Rebuttal: PS3 Trophies and how they achieve

  • Posted May 12th, 2009 at 17:11 EDT by Eric Blattberg
  • 6,501 views
  • 53 Comments

One week ago, Destructoid published an editorial entitled "PS3 Trophies and how they underachieve." We thought that it brought up some great points, though we also felt it entirely ignored several key factors that make Sony's Trophies successful. In the spirit of balance, we thought we'd write up a friendly rebuttal. Here's why we believe that PS3 Trophies do achieve.

The Destructoid writer mentioned that he "never felt any sort of attachment to [his] PSN handle," at least "not like [he does] with the Xbox 360 Gamertag." In fact, he thought that one of the service's primary problems "is the fact that the PlayStation Network has not succeeded in creating the feeling of a true online identity for its players." We would have completely agreed with him a year ago, but not anymore. Within the last few months, Sony integrated PlayStation.com with the PlayStation Network, allowing users to manage their settings, check their friends list, comment on the PlayStation Blog, and most importantly, view their Trophies from absolutely anywhere with Internet. Plus, with the advent of Sony's official Portable ID and the emergence of several customizable Trophycards, it's easier than ever to showcase your PlayStation Network ID in the online arena. Those 'cards' are massively popular on our forum -- check out the signatures in any recent thread for proof -- putting a solid dent in the "lack of online identity" argument.

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What about the user experience while on the PlayStation Network itself? That is integral to one's attachment to those hard-earned Trophies. While we do agree that Xbox Live currently trumps the PlayStation Network in ease of use, PSN is now in close pursuit. Early adopters will remember the pre-'In-game XMB' era, the clunky original iteration of the PlayStation Store, and of course, the PlayStation Network sans PlayStation Trophies. The network has come a very long way, and it looks like that evolution is far from over.

Now, let's talk specific logistics. Destructoid argues that Xbox Achievements "have an 'every little [bit] helps' aura about them," while "only a few Trophies actually matter." That's just it, though; PS3 Trophies are designed to reward difficulty and completion (a true test of gamer skill) through the use of Silver, Gold, and Platinum values, whereas a high Xbox Live GameScore can be accrued through repetition of simplistic low value achievements. If you tried to do this on PSN and simply went after the Bronze Trophies, your overall Trophy level would barely budge. Why should clicking the start button on The Simpsons Game "matter"? Moreover, why should gamers be equally rewarded for playing Avatar: The Last Airbender for two minutes as they are for trekking through Oblivion for dozens upon dozens of hours? The distribution and values of achievements are so inconsistent that an overall score -- compared to a Trophy level composed of heavily different, scaled values -- means nothing.

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And, unfortunately, while nice, Achievements are ultimately worthless. Trophies, meanwhile, can actually provide access to other (digital) items. With benchmarks from games like Resident Evil 5, Street Fighter IV, SingStar and others netting users various rewards in PlayStation Home, the whole system acquires increased sense of value.

So, do we disagree with Destructoid? Not entirely. Trophies, like most other things, are not perfect. We agree that the required syncing is irritating, the 'level up' system could be expanded, and Sony should absolutely bring Trophies over to the PSP. Still, the Trophy system has been a great addition to the PlayStation Network, and we felt it should be recognized for its achievements.

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What are your thoughts?

  1. fleinn | fleinn

    • 5:26pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 1

    Yeah.. you know, I agree with Destructoid. I'm about four phantom race- box races and a bling- brigade trophy from platinuming WipeoutHD (I beat Zico - Zico with the eminently punchable face! Gold Legend - easy! Zone Zeus - Supersonic, yess!).

    And I am thinking right now that I'm only putting down an insane amount of play- time on this game, in order to be able to go back and play the game just for fun again. And then go online. I mean, those sadists - keeping me playing the game again and again like that.

    Frankly - I want more instant gratification, and no sense of achievement, like on the xbox. And ice- cream. Free ice- cream to encourage me to play the game.

  2. Fiddlesworth

    • 5:32pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 2

    And the sarcasm meter goes *WHEEEYAWEEEYAWEE*

  3. FPSgamer | niminum239

    • 5:34pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 3

    Customizable psn cards would be nice! Trophies are much better than achievements in my opinion.

