Sony have announced their plans for a PS2 broadband network gaming service in Europe - which means that, at last, you'll be able to play PS2 games online. It all kicks off in the spring, with the UK being the first country to have access to the service, although a specific date has yet to be revealed. What Sony are calling a 'phased rollout' will follow, with Germany, France, Spain, Australia and other PAL territories following throughout next year. A start-up pack, which will cost £44.99, will include an Ethernet Network Adaptor, an as-yet unspecified online game and a demo disc. However, the initial batch of online compatible games is hardly earth-shattering, with the full list reading:
Also promised is a completely new PS2 version of Everquest - the world's most successful online game.
While there are some decent titles amongst that lot, there's nothing to make the broadband service a must-have for your average punter - no Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, no TimeSplitters, no Pro Evolution Soccer, no Grand Theft Auto, no Final Fantasy.
But with publishers including Capcom, EA, Activision, Take 2 and Eidos already lined up to produce 'network enhanced' games, expect the second generation of online PS2 games to be far more impressive.
"PlayStation 2 owners with broadband internet access will be able to purchase a Broadband Gaming Pack and immediately start playing a great selection of multiplayer games online," says Chris Deering, President of Sony Europe.
"It will be simple to set up, exciting to play and affordable. Our philosophy is to have a very diverse and inclusive platform that will enable content companies, games publishers and ISP portals to provide consumers with the broadest selection of new online experiences and entertainment from a variety of sources."
Sony are also promising a secure environment for both business partners and gamers by means of their Dynamic Network Authentication System - which presumably will ensure you'll be able to use your credit card online without fear of being swindled.
Adds David Reeves, Executive Vice President of Sony Europe's Marketing and Sales, "I have no doubt that the line-up of innovative network enhanced PlayStation games from Sony Computer Entertainment studios and from our publishing partners, when coupled with the simplicity and affordability of our network gaming pack, will accelerate broadband adoption in Europe and provide a catalyst for rapid expansion of the total gaming market ."
The US version of the PS2 online gaming service, which was launched on 27 August, differs from the European version in that it supports both broadband and modem connections, while the European service will be broadband only. A number of broadband networks will be compatible, with both cable and ADSL connections supported. Consumer trials will begin by the end of the year.
