I wasn't expecting much.
Written: Jul 05 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Decent Software, Best Controller, Still Plenty to Come
Cons: Weakest of the Three Consoles
The Bottom Line: While the weakest of the three graphically, the titles available still shocks my monkey. A must have for any gamer.
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| sunquanofwu's Full Review: Sony PlayStation 2 Slimline Console |
OK, I'll be honest, I was definitely one of those skeptics of the Playstation 2 when it was being majorly hyped before it's release as I was an avid Dremcast supporter before Sega pulled the plug on it and decided to do software only. Nontheless, I decided to give it a chance to prove itself to me like the first Playstation did.
You're talking to someone who was, and still is, a huge Nintendo fan. And one who was furious when he found out that Squaresoft decided to do Final Fantasy VII and other installations on the Playstation instead. One who used to believe that only Nintendo could get the formula for video games right.
Since then, however, I've been proven wrong on many accounts, though Sony didn't deliver on the "All-in-One gimmick", I can forgive them for that because I knew that was just a bunch of hooey. They've delivered big time on the games though, many of them are very well done, and actually deliver some challenge to the gamer.
The launch titles were less than spectacular, but, like most consoles, the games started to get better and better as the system matured. As of today, July 5th 2003, there seems to still be plenty of life left in the console, and still plenty of games to be hyped about. While it's the weakest of the three hardware wise, software wise it has the most support of the three consoles. And let's face it, it's all about software support when it comes to selling consoles.
While I've heard alot of good things about the on-line support for the console, I've not experienced any on-line games for the system yet and don't intend to until I get a better internet connection than dial-up at home. When that will be I have no clue, but I'll be waiting to get the games when I finally do.
However, there are still plenty of off-line games that I am looking forward to in spite of all that. And I can't wait to get my hands on them. I'll list a few games that are out now that I can recommend for the console.
Gran Turismo 3
Release Date: Out Now
Recommendation: Yes
Awesome game, almost photo-realistic graphics, and a very rewarding experience when you get all the aspects of the game done correctly. There is so many things great about this game that only sets it up for an even bigger sequel.
Final Fantasy X
Release Date: Out Now
Recommendation: Yes
Wow, this is still one of the best RPGs I've played. I was skeptical about this game after playing that trash heap known as FF9, but this game delivered in spades. And it's the only FF game in the series to get a direct sequel to it thus far.
Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits
Release Date: Out Now
Recommendation: Yes
Read my review for more details on this game, but it's a must have.
Unlimited SaGa
Release Date: Out Now
Recommendation: Yes
Read my review on this game as well if you want to know more. It is a great game for those who want something different.
Dark Cloud 2
Release Date: Out Now
Recommendation: Yes
Yup, another one that is a must have for the collection. I wrote a review, but can tell you as much, for 40 bucks you get all the bang for it.
Dynasty Warriors 3
Release Date: Out Now
Recommendation: Yes
Fun and educational to a degree at the same time. This game is a beat-'em-up that takes place during the 2nd Century AD in China, you learn some about the characters and the battles that took place then. But it's a very fun game for those who are willing to invest time in it. And couple that with a fantastic soundtrack, and it's a masterpiece.
And that's all I can think of for now, I'll update later.
For those who are wondering, I didn't add Xenosaga to the list because that game disappointed me greatly. It was hyped majorly and it just didn't live up to it. I am not going to add that game. But I will add some that are waiting for release.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII
Release Date: August 12, 2003
I can't wait to get my hands on it, as VII was a masterpiece. I've heard there are numerous improvements over VII, and for a strategy game, that is a must. This takes place in the same time frame as Dynasty Warriors and also uses many of the same characters. However, it's a different genre altogether so they can't be compared really.
Star Ocean 3: Till the End of Time
Release Date: November, 2003
Well, I love the second game and still play it, trying to beat it. The third game looks frigging amazing! Pushing the PS2 to it's limits? It's a definite possibility with this game. I can't wait to see what is in store for it.
Soul Calibur 2
Release Date: August 28, 2003
I'm getting the GameCube version of this game, but for you PS2 fans I'll recommend it anyways because it is going to be an awesome fighter regardless of what system it is on. I am sure you'll have plenty of fun figuring things out and since the first one was a masterpiece, I had to get it out.
Madden 2004
Release Date: August 2003
The 2003 installation was a masterpiece, I should know. And this only looks to improve with the 2004 iteration, do I really need to say more?
Final Fantasy X-2
Release Date: November 2003
Well, you know how I feel about Final Fantasy X right now, right? It seems the sequel will improve upon it, and hopefully the new characters will be good in this game. Who knows? It looks promising though, I can't wait to see it up close and personal, and find out how Yuna is **spoiler** reunited with Tidus **end spoiler** again.
Overall, I'd have to say even now that the PS2 is a recommended purchase just because of the sheer amount of titles available for it. It's the weakest of the three consoles out there right now, but I am certain they will continue to enjoy success for this console up until 2006, well after the PS3 is released. I give it 4 stars.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
sunquanofwu
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Location: Tyngsboro, MA USA
Reviews written: 15
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
I'm mainly a gamer and musician, those are my two passions in life.
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