  4. 2_GoOd_2_Be_TrU3

    • 5:35pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 4

    i think sony should give you free stuff of the PSN store when you get a platinum trophy.

  5. Tomthegreat | ttg1994

    • 5:42pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 5

    thats not a bad idea but nott sony would give u a reward but for exemple capcom or sega , u know what i mean :p and of course trophies are good but in some ways worse then achievments and in some ways better

  6. bravo9zero | Bravo9zero

    • 5:53pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 6

    "PlayStation Network has not succeeded in creating the feeling of a true online identity for its players"

    I agree with that.

  7. Smithy2306

    • 5:54pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 7

    I couldn't care less about PSN trophies or Xbox Live achievements!

  8. Cyn | MrCyn

    • 5:57pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 8

    Well said PSU. Still, I think you're being a bit nice in response to that foul, biased article. Give 'em something to chew on.

  9. jonigam

    • 6:13pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 9

    Totally agree.  Great read.

  10. BlueSteel18 | BlueSteel18

    • 6:25pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 10

    I used to love achievements but then trophies came out which make achievements look seriously weak in comparison .  Still wish they would integrate them into PSP games though.

  11. joeymetalgear7 | joeymetalgear777

    • 6:33pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 11

    the massive flaw with trophies, and i mean massive, is that the platnium is worth a lot more than the other trophies so if theres one bronze trophy or even any other trophy thats impossible to get then whats the point of tryin to get the other trophies for the game? theres no achievement that says 'get all other achievements' its just stupid

  12. joeymetalgear7 | joeymetalgear777

    • 6:33pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 12

    the massive flaw with trophies, and i mean massive, is that the platnium is worth a lot more than the other trophies so if theres one bronze trophy or even any other trophy thats impossible to get then whats the point of tryin to get the other trophies for the game? theres no achievement that says 'get all other achievements' its just stupid

  13. Alpha2

    • 6:42pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 13

    Giving you a platinum for getting all the trophies isnt a flaw, the act of getting all of the trophies in a single game is an acheivment all in itself worth recognizing. Besides, not every game even has a platinum trophy which still makes it an especially note worthy thing to ccomplish when you DO get a plat.

  14. jonnyvito

    • 7:18pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 14

    I've got PS3 trophies for just watching a cut-scene.

  15. jakster123x | jakster123x

    • 7:47pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 15

    well said @Alpha2

  16. edward_moffet | edd

    • 8:05pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 16

    @6 care to explain why?

  17. jakster123x | jakster123x

    • 8:06pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 17

    I've just read that Destructoid article and its made me really angry! how biased is this guy? and when he talks about some trophies being practically useless i feel brilliant when i hear that twinkly noise and get a sense of achievement with EVERY trophy i get easy or hard i really wish people wouldn't post articles like these which just show how biased people really are towards certain cnsoles

  18. marcindpol | marcindpol

    • 8:14pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 18

    i am no trophy whore but i must say i like them, they give some more replayabilty to games:)

  19. SPIDER | SpiderMedical

    • 8:16pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 19

    great job...

     

    trophies > achivments

     

    well written eric

  20. bluesuedeshoes

    • 8:30pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 20

    to be honest I felt the Destructoid article was a complete fanboi rant and didn't need mush of a rebuttal given the huge gaping holes in much of the argument. For me the fact that I've got the full 1000 points for loads of games on the 360 and a game average of 800 points per full comercial release means nothing at all, one of my mates has an average of 260 per game but has a way higher score because he reants loads of new games for the easy achievements (whore!!!) lol. Thats why I prefer trophies and in particular platinums, nothing says I've owned a game like a platinum!!! I invest way more time in my trophies now because of that over my achievements. Ultimately though its just a way of showing your mates how Godlike you are :)

  21. hotrodjim

    • 8:32pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 21

    ...yea

  22. Tseng VII | TsengVII

    • 9:07pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 22

     Trophies are unexplicably delightful and addictive. It's a great system with a lot of potential that hasn't yet been fully exploited; but what new things aren't a little shaky? Give Sony time; they always deliver top-notch in the end.

