Overview
2002 is over and what a great year it was for Playstation 2 owners. Great titles like Maximo, Kingdom Hearts, Suikoden 3, TimeSplitters 2, Tony Hawk 4, Pro Race Driver and blockbusters like Virtua Fighter 4 and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City leave no doubt as to why PS2 has all but won this console war.
In August, 2002 also saw the oft-delayed launch of Sony’s online service, with mixed results. If you were lucky enough to find a Network Adaptor, then you were treated with quite a few great online titles right from the start. Titles like Madden 2003, Tribes: Aerial Assault and to a lesser extent, NFL2K3 and Gameday 2003. There was also the game that gets my vote for Game of the Year, SOCOM US Navy Seals. It is the reason to get online with your PS2. More great online titles are out now, like NBA Live, NBA2K3, Tony Hawk 4 and ATV Offroad Fury 2.
2003 ushers in a slew of great looking sequels, as well as nice looking new franchises. With Sony recently announcing plans to forego all royalties for games with online content, you can expect a lot more online games as well. Will 2003 be a better year than 2002? I’ll be doing month by month breakdowns of everything PS2. This first installment is the last bit of Febuary and all of March. Read on and see if anything tickles your fancy....
Out Now
Ok, we’re just about through the ’down time’ for the video game industry, mainly the first couple months of the year. While XBox and GCN have been sleeping, PS2 has gotten quite a few top notch titles added to the library.
The Getaway
Genre: Action
Developer: Studio Soho
Publisher: Sony
Released On: January 21st, 2003
# of Players: 1
ERSB: Mature
Also On: None
After years of development and a switch from PSX to PS2, The Getaway is finally here and is well worth the wait. Combining beautiful graphics, incredible realism and one of the darkest and moodiest stories ever seen in a video game, The Getaway is a game no PS2 owner should miss. The game is a top seller in the US right now, and an add-on disc is a big rumor already floating around.
War of the Monsters
Genre: Fighting
Developer: Incognito
Publisher: Sony
Released On: January 15th, 2003
# of Players: 1-2
ERSB: Teen
Also On: None
One of biggest suprise hits I’ve ever had to joy of playing. I went into this game not expecting much, and came away completely floored. A very deep fighting system taking very innovative advantage of the games setting(huge monsters fighting in crowded cities), WotM is great for single or multi-player. With multiple characters, each with their own endings, as well as plenty of goodies to unlock and awesoem multiplayer modes, WotM will last you quite a while and it retails for only $40.
Devil May Cry 2
Genre: Action
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Released On: January 28th, 2003
# of Players: 1
ERSB: Mature
Also On: None
The sequel to another suprise hit, DMC2 has everything that made the original so good and throws in another playable character, new moves and new weapons. Throw in awesome graphics and some of the best sound effects around, another big hit for Capcom.
Guilty Gear X2
Genre: Fighter
Developer: Arc System
Publisher: Sammy
Released On: Febuary 4th, 2003
# of Players: 1-2
ERSB: Teen
Also On: None
Amazingly pretty and deep, one can only wonder why Guilty Gear has done poorly in the US while crap like MK: Deadly Alliance sells well. Regardless, fighter fans and 2-D fans in general owe it to themselves to check this game out, it’s by far the best 2-D fighter on the PS2.
Everquest Online Adventures
Genre: Online RPG
Developer: Sony
Publisher: Sony
Released On: Febuary 11th, 2003
# of Players: 1
ERSB: Teen
Also On: None
Do not confuse this as a port of the PC games. EQOA is a game of its own entirely. Set long before the PC games begin, EQOA finally gives console games a sample of true online RPG action, whether you have 56k or high-speed access. Be warned though, it does carry an online fee, but the first month is free. And if you aren’t planning on getting online, don’t bother cause it’s online only.
