If you have a PlayStation 3 and an internet connection then you can access PlayStation Home for free. This virtual world is full of possibilities and you can find out all about it here.
What is PlayStation Home?
PlayStation Home is a virtual world that Sony created as a free place for owners of the PS3 to meet up, play games, shop and chat. Everyone who owns a console and has an internet connection can access it. On release Home was a quiet place but as the months roll by it is growing and many big companies are beginning to take an interest. It is well worth getting online, creating an avatar and having a look for yourself. This guide will highlight some of the key features in PlayStation Home.
Creating a Character
The first time you load up PlayStation Home via the XMB menu on your PS3 you’ll meet your character in the wardrobe. You have to create a character that will represent you in the virtual world. The character editor allows you to change every detail from hair colour and style to chin size and nose length. You can create a character that actually looks like you or you can go daft and create a fat bloke with a big moustache and spiky hair (no offence if that's you). There are a number of generic pre-sets which you can use if you don’t fancy creating your own. Remember you can always change your character by going to Personal in the menu and choosing Go to Wardrobe.
As part of your character set-up you can also select clothing. The free range on offer in your wardrobe is quite limited but there are stores at the in game mall where you can pay small fees for new outfits. There are real designer brands available as well as fantasy outfits and accessories.
Your PlayStation Home Apartment
When you first enter the world you will find yourself in your apartment. Everyone in PlayStation Home has their own house and you are free to decorate and arrange it as you see fit. The default house is the Harbour Studio. This compact attractive apartment has a balcony with views over the harbour. You can redecorate or rearrange the furniture if you choose.
If you decide you don’t like your apartment at all you can shop for new furniture and art or you can purchase an entirely new property. These personal spaces are just for you. The real fun in PlayStation Home is to be had in the public areas.
Home Square
This bright outdoor area has a garden and links to the various other public spaces you can visit in PlayStation Home. It is a good place to meet people and chat. You can also see adverts for games and films on posters and there are even video screens. If you want to watch an ad or trailer you can walk over to the screen and press X when prompted for a full screen view.
In Home Square you’ll also find games you can play. There are tables set up with chess and draughts. All you need to do is find someone to play against and take your seat to begin the game.
PlayStation Home is made up of separate sections housing different areas. When you visit a new area for the first time you will download that area. The downloads are fairly small, so it is generally a quick process. You can visit new areas by walking through doors in the virtual world. This will prompt a load screen. You can also select them directly via the menu system and skip directly there.