  23. radgamer420 | mistercrow

    • 9:11pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 23

    I like achievements better than trophies. And PSN has failed to create a sense of community and feeling like youre connected all the time like Live has. PSN has a long way to go before it can even compare itself to Live.

  24. Annev0 | Anevo

    • 9:20pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 24

    Great article! I totally agree.

  25. Ocelot1987 | METSTM

    • 9:30pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 25

    I like the trophy system but I agree it is not perfect. The syncing is annoying and they should make trophies available for PSP games as well. If you could transfer the PSP trophies onto your PSN name it would be awesome. Plus no one really knows your trophy level unless they click your name but on 360 it shows your gamerscore right on your tag. I like trophies more because I value the platinum trophy so much. It takes a lot of work to get some of them and just having a few makes you feel good as a gamer.

  26. Duppy_Conqueror

    • 9:48pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 26

    agreed.  100%

  27. mixpix72 | MixPix72

    • 9:49pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 27

    excellent article this is how you write a proper argument article. GREAT JOB. i have sent this to the poster of the article at destructoid. he is just one sided which is not how it is done. i have included some of my arguments below.

    And @8 i completely agree atleast psu doesn't have to stoop so low as to make unfair accusations without ANY proof to back it up. The destructoid article is just an exteremly poorly written editorial.

  28. SolidDrake86

    • 10:03pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 28

    Good rebuttal. I agree that PSN and trophies have come a LOOONG way !

  29. claud3 | Libertycity2008

    • 10:18pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 29

    nice. Thats all i have to add to this

  30. Ryuuchi10 | Ryuuchi10

    • 10:21pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 30

    Good article to point, PSU.com

    The kind of explanation I want to hear and making good points out of, between achievements and trophies.

    Like I said in my post about Destructoid's post: I feel the same way both getting an achievement and trophy. It's nothing special,. I know. However, I feel special that getting something I have achieved or unlocked a trophy. It's something that makes me want to play the game more and thus it gives the game more value. WIthout trophies the game still is good. Yes, the trophy system is a great addition to the Playstation world.

    Other than that, Gaming is all about having fun playing your favorite games. All you gamers should know that. =)

  31. DarkRyuCloud | DarkRyuCloud

    • 11:02pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 31

    Trophies are ten times better than achievements, it feels bland when you get an achievement it's just points. Now on the PS3 is different, each Trophy has it's own value.

  32. Intervention

    • 11:02pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 32

    I agree with the read. The easiest most worthless trophy that comes to mind is the GTAIV one "Get off the boat". Just for starting the game, while others can be next to impossible to get and are still bronze(on games aside from GTAIV).

  33. Robotron

    • 11:27pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 33

    I read the original article and it reads like it was written by MS. It was very childish with the whole my e-penis is bigger than your e-penis attitude. Maybe when the author grows up his articles will improve.

    Nice write up here. I own both systems and I noticed that everyone on Live is nuts about their gamerscore and that's all some people focus on, but on my PS3 I get trophies for myself (much like in games like Drakes where you want to unlock everything). I don't really read destructoid and I don't think I'll start judging by that article.

  34. Draco | ExPresident

    • 11:34pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 34

    If I could earn trophies via my PSP on like Pixel Junk Monsters or earn trophies for my PSP games that work with the PS3 trophy system it would be awesome, alas, I cannot. Maybe in the future. But I definately think that currently:

    Live Identity argument > PSN identity argument

    Trophies > Gamerscore

     

     

  35. Fluxer123

    • 11:48pm BST - May 12th, 2009
    • 35

    what i think would be sweet is instead of displaying your psn in an ingame lobby, they show a little chunk of your card, not all of it but just enough to put  some spice in it because looking at an oppenents card is tedious and monotonus.

