Top 5 PS2 Games To Get At Launch.

So here goes nothing. I have received dozens of e-mails with many of you asking me what games should you purchase with a PS2 when it is released. I thought maybe some people are shy and have the same thing on their mind but are afraid of e-mailing me with the same question and I know that there are many of you who will ask me that particular question sooner or later. So I have compiled a list for you folks, consisting of the five most unique, promising, and best looking PS2 launch games. Before I go into the list let me say that all of these games have been confirmed as launch titles but still may have a bump in the road causing a delay. If something like that happens then this list will be updated, but the delays are very slim so don't worry.

05: Smuggler's Run- Originally titled Getaway, Rockstar has changed the game's name due to legal rights to Smuggler's Run. Smuggler's Run is an off-road game with vehicles that are supposed to drive from point A to point B, do what's necessary, fulfill your mission and head back. Sounds simple, okay it may be but this game is probably the most fun you'll have playing an off-road game that involves numerous amount of cars that are trying to worsen your chances of making the "pick up" and accomplishing your mission. Smuggler's Run involves a lot of great gameplay, it features realistic off-road physics, awesome visuals and on top of that a superb frame rate of 60. Smuggler's Run is one of the coolest PS2 titles thus far.  

04: Big SSX - One of my most anticipated launch games is without a doubt Big SSX. Created by EA, SSX is a Snowboard SuperCross game that looks and plays remarkably. For starters this game has speed and lots and lots of fun. Visually this one of PS2's best looking launch titles, the character models are extremely detailed and show no sign of any polygonal problems such as clipping. Check out our preview of SSX as well as the latest screenshots and be amazed, be very amazed. SSX is surely one of the must have PS2 launch titles thus far, the unique soundtrack kick ass visuals along with the awesome gameplay makes this a snowboarding I actually want to play.

03: Madden NFL 2001 - So there is no doubt about it, Madden NFL 2001 is absolutely the best looking launch game period, unless Sony has something to say about that with their Gameday title. Madden NFL 2001 will be what NFL 2K was for Sega when Dreamcast first hit the US streets, but Madden will surely be more. Posing near perfection visuals, EA quality color/play by play commentary, as well as the best artificial intelligence in any sports game ever, Madden NFL 2001 is a definite purchase for any sports gamer.

I know many of you want to know why didn't Madden rank higher, because it's a sports game and basically we've been there done that. I had a very tough time choosing between Silent Scope or TimeSplitters. Both are first person shooters and are excellent titles, so I decided that I will give the second place spot to both games.

02a: Silent Scope- An incredible arcade game, Silent Scope is another PS2 launch title wonder. Konami who will also be releasing Silent Scope for Dreamcast, hopes to make the PS2 version of Silent Scope look and play better than its arcade counterpart. Right now Konami looks like its doing a great job with Silent Scope, we've seen only a video of the Dreamcast version right now and if the DC version looks 'that' good imagine how fine the PS2 version will play. Read the PS2 preview of Silent Scope and check out the killer screens we have for you.

02b: TimeSplitters - Developed by former Rare (Nintendo's only strong supporter) employees, TimeSplitters is another first person shooter that plays in the vein of Half-Life, GoldenEye and oddly enough Unreal Tournament. Free Radical Design consists of four former developers of RareWare, the four developers have jumped on the PS2 bandwagon and are currently in the process of stewing up one hell of a first person shooter. TimeSplitters  looks great, its super fast and highly advanced graphics engine is almost unrivaled by any other on PC or console. Free Radical Design has also said that the four player mode in TimeSplitters is also up and running perfectly with absolutely no frame loss.. Check out the preview along with the tasty screens of TimeSplitters.

01: Summoner - I'm sure none of you were surprised to see that Summoner topped the list hitting it big on the number one spot. After all it is the very first RPG being released on the PS2 and we all love our RPG games don't we? Our new contributor Kevin Darrah started off his PSX Extreme experience by writing a great in depth preview of Summoner, pointing out the games aspects as well as the multiplayer feature embodied in the title. Summoner is the first true RPG title released on the PS2. This is THE game to own on launch day, the graphics are beautiful (and anti-aliased), the gameplay sounds extremely promising and the concept sounds very endearing. Summoner is THE PS2 launch game to own, make no buts about it, pre-order Summoner now, especially if you are an RPG addict. In the meantime check out the screens to go along with the preview of Summoner.