what irks me about how Microsoft is going about this late in the Generation.

Take for example this, I preordered and paid Helghast Edition, So i get a text from Best Buy telling me that My game is ready to pick up.

Cool, Then i get another Text from Best Buy Gamer telling me LIVE is 20.00 off, really man thats bull crap if thats what their bringing to the table instead of their Answer to Killzone 3 awesomeness.

Having played the Best of both consoles Shooters, and for the type of games i like (Big maps, chaotic Battles, alot of targets) Sony is my home for the Shooters.

In fact i prefer M.A.G. online to my Halo Reach. I own both. All MOVE gameplay, which is more ergonomic and better war to play shooters, more ergonomic and better trigger placement than 360 pad.