• 1Dec 09

  The PlayStation2: A Retrospective

  I had been putting off this blog until I figured the PS2 was finally gone from the shelves, but as the years drag on, so to does the life of the PS2, which refuses to go quietly into that good night. And justifiably so. It left the Xbox and GameCube dead in its wake, and continues to hold its place even still, after almost a decade. The full backwards compatability to the original PlayStation, which had helped Sony supplant Nintendo as the console champ, was a feature that would not only ensure the PS2's popularity, but become a standard expectation in future console generations. The GameCube and Xbox had their merrits and quality exclusive titles, but the PS2 would go on to outsell both competitors combined, and continues to build on those lofty numbers even today, with the system selling for $109.99 and continueing to be one of the best values in gaming, while its competitors have long since moved on.

  Regardless whether the PS2 was your very first console, your favorite console, or just another console in a collection of many, there is no denying its success, its longevity, and the impressive quality of its unparalled library of titles. Hardware wise, the PS2 was equalled by Nintendo's Cube, and was overmatched by Microsoft's achievements in technology with a hard drive, superior online services, and graphical power. The PS2 however, would remain the top console based on the one aspect that truly makes gamers salivate; the games.

  Without further ado, here are the highlights of my time with the PlayStation2, in the form of a Top 10 List.

  NOTE: These are NOT suggested as "the ten best PS2 games ever" by popularity and ratings standards, but rather my own personal selection of those ten titles that made my days with the PS2 most memorable.

  Here goes:

  10. DISGAEA - Though Final Fantasy Tactics was at the time, the most heralded Strategy RPG to date, Square decided not to make a sequel for the PS2. This left the door open in what would become a niche but noted sub-genre for a new series to make it's mark. Though several other series and efforts tried, it was Disgaea that achieved top honors. Its mix of deep customization, strong anime elements, complex battle system and addictive replayability made it shine brightest amognst the plethora of other titles in what was now aquickly expanding genre. Phantom Brave, Stella Deus, Soul Nomad, Suikoden Tactics, LaPucelle Tactics and even Disgaea's own sequel gave decent to strong efforts, but they fell short of the wonderfully complete package that was the original Disgaea.

  9. SILENT HILL 3 - I had originally given this spot to another game, but upon reflection after the blog was written, I realized that this game simply had to be on the list instead. I had chosen to leave it off due to its predacessor making the #3 slot and not wanting to fill the list with multiple games from the same series, but after thinking about it (and reminiscing with friend and GSuser Akhorahill) this game was defintiely one of my cherished moments with the PS2, and I just can't do the injustice of leaving it off the list. Like SH2, this game was frightening, intense, and such a memorable experience due to its brilliant atmosphere.For horror fans with a PS2, both Silent Hill 2 and 3 are must haves. After that, send your attention towardsthe Fatal Frame series.

  8. FINAL FANTASY X -The first Final Fantasy title for the PS2 remains its most popular. Its somewhat linear and dated compared to some RPGs that came out in the latter years of the PS2's run, but this title was not only the most significant RPG of the first few years, but argueably one of the most siginificant games period. Sqaure threw alot of RPGs out during the PS2's run, but FFX remains the most popular and talked about, and to this day still stands as a flagship of the console.

  7. GOD OF WAR - Though there were many great early action titles on the PS2, including such hits as Devil May Cry, Onimusha, Ratchet & Clank etc. this was the action game that would truly take the genre to new heights. Jaw dropping visuals, tight gameplay, and a new combat dynamic that would come to be known as "quick time" were the highlights of the title, though lets be honest, the violence and sheer brutality of the combat was truly inspired. Kratos would become an icon character of the console, and God of War remains one of Sony's highest rated and most anticipated exclusives.

  6. METAL GEAR SOLID 2 - The original Metal Gear Solid was one of the best PSone titles, and there was little question we would see Snake in a sequel on the PS2. Kojima and Konami did not let us down. This game had all the best aspects of the original, and at the time of its release was one of the best looking console action games to date. MGS3 would also be released to high reviews and praise, and rightfully so, but personally, I give the edge to MGS2. Other tactical espionage games such as Splinter Cell would emerge, but they weren't memorable in the same manner Metal Gear Solid 2 was, and still is.

