PlayStation 3 System-Selling Software: Current And Future

The concept of the "system-selling" title is simple: it's a game that's so good, it manages to convince a previously on-the-fence consumer to finally purchase the piece of hardware necessary for playing the title in question. Obviously, we're talking about exclusives; nobody sits there with the Xbox 360 and says, "oh gee, Grand Theft Auto IV is out…now I need a PS3."

So, here's a look at what Sony's machine already has; what we consider to be system-selling software:

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots : Really, it's the reason to own the PS3 right now, and it should be more than enough to coerce even the most pessimistic gamers to own the necessary console. It features one of the best storylines we've ever seen in video games, and the streamlined stealth/action gameplay is fantastic. In short, this isn't just a game…it's an experience.

LittleBigPlanet : It's one of the most innovative and entertaining games we've ever seen, and it's also one of the most technically accomplished. It swept the competition away at this year's AIAS Awards and you'll be hard-pressed to find a single solitary soul who doesn't like LBP. And with all the DLC available, plus the fact that it's specifically designed for co-op play, you could literally play it forever.

Uncharted: Drake's Fortune : It was the very first legitimate reason to own a PS3 in our estimation. It was the action/adventure title that really surprised a lot of people, and if you're a fan of the genre, you can't possibly miss out. Beautiful and fun as hell, Nathan Drake captured our interest right from the start, and when it ties with God of War II for our 2007 Game of the Year Award…well, that says something.

Killzone 2 : It's simply a step ahead of any other FPS available and if you want the best of the best in this competitive genre, you absolutely need a PS3. Guerilla's masterpiece is a gem from front to back, and although it didn't receive the marketing campaign it deserved from Sony, that doesn't change its amazing inherent quality. It's simply one of those "must-play" titles that helps to define a generation.

Now that we've established these current PS3 system sellers, here's a look at the games that will further push hardware sales:

God of War III : We're just going to say it: GoWIII will be the best action game of the generation to date, and may be the finest action title in history. It's almost inevitable at this point. The first two installments in the series are two of the highest scoring and most popular games ever, and based on what we've seen so far of the third and final entry…wow. Just…wow. Like MGS4, we say it's going to be another memorable experience.

Gran Turismo 5 : Remember back in 2001, when everyone was always saying, "oh, I'll buy a PS2 when GT3 comes out"? Yeah, well, GT3 came out and a whole lot of people went out to buy a PS2, and we figure it's bound to happen again when GT5 finally arrives. We've already gotten a taste with Prologue , which proves to us that the final product will absolutely be the finest racing simulator ever. And yeah, you're gonna need the PS3.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves : Just as the original deserved to be on the "current" list, the sequel most certainly deserves to be on the "future" list. Set for release later this year, Uncharted 2 is the prettiest damn console game we've ever seen, and it's just gonna blow everyone away. Drake is the new Lara Croft, and guess what? …his games are better. Look out, Gears of War , you're going to have major competition for the best third-person action/shooter available!

The Secret PS3 Exclusive : That's right…it's a secret. We know what it is, and we know it's a true-blue system seller. We know people have been waiting for the announcement…we know it exists…we know the confirmation is coming…but we ain't gonna tell ya 'bout it, because we promised we wouldn't. Just trust us when we say, it deserves to be on this list.