System Specs 128bit CPU, custom multi media chip - System Clock Frequency: 294MHz - Cache Memory: Instruction 16KB, Data 8KB + 16KB - Main Memory: 32MB RDRAM - Memory Bus: 128bit DMA - Co-processor: 2 parallel vector operation units - Floating Point Performance: 6.2 GFLOPS - 3D CG Geometric Transformation: 66,000,000 polygons per second - Compressed Image Decoder: MPEG2 Graphics Synthesizer: - System Clock Frequency: def – 147MHz - On Chip Memory: def – 4MB DRAM - Frame Buffer Bandwidth: 38.4GB per second - Pixel Write Speed: 2.4Gpixles per second I/O Processor: - CPU Core: Playstation (current) CPU - Clock Frequency: 33.8688MHZ (+3% available) - IOP Memory: 2MB - Sub Bus: 32bit Sound: - Number of Voices: ADPCM, 48 channels with 3D surround sound - Sound of Memory: 2MB - Output Frequency: up to 48KHz (DAT quality) DVD: -Maximum Size: Dual Layer 9GB -Device Speed: DVD-ROM, 4x speed. CD-ROM, 24x speed Interface Types: - IEEE394 I Link - Universal Serial Bus (USB) x2 - Controller Port x2, Memory Card slot x2 - Optical Digital Output - Network Adaptor
The world is in love with the PS2, and understandably so. The system boasts the largest library of games, the most exclusive titles, and is completely compatible with the massive PSone library. With the added bonus of DVD playback capability, the PS2 is definitely a worthy contender for your holiday dollars. However, with the Xbox and GameCube consoles both coming bundled with games and peripherals, one can’t help but feel a little cheated by Sony’s stubborn determination to ship a bare-bones, less “powerful” system for the exact same, or in the case of the GameCube, greater price. But look what you get:
‘Tis the season to indulge your darkest desires. Don’t worry, we don’t suggest that all you mature, responsible gamers out there go out on a crime spree, trying to increase the daily police spending and up your media attention a few precious points. Ahem. But what we are suggesting is that all gamers with any such malevolent intent instead pick up a copy of the highly sought after Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. Why build up a criminal record when you can destroy police headquarters or terrorize a town with an Apache attack copter? (although personally, I enjoy the mini-gun for wreaking terror and havoc.) The game tells an excellent mob story, sets it to an excellent soundtrack, hires some of the best Hollywood actors in the biz for voice acting, and tweaks just about every aspect of its predecessor, GTA3, to make one of the best gaming experiences currently available.
Need any more reason to buy it? GTA: VC is the first (and one of the only) reviewed games to earn GWX’s Overall score of 10 - you can scope the review here.
Timesplitters 2
What makes this game from ex-Rare soldiers, Free Radical Design, is that the game is so chock full of multi-player and single-player modes, this one title will last you into next summer -- and then some. Seriously, Timesplitters 2 will make one robust Christmas present. In fact, if you plan on buying it for a friend or loved one, you may want to consider keeping it for yourself instead. C'mon, buy them a sweater or something. They never have to know.
True, the Story Mode isn't the most compelling section of the game, but it's really not supposed to be. Get this; Arcade Mode for single- and multi-player love, Challenge Mode for the lone player, and if you are tired of walking the halls of everyone else's creation, just open up the inventive Map Maker utility and create your own death match arenas or single-player scenarios, even programming the A.I. for yourself.
Finally, Timesplitters 2 offers the most polished and complete multi-player mode available in a shooter today. Tons of weapons, games, and over 100 characters to choose from, only a horrible framerate could plague this masterpiece. Good thing then that TS2 is locked at 60fps, even when blasting in four-player competitions, and has one of the finest graphic engines in the genre, offering super-smooth animation and unimaginable speed.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 is a sure-fire winner for anyone in the family who likes their videogames. The challenge level is all over the map on this one, and the gameplay and control are just about perfect. It should end up being an enjoyable title for whomever it is that you might pick it up for, regardless of how old they are or what kind of games they‘re used to playing.
If you’re the discerning gamer looking for the best titles on the market to add to your own collection, this is a must have. It’s the culmination of one of the best videogame franchises that has ever been. Furthermore, if you‘re a multiple-console owner, the PS2 version is the way to go as it’s the only one that offers online play, which is a blast. You can check out the GamingWorld X review here.
