PlayStation 2
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for PlayStation 2.
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Rockstar had to fight to get people to care about GTA 3 at E3, former lead recalls, and now GTA 6 is the most…
A former Rockstar Games developer, Obbe Vermeij, recalled that Grand Theft Auto 3's success was uncertain at its E3 2001 debut, with many attendees more interested in State of Emergency and finding GTA 3 too violent. Despite initial lukewarm reception and GTA 2 being a disappointment, Grand Theft Auto 3 went on to define the open-world genre and become a massive industry-changer.
The Ayn Odin 3 is creeping up to old Steam Deck prices, and I can't wrap my head around the $529 Max
The Ayn Odin 3 handheld gaming device is facing its third price increase since March, with the Max version now costing over $500. Ayn attributes the hikes to rising costs of Qualcomm chipsets and DRAM/UFS. Prices for the Base, Pro, and Max models will increase by $20 starting September 1, making them significantly more expensive than the original Steam Deck.
The Biggest Gaming Stories That Happened Since GTA 5 Came Out 13 Years Ago
Since Grand Theft Auto 5's release in September 2013, the gaming landscape has seen significant shifts, including the rise of live-service games like Fortnite and the eventual decline of E3. Major events include numerous Skyrim ports, the expansion of the Watch Dogs franchise, Halo appearing on PlayStation, and Grand Theft Auto 5 itself releasing on multiple new platforms. The period also saw the rise of Andrew Wilson at EA, the entire Phil Spencer era at Xbox, the successful launch and dominance of the Nintendo Switch, and a significant increase in console prices.
Backwards compatibility is neat, but I'd grab an original PS1 rather than listening to people saying "just buy…
This article argues that while the PlayStation 2 offers backwards compatibility with original PlayStation discs, it is not a perfect substitute for the original hardware. Differences in laser tolerance and emulation quirks can lead to compatibility issues with certain games, especially those with scratched discs or on later PS2 models that use software emulation. The author recommends using an original PlayStation for the most reliable experience with the PS1 library, despite the PS2 and PS3 offering potential benefits like HDMI output and texture smoothing.
Rediscovering my PS Vita has left me despairing for PlayStation's all-digital future
Rediscovering the PlayStation Vita has led to despair over Sony's all-digital future, particularly with the upcoming closure of the Vita's digital store. This move, coupled with the anticipated all-digital nature of the PlayStation 6 and the cessation of physical disc releases by 2028, raises concerns about game preservation and the ability to share or resell games in the future.
Heatwarped is an Open-World Love Letter to Need for Speed Underground, and Its Steam Demo Is Live
Heatwarped, an open-world racing game inspired by Need for Speed Underground, has released a playable demo on Steam. Developed by Sealime, the game aims to capture the feel of PS2-era underground racing with extensive car customization and a focus on street competition. While a release date is not yet set, the demo is available now for PC.
It's been 25 years and I'm still not over one of the greatest songs to grace JRPGs
This article reflects on the enduring legacy of Final Fantasy 10's soundtrack, particularly the song "Suteki Da Ne," 25 years after the game's release. The author praises the song's emotional impact and its place within the game's narrative, highlighting it as a standout vocal track in the Final Fantasy series.
Kingdom Hearts modder turns an indie love letter to the JRPG series into an even more blatant Kingdom Hearts-like
A modder named Dallin1016 has created mods for the indie game Duskfade, making it even more similar to the Kingdom Hearts series by adding Sora's iconic outfit, hairstyle, and Keyblade. Duskfade itself is an action RPG inspired by classic PS2 titles, including Kingdom Hearts, and features gameplay elements like fighting shadowy enemies and light RPG progression. The mods are available on NexusMods, and Duskfade has received a 'Very Positive' rating on Steam.
"I think one of the reasons GTA was so well received was the amount of detail," reflects an original dev: "No one ever said no, or that something couldn't be done"
This article delves into the development history of the Grand Theft Auto series, focusing on the early contributions of DMA Design and key figures like Paul Farley and Mike Dailly. It highlights the evolution of the open-world concept, level design challenges, and the creative freedom that defined the franchise's early entries, from the original Grand Theft Auto to Grand Theft Auto 3 and beyond.
CRTs be damned, the Intec Time Breaker Lightgun for PS1/PS2 brings Guncon romps like Time Crisis 2 back to the living room and onto your newfangled TV
The Intec Time Breaker Lightgun offers a modern solution for playing Guncon-compatible games like Time Crisis 2 and 3 on PlayStation and PlayStation 2 consoles with modern TVs. Despite a confusing calibration process and a high $160 price tag, the accessory boasts excellent build quality, wireless connectivity, and accurate performance, making it a standout option for casual players seeking to relive classic lightgun experiences.
