PS2 is $99

[pilonv1]

 

PR for one day then it's back to Wii/DSi

[Himu]

Now there's no excuse to not have had a ps2.

[pilonv1]

http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/090331ae.pdf

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA)today announced that PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system will be available starting April 1 for $99.99 (MSRP). Since launching in 2000, PlayStation 2 has sold more than 136 million sell-in units worldwide*, making it the most popular system in gaming industry history.

PlayStation 2’s vast library of games from all genres for all types of audiences will grow to nearly 1,900 titles this year. This breadth and depth of content along with the new price point make the platform a stronger value than ever, particularly for families, casual gamers, and those seeking to maximize their entertainment dollar.


“PlayStation 2 set the industry standard for worldwide mass market adoption and is a clear embodiment of our commitment to platforms that deliver 10-year product lifecycles. It's a tribute to outstanding technology, great consumer value and unprecedented development support that we've now been able to do twice what no one else has ever accomplished,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. “Demand for PlayStation 2 remains strong throughout the world, and the new $99 price point will bring in new consumers who will discover how PlayStation platforms are an outstanding choice for their gaming and home entertainment needs. Just as PlayStation 2 is delivering on a 10-year lifecycle and helped expand and solidify the DVD format for home entertainment along the way, we believe PLAYSTATION®3 offers the same promise by helping secure the Blu-ray format and delivering unprecedented value as the total home entertainment solution for the next decade.”

Sony pushing the 2G2D line

[Kestastrophe]

^ at least it makes sense. Sony was trying the same pitch with the PS3 and I was all like 

[pilonv1]

ps3 related announcement was a beatup by an aussie journo at smarthouse who has a reputation for being one of the worst people on the planet

[Bocsius]

I already have a DVD player.

[Third]

Still have my fat Ps2 from the year 2000.
Don't know if it still works since I've been playing Ps2 games on my Ps3 for almost two years now.

Ps2 @ €99 is a great deal for a present gift.

[dark1x]

One of the best systems of all time (if not THE best).  So many incredible games.  Never thought I'd be saying that back when it launched and I was a hardcore Dreamcast fanatic...

[Rman]

So this was that big announcement?

[Purple Filth]

and gaf goes down in flames 

at least i can finally get a slim ps2 now.

[Smooth Groove]

My US PS2 fattie is still working perfectly so I have no need to replace it.  However, my Japanese PS2 died a few years ago and I still have a couple of Japan region games. 

Is it still worthwhile to have a Japanese PS2?  I haven't kept up with import titles since my Japanese PS2 died.  The last import title I bought was one of those Gran Turismo mini games. 

One of the best systems of all time (if not THE best).  So many incredible games.  Never thought I'd be saying that back when it launched and I was a hardcore Dreamcast fanatic...

You didn't mind the graphical flaws of a typical PS2 game?  It's kinda surprising that a graphics nitpicker like you would be so fond of the PS2. 

[dark1x]

You didn't mind the graphical flaws of a typical PS2 game?  It's kinda surprising that a graphics nitpicker like you would be so fond of the PS2.

Back in 2001, the PS2 was delivering the best visuals on any platform.  Nothing on any machine (including the PC) could even remotely compare to the likes of MGS2, ICO, Silent Hill 2, GT3, ZOE, DMC, The Bouncer (crap game, amazing visuals), etc.  Furthermore, a lot of the most impressive games were running at 60 fps (or at least a rock solid 30 fps).  It was a time when Japanese developers were delivering some of the most impressive games the world had yet seen.  In 2001, the best looking PC game was probably Max Payne, but was super low poly in comparison to your average PS2 game, featured limited animation, no post processing of any sort, and simplistic lighting.  The typical PC game was all about large, flat surfaces with high-res textures.  GC and XBOX hit at the end of 2001, and while they demonstrated some superior visual effects, the majority of titles weren't all that impressive out of the gate.  Furthermore, the Japanese were really the driving force on consoles last gen and a lot of the Western XBOX titles lacked the polish seen in top Japanese games.  As time went on, of course the PS2 showed its age, but by then, it was already a platform full of classics.  I view it basically as a retro machine at this point, yet some of its best looking games are still lovely in their own right.