Ratchet and Clank
Platform freaks owning a PlayStation 2 have more than likely already experienced the awesome game of Ratchet and Clank. Developed by Insomniac Games, the people responsible for the Spyro the Dragon series, Ratchet and Clank has proven to be the best platformer of the year, it seems, outdoing Sly Cooper and even last year’s Jak and Daxter. In Ratchet and Clank, you take the role of Ratchet, a tall, curious fur ball who is extremely handy with his wrench. He meets Clank, a robot spawned in an evil laboratory where he discovers a dark robotic race is being created. While fleeing in a ship, he is shot down by two tailing robots, and lands on a planet where he meets Ratchet.
Set in a futuristic time, Ratchet and Clank is one of the most stellar looking games on the market. Every planet comes with its unique figures, colors, and enemies, along with various obstacles to tackle. While wielding his wrench, Ratchet can buy different weapons, ranging from flamethrowers to rocket launchers, with bolts that he has collected. Instead of using the tedious coin system, Insomniac Games uses bolts, and they accumulate rather quickly. Add all of the astounding features in Ratchet and Clank and you have yourself a great Platform game that should be played by every gamer this year. Check out our full review here.
NBA 2K3
If your honey likes hoop, get him a basketball. If your honey likes video games, get him a PS2. If your honey likes to play basketball on a PS2, get him NBA 2k3. This is the best NBA hoop game available for the system. However, one caveat -- make sure the intended gift recipient is really into basketball. This is a gourmet game for a gourmet fan.
Sega’s premier basketball title features real strategy basketball gameplay (you actually have to shoot when your open, play the low post and rebound!) and a franchise mode that will make all would be GM’s very happy. But don’t think NBA 2K3 is all brains and no beauty. Player animations and face representations are very life-like and all the arena venues are wonderfully rendered. The dunks have to be earned, but when they happen it is electric.
NBA 2k3 may not have the flash or speed of EA’s Live 2003, but for its realistic gameplay and strategy, GWX recommends this one whole heartily. And if your honey gets tired of schooling the computer and friends, he can go online and wax total strangers!
It isn’t every day a racing game this realistic is dropped into gamers’ laps. After what was planned to be a launch title with the PlayStation 2 itself, Gran Turismo 3 went under more construction before finally being presented to the world in the summer of 2001. Those of you familiar with the previous two entries would have immediately recognized the similarities between GT3 and its predecessors, but after delving deeper into the game, you find it is a finely tuned racing game with one of the best graphics in a game ever put out. Gran Turismo 3 looked so incredibly good that manufacturers demanded that the damage should be taken off to show off their cars’ beautiful shine.
Insane visuals aren’t everything, gameplay is needed as well. The ultra-realistic Simulation mode requires you to take several license tests, and upon completing these, legally race for small sums of money. As you slowly progress, more money is available. Also, when winning different tournaments, cars and money are the reward, meaning your garage will be quite full. Not only can you race these cars, you can upgrade them to their maximum performance. Turbo kits, a new muffler system, drive shafts; the whole nine yards. However, with this much realism and simulation aspects, casual gamers may want to stay away from this. Their only cup of tea on GT3 is to race in the Arcade Mode, which begins to get stale after awhile. But for any car enthusiast, or hardcore gamer, Gran Turismo 3 is one of the best titles around and is found in Sony’s Greatest Hits lineup.
Deus Ex: The Conspiracy
Released right before the usual summer video-game drought, Deus Ex: The Conspiracy was a port of a PC title released two years earlier, and while the game showed its age graphically, it made up for it 10-fold with some of the most compelling narrative and gameplay ever found on the PS2. While a first person title, it almost feels wrong to call it that. The game is, without a doubt, one of the most immersive titles currently in existence, allowing for multiple styles of play over many real world locations.
The story tells of J.C. Denton (this is where the subtle religious imagery begins), a nano-augmented superhuman who works for UNATCO, an anti-terrorist agency. As he gets further along on missions, he discovers a, you guessed it, conspiracy right under his nose. Aside from being every paranoid recluse’s best friend, the game offers an almost unprecedented freedom of play. Your character can be fully customized based on the abilities you choose. You could chose to become a strongman who excelled at close range combat, a stealthy sniper, or an overall Rambo-type that spoke with their rocket launcher. Extremely complex levels complemented the game’s three endings with at least three different methods of approach that fit your style of play. The game is a marvel of storytelling and of gameplay, and with a sequel due soon, what better time than now to catch up?
