Sony PlayStation 2
Reviews:
Although the slowest and least powerful of the newest generation of game systems, it's still the most popular, basically due to its high quality game selection and mass popularity/goodwill carried over from the original PlayStation. The PS2 has a 128-bit Emotion Engine at 294.912MHz with 32MB Direct RDRAM. It plays audio CDs and DVDs right out of the box, which gives it a slight edge over the Xbox system. But you'll have to use 8MB memory cards to save your games. Arguably, the PS2 has the best controller of the lot, although the GameCube controller seems more ergonomic, but unfortunately with one less button. The Xbox controller S comes a little closer, but the PS2 has a head start on everyone since the DualShock 2 feels exactly like the original DualShock, but with pressure sensitive buttons. It's more portable than the Xbox (lighter and smaller), but less portable than the GameCube (a LOT smaller and lighter).
More soon.
Graphics: 8.5/10 ------ Sound: 9/10 ------ Control: 9.5/10
Of the newest generation of game consoles, the PS2 definitely has the largest selection of games, basically due its one year head start on the other console systems.
More soon.
>> Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance << 
Well, well, Dungeons and Dragons fans, this is the game you've been waiting for. Aside from it's gorgeous graphics, terrific hack n' slah gameplay with minor RPG elements and engrossing storyline, there's a little secret surprise for you after you finish the game...Drizzt! That's right, you can play this ever famous main character from Forgotton Realms, but only after you've beat the game at least twice (and at least once in extreme mode) and beat Gauntlet mode (with Drizzt!).
OK, but on to the game mechanics. Yes, it's true, the graphics are stunning for a PS2 game. It rivals and at some points exceeds those of many current Xbox and GameCube games. The gameplay is quite basic. Think the Gauntlet formula of old with an RPG type leveling system, which allows you to tailor your character with abilities and spells as you go. Or you could think a more action packed Diablo. Either way, it's a new play on old ideas that works great for a console. You only have three playable characters to begin with, and only four total with Drizzt. The range of weapons available in the game is mind boggling.
Control is very simple: attack, block, magic/ability being the main buttons you need to know. A nifty little addition is the use of the pressure sensitive DualShock 2 controllers to aim and fire arrows. A light press allows you arm the bow and prepare to fire in any direction, a hard press fires the arrow. Nifty. Everything is very responsive, and there's pretty much no slowdown at all.
Another nice addition, lacking in similar games, is the ability to rotate your perspective so you're not fighting behind a tall pillar or some other object blocking your view. The RPG elements are simple but effective. Experience points allow you to level up your character's abilities. Every 3 or 4 levels, you can change one of your primary stats (e.g. Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, etc.). Every level you get a certain amount of points that you can either save or allocate into certain skills or spells. For instance you can use 2 points to allow you to block with a two-handed weapon, 8 points to get the Lightening Bolt Spell, 3 points to make your Burning Hands spell more effective, 4 points to get a new special attack which allows you to swing you axe around, etc. You can save them from level to level and gain bigger and better skills and abilities. The buying and selling of weapons and equipment is terrific, but unfortunately, you can't give money to your compadre. Why? I don't know. You can however give and trade weapons and equipment.
All in all, a terrific two player experience, and pretty decent single player experience. More arcadish than the computer game, but better paced and a lot of fun. The only real complaint is its too short. You'll beat it on Normal mode in about 8 hours or so. So when are we getting a sequel?
> Graphics: 8/10 ----- Sound: 9/10 ----- Control: 9/10 ----- Fun: 9.5/10 -----
> Replay Value: 8/10 ----- Overall: 9/10
>> Fantavision <<
Nifty puzzler with interesting ideas, but it get's old fairly quickly. You'll really enjoy the lighting effects though, still some of the best on the PS2. However, the strategy can quickyl degrade to button mashing and spinning the control stick aorund trying to catch as many of anything as you can. Work a play if you like puzzlers just because of its interesting concept. Yet, at heart, it's just another color matching/removing puzzle game with nifty graphics.