Dark Cloud 2
Genre: RPG
Developer: Level 5
Publisher: Sony
Released On: Febuary 18th, 2003
# of Players: 1
ERSB: Everyone
Also On: None
Haven’t played this one yet, but it’s getting great reviews. Sequel to the ’Zelda clone’ from the PS2 launch, this one also is a hybird of multiple genres, adding up to one very good game. Customizable weapons and vehicles, a long play time and some of the best looking graphics on any console, RPG fans now have something to tide them over until FF X-2.
High Heat Baseball 2004
Genre: Sports
Developer: 3DO
Publisher: 3DO
Released On: Febuary 20th, 2003
# of Players: 1-4
ERSB: Everyone
Also On: None
Long considered to be the deepest and best playing baseball game but dragged down by horrid horrid graphics, 3DO has worked hard the last few installments to change that and they’ve finally pulled it off. HH2004 not only plays extremely well, but it also looks very good too. This game is all sim and all realism. Think Madden only baseball. Fans of old Triple Play games need not apply. The franchise mode this year is even deeper than last if you can believe it. Expect a GM review very soon.
XenoSaga
Genre: RPG
Developer: Monolift Soth
Publisher: Namco
Release Date: Febuary 25th, 2003
# of Players: 1
ERSB: Everyone
Also On: None
Sequel to the critically acclaimed RPG XenoGears, XenoSaga Gives fans more of everything that made the first so popular. Lots of fun mini games, a 50+ hour quest, and a very fresh sci-fi story, XenoSaga shouldn’t disappoint.
March
March is a very strong month for the PS2. With roughly 31 titles planned for release, there’s an average of just over 1 new title a day. Not just a bunch of baseball games either, there are titles from many different genres. Here’s the main releases to watch for:
All-Star Baseball 2004
Genre: Sports
Developer: Acclaim Studios Austin
Publisher: Acclaim
Release Date: March 3rd, 2003
# of Players: 1-4
ERSB: Everyone
Also On: Everything
The onslaught of baseball games begin. All-Star Baseball has always been Acclaims best franchise, and 2004 looks no different. Always the best when it comes to presentation, Acclaim has made tweaks and changes to the gameplay to make it a bit more user friendly. The franchise mode was one of the best around, fans of the series should enjoy the cosmetic changes. There are also now loads and loads of classic teams and leagues, making ASB2004 the baseball game to own if you’re a historical nut.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
Genre: Action
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Release Date: March 4th, 2003
# of Players: 1
ERSB: Mature
Also On: XBox, PC
The greatest action series of all time makes a return to the PS2 in better form than ever. We here at GamersMark scored the original a perfect 10, this update should be just as good. Basically, it’s MGS2, only changed to allow you to play as Solid Snake in any area you want. On top of that, VR missions make a return. There are loads of them, and anyone who bought the VR Missions bonus disc for PSX should know how fun and varied these things can be. There’s even skateboarding in the game.... if you’re interested in that. Overall, this title is basically for the hardcore MGS2 fans. If you’ve never experienced MGS2 before, the added extras in this one might be worth the higher price, as the original should be in the $20-30 range by now. Hell, being able to bypass playing as that pansy ass Raiden is probably worth the price alone.
Tenchu: Wrath of the Heavens
Genre: Action
Developer: K2C
Publisher: Activision
Release Date: March 4th, 2003
# of Players: 1-2
ERSB: Mature
Also On: None
The third installment of the Tenchu franchise is shaping up to be the greatest. A new developer is working on it, and it looks like the switch worked out better for Activision. Set about one year after the original Tenchu, the 3rd installment once again involves Rikumaru striving to maintain a level of control in a fueding and chaotic Japan. Stealth, as always, is your main weapon, and you’ll need it to fully master the games 9 huge levels. This game is getting good reviews, it should be a great action game.
