PlayStation 2
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for PlayStation 2.
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Grand Theft Auto 1 – Almost 30 Years Later
This article reflects on the original Grand Theft Auto, released in 1997 for MS-DOS and Windows, as a precursor to the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. It details the troubled development by DMA Design, its initial reception as a rough and unplayable mess, and its eventual success and legacy. The piece contrasts the original top-down perspective and objective-based gameplay with the freedom and 3D open-world experience of later titles like Grand Theft Auto 3.
From Liberty City To Leonida: Following The Evolution Of Rockstar’s GTA Launch Trailers
This article traces the evolution of Rockstar Games' launch trailers, from Grand Theft Auto 3 to the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. It highlights how trailers have shifted from showcasing gameplay mechanics to focusing on narrative, character development, and immersive world-building, demonstrating Rockstar's consistent cinematic prowess.
El Paso, Elsewhere 2 gets its first playable demo
Strange Scaffold has released the first playable demo for El Paso, Elsewhere 2, a sequel to their 2023 neo-noir shooter. The demo, available on Steam, features new weapons and environments, and introduces players to the protagonist James Savage's new adventure into the Void. The full game is slated for a 2027 release on PC and Xbox Series X|S.
An oral history of the Tomb Raider game no one wanted to make
This oral history details the reluctant development of Tomb Raider Chronicles, the fifth game in the series released on the original PlayStation in 2000. Core Design and Eidos Interactive pushed for the title to maintain financial momentum, despite the team's desire to move to the PlayStation 2 for the next installment. Many developers expressed burnout and frustration, feeling bribed into completing the project before eventually transitioning to next-gen development, which itself faced significant issues.
Ace Combat Zero gets its own standalone app on Steam, freeing it from the 136GB install of Ace Combat 8
Bandai Namco Entertainment has announced that Ace Combat Zero will be released as a standalone application on Steam, separating it from the large install size of Ace Combat 8. This change, which is currently undergoing final testing, will allow players who own Ace Combat Zero as a pre-order bonus for Ace Combat 8 to download and launch it independently, and will also add Steam Cloud save support. The news has been positively received by fans.
The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake preview - the once and future king
A preview of the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time highlights its graphical overhaul and updated gameplay. While the remake is a visual masterpiece, some changes like manual jumping and the inability to rename Link have drawn criticism.
Bully Was Hard to Make Because “Take Away The Cars, The Guns, What is the Game?”, Says Dan Houser
Former Rockstar Games VP Dan Houser discussed the challenging development of Bully, noting the team's initial uncertainty about its concept without typical open-world elements like cars and guns. He also touched upon the controversy surrounding the game and its impact on promotion, contrasting it with the success of the Grand Theft Auto series.
PS5 can now run physical PS2 game discs with vibe-coded emulator
A jailbroken PlayStation 5 can now run physical PlayStation 2 game discs using a ported PC emulator, PCSX2, and AI. While not officially supported by Sony, this development allows for playing a selection of PS2 titles on the current console. This project highlights the growing impact of AI on video game emulation and preservation efforts.
7 dead PlayStation franchises Sony should bring back for PS6 - Reader's Feature
A reader suggests several dormant PlayStation franchises that Sony Interactive Entertainment should consider reviving for the PlayStation 6. The list includes Jak And Daxter, Resistance, MotorStorm, WipEout, PaRappa The Rapper, Gravity Rush, and Warhawk, with potential developers also proposed for each.
25 years after Burnout, Star Wars: Galactic Racer studio lead says "we are asking way more out of players" than "we've ever done" because modern players are built different
Matt Webster, studio lead at Fuse Games, discusses the intricate design of Star Wars: Galactic Racer, a new roguelite racer developed by former Criterion Games members. He believes modern players can handle a greater cognitive load, allowing the game to feature complex mechanics like multiple boosts and simultaneous ability usage while maintaining high speeds.