> Graphics: 8/10 ----- Sound: 7/10 ----- Control: 7/10 ----- Fun: 7/10 -----
> Replay Value: 8/10 ----- Overall: 7.5/10
>> Freekstyle << 
Liked SSX and SSX Tricky? Want more but can't wait for the new SSX? Love motorcross games but you feel too constrained by the realistic physics? If you answered yes to any of these, get ready to ride with Freekstyle. Basically, you take a motorcross game, like MX 2002 or any of many others, and you add over the top characters and tricks such as in SSX, and there you have it. The tricks aren't quite as easy to pull off (especially in combos), but they're simple enough. You can get pretty big air, but I'd like to see even more air to pull off crazier combos.
In addition, that Tricky meter is no replaced with a Freak Out meter. Also, your boost power is much more critical. You could get by most of SSX Tricky without boosting at all, but Freekstyle really does require you to boost, a lot. Also, the boost meter is now separate from the trick meter, so using your boost won't reduce your chances of "Freaking out."
How about game play? Very smooth, extremely fast, and no overuse of blurring. Zero slowdown and decent handling. The only problem is that after you crash, you restart a little further back, which could be annoying for difficult spots where you crash several times. You could literally get stuck at one place restarting and crashing on the same jump for several minutes, which stinks. It would've been much better if they just let you get up and continue, like SSX.
Overall, it's a great game and I would definitely get the old SSX rivalries going again with a round of Freekstyle.
> Graphics: 8.5/10 ----- Sound: 8.5/10 ----- Control: 9/10 ----- Fun: 9/10 -----
> Replay Value: 9.5/10 ----- Overall: 9/10
>> Frequency <<
Wow, what a terrific spin on an old idea. We've all played the numerous "hit the button in time with the music games" ever since the original Parrapa the Rapper. Sure, Dance Dance Revolution made it more mainstream with some catchy dance toons and a pad, but at that point, it wasn't anymore fun to play with a gamepad. Now comes frequency. It's a little bit old and a little bit new. The same idea exists, hit the buttons in time with the notes and the music. But now there are multiple tracks which you must activate, and you must rotate through them in a tunnel akin to Tempest 2000 on acid. The songs are all the latest in the dance mainstream and underground, you'll find every toon catchy. Plus, completing certain areas give you autocatchers (automatically get a line going without having to follow the rythem) and multipliers to get you more points. More points will open more songs, backgrounds, etc.
And there's a nifty two player split screen version as well. Is good clean fun for everyone, and interesting knew puzzling spin on an old concept. Get it and rock the beat!
> Graphics: 7/10 ----- Sound: 9.5/10 ----- Control: 8/10 ----- Fun: 8/10 -----
> Replay Value: 8/10 ----- Overall: 8/10
>> Grand Theft Auto III << 
Has there been more hype for any other game, except maybe Halo for the XBox? Yes, yes, it's everything you've heard. Great graphics, smooth animation and control, interesting storyline, oh, and you get to rob and shoot people without any repercussions. Nice, eh? Steal cares, "off" people, rob stores, and run errand for the "family" and you too can be giving the orders some day! There's not much more to say about this except that it's a classic and will definitely see a lot of copy cats.
> Graphics: 8.5/10 ----- Sound: 8/10 ----- Control: 8/10 ----- Fun: 9/10 -----
> Replay Value: 7/10 ----- Overall: 8/10
>> Jak and Daxter << 
Remember Crash Bandicoot? How about Crash Bandicoot 2 through 100? Well, here's the same Crash Bandicoot team putting on a non-linear Crash Bandicoot-ish game. The characters are great. The missions are just like any other 3D platformer - find gems, trade for powercells, find powercells, get enough to proceed to the next area, repeat. But the saving grace is the interesting characters, slightly tongue in cheek as always, and the great control. Also, having free-roaming environments really helps make the game more grand. It's not your grandfathers Crash Bandicoot!! Definitely worth a rental for those who are curious or a purchase for those who always wanted more out of their Bandicoot.