For its time, it was a graphical powerhouse despite some of its flaws (rough image quality).  It was the first machine to really push a lot of post processing effects (such as depth of field) and deliver a huge collection of games at 60 fps (DC had a lot of arcade style games at 60 fps, but most anything else would be lower).  Seeing something like MGS2 at 60 fps was one of the most incredible things I had ever witnessed at that time.  So, really, the PS2 fits right in line with graphic whorism. 

[Mr. Gundam]

Is it still worthwhile to have a Japanese PS2?  I haven't kept up with import titles since my Japanese PS2 died.  The last import title I bought was one of those Gran Turismo mini games. 

It depends on what genres you like. If you're into crap licensed anime/giant robot titles, there's a ton of "fun" stuff.

[ManaByte]

You didn't mind the graphical flaws of a typical PS2 game?  It's kinda surprising that a graphics nitpicker like you would be so fond of the PS2.

Back in 2001, the PS2 was delivering the best visuals on any platform.  Nothing on any machine (including the PC) could even remotely compare to the likes of MGS2, ICO, Silent Hill 2, GT3, ZOE, DMC, The Bouncer (crap game, amazing visuals), etc.  Furthermore, a lot of the most impressive games were running at 60 fps (or at least a rock solid 30 fps).  It was a time when Japanese developers were delivering some of the most impressive games the world had yet seen.  In 2001, the best looking PC game was probably Max Payne, but was super low poly in comparison to your average PS2 game, featured limited animation, no post processing of any sort, and simplistic lighting.  The typical PC game was all about large, flat surfaces with high-res textures.  GC and XBOX hit at the end of 2001, and while they demonstrated some superior visual effects, the majority of titles weren't all that impressive out of the gate.  Furthermore, the Japanese were really the driving force on consoles last gen and a lot of the Western XBOX titles lacked the polish seen in top Japanese games.  As time went on, of course the PS2 showed its age, but by then, it was already a platform full of classics.  I view it basically as a retro machine at this point, yet some of its best looking games are still lovely in their own right.

For its time, it was a graphical powerhouse despite some of its flaws (rough image quality).  It was the first machine to really push a lot of post processing effects (such as depth of field) and deliver a huge collection of games at 60 fps (DC had a lot of arcade style games at 60 fps, but most anything else would be lower).  Seeing something like MGS2 at 60 fps was one of the most incredible things I had ever witnessed at that time.  So, really, the PS2 fits right in line with graphic whorism. 

MacWorld 2001 in Tokyo:
[youtube=560,345][/youtube]

[Smooth Groove]

For its time, it was a graphical powerhouse despite some of its flaws (rough image quality). 

Those flaws were pretty glaring though.  I bought the PS2, Xbox and GC all around the PS2's 1st yr anniversary.  They all displayed around the same level of graphics except for the fact that the PS2 had noticeably worse image quality.  I'd disagree about Japanese developers pushing the technological envelope.  Even at launch, games like Halo and Star Wars:Rogue Squadron 2 were technically more impressive than their Japanese counterparts.  Japanese games just seem more impressive because they almost always have better art assets.  For example, Western developers just can't to get character models right no matter how many polygons they pump into them.  OTOH, even PS1 character models in Japanese games looked pretty decent.  

Also, I think you're forgetting a few great looking PC titles of that era.  Return to Castle Wolfenstein was released in Fall 01 and was easily better looking than any of the early PS2/Xbox shooters.  Colin Mcrae and the EA sports games were also better than their console equivalents.  Aquanox was another 2001 PC game that featured graphics not seen on consoles.  

Seeing something like MGS2 at 60 fps was one of the most incredible things I had ever witnessed at that time.  So, really, the PS2 fits right in line with graphic whorism.

I wouldn't consider MGS2 a real 60FPS game.  It had way too many slowdowns.  

[Smooth Groove]

Is it still worthwhile to have a Japanese PS2?  I haven't kept up with import titles since my Japanese PS2 died.  The last import title I bought was one of those Gran Turismo mini games. 

