PlayStation 2
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for PlayStation 2.
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Evening Reading - October 28, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers several gaming and tech updates, including release date announcements for Witchbrook and City of None, the Forsaken Update for No Man's Sky, and new Dead by Daylight characters. It also touches on financial results for Microsoft and Google, and the 19th anniversary of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.
James Pond 2 (Recompile) - A platforming classic from the 90's goes ultrawide
Gary Riches has released a native C++ recompile of the 1991 Amiga game James Pond 2: Codename RoboCod, available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Steam Deck. This modern overhaul introduces widescreen support, smooth performance, controller rumble, and a save system, preserving the classic's legacy for contemporary hardware.
A long-overdue conversation with Jordan Mechner
In a decade-long pursuit, Jordan Mechner finally sat down for an interview covering his autobiographical graphic novel, the potential for The Last Express, and the many iterations of Prince of Persia. Mechner discusses the evolution of the Prince of Persia series, his involvement with Ubisoft's titles, and the creative process behind The Last Express, including its unique narrative structure and potential for a remaster.
My PS2 is officially 26 years old, but my all-time favorite games still hold up on it
The author reflects on the enduring appeal of PlayStation 2 games as the console turns 26. Despite the effort required to play them on modern hardware, several titles like Silent Hill 2, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and The Simpsons: Hit & Run still offer unique and enjoyable experiences that hold up today.
Delisted PS5 Sequel to Beloved PS2 Game Makes Surprise Return
Fantavision 202X, the PlayStation 5 sequel to the PS2 puzzle game Fantavision, has returned to the PlayStation Store and Steam after a period of being delisted. Sony Interactive Entertainment extended its licensing agreement with developer Cosmo Machia, allowing the game to be sold again for $9.99. The game supports 4K resolution and PlayStation VR2.
Inside NQ JPN, London’s new arcade bar - insert coin, order a cocktail
NQ JPN, a new arcade bar from the creators of NQ64, has opened in London's Soho. It features imported Japanese arcade machines, a futuristic aesthetic, and a wide range of inventive cocktails and Japanese bubble tea. The venue aims to provide a unique nightlife experience combining gaming, drinks, and electronic music.
You can now play my favorite Resident Evil multiplayer romp for free in a web browser without a PS2, but wretched AI…
The 2003 PlayStation 2 title Resident Evil Outbreak and its sequel are now playable for free in a web browser, allowing for online co-op play. However, concerns have been raised about the project's use of AI and potential copyright issues with Capcom, leading to a mixed reception.
Games Inbox: Is the video games industry dying?
Multiple readers express concern over the current state of the video games industry, citing high development costs, studio closures, and a perceived decline in quality. There is a debate about whether the industry is truly dying, particularly in the West, with some readers finding solace in Nintendo's unique approach and the enduring appeal of physical media.
"Releasing GTA 3 was cathartic," reflects its art director: "We were a young team, relatively…
Rockstar North art director Aaron Garbut reflects on the development of Grand Theft Auto 3, highlighting the team's ambition to transition the series to 3D and the technical challenges overcome. A Dreamcast tech demo was crucial in convincing Sam Houser to pursue the vision, leading to the creation of a living, breathing Liberty City that set the foundation for future Rockstar titles.
Beloved PlayStation 2 & PS3-Era Action Game Series Returning
Electronic Arts has announced the return of its beloved PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3-era boxing game series, Fight Night, which has not seen a new entry in 15 years. While no specific details were shared, the publisher hinted at a potential cross-gen release for future titles, possibly spanning PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 6.
In this age of pervasive slop maybe we should be grateful for Shrek 2 Remastered
Aspyr Media has announced that Shrek 2 Remastered will be released in November, bringing the 2004 game to modern platforms including PlayStation 5. The remaster appears to be a port of the original PS2 version, featuring local and online co-op. The article humorously notes the release date's proximity to Grand Theft Auto 6.
Fight Night Franchise Revival Announced by EA
Electronic Arts has announced the revival of its Fight Night boxing game franchise, with the upcoming title simply named EA Sports Fight Night. While specific details are scarce, EA confirmed the return of the series via social media. The franchise, which debuted in 2004, has seen several iterations including Fight Night Round 2, 3, 4, and Champion, each introducing new gameplay mechanics and features.
After talking to Capcom, I'm a lot more optimistic about Onimusha 3 getting a remaster
Capcom producer Akihito Kadowaki expressed a personal desire to see remasters of Onimusha 3: Demon Siege and Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams, following the success of recent Onimusha titles and Jean Reno's willingness to reprise his role. While not an official announcement, the positive sentiment from the series producer and Capcom's recent success with PC releases and remasters suggest these titles are likely candidates for future remasters.
Fortnite’s Obsession DLC Leaks, Includes A Twist On The Movie’s Iconic Line
Fortnite is set to receive DLC content based on the movie "Obsession," featuring the character Nikki played by Inde Navarrette. The content includes an emote with cue cards for Nikki's iconic line, a pickaxe, and a weapon, with the movie itself being a significant commercial success. Navarrette, a fan of PS2 Shrek games, will also appear in the new X-Men movie as Rogue.
PS5 jailbreak proves the console could've been backwards compatible with PS2 discs all along
A recent jailbreak for the PlayStation 5 has enabled community developers to run robust emulators for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3. This development suggests that the console could have supported backwards compatibility with physical discs all along, raising questions about Sony's business decisions regarding older game access.
Voidwood is an upcoming co-op horror game that uses your mic against you
Voidwood is an upcoming co-op horror game from Santa Barbara Games that utilizes a microphone gimmick where monsters can hear players. While the concept is intriguing, the article suggests the implementation could be improved with more communication-driven objectives, and the game's cartoony art style detracts from the intended horror.
Toy Story 3 Complete Edition Review – Lotso Fun
Toy Story 3 Complete Edition is a solid remaster of the 2010 licensed platformer, bringing the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions to modern platforms like the PlayStation 5. While it misses content from other original versions and suffers from some floaty controls and input lag, the game offers enjoyable story and Toy Box modes with plenty of variety. The remaster provides a conservative visual upgrade with support for 4K and 60 FPS, making it a charming experience for fans of the Toy Story IP and platforming games.
"For GTA to stay relevant it had to reinvent itself": Grand Theft Auto 4 got much darker because San Andreas took the "pop energy as far as it could go," says Rockstar's Dan Houser
Former Rockstar writer Dan Houser explains that Grand Theft Auto 4 adopted a darker, more realistic tone to reinvent the series and stay relevant after the high-energy 'pop' of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Houser believes this tonal consistency was a risk that paid off, contrasting it with the more lighthearted approach of Grand Theft Auto 5.
Star Wars: KOTOR remaster devs are bringing back the Shrek 2 game that might only be good in my childhood memories,…
A remaster of the 2004 game Shrek 2: The Game is reportedly coming to modern platforms, developed by Aspyr. The game, originally released on PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube, featured beat 'em up action, puzzles, and mini-games. The remaster is expected to include 4K resolution support, improved textures, an enhanced UI, and new Photo and Cheat Modes.
PS5 Remaster of Beloved PS2 Adventure Game Leaked
A leak from a Microsoft Store listing suggests a remastered version of the PlayStation 2 adventure game Shrek 2 is in development by Aspyr. The remaster is expected to feature updated graphics, a new photo mode, and expanded co-op options for up to four players. While initially appearing for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 users have reason to be hopeful for a release given the original game's platform.