> Graphics: 8/10 ----- Sound: 8/10 ----- Control: 8.5/10 ----- Fun: 8.5/10 -----
> Replay Value: 7/10 ----- Overall: 8.5/10
>> Jedi Starfighter << 
Basically an much improved version of Starfighter with cleaner control and graphics, plus now you have Jedi Powers! And you can start with cooperative missions, a big plus for those looking for two player games. It's the basic space battle/simulator, but with a terrificly engrossing storyline and nice cut scenes. A must for any aspiring Jedi. A little less arcadish than Rogue Squadron 2, but more pick up and play than X-Wing Alliance. If you liked Starfighter, then pick up this game. If you don't have Starfighter, give it a pass and get this one instead.
> Graphics: 9/10 ----- Sound: 9.5/10 ----- Control: 8.5/10 ----- Fun: 8/10 -----
> Replay Value: 7/10 ----- Overall: 8.5/10
>> Oni << 
Kind of a precursor game in the genre of Max Payne, minus the bullet time. It's like a high tech Tomb Raider with a lot more shooting and fighting, the story is just enough to keep you interested. Based of a japanimation cartoon, those who enjoy japanimation action should enjoy this game. Otherwise, its a pretty standard third person shooter/adventure.
> Graphics: 7.5/10 ----- Sound: 8/10 ----- Control: 8/10 ----- Fun: 8.5/10 -----
> Replay Value: 7/10 ----- Overall: 8/10
>> Parappa the Rapper 2 << 
The original has returned! Unfortunately, it doesn't really add much, and the graphics don't seem to have improved much
original (albeit 8 instead of only 6 levels). Some of the songs even sound similar! But if you loved the first, you'll never be able to avoid the second... or the third or how other Sony will through our way. It's the same hit the button in time with the music, but adds some bonus levels where you break boards and stuff at Master Onion's dojo. Plus you have two player competitions and vs. mode against the computer for more fun.
So don't pay full price, but pick it up used or something. You won't regret it.
> Graphics: 6.5/10 ----- Sound: 9/10 ----- Control: 8/10 ----- Fun: 9/10 -----
> Replay Value: 8/10 ----- Overall: 8/10
>> Salt Lake 2002 << 
Hmm..take a bunch of mediocre winter related sports, put no frills on it, slap a menu system and the Winter Olympics logo and voila! Salt Lake 2002! Yeah, it's interesting, but it just doesn't have the appeal of what these games are individually. I mean, I'd much rather play Amped or SSX Tricky than play the simple little downhill or half pipe snowboarding in this game. And really, who wants to bobsled? Control is simple, nothing complicated. Graphics are simple as well. 16 countries are represented in six events: Men's Alpine Skiing Downhill, Ladies' Alpine Skiing Slalom, Men's Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom, Women's Freestyle Skiing Aerials, Men's Ski Jumping K120 Individual, and Men's Two-man Bobsleigh, so the variety is nice.
It's interesting, but not that interesting. It's a good buy for cheap just to pass the time or play with friends, but as a single player challenge, it lacks the appeal of even other "multi-sport" games.
> Graphics: 7/10 ----- Sound: 7.5/10 ----- Control: 7.5/10 ----- Fun: 7/10 -----
> Replay Value: 6.5/10 ----- Overall: 7/10
>> Starfighter << 
And oldie but goodie. Only get it to be complete if your a Star Wars fanatic like me. Otherwise, stick with the improved Jedi Starfighter.
> Graphics: 8/10 ----- Sound: 9/10 ----- Control: 8/10 ----- Fun: 8/10 -----
> Replay Value: 6.5/10 ----- Overall: 8/10
>> State of Emergency << 
How about participating in a riot of hundreds of people and beating down the "man" willy nilly with whatever you can get your hands on? Sound good? But you don't want to go to jail you say? Well, look know further, the highly under-rated game should be in everyone's collection. Basically there are two modes. A Crazy Taxi type mode where you run around beating up certain people for points and more time to...surprise!!!!...beat up more people for more points and time! Have fun with it, it's a great stress reliever! In addition to that there's a mission based story mode where you can run missions for the resistance by knocking certain people off, transporting certain key items or protecting people as they make it from one location to the next.
It's a lot of fun and pretty simple. Completing objectives and level and scoring ceratin amounts of points will open more characters and more locations. It's a blast!