Best retro gifts 2026: Handpicked gadgets for '80s and '90s revivalists
This article highlights a curated selection of retro gifts for 2026, focusing on '80s and '90s revivalists. It covers a range of gadgets, from adapters for modern controllers with older consoles like the PlayStation 2, to retro-styled MP3 players and physical media items, catering to nostalgia for classic games, tech, and toys.
My horror that 32GB RAM has become the norm is exceeded only by my contempt that 7.28% of you have over 4TB free hard drive space
The author expresses strong disapproval of current PC hardware trends, particularly the prevalence of 32GB RAM and over 4TB of free hard drive space, as indicated by Valve's latest Steam hardware survey. The article criticizes the perceived excessiveness of these specifications compared to historical gaming needs and technological advancements.
As a retro gaming expert, the biggest piece of Prime Day advice I can give is to focus on small setup improvements
This article advises retro gaming enthusiasts to focus on smaller setup improvements during Prime Day sales, rather than expecting significant discounts on consoles or emulation systems. The author suggests prioritizing retro controllers and HDMI upscalers, highlighting specific products from 8Bitdo and GuliKit as worthwhile purchases.
Kill.Switch - Det bortglömda spelet som Gears of War snodde sitt bästa trick från
The article discusses how the 2003 Namco game Kill.Switch, largely forgotten today, was the true originator of the cover-based shooting mechanics popularized by Gears of War. While Kill.Switch received mixed reviews and was not a commercial success, its innovative 'Offensive Cover System' directly inspired Gears of War and later titles like Uncharted and Rainbow Six: Vegas, fundamentally changing the third-person shooter genre.
Beloved PS2-era PlayStation Exclusive Action Series Set to Return – Report
A rumor suggests that Sony is considering reviving the PlayStation exclusive action series Sly Cooper, which has been dormant since 2013. While Sucker Punch Productions is unlikely to develop the next entry, Sony is reportedly open to licensing agreements and pitches for its dormant franchises.
I got my start writing for a PlayStation 2 magazine: These are my 12 PS2-pilled recommendations from the Steam Autumn…
This article recommends 12 games available on Steam, inspired by or ports from the PlayStation 2 and Dreamcast era. It highlights six modern titles that draw inspiration from the 'sixth generation' of consoles, such as Promise Mascot Agency and Hi-Fi Rush, alongside six classic ports like Metal Gear Solid 3 and Final Fantasy 10.
The Witcher 3 mod swaps every single Griffin with the iconic low-poly pigeon: "He is back. And he is tired of being…
A new mod for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt replaces every Griffin in the game with the iconic low-poly pigeon that became a community meme. The mod, titled 'Low-Poly Pigeon - The Revenge,' also replaces Griffin sounds with pigeon cooing, creating a humorous and surreal experience for players.
Ape Escape return teased by insider as hopes raised for new Astro Bot game
A reliable insider suggests that Sony Interactive Entertainment is planning a return for the Ape Escape franchise. While the original developer Japan Studio is unlikely to be involved, and Bandai Namco has also been ruled out, the project is reportedly in development. This news comes as anticipation grows for a potential new Astro Bot game from Team Asobi.
'Open world fatigue' is one reason indie RPG Entropy is borrowing from the classics: 'PS1, PS2, GameCube games really never outstayed their welcome'
Lead developer James Wragg of Lovely Hellplace discusses 'open world fatigue' in modern games, contrasting it with the more concise and intentional design of older titles from the PlayStation 1, PlayStation 2, and GameCube eras. His upcoming RPG, Entropy, aims to blend simple JRPG combat with tactical elements, drawing inspiration from classics like Fallout and XCOM.
Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered interview: remake vs. remaster, using Unreal Engine 5, more
Koei Tecmo and Omega Force producer Tomohiko Sho discusses the upcoming Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered for Nintendo Switch 2. He explains the decision to remaster rather than remake the game, the challenges of modernizing graphics and gameplay while preserving the original feel, and the team's positive experience using Unreal Engine 5.