It depends on what genres you like. If you're into crap licensed anime/giant robot titles, there's a ton of "fun" stuff.

What are the top Japanese titles that still haven't been released in the US? 

The Super Robot Wars series?

[ManaByte]

For its time, it was a graphical powerhouse despite some of its flaws (rough image quality). 

Those flaws were pretty glaring though.  I bought the PS2, Xbox and GC all around the PS2's 1st yr anniversary.  They all displayed around the same level of graphics except for the fact that the PS2 had noticeably worse image quality.  I'd disagree about Japanese developers pushing the technological envelope.  Even at launch, games like Halo and Star Wars:Rogue Squadron 2 were technically more impressive than their Japanese counterparts.  Japanese games just seem more impressive because they almost always have better art assets.  For example, Western developers just can't to get character models right no matter how many polygons they pump into them.  OTOH, even PS1 character models in Japanese games looked pretty decent.  

Also, I think you're forgetting a few great looking PC titles of that era.  Return to Castle Wolfenstein was released in Fall 01 and was easily better looking than any of the early PS2/Xbox shooters.  Colin Mcrae and the EA sports games were also better than their console equivalents.  Aquanox was another 2001 PC game that featured graphics not seen on consoles.  

Just look at the JP launch. Rigid Racer V and Tekken Jag Tournament.

[Smooth Groove]

Tekken Tag Tournament still looks pretty good.  I guess it was due to its pseudo-3d backgrounds which weren't too graphically demanding. 

Most of the 1st gen PS2 games didn't age so gracefully though.  I tried to play Street Fighter:EX 2 with my friends a few weeks ago and we all  at how it looked. 

[Mr. Gundam]

Is it still worthwhile to have a Japanese PS2?  I haven't kept up with import titles since my Japanese PS2 died.  The last import title I bought was one of those Gran Turismo mini games. 

It depends on what genres you like. If you're into crap licensed anime/giant robot titles, there's a ton of "fun" stuff.

What are the top Japanese titles that still haven't been released in the US? 

The Super Robot Wars series?

Super Robot Wars games, Oz, Earth Defense Force 2, Sengoku Basara 2, Armored Troopers Votoms.

[ManaByte]

Tekken Tag Tournament still looks pretty good.  I guess it was due to its pseudo-3d backgrounds which weren't too graphically demanding. 

Most of the 1st gen PS2 games didn't age so gracefully though.  I tried to play Street Fighter:EX 2 with my friends a few weeks ago and we all  at how it looked. 

That's because SCEA had Namco go in an fix Tekken Tag for the US release. The one released here looks much better than the JP release, and still looks pretty good today. Pull out the original JP version and your eyes will bleed from jagged cuts.

[Diunx]

Ugh gaf is so full of idiots, they honestly believe that sony was going to have some megaton announcement just after gdc and like 2 months before e3.

there is also some asshole called tom something that was hyping the announcement and is still hyping some ps3 announcement yet to come and for some reason he is still isn't banned.

[dark1x]

For its time, it was a graphical powerhouse despite some of its flaws (rough image quality). 

Those flaws were pretty glaring though.  I bought the PS2, Xbox and GC all around the PS2's 1st yr anniversary.  They all displayed around the same level of graphics except for the fact that the PS2 had noticeably worse image quality.  I'd disagree about Japanese developers pushing the technological envelope.  Even at launch, games like Halo and Star Wars:Rogue Squadron 2 were technically more impressive than their Japanese counterparts.  Japanese games just seem more impressive because they almost always have better art assets.  For example, Western developers just can't to get character models right no matter how many polygons they pump into them.  OTOH, even PS1 character models in Japanese games looked pretty decent.  

Also, I think you're forgetting a few great looking PC titles of that era.  Return to Castle Wolfenstein was released in Fall 01 and was easily better looking than any of the early PS2/Xbox shooters.  Colin Mcrae and the EA sports games were also better than their console equivalents.  Aquanox was another 2001 PC game that featured graphics not seen on consoles.  

Seeing something like MGS2 at 60 fps was one of the most incredible things I had ever witnessed at that time.  So, really, the PS2 fits right in line with graphic whorism.