> Graphics: 8/10 ----- Sound: 8.5/10 ----- Control: 8/10 ----- Fun: 9/10 -----
> Replay Value: 8.5/10 ----- Overall: 8.5/10
>> Super Bust a Move << 
Try taking Bust-a-Move 2 and putting it on serious bad LSD trip, and you get Super Bust a Move. I still don't undertsand what the opening sequence is about (some character starts laughing, another throws up, and yet another goes to the moon and then something blows up, eh?). Regardless of the psychadelic characters, the game play is pretty familiar. All the additions in the previous incarnations are present including chains and moving walls.
> Graphics: 6/10 ----- Sound: 6.5/10 ----- Control: 7/10 ----- Fun: 9/10 -----
> Replay Value: 9/10 ----- Overall: 7.5/10
>> Swing Away Golf <<
Still far and away one of the best golf games on the PS2. Yep, it's Swing Away Golf, the precursor to Hot Shot Golf 3, and maybe even better. It's simple, colorful, nice graphics for a first generation PS2 game, and the characters are all very intersting. PLus you can "build" you golfer by allocating earned experience points to certain categories. Nothing too innovative, but good fun. A must for all golf fans.
> Graphics: 8/10 ----- Sound: 8/10 ----- Control: 8.5/10 ----- Fun: 9/10 -----
> Replay Value: 9/10 ----- Overall: 8.5/10
>> Time Crisis (with GunCon 2) << 
Coming Soon
> Graphics: /10 ----- Sound: /10 ----- Control: /10 ----- Fun: /10 -----
> Replay Value: /10 ----- Overall: /10
>> Vampire Night (with GunCon 2) <<
Want some GunCon 2 action with the undead, but don't have House of the Dead 2? Here's your chance. More Coming Soon.
> Graphics: 8/10 ----- Sound: 8/10 ----- Control: 8.5/10 ----- Fun: 8/10 -----
> Replay Value: 7.5/10 ----- Overall: 8/10
>> Virtua Fighter 4 << 
The new King of Fighters? Well, it's good. Better then Tekkan Tag? Yes. Better than Dead or Alive 3? Graphics wise, no. Gameplay wise, well, its tough to compare. DOA3 is really more of a flashy, simple pick up and play fighter with lots of reversals and counters, adding a serious element of strategy to easy arcade button mashing. Virtua fighter is more combo heavy, but still has a good pick up and play appeal. The blocking system in VF4 is much more reactive than DOA3 and controls are pretty intuitive. It's pretty difficult to pull off a throw (just based on timing, not the actual control scheme - which is pretty easy), but it's fun to see when it happens.
Plus it has all your favorite characters from the last three with some newcomers. Standard modes exist with competitive and story type modes available. The big question is what will happen when Tekken 4 comes out? Which will be better then? The true test is yet to come.
> Graphics: 9/10 ----- Sound: 8/10 ----- Control: 9/10 ----- Fun: 9/10 -----
> Replay Value: 9/10 ----- Overall: 9/10
>> Ico << 
Created by Sony for the PlayStation2, ICO is an action/adventure that will push the console, and your imagination, to the limit. Immerse yourself in the smooth, spectacular graphics and addictive gameplay of ICO! You'll find yourself in a fantastical, awe-inspiring world where you must find your way through puzzle-laden castles, dungeons, corridors, fields and more. As a young hero, your mission will be to rescue a beautiful young girl.
More Soon.
> Graphics: /10 ----- Sound: /10 ----- Control: /10 ----- Fun: /10 -----
> Replay Value: 9/10 ----- Overall: 9/10
>> Kingdom Hearts << 
Kingdom Hearts is the first joint project between SquareSoft and Disney Interactive.This action RPG for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system cornbines classic Disney characters and worlds with newly introduced characters and environnments created in the renowned SquareSoft style. The new Disney characters making their debut in Kingdom Hearts are developed by Tetsuya Nomura, best known for his creations in the breakthrough titles Final Fantasy VII, VIII and X. From a production team of more than 1OO of SquareSoft and Disney's most creative talent, Kingdom Hearts fully exploits the technologicaL possibilities of the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system in an epic tale of adventure, heroism and, ultimately, the sacrifice of what is held dearest for the greater good. This is the first time characters frorn different Disney films come together in one interactive product. With Kingdom Hearts you can embark on a magnificent journey of adventure and imagination across familiar Disney worlds and enchanting new lands.