Check out our review here, but be warned: buy a fair amount of aluminum foil when you pick this title up - and watch out for men in black suits.
Ico
Ico is a diminutive adventure title, which plunges gamers right into whimsical world of an adolescent boy coincidently named Ico. Young Ico, on his twelfth birthday, has been entombed in a momentous hall, whereby he must remain for the rest of his life. Of course, being an adventurer, Ico desires to escape the confinement of the hall, and enlists the help of a Princess, who is also trying the escape the hall. Hand in hand you must guide Ico and the Princess out of the imprisonment, straying from all deadly paths that lie ahead of you. If she dies, you die, if you die she dies, that’s how it is, an interesting concept that has been baffling gamers ever since Ico’s release on Playstation2 during the Summer of 2001.
The gameplay and satisfaction that Ico delivers is an experience that no other adventure title on Playstatio2 has managed to trigger as of yet and is hopefully a good sign of things to come with Ico 2 in development.
With its unique gameplay, original puzzles, stunning graphics and magnificent soundtrack, Ico is absolutely the game to purchase if you’re in search of a great adventuring title. On top of that is has now reached a stage where you can pick it up almost anywhere at a low budget price. Result!
Check out the Gaming World X review, by clicking here.
Devil May Cry
What do the great Tuscan epic poem The Divine Comedy, Kevin Smith’s film Clerks, and Capcom’s PS2 video game Devil May Cry all share in common? They all feature a protagonist named Dante. And what’s really strange, is that DMC’s Dante is probably the coolest Dante of the three.
Dante is a mercenary for hire out to avenge his mother and brother’s deaths by - you guessed it - devils. He therefore must kill all the devil-like creatures he can find. DMC is action/horror developed to perfection. Forget about all the damage you can do with Dante’s wicked cool handguns, or his devastating sword Alastor. A gamer can get lost in the joy of simply maneuvering Dante around in DMC’s gorgeous 3-D world, running, jumping and back-flipping in all directions, and with a wonderfully easy set of controls. This is truly one of best action games ever made.
And what is even more impressive, the best action game of last year is now being offered to you at low, low prices! So if your loved-one loves gunplay and punishing monstrous baddies, and has yet to spin around ultra-cool Dante on his PS2, buy this game for him.
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
You may have seen the funny commercials, you may have heard about it from a friend, Jak and Daxter is indeed a great and fun little platformer. Mario 64 took platforming into the 3rd dimension, J & D developed and advanced platforming for the current generation of consoles.
With interlocking levels creating a platforming world of unprecedented scope, really, really fun puzzles and combat, a great storyline, and plenty of fresh, hip humor, this is a can’t miss present for anyone who loves this genre. Ratchet and Clank and Sly Cooper are the current hits at the moment, and are arguably more advanced than J & D, but performing the jumps, double jumps and long rolling jumps with Jak just never gets old.
Currently, the PS2 gamer is experiencing the “Golden Age” of the platformer. But educate that special some one with the platformer that started the New Revolution, get him Jak and Daxter (And at a bargain price!)
What can we say about this comfortable, reliable workhorse? We already know what the thing does. But what amazes us is the idea that of all the third-party controllers out there, most still choose Sony's pad over the imitators, if for no other reason, than simply because of the fact it's reliable. Is it perfect? Certainly not, but many consider it to be the greatest controller ever made. For every gamer agreeing with the above statement, there are likely an equal number of folks who disagree. But we admit that it's hard to fault something 85 million people bought into the first time with PSone.
And with Playstation 2, the exact same pad design stays, and why not? It's small, comfortable, and most importantly, ergonomic. We have yet to meet a gamer who can't use the controller properly, and what's more, in practice, it's a breeze. The PS2 version of the pad sports all analog buttons (except for Start and Select). otherwise, your dealing with the same pad you did with the PSone.
If we've got any true complaints, it's that there isn't enough of a difference between the Dual Shock and Dual Shock 2, and as a result, those who don't know, may not realize which pad they are actually looking for, and may end up buying the wrong one. And as for the analog buttons, we have yet to see anything substantial come out of them, and whether or not that will change remains to be seen.