My Street
Genre: Online Party/Multiplayer
Developer: Idols Minds
Publisher: Sony
Release Date: March 11th, 2003
# of Players: 4
ERSB: Everyone
Also On: None
Ah.... the good old days of childhood. Dodgeball after school. Last to be picked... countless bloody noses and bruised cheeks... errr wait a minute, screw childhood. Too lazy to actually get out and socialize with the other kids on the block? No problem, Sonys got your back. My Street is another online title for the PS2, featuring an assortment of mini games aimed at the younger gamers. From marbles, to dodgeball, volleyball, RC racing among other games, there are loads of games here that makes us older gamers wanna break out the GI Joes and Ninja Turtle action figures. The game might be a little too simple for mature gamers, but for the youngsters, this title should be huge. Tired of your little brother hogging your SOCOM disc? Give him this and tell him to get lost.
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner
Genre: Action
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Release Date: March 11th, 2003
# of Players: 1
ERSB: Mature
Also On: None
The original ZoE was met with mixed results. The graphics and controls were absolutely amazing, and the story was not that bad. The gameplay was not very deep, nor was it very long. Well, 2nd Runner looks to improve upon the gameplay atleast. There are loads of new attacks and tweaks to the gameplay. The story is said to be even better than the first. Not suprising, seeing as this series is from Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind the Metal Gear series. In my opinion, the first game was only good for the MGS2 demo. This one however, looks extremely promising.
Def Jam Vendetta
Genre: Wrestling
Developer: AKI/EA Canada
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: March 18th, 2003
# of Players: 1-4
ERSB: Teen
Also On: GCN, XBox
Check it yo, tired of dem weak ass wresslin games with all those wack mofos all tweaked out on steroids? Well den, dis be your joint right here. This game got all da phat rappers, cept that bony bastad Ja Fool. I wanna beat that wanksta straight down, homie.
Yea.. sorry. DJV is your basic wrestler, with a hip-hop flava. Not only are the wrestlers all stars in the hip hop business, but the game is laced with presentation that backs up with basic premise for the game. Hell, even the moves are renamed to add to the feel. Instead of an over the shoulder/hip toss, you have "get out da way". Instead of a simple slap, you have the "grit slap", among others. The developer is AKI, well known for their brilliant early N64 wrestlers, and even though I think the later ones were stale and uninspired, their experience will add lots to this game. Should add a new twist to a struggling genre.
Auto Modellista
Genre: Racing
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: March 25th, 2003
# of Players: 1-4
ERSB: Everyone
Also On: XBox
Capcoms oft-delayed online racer finally seems to have a solid and final release date. Modellista is the latest game to cash in on the cel-shaded fad that’s going around, but it still looks like it will be a solid racer. Fans of games like Gran Turismo and Tokyo Xtreme Racer should feel right at home here. Even better, you can log onto the internet and race up to 3 other people in your customized ride. This game is arcade racer all the way, so if you’re expecting a simulation experience, you’d best stick with GT3. Still, this game is going to sell huge.
Dynasty Warriors 4
Genre: Action
Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Koei
Release Date: March 25th, 2003
# of Players: 1-2
ERSB: Teen
Also On: XBox
The DW series is a huge, smash hit on both sides of the world, and Koei is wisely putting out another installment. This is the 4th full DW game, not counting the "Xtreme Legends" bonus disc released recently. This 4th installment should be the best yet. One interesting feature is a new method getting through buildings and castles- destroy them. Create your own "weapons of mass destruction" and catapault, smash and ram your way through buildings. Just watch out for over oppresive governments. Other improvements include drastically improved AI, and longer story modes with stages that are different each time you play through. As usual, expect this DW game to be lengthy, difficult and full of secrets and unlockable extras to keep you coming back.
Other Notable Releases:
Grand Prix Challenge- March 3rd, 2003
MLB2004- March 11th, 2003
World Series Baseball2k3- March 11th, 2003
MLB Slugfest 2004- March 17th, 2003
ClockTower 3- March 18th, 2003
Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc- March 18th, 2003
WWE Crush Hour- March 18th, 2003
Amplitude- March 24th, 2003
RPG Maker 2- March 30th, 2003
Well, that basically wraps up March. April will be up next. If you have any questions about the titles in this writing, feel free to email me or simply post in our Forums.