More Soon.
> Graphics: 9/10 ----- Sound: 9/10 ----- Control: 8/10 ----- Fun: 8.5/10 -----
> Replay Value: 8/10 ----- Overall: 9/10
>> Silent Hill 2 << 
Return to the eerie town of Silent Hill in an all-new story with all-new characters. Players assume the role of James, who receives a cryptic letter from his wife - who has been dead for three years -- beckoning him to meet her in Silent Hill, a place that holds great meaning for the couple. The mystery of the letter frightens and confuses James, compelling him to investigate the surreal horror and all-too-real danger that awaits him.
More Soon.
> Graphics: 9/10 ----- Sound: 9.5/10 ----- Control: 8.5/10 ----- Fun: 8/10 -----
> Replay Value: 7/10 ----- Overall: 8.5/10
>> Splashdown << 
Splashdown is a Sea Doo racing game, designed to provide fun and entertainment in a very realistic environment. Using the latest state of the art PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system technology, Splashdown takes advantage of all the fantastic capabilities of this new generation console for a very high quality visual experience associated with very realistic background and physics handling.
More Soon.
> Graphics: 8/10 ----- Sound: 8.5/10 ----- Control: 8.5/10 ----- Fun: 9/10 -----
> Replay Value: 9/10 ----- Overall: 8.5/10
>> Johnny Mosely's Mad Trix << 
Coming Soon.
More Soon.
> Graphics: 6.5/10 ----- Sound: 7.5/10 ----- Control: 6/10 ----- Fun: 6/10 -----
> Replay Value: 7/10 ----- Overall: 6.5/10
>> Sled Storm << 
Race beyond boundaries in this all-out world of high-powered sled racing where speed is a necessity and losing is not an option. Sled Storm, the fuel-injected addition to the EA SPORTS BIG line-up, delivers the thrill of piloting rocket-powered sleds while pushing you to be first to the finish line. The screaming gas-powered engines compete in volume with the biggest beats from the industrial charts - just what ’s needed to push you over the edge.
More Soon.
> Graphics: 8.5/10 ----- Sound: 8.5/10 ----- Control: 8/10 ----- Fun: 7.5/10 -----
> Replay Value: 8/10 ----- Overall: 8/10
>> Devil May Cry << 
Though he was a demon, the legendary swordsman, Spahda, awoke one day to justice. Alone, he defeated the demon army and imprisoned their emperor, Mundus saving the human world from damnation. Now, 2000 years later in a large American metropolis, a man named Dante, a private investigator of the supernatural, is seeking revenge for the death of his mother and brother. However, Dante comes face to face with his destiny, discovering the evil conspiracy goes back thousands of years and that the evil Mundus has arisen a new. The world is waiting, for Dante is no ordinary man…Dante is Spahda’s son and with his father’s sword in hand, he must enter the demon realm and avenge mankind.
More Soon.
> Graphics: 8.5/10 ----- Sound: 8.5/10 ----- Control: 9/10 ----- Fun: 8/10 -----
> Replay Value: 7/10 ----- Overall: 8/10
>> Adventures of Cookie and Cream << 
Players will enjoy puzzling challenges like they’ve never seen before in this unique party game for the whole family. For the first time in an Action/Platformer, both characters must work cooperatively to help each other through every trap, over each obstacle, and past some very hungry critters that would love to have them for dinner!
More Soon.
> Graphics: 8/10 ----- Sound: 8/10 ----- Control: 8.5/10 ----- Fun: 9/10 -----
> Replay Value: 7/10 ----- Overall: 8/10
>> Medal of Honor: Frontline << 
Head back behind enemy lines with Lt. Jimmy Patterson in Medal of Honor Frontline. In this installment of the smash-hit Medal of Honor series, Lt. Patterson returns and must infiltrate the German frontline to steal the HO-IX flying wing, an experimental Nazi weapon so powerful it could turn the tide of World War II.
More Soon.
> Graphics: 8.5/10 ----- Sound: 9.5/10 ----- Control: 9/10 ----- Fun: 8/10 -----
> Replay Value: 7/10 ----- Overall: 8.5/10
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