I wouldn't consider MGS2 a real 60FPS game.  It had way too many slowdowns.  

MGS2 helds 60 fps the vast majority of the time.  I played the hell out of that game and I can safely say that.  Now, the XBOX version had a LOT of slowdown, but not the PS2 release.  I thought MGS2 looked better than anything released in 2001, to be honest.  Halo and RS2 were more technically impressive, though, no doubt, but that doesn't mean MGS2 wasn't incredible.  It had great technology and beautiful art direction.  RtCW never impressed me at all, however (Halo was a much more impressive looking FPS thanks to its heavy usage of shaders and perpixel lighting, which the PC was not yet delivering).  It wasn't until UT2003 that PC games started to move away from dead simple geometry that used to annoy the shit out of me.  For a while, PC games were WAYYYY behind in the animation and post processing as well.  I'd imagine animation was more a limitation both of budgets and the engines themselves, of course, but I used to refer to bad animation as "PC animation".  I still make jokes about some of the animation work Raven Software did on games like Jedi Knight II and Soldier of Fortune II.  So embarrassing.  

One the TV I was using at the time, PS2 games looked very good.  MGS2, which I keep mentioning, actually used a full 448 frame buffer, unlike a lot of PS2 titles.  Once we moved away from interlaced displays things started to change, of course.

I suppose the point is, there were a lot of very impressive looking games released for the PS2 before the XBOX and GC even launched that blew me away.  2001 was a very impressive year.  Nothing hard to understand about that.

MacWorld 2001 in Tokyo

Come now, that Doom 3 tech demo hardly counts.  The game wasn't released until August 2004 and, even then, it was pretty demanding.  That was a sneak peak at technology that wouldn't show up for years.

[ManaByte]

Ugh gaf is so full of idiots, they honestly believe that sony was going to have some megaton announcement just after gdc and like 2 months before e3.

there is also some asshole called tom something that was hyping the announcement and is still hyping some ps3 announcement yet to come and for some reason he is still isn't banned.

They're still hoping for their messiah after that last insider who said Oblivion would blow away the PC/360 version via a patch was shown to be an idiot.

[Smooth Groove]

MGS2 helds 60 fps the vast majority of the time.  I played the hell out of that game and I can safely say that.  Now, the XBOX version had a LOT of slowdown, but not the PS2 release.  I thought MGS2 looked better than anything released in 2001, to be honest.  Halo and RS2 were more technically impressive, though, no doubt, but that doesn't mean MGS2 wasn't incredible.  It had great technology and beautiful art direction.

Off the top of my head, I remembered slowdowin in the fight against the crazy fat dude and in the fight against the 3 mechs at the end.  I never played the Xbox version as I heard that it was crap.   

The PC version of MGS2 is on my PC though.  I'll like to revisit it someday in high rez.  I've just been too lazy to get the tweaks to get it to run properly. 

RtCW never impressed me at all, however (Halo was a much more impressive looking FPS thanks to its heavy usage of shaders and perpixel lighting, which the PC was not yet delivering).

I think you remembered RTCW incorrectly.  RTCW wasn't the typical low poly PC game that you're talking about.  The character models in RTCW were far more complex than their console counterparts.  They even had polygonal teeth and nicely modeled individual fingers, which were very impressive for the time.  Also, the lighting in RTCW was far superior to any console shooter in 2001. 

[Smooth Groove]

Is it still worthwhile to have a Japanese PS2?  I haven't kept up with import titles since my Japanese PS2 died.  The last import title I bought was one of those Gran Turismo mini games. 

It depends on what genres you like. If you're into crap licensed anime/giant robot titles, there's a ton of "fun" stuff.

What are the top Japanese titles that still haven't been released in the US? 

The Super Robot Wars series?

Super Robot Wars games, Oz, Earth Defense Force 2, Sengoku Basara 2, Armored Troopers Votoms.

How playable is Super Robot Wars for people who can't read Japanese? 

[Mr. Gundam]

Is it still worthwhile to have a Japanese PS2?  I haven't kept up with import titles since my Japanese PS2 died.  The last import title I bought was one of those Gran Turismo mini games. 

