Thank You, PS2
See Full ImageI 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.
Tags: ps2, playstation 2, ps2 games, video games, gaming culture
1/8/2013 11:52:10 PM Ben Dutka
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Comments (17 posts)
AcHiLLiA
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 @ 1:51:18 AM
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1 up, 0 down
Snaaaake
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 @ 1:53:17 AM
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Just started KHII again last week.
2 up, 1 down
Axe99
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 @ 3:32:00 AM
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I've still got a PS2, and that won't be changing anytime soon :).
2 up, 0 down
ethird1
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 @ 4:27:55 AM
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End of Line.
4 up, 0 down
shadowscorpio
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 @ 11:57:50 PM
0 up, 0 down
Ultimadream
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 @ 4:57:52 AM
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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.
3 up, 0 down
Killa Tequilla
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 @ 6:51:36 AM
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I seriously need to buy one and keep it in the box so I can display it :)
2 up, 0 down
Killa Tequilla
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 @ 6:53:38 AM
0 up, 0 down
Excelsior1
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 @ 8:31:24 AM
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2 up, 0 down
AcHiLLiA
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 @ 3:43:45 PM
1 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 @ 1:42:03 PM
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4 up, 1 down
Victor321
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 @ 4:36:51 PM
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1 up, 1 down
ricksterj
Thursday, January 10, 2013 @ 11:37:27 AM
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0 up, 0 down
firesoul453
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Wednesday, January 09, 2013 @ 12:19:20 AM
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!