  5. ODIN SPHERE - Role playing publisher ATLUS strikes again on my list, with this wonderfully crafted action-rpg that will appease fans of both genres. Graphically and artistically, it might just be the most beautiful game to have graced the system, but you would be unwise to dismiss it as mearly a visual achievement. The voicework and dialogue is wonderfull, and the addictive gameplay will keep you entertained for hours. Its not the deepest rpg by any means, but its definitely one of the most unique offerings.

  4. OKAMI - Another title whose original appeal to me was purely based on its artistic merrits, Okami was a question mark in terms of my initial reaction. Simply put, it was kinda weird. It wasn't voiced, it has a unique but oldschool presentation style in terms of its opening sequence, and at first, playing as a wolf seemed a tad limiting. Give this game an hour, however, and it will marvel you, take hold of you, and eventually consume you with its deep action-adventure design and completely unique gameplay techniques. The best way to describe this game would be to say its the PS2's Legend of Zelda. That essentially sums up the merrits of its fantastic blend of action, puzzle, and exploration elements.

  3. SILENT HILL 2 - The original Silent Hill was by leaps and bounds the best survival horror title to grace the PlayStation, so it came as no surprise to me that Silent Hill 2 would be my favorite PS2 survival horror. The genre itself would continue to rise in popularity, but many series such as Alone in the Dark and Resident Evil would trade its horror roots in favor of a more action-oriented approach, thus losing thier focus on a truly believable and atmospheric horror experience. Many other survival horror titles sprung up, including Fatal Frame, Haunting Ground, Rule of Rose, Siren to name a few, but the Silent Hill series remains the genre's best, and Silent Hill 2 slightly edges out Silent Hill 3 for "best PS2 survival horror" honors.

  2. FINAL FANTASY XII - In my opinion the best RPG in the PS2 lineup, and I realize the wieght of that lofty statement. The PS2 platform was the home of the RPG and there are just so many great titles in the genre, but this was my favorite for several reasons. Firstly, its story was less cutesy than most JRPGs as it dealt with politics and turmoil related to war, but without some of the overly anime-esque aspects. It also had a wonderfull battle system, a hybrid of sorts between real time action and turn based. The characters were humanoid, and while noticeably less diverse than other casts in the series, fit the plot and style perfectly. It also had more free-roaming than any other Final Fantasy title to date, as you had multiple paths to explore and a wider, more grandiose feeling gameworld. As far as graphics and sound go, it was not only the best Final Fantasy game, but could arguably be placed amongst the best production achievements on the platform period. Finally, its art style and combat system was inspired by Vagrant Story (my favorite PSone rpg) so it hit a nostalgiac note for me onthat extra level.

  1. SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS - Never before has a game given the middle finger to so many conventions and defied as many standards as this atmospheric adventure. It said little, but said alot by doing so. Its story was basic, yet poignant. There were no sub-enemies whatsoever, and no other characters to speak of, aside from a guiding voice. Aside from some platforming elements encountered on route to each battle, the game was essentially a collection of 16 boss fights, but those battles were the most grandiose and epic confrontations in all of gaming, possibly ever. Each boss was a behemoth easily 100 times larger than the character, and taking each down was an intense and wonderious journey upon itself. Those memorable encounters were beautifully augmented by not only some excellent graphical achievements and sound, but a sense of tragedy, emotion and melancholy that is rarely achieved in gaming. Sometimes, less is more, and nothing embodies that more than Shadow of the Colossus. (See also: "Ico")

  Honorable Mentions: Ico, Fatal Frame II, Valkyrie Profile II, Gran Turismo 3:A-Spec, Ratched & Clank series, God of War II, Prince of Persia Trilogy, Shin Megami Tensei series (including Persona, Digital Devil Saga, Nocturne), Guilty Gear XX:Accent Core.

  • Posted Dec 1, 2009 9:44 am PT
  • Category: Editorial
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• 23Nov 09

  Good Ideas Gone Wrong

  Some ideas are fantastic right from conception. Other ideas seem doomed to fail right from the drawing board. Some ideas have initial merrit, and yet others take you by surprise. But what about those ideas that you just know had potential, but somehow ended up in complete disapointment?

  Here folks, is my TOP 5: GOOD GAME IDEAS GONE WRONG.