It depends on what genres you like. If you're into crap licensed anime/giant robot titles, there's a ton of "fun" stuff.

What are the top Japanese titles that still haven't been released in the US? 

The Super Robot Wars series?

Super Robot Wars games, Oz, Earth Defense Force 2, Sengoku Basara 2, Armored Troopers Votoms.

How playable is Super Robot Wars for people who can't read Japanese? 

You can stumble through them, as the basic set up is pretty simple to learn. And, if you're familiar with the shows, it's better. The Asian releases come with English language instruction inserts, and there are tons of FAQs online.

[dark1x]

I think you remembered RTCW incorrectly.  RTCW wasn't the typical low poly PC game that you're talking about.  The character models in RTCW were far more complex than their console counterparts.  They even had polygonal teeth and nicely modeled individual fingers, which were very impressive for the time.  Also, the lighting in RTCW was far superior to any console shooter in 2001.

No, I remember it well.  The lighting was not superior to Halo simply because it wasn't doing any perpixel stuff.  Halo was one of the first games to present lots of complex bump mapping and perpixel light sources.

Also...




Glorious special effects and post processing...




For the time, seeing depth of field, motion blur, and all of the other tricks the game employed was pretty insane.  RtCW did nothing like that (no PC game was doing anything like that at the time due to the heavy fillrate requirements).

Off the top of my head, I remembered slowdowin in the fight against the crazy fat dude and in the fight against the 3 mechs at the end.  I never played the Xbox version as I heard that it was crap. 

Those parts account for like 1% of the game (and there wasn't really any serious slowdown against Fat Man).

[Draft]

Even then, the off screen camera shot was a valuable weapon in Sony's console war.

[Smooth Groove]

Oh god, do we really want to bring screen warz to EB?

Also, why did you choose to get the least impressive parts of RTCW? 

[dark1x]

Oh god, do we really want to bring screen warz to EB?

Also, why did you choose to get the least impressive parts of RTCW? 

I didn't specifically choose the least impressive parts.  I choose shots which showed close-ups of the character models.

The game actually looks better than that, most certainly, but I thought the models were assy.  Again, PC animation, man.  Bad stuff back then.

Even then, the off screen camera shot was a valuable weapon in Sony's console war.

What are you referring to?  Hopefully not the MGS2 shots.  I captured those myself using an s-video input on my PC a while back.  They are most certainly not off screen.  I didn't have any RtCW shots handy, so I went searching for character model shots.

[Draft]

You're comparing a game where they probably spent 5 million bucks on cutscenes to Return to Castle Wolfenstein.

edit: They looked like offscreen shots.

[dark1x]

You're comparing a game where they probably spent 5 million bucks on cutscenes to Return to Castle Wolfenstein.

edit: They looked like offscreen shots.

Yes, but I wasn't comparing budgets.  Simply that MGS2 was one of the most impressive games ever released at the time of its release.

The fact that they look like off screen shots is one of the reasons why I find the game so damn impressive.  The various post processing effects really gave the game a look quite unlike anything else.  It always impressed me.  Combine that with great models, effects, animation, and a high framerate and you have an amazing visual presentation.

Oh god, do we really want to bring screen warz to EB?

Yeah, actually.    I love screenshot wars.  It's like a message board alternate reality game or some shit.  When I have time to kill, it's good stuff.  ;P

[Human Snorenado]

What the fuck is this thread?

It started out as something really pathetic- Sony trying to pawn off dropping the PS2's price to $99 as news somehow.  And yet, through the magic of the internets, it actually got more pathetic.

[Draft]

Gotta admit, they were smooth enough I thought they were off screen.

[Joe Molotov]

What the fuck is this thread?

Sbots gotta defend the last bastion of Sony pride, the PS2.

[ManaByte]

After finishing MGS2 I never wanted to load it up again.

I still have Enemy Territory installed on my PC and once and a while it's fun to kill Nazis.

Who the fuck cares if MGS2 has awesome cinemas?

[drew]

make it $5 and ill buy 1

[dark1x]

After finishing MGS2 I never wanted to load it up again.