Playstation2 Official DVD Remote
The Playstation2 is often praised for its DVD video compatibility, allowing users to make full use of their DVD collections through their favorite next generation video games machine. With the right set up and electrical appliances used, the DVD playback function of the PS2 can be a high quality experience, playing all DVDs with a crisp, crystal clear picture and digital sound at no extra cost.
However, there was one early drawback with the function, as there were complaints about the restrictions of the Analog Controllers cable length, which made compatibility more of a choir than a simple press of a button.
To easy the nagging pain caused by attempting to manage the DVD playback feature with the Analog Controller, take full advantage of the Official Sony Playstation2 DVD Remote. With this nifty piece of gadgetry, viewers can access the DVD menu screen with ease and a simple press of a button, making for an all round authentic feel when it comes to playing DVD movies on the system.
The DVD Remote has been cunningly designed around the PS2, fitting with the already futuristic construction of the PS2’s black, shapely casing. It also has the pleasing tag of being produced by Sony, which gives the consumer 100% compatibility with the Playstation2’s DVD player. It can also unlock a number of useful features that were previously un-touched by the Analog Controller, including: - Optimum viewing - 5 different playback modes - Variable speed, fast forward and reverse - Playing time and time left display. - Functionality upgrade for CD, DVD player version 2.10
Finally, as an extra bonus, batteries are included. For more information about the DVD Remote Control (for Playstation2) and other Playstation2 peripherals, click here to visit the official Playstation web site.
Multitap
Why Sony only included two controller ports is still a mystery. Some folks say it was a plot to sale more multitaps, but who honestly knows? The Sony first party Multitap was created for gamers to play with more than a pair of people to simultaneously play their games. It was first introduced on the PSX, and Sony redesigned it to fit the personality of the PS2. Why should you own one? Well, unless you are an introvert who only plays single player games, most of you have probably wanted to have multiplayer action with more than 2 people. Sports games are probably the most popular, with the ability to play with up to 8 players simultaneously (2 separate multitaps, of course).
If you do not own the Network Adaptor, and you have a nice set of gaming friends, then the multitap is perfect for you. Red Faction, Red Faction II, and even TimeSplitters 2 all support the multitap, and you can finally play the four player death matches or team capture the flag that you’ve always dreamed of. It is rather a shame on how we have to buy this just to play 4 players, but if history has showed us anything from the PSX, the multitap will sell, and sell very well. Buy this for the social gamer that stays up all night partying with his friends and has a good time.
Official Sony Memory Card
Let us preface this section by saying that we are strongly perturbed by the fact that this site is forced to recommend Memory Cards for the PS2 this year rather than a long-overdue Hard Drive.
That being said: the Memory Card. This one is a no-brainer, but seems to be often neglected by the Claus Man. Many people live under the twisted assumption that 1 memory card is enough. This is nonsense. With all the new Map Editors out (Timesplitters2, THPS4) and the ridiculous number of awesome titles for the PS2 that require relatively large game saves to retain progress, no PS2 aficionado should be without a healthy stock of memory. Lets face facts. You’ve deleted stuff you didn’t want to and you know it.
To remedy this situation, I recommend the enticingly colored, Memory Card 2 pack. You could go for just a single card, but one is just the loneliest number, isn‘t it? With the 2-pack, you get those nifty transparent colors, save $10, and probably won‘t have to worry about memory again until Sony finally releases the Hard Drive.
We highly recommend the official Sony memory card as third party cards are usually less than trustworthy. Just a helpful hint you might want to pass along to whomever might be feeding your game habit this Holiday Season.
Network Adaptor
Online gaming has arrived, and if you’re going to take your PS2 online, you'll need the Network Adaptor. It's taken Sony quite some time to get this item on the market, but in the end, the wait was well worth it.
At a cost of $39.99, the Adaptor itself slips right into the back of your PS2. Hook-up couldn't be easier, and neither could setting up your account; Sony has assured it's all a snap. With the Adaptor comes a mail-in coupon for a free copy of Twisted Metal: Black Online. While there isn't exactly an avalanche of titles out with online capabilities, the excellent SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals is the perfect way to get started. Also keep in mind of other titles like ATV Offroad Fury 2, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4, Tribes: Aerial Assault, and if your a sports buff, Madden 2003.
Future games are the real deal and the heart of Sony's online strategy with Resident Evil Network, Auto Modellista, Everquest Online Adventures, and Final Fantasy XI.