  5. ALIENS vs PREDATOR: EXTINCTION (PS2) -

  When I first heard an RTS game was in the works that would use this franchise as a platform, I was foaming at the mouth. All I could think about was StarCraft, using Aliens, Predators and Marines as the factions. Seriously, how could this fail? Well, it did. What should have been an addictive and relevant RTS game turned out to be an absolute comma inducing borefest. The graphics were sub-par and the gameplay was spotty, but those were simply minor frustrations in comparison to the real letdown. The game didn't use ships whatsoever, even though the game practically begs for it. Why not use the colonial marine ATVs and Dropships and predator ships? Why not have different structures or bases to add depth like in StarCraft? A balance of soldiers, ships, bases and clear objectives is the bare necessities of the RTS genre. In AvsP:E, you didn't even really have to mine or hunt for supplies, you didn't have to manage much at all really, and you were very limitted as to how many units you could have on screen. There was very little variation in mission objectives, very little customization, and even less strategy. This game could have been epic, but instead it turned out to be a sloppy, non-entertaining, excercise in generic game design.

  4. CASTLEVANIA: JUDGMENT (Wii)-

  CastleVania has had some great characters over the years, from Simon to Alucard, from Death to Richter, and Dracula himself. The series has always had great weapons, from whips to swords, axes and knives, to magic and holy water. The series is known for some great settins and musical scores to boot. So how can you skrew up a fighter based on CastleVania characters? Well,you can make it in3D and put it on the Wii.All they had to do to make a winning game here was use a dynamically rendered 2D format (ala Guilty Gear, BlazBlue), and focus on making it a visual feast with classic gameplay and a soundtrack of "symphony of the night" quality. CVf ans would have eaten it up. Instead, we got a lackluster product, sloppily made in 3D with near broken gameplay, and slapped on the Wii as one of 1,000 other forgettable shovelware titles. GameSpot's rating of 3 was very, very generous.

  3. BOMBERMAN ACT ZERO (360) -

  Anyone who played Super BomberMan on the SNES knows how addictive and fun BomberMan can be, especially fighting your friends. Dynamic puzzle-like strategy, addictive gameplay and interesting powerups were all you needed. It was a simple, but oh so sweet formula. Bringing the series back, and playable on the 360's admirable online service was, in theory, a decent idea. And then this game dropped. And bombed. This game is a bomberman game in title only. Its almost like the devs knew it too, because they made sure that nothing about this game even remotely resembled anything BomberMan, right down to the bombermen themselves. I could go on, but there is no need. Complete Epic Fail, especially considering the potential battles that could have been waged on XBLive.

  2.FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS (WiiWare) -

  Developing an oldschool, 2D, classic styled Final Fantasy is at the very top on my list of "good ideas". Unfortunately, when I dream of the idea, it sounds so much better than what SquareEnix shat out for us. First of all, the game is only available as an over-priced Wiiware download. Secondly, you can't get the whole game at once, it comes in sections, so while its already over-priced, you can revel in the fact that you only own 1/4 of it. That said, once you've quickly run through the lackluster and forgettable story that didn't even meet the bare-bones criteria of being somewhat nostalgiac, you might be glad you only bought the first part. This could have been done really well, with top-notch graphics and decent writting, but it ends up being nothing more than a shallow and blatant cash-grab by SquareEnix, who once again, kicks their fanbase in the groin.