I still have Enemy Territory installed on my PC and once and a while it's fun to kill Nazis.

Who the fuck cares if MGS2 has awesome cinemas?

Opinions and all that, man.  MGS2 was one of my favorite games of last gen, but I hardly remember RtCW (made me realize how antiquated and shitty the health pack + quick save had become).  Enemy Territory is not the same thing.  It was released much later for free.  Multiplayer games naturally will get more play if one is into them.

RtCW was hugely underwhelming for me (I even had the giant tin case version) compared to the likes of Halo or MGS2 (all competing games that year).

[ManaByte]

Non-cutscenes FTW.

[Eel O'Brian]

if some chain store bundles it with a couple of games for the same $99, i might pick one up for the back bedroom

[pilonv1]

way to fuck it up with mgs faggotry

[bork]

All the Wolfenstein pictures being posted are from the PC version.

[cool breeze]

was there even a PC vs PS2 debate back in the day? what I remember is people saying Headhunter was better than MGS2.  I miss Sega fans.

[ManaByte]

All the Wolfenstein pictures being posted are from the PC version.

Yes.

[bork]

LOL, Headhunter.  I had it on Dreamcast, it sucked.

Is it still worthwhile to have a Japanese PS2?  I haven't kept up with import titles since my Japanese PS2 died.  The last import title I bought was one of those Gran Turismo mini games.   

Beyond some the mecha and fighting games, I can't think of too much that hasn't made it Stateside at this point.

Some stuff I have that I'd recommend is-

Fighters:

-KOF 2002 Unlimited Match (SNK)
-KOF Maximum Impact Regulation A (SNK)
-Garou Mark Of The Wolves (SNK)
-Fu'un Super Combo (Savage Reign and Kizuna Encounter) (SNK)
-Sunsoft Collection (Galaxy Fight and Waku Waku 7) (SNK)
-Twinkle Star Sprites (Remake of the original) (SNK/ADK)
-ADK Spirits (Ninja Combat, Ninja Commando, Ninja Master's, Gan Gan/ADK, and Twinkle Star Sprites-- it's worth it just for Ninja Master's) (SNK/ADK)
-Shin Gouketsuji Ichizoku: Bonnou Kaihou (AKA Power Instinct Matrimelee, updated a bit from the Neo version) (Excite/Atlus)
-Vampire Darkstalkers Chronicle (Has all of the Darkstalkers games) (Capcom)
-Fate: Unlimited Codes (Capcom and like four other companies, lol)
-Basara X (Capcom/Arc System Works)
-History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi (Capcom/8ing)
-The Rumblefish (Sega/Sammy/Dimps)
-Hokuto No Ken (Sega/Sammy/Arc System Works)
-Melty Blood Act Cadenza (Ecole/Type Moon)
-Suggoi Arcana Heart 2 (Examu) (Releases 4/9)

Other:

-Sengoku Basara 2 (Capcom)
-Sengoku Basara 2 Heroes (Capcom) (I highly recommend both of these; kick-ass beat-em-up series from Capcom, spanks Koei games all over the place)
-Oz (Konami) (Interesting beat-em-up action game)
-Gunstar Heroes Treasure Box (GSH, Dynamite Headdy, and Alien Soldier) (Sega)

[Diunx]

Are you fucker losers saying that fucking castle wolfenstein looks better than mgs2? get some fucking eyes that work.

[duckman2000]

Well, it is at the very least the better game.

MGS

[Diunx]

Well, it is at the very least the better game.

MGS

You have a nintendo avatar please don't talk about games, go get in shape with wiifit!

[duckman2000]

Well, it is at the very least the better game.

MGS

You have a nintendo avatar please don't talk about games, go get in shape with wiifit!

Worst response ever

diunx

[Diunx]

Duckman = Poor man's Amirox.

[Eel O'Brian]

is there a bin somewhere this thread can be shit into

[Van Cruncheon]

yeah, this is possibly the worst thread in the last three months

someone get a coathanger and/or punch willco in the uterus, post-haste

[The Fake Shemp]

What the fuck, dudes - really?