Ben-DutkaI suppose I could've been cleverer or more poetic with the title. But perhaps the concise courtesy is perfect.
As we all know by now, Sony has officially stopped manufacturing the PlayStation 2. Obviously, consumers will still be able to buy used PS2 consoles in the future (there are sure to be quite a few floating around) but for the most part, it's the end of an era. A very important era, not just for the industry, but for me as well.
The PS2 launched in North America on October 26, 2000. I remember it vividly, as I was working at Electronics Boutique at the time. The entire staff had had the machine paid off for a while, and we had a late-night meeting the day before launch to discuss how we'd handle the rush. But really, it was mostly so we could purchase our PS2s the instant the clock struck midnight and the sale was legal. I was second in line; I purchased my PS2 at 12:04 a.m. on October 26…I doubt many in this country can say they got it earlier. And I'm referring to legal acquisitions here. 🙂
Going into the PS2 generation, I was mostly an RPG fanatic. All I cared about were JRPGs. I'd play just about every PlayStation RPG I could get my hands on, and I'd play all the PC RPGs with friends (I dunno; I just found the Baldurs Gate , Diablo , and Heroes of Might & Magic games to be more fun with others). And although I had a blast and I love the PS1 to death, I have to admit I was pretty limited. I played a few sports games here and there and I loved Twisted Metal and Jet Moto , but that was about it. The PS2 was the first console that forced me outside my comfort zone and got me interested in a variety of genres.
I couldn't resist Grand Theft Auto III , what with all the hype surrounding it. I was leery because it wasn't an RPG but I fell in love immediately. I also couldn't resist the Metal Gear Solid and God of War franchises, which of course are very different in comparison to RPGs. But in addition to this great branching out process, I still got the RPGs I craved. So not only did the PS2 satisfy an existing love, it opened my eyes to very distinct love affairs with very different experiences. And in regards to the game library, I will forever maintain that the PS2 was the best. For six straight years, I never once felt like the PS2 didn't deliver, that it didn't have enough games I wanted to play. Never did that happen.
So thank you, PS2. You were always there for me, especially during tough times. Okay, so it's a little sad that it sounds like I'm talking about a living thing. But hey, it's the truth.
My ps2 was the first console I bought with my own money. I got my parents to drive me to the store and I got it and couldnt wait to get home!
It was a console I enjoy.
Over the years I replace my phat ps2 (laser sometimes didn work right) with a slim one and then someone I knew was selling all his ps2 games with his console for one lump sum price.
So I now have 3 of them collecting dust (not because there is nothing to play but because my ps3 plays all my ps2 games)
It was a great console and clearly the winner that generation in every aspect
sales, games, etc
not to mention is was just soooo much fun!
One of a kind console
Sadly my PS2 phat was not working about 2 years after launch, got it fixed but stopped working again for some months/until before I got a slim in 2005 used and still works, weird eh.
My PS2 is turning 10 this year, never had a problem with it and I still play it today.
Just started KHII again last week.
Oh aye, the PS2 was excellent :). So much fun, so many excellent experiences. Some random great excellent franchises that kicked off on PS2 – SSX, SOCOM, Kessen, Timesplitters, TOCA Race Driver, Eyetoy (which I was a big fan of, even if it was a bit niche), Ratchet and Clank, Sly, Jak and Daxter, God of War, Rez, Ico, Shadow of the Colossus…. I could go on, and on (particularly as there were plenty of continuing franchises that were also excellent – FFX/XII, MGS 2/3, Secret Weapons over Normandy and so on :)).
I've still got a PS2, and that won't be changing anytime soon :).
I am going to buy me a ps2 and go back and play Suikoden 3, 4, and 5. Then Suikoden Tactics.
End of Line.
I don't think I'll ever be able to part with my PS2 Suikoden games . Such good memories that I know I'll want to revisit .
Shame, I was looking forward to getting Fifa 2014 later this year….. XD
But yes, the PS2 certainly had a phenomenal run, it managed to take some of the strong franchises from the PS1 and elevate the gameplay to strong new grounds. Try remember back to how jaw-dropping the gameplay of Metal Gear Solid 2 was the first time you played it – The amount of times I played that demo. I still found the game outstanding and a joy to play with the new HD re-release.
It was also the last glimpse of a true Final Fantasy title with X. I still fondly remember keeping my friend around longer than he intended just to play it more.
Of course we also got new franchises like Devil May Cry, Burnout, Onimusha, Max Payne many which would not have been possible. It was a wonderful time where First Person shooters were only really just beginning with titles like TimeSplitters, Medal or Honor and Black. J-RPG's were …. dare I say as strong as the SNES category(even if the PS1 selection is my favourite!) There was certainly a lot in quantity, many I have still yet to even play. Though one thing the PS2 did bring in which was negative was Ratchet & Clank, which along with Jak II killed the platforming genre with guns – Though I will still argue Crash Twinsanity was a fantastic game.
But overall it is a console which dominated the competition. Just look back at what the XBOX had try name anything significant other than Halo & Fable… there really isn't anything. As opposed to now where the XBOX 360 & PS3 are pretty much identical as all 3rd party games nowadays are on both consoles.
My best moments were arguably with the Ps2. Star Wars Battlefront is all I need to say.
I seriously need to buy one and keep it in the box so I can display it 🙂
BTW, Medal Of Honos Warifighter is $30 on the PSStore, should I go for it?
The PS2 was a beast. Number one selling console of all time. 153.6 million PS2's sold. Just so you can try to wrap your mind around the PS2's unquestioned dominance remember the PS2's nearest competitor was the original Xbox which sold 24 million consoles. Great console with the deepest line up of killer games in history.
You sure wrap your mind on the specific numbers.
Final Fantasy X, XII, The Bouncer, Rogue Galaxy, Persona 3, 4, Darkwatch, Shadow Hearts, Xenosaga, Suikoden III, V, Star Ocean III, Bully, GTA, Spider-man 2, Dark Cloud, Max Payne… and on and on…
If I never got my PS2 on my surprise 10th birthday while walking home from school on elementary, I would never have been the console gamer I am today 🙂
The biggest "thank you" would be for FULL compatibility for it on PS4!
I was 10 when it launched and now I'm 23 and still play it. My love affair with my ps2 runs deep.
I've said before and I'll say again, there's an argument that PS2 is the best system ever. I doubt we'll ever have a system that perfect and complete ever again.