Free on PS5 and Xbox Now: The Remake of That 2004 PlayStation 2 Classic
Mafia: Definitive Edition, the 2020 remake of the 2004 PlayStation 2 classic Mafia, is now available as a free upgrade for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S owners who purchased the PlayStation 4 version. The native port offers technical improvements and a jump to 60fps, enhancing the experience of exploring 1930s Lost Heaven. However, players who downloaded the game through the PlayStation Plus library are not eligible for the free upgrade.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer preview and interview - the next best thing to F-Zero
Star Wars: Galactic Racer aims to be the definitive Star Wars racing experience, combining various vehicle types like land speeders and podracers. Creative director Kieran Crimmins discusses the game's design, its canon-compliant story set after Return of the Jedi, and the inclusion of roguelike elements in its campaign. The game is set to release on October 6, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Remembering The Lord Of The Rings Game That Ripped Off Final Fantasy 10
The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age, developed by EA Redwood Shores, is remembered as a fun, albeit derivative, JRPG that heavily borrowed from Final Fantasy 10's turn-based combat and user interface. Despite its lack of originality, the game offered a compelling story set parallel to the film trilogy, customizable party members, and numerous unlockable movie clips. The article laments the current inaccessibility of the game, suggesting it deserves a remaster.
The Simpsons: Hit & Run Revival? Series Creator Offers Biggest Hint Yet
Series creator Matt Groening has hinted that The Simpsons: Hit & Run, the cult-classic GTA-inspired game from 2003, might be returning in some form. While producer Matt Selman offered a cautious "Or not," he acknowledged that a new game would be a treat. Potential revival projects face challenges including licensing, voice actor re-recordings, and the complexities of Disney's ownership of The Simpsons assets.
Duskfade Review – Time to Clock In
Duskfade is a 3D platformer with hack-and-slash combat that evokes classics from the PS1 and PS2 eras, but features modern production values and a surprisingly deep narrative exploring themes of grief and nostalgia. While the combat can feel shallow, the engaging platforming, imaginative environments, and charming story make it an approachable and enjoyable experience for families, with a campaign lasting around 10-12 hours. The game reviewed on PC performed exceptionally well, maintaining high frame rates.
Simpsons: Hit & Run revival hinted at by Matt Groening — then walked back on stage
During a D23 event, Simpsons creator Matt Groening hinted that The Simpsons: Hit & Run might be returning in some form, but showrunner Matt Selman quickly walked back the statement. The original 2003 game is currently unavailable on modern consoles, fueling speculation for a potential HD remaster or port.
Twenty Years On, These 3 PlayStation 2 Classics Are Still Flawless
This article revisits three highly-regarded PlayStation 2 titles from 2006: Final Fantasy 12, Okami, and Bully, arguing they remain flawless classics. It highlights Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age as the definitive version and notes the enduring quality of Okami's art style and Bully's unique setting and tone, despite initial controversies.
Dragon Quest creator comments on why DQ9 was a Nintendo DS exclusive, team was “a little disheartened” by the fan reaction
Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii reflected on the decision to make Dragon Quest 9 a Nintendo DS exclusive, citing the desire for easy local network play and multiplayer features. He admitted that the team was disheartened by the fan criticism at the time, who had expected a successor to the 3D graphics of Dragon Quest 8 on home consoles. While Dragon Quest 9 remains a Nintendo DS title, the possibility of a remake on modern platforms is hinted at.
Simpsons creator Matt Groening implies that a Hit & Run remaster is coming, current showrunner hastily disputes
The Simpsons creator Matt Groening suggested that a return for The Simpsons: Hit & Run is planned, possibly as a remaster. However, current showrunner Matt Selman quickly disputed this, stating "Or not." Groening's comments were made at a D23 panel, and while he seems to be in an emeritus role, Selman, who wrote the original game, has previously expressed openness to the series' return.
Kingdom Hearts is getting its own anime series on Disney+ and Disney Channel
Disney has announced a new Kingdom Hearts anime series in partnership with Square Enix, which will be released on Disney Channel and Disney+. The series, currently under the working title Kingdom Hearts, will tell a new story within the existing universe and is being developed with input from series creator Tetsuya Nomura. A teaser image featuring Sora was shown, but no release date or cast details have been confirmed.