  36. mft73

    • 12:12am BST - May 13th, 2009
    • 36

     Imo there both the same.....they both have absolutely no value......i remember when i first got a 360 3 weeks ago, and after some searching around in the xbox video store i came across some terminator scc shows i wanted to download, but they cost 160 points, i thought i was achivements points, and after some hard work in resident evil 5, i had enough points, so I clicked on the confirm button and im so excited, i find out about these microsoft points were used not achievement points. I have never been so let down like that. (i was literally screaming for joy when i first saw how many points i needed, only to find out it was microsoft points not achievement points)

  37. byaafacehead | byaafacehead

    • 2:00am BST - May 13th, 2009
    • 37

    The fact he blasts platinium trophies really irked me as the satisfaction of beating EVERY challenge in a game is something that deserves special attention. They are a genius idea and one of the reasons trophies beat achievements any day of the week. Not that any of those things really matter...

  38. higgos22

    • 2:06am BST - May 13th, 2009
    • 38

    trophies are so much better than achievemnts like hes right u shouldnt just repeat some stupid task and get as many points s u would playing for hours with tons of frustration

  39. jello_snake

    • 3:13am BST - May 13th, 2009
    • 39

    im lv6.

  41. IceShade | Ice_Shade

    • 5:11am BST - May 13th, 2009
    • 41

    Haha I went to a friend's house tonight, they were playing Halo on XBL, it took five minutes to play through an entire round of Slayer, but 10+ minutes to find new people to play with, pick a map everyone liked, etc. My point is that it was absolutely miserable and boring.

  42. DBZ0wnz | DBZ0wnz

    • 6:37am BST - May 13th, 2009
    • 42

     Well said Sony.

  43. Denboy | Den_UK

    • 8:45am BST - May 13th, 2009
    • 43

    I've still only got one plat, but saying that, a tear did run down my face when I achieved it.

  44. sicstar

    • 10:54am BST - May 13th, 2009
    • 44

    I wish they were in more games.  Metal gear for example.

  45. 51titles

    • 2:21pm BST - May 13th, 2009
    • 45

    trophys defo wins for me and psn is getting better all the time

  46. Pyramus

    • 5:43pm BST - May 13th, 2009
    • 46

     I like trophys because they make me replay games a few times to get as many as possible ( I played Dead Space through 4 times to get all the trophies). Before trophies I would only complete a game once. However, I am not a big online player, and even when I do it is only with my friends so I will never get the Platinum for games that have online trophys. ( I have all trophys except the online ones for Far Cry 2 and Resistance 2 and they only equate to about 50% which is annoying). I wish I could select if I was going to play it online or not and thus be able to get the Platinum without the online contingent.

  47. ItsNotTheEnd

    • 8:13pm BST - May 13th, 2009
    • 47

    I think sony sould make more out of the online world an the trophies on ps3. I have ps3 and xbox 360 and prefer the ps3 because of the games and design but achievements are more fun to earn

  48. TheTenth666 | TheTenth

    • 2:38pm BST - May 14th, 2009
    • 48

    achievements or trophies are just the same crap : a way to compare who has the biggest ***. I want to play the way I like (which is already often limited) and not the way some developers decide and then compare to what others "achieved". The word "achievement" is absolutely ridiculous in gaming worl, as you really achieve nothing in gaming time other than proving you didn't do anything in real life.

    Having fun in gaming, it's something too many people forget about, how come we still don't have a car game where you only drive to watch the scenery and listen to cool music after a day's work, instead of getting unnerved because you didn't beat a time for the ** time? If this mode was implemented I'd buy Motorstorm and Pure. Having to beat some AI cars to unlock other cars that are most of the times incredibly hard to drive? wth? And then you see after 40 hours of play you unlocked only 4 trophies and are ridiculous compared to toher guys? Where's the fun of playing?

    And don't talk about Wii games, as the motion detection on Wii is just crap and allowing "next gen" games with super nintendo graphics is just an insult to my intelligence.

  49. subwaydesign

    • 6:36pm BST - May 14th, 2009
    • 49

    the only thing good about achievements is that they provide you with points to buy stuff. but that doesn't really matter when you have to pay to use xbox live, so it's like giving you back the money in a way that makes you sweat for it...

    Trophies wins. Fatality

  50. flaviofernandes | flaviusdigital

    • 3:15am BST - May 16th, 2009
    • 50

     i must agree the trophies are great and the rewards at home are great to so i think that is one great ad on and free icecream will another one hahha

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