  1. LEGEND OF ZELDA: FOUR SWORDS ADVENTURE (NGC) -

  Seing as how "Legend of Zelda"is my all-time favorite game series, this was an easy pick for top spot on the list, and remains my biggest dissapointment in gaming. Ever. This is the one idea on the list that should have been an absolute guarantee to be a game of epic proportions, especially when you consider the consistancy and quality the series has had for two decades. So the idea was simple; make a classic 2D Zelda title in the mold of "Link to the Past", spruce up the visuals with some minor effects from"WindWaker", and make it multiplayer. Just typing that last sentence gave me goosebumps and chills, so you can imagine how much I like the idea.The gameplay, combat and puzzle style of Zelda fits a multiplayer scenario perfectly, and with the GameCube having four controller ports, this game should have been a dream come true. So why wasn't it? Because Nintendo selfishly used it as a gimmicky marketing ploy to sell accessories. The single player portion feels awkward and disjointed due to the GBA related aspects still being present. But worse than that, you actually can't play this as a multiplayer Zelda game with NGC controllers. You need a GameBoy Advance system, and a systems "Link" cable (unintentional but painfull pun there) for EACH and every player. So to play a four players and use this game to its potential, you would need to have an NGC, copy of the game, one NGC paddle, three GBA systems, and three sets of GBA link-cables. Rediculous. Had this game been a straight up multiplayer title for use with the Cube's extra controller ports and NGC controllers, it would have gone down as one of Nintendo's best multiplayer games ever, and people would still be raving about it today. As it stands, its pretty much the most forgotten and often dismissed title in the series, and for good reason.

  Thanks for reading friends. Please, feel free to comment on my list, but share your own examples of good game ideas gone wrong. I'd love to hear some other choices!

  Cheers.

  • Posted Nov 23, 2009 9:56 pm PT
  • Category: Editorial
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• 24Oct 09

  Super Shopper or Crafty Crook?

  Lets be honest, we all like a deal right? But is there a distinction to be made between using deals to your advantage, and taking advantage of a companie's deal?

  I'm on the fence. Part of me feels that since I'm not doing anything illegal, and I'm merely taking advantage of a companie's own stupidity, its really just a clever gain. This aspect is heightened by the fact that I've had some utterly horrid experiences with the companies I take advantage of the most (EBgames/GameStop and BlockBuster Video) so there's a little bit of "stick it to the man" type moxy to it.

  Take BlockBuster Video for example. Last month, they had a promo here in Canada in which they were clearing out thier pre-owned video games with a "buy 2 get 1 free deal". They were also running a deal in which any current gen game was worth a minimum of $10 trade. The joke is, they sell some of those used games for only $9.99!! THINK ABOUT IT!! You could go into a blockbuster and buy 3 used games priced at $9.99 for only $20 (because the 3rd $10 game is free) and then EACH of those games is still worth a minimum of $10 apiece (so $30 in credit for what just cost you $20).So I took that $30 in credit, bought more $9.99 games (every 3rd one free remember) and flipped those back in for $10 apiece and so on and so forth. You basically gain $10 every time you flip a set of 3 $9.99 titles. I ended up getting a brand new extra retail game ($59.99 value) because every time I swapped games, I put the extra credit on gift cards.

  Is it wrong for me to do that? I mean, if a company is stupid enough to keep giving me $30 trade for stuff I just bought from THEM for $20, is it wrong for me to purposely flip those games in a few times to gain that $10 each time? I mean, they're setting thier trade prices, I'm just smart enought to work the system right? Or am I being fraudulant at this point?

  Same applies to the deals you see at EBgames/Gamestop. When they have those "trade 3 used titles get a brand new game" deals on, I'm all over that! They usually restrict the deal to games that trade in for at least $8 or higher, but even still, there are deals to be had. For example, I just purchased "Uncharted 2" and "Demon Souls" for my PS3 based purely off those 3 for 1 deals, and it cost me about $50 total for both games. I just used that buy 2 get 1 free used deal at BlockBuster to purchase used games on the cheap, and provided they count for the GameStop promo, those 3 used games (that just costme like $30 or so at BBV) are traded for a brand new $69.99 game at Gamestop or EBgames under their 3 for 1 deal.

  This of course is all aside from the other deals that are to be had, such as digging rare games out of pawn shops and garage sales and flipping them on Ebay and the likes for big money (a copy of Final Fantasy VII fished out of a garage sale for $5 can fetch you upwards of $60 on Ebay for example). Pawn shops are a goldmine if you know whats rare and what'll re-sell for profit.

  So should one feel bad about taking advantage of these deals and loop-holes? I mean, retailers are making thier money, especially when you see EBgames/GameStop locations popping up everywhere. And those companies set thier own promotions and prices. So is it wrong to take advantage of them when the situation presents itself?

  The question is folks, where does your morality sit in regards to deals in gaming? Are you a savy shopper? A crafty crook? Just a guy who relishes the hunt of a sweet deal?

  • Posted Oct 24, 2009 12:40 pm PT
  • Category: Editorial
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