Sony PlayStation 2
As I mentioned in the introduction, the device in vogue for this blog post is this thing below:
^ from: eBay - Get ready for an unreal gaming experience with the PlayStation 2.
Starting in 2000 in multiple markets, the Sony PlayStation 2 entered the world. The PS2 picked up where the PlayStation 1 left off but offered a much more incredible experience. Much more memory was granted to game discs to provide amazing graphics and gameplay with the PS2. The original PS2 had something the PS1 did not- the ability to stand it up. You could lay it down vertically or stand it up. If you prefer standing up your PS2, it helps to have some stands for it. The PS2 would be available in its big form, but it would later be available in a more slim package called the PS2 Slim (also known as the PS2 Slimline). The PlayStation 2 would be in competition with systems like the Nintendo Gamecube, the Microsoft XBOX, and the SEGA Dreamcast.
While the Sony PlayStation 2 was capable of gaming, it was also capable being its own multimedia power. You can still listen to your favorite music CDs, but you can also watch DVD movies on the PS2. This was one of the signs that gaming systems can be used for more than just gaming.
One of the best things about the PS2 was the ability to have certain plug-and-play devices through USB. This would make it possible for later devices such as USB Flash Drives and simulation racing wheels to be used to play games. You could also input devices such as USB microphones and even simulation racing wheels.
The PlayStation 2's lifespan was between 2000 and 2012-2013. What it brought to gaming was more than just gaming.
My Introduction to the PlayStation 2.
I got a PlayStation 2 for Christmas in 2001 along with "Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec" and a custom controller. I would later pick up a bunch of games to enhance my PS2 experience. I still use my PS2 to play a number of PS2 games primarily for blogging purposes.(Some Of) The PlayStation 2's Games.
The PlayStation 2 allowed for greater performance capabilities than the PlayStation 1. It has a lot more processing power than that of the PlayStation 1. This gave developers an opportunity to create mind-blowing experiences. Even the earliest PS2 games are actually still pretty stylish today. To me, "Ridge Racer V" and "Tekken Tag Tournament" come to mind for me in this regard of early games still lovely today.The enhanced power of the PlayStation 2 allowed for things like more expansive worlds and processor-pushing games. One such game that comes to mind is "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas." If you played GTA3 and GTA Vice City, GTA San Andreas could be like combining both games... then doubling the playing field of both games. In the 74 hours I spent playing and beating GTA San Andreas (before my Save Game corrupted), never before have I felt like I was in a world where I would easily run out of things to do or places to visit. In addition, all of the effects and graphics were far beyond what a lot of PS1 games wish they could replicate or better.
RPGs and action games are not the only examples of expansive worlds. Racing/Driving games had much more depth to them, and many of them based on real-world areas were re-created in amazing detail. Let's look at Gran Turismo 4. This game had some graphic-intensive city courses like with New York City or Hong Kong. However, it also had detailed long courses in the 8.5-mile Circuit de la Sarthe and in the over 12-mile long Nürburgring Nordschleife. All venues were created in greater detail than even the most impressive PS1 games. If you want to take this a bit further, then look at games like the "Suzuki TT Superbikes" series, which feature all 37.73 miles of the Sneafell Mountain Circuit, home to the Isle of Man TT.
As technology got better, we would see a handful of new things in games and new ways to enjoy them. For example, "Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec" had its own Logitech wheel for more precise driving dynamics. That basically was the start in the evolution of simulation racing. "Gran Turismo 4" would introduce the Logitech Driving Force Pro, which I still own despite it being so ancient and borderline archaic these days.
Perhaps the best thing about the PlayStation 2 was that it was reverse-compatible with PlayStation 1 games. So you could even play your old PS1 games on a PS2 as well as use PS1 Memory Cards. This further expanded the range of games you could play on a PlayStation 2.
Games and Gaming on the PlayStation 2.
Some of the earliest games, such as "Ridge Racer V" and "Fantavision" had game discs with indigo backsides to them. They also would make certain whir sounds when played in older PlayStation 2 units. Later games would be capable of utilizing more memory for fantastic graphics and deep game play. These later games would also do away with the indigo backs of the discs. Later titles to utilize more advanced details include (but not limited to) "Gran Turismo 4," "Final Fantasy X," "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time," "God of War," and more.Peripherals of the Sony PlayStation 2.
^ from: eBay - Get ready for an enhanced PlayStation experience with the DualShock 2.
It was the DualShock 2 where the magic happens. This evolution of the original DualShock includes its own analog sticks as well as its own vibration system to provide intense gaming goodness.
Memory Cards return for the PlayStation 2. This time, though, the Memory Card now goes from 15 blocks of memory to 8 MB of memory. This means you can store a lot more content. Just make sure you have enough memory for some games that use up a lot of memory.
^ from: eBay - Connect to cyberspace for enhanced PlayStation action with the Network Adaptor.
Early on, the PlayStation 2 did not have online gaming capabilities. That would change later as a Network Adapter for the PlayStation 2 was introduced for it. This is what you could use for the PlayStation 2's Expansion Bay. Examples of SOE (Sony Online Entertainment) games include "SOCOM U.S. Navy Seals" and "Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater." "Gran Turismo 4," which had promised online play, had online play dropped officially. Later builds of Gran Turismo 4 had its own online play system.
^ from: eBay - Eye... uh, I see you, Eyetoy...
If you want to enjoy some webcam-type action on your PS2, a later peripheral called the Eyetoy has you covered. This devices was used for some games that detected your movements and allowed you to do several things.
^ from: eBay - Get yourself some added space by buying the Hard Disk Drive (HDD).
The PlayStation 2 Hard Disk Drive (HDD) allowed you to hold some extra content. However, so few games later in the PS2's lifespan took advantage of it. The only game I could think of was "Final Fantasy XI."
How I Will Remember the PlayStation 2.
I think the PlayStation 2 helped to set the early tone of gaming for the 21st Century and the current millennium. It helped in establishing gaming as its own lucrative category. Games on PS2 were no longer "just games." Granted we didn't have much in the way of HD graphics, impressive online performance, and the like; at least the PlayStation 2 is a step in the proper direction in regards to where we came from in going to gaming in 2023. If you are about gaming without having to be connected online constantly or buying add-on after add-on to enhance games, then get yourself a PlayStation 2 and enjoy the gaming ride it provides!Sony PlayStation 2 Online
Maybe I convinced you about the PlayStation 2 to where you want to get one or learn more about it. If this describes you, then let me help you! The link I have included will help you towards getting some PlayStation 2 systems, games, and a lot more. I may add more resources based on traffic and attention to this post. For now, here's what I got for you (NOTE: These resources may include some non-PlayStation 2 items):
• PlayStation 2 on Amazon
• PlayStation 2 on eBay
Game on, PS2 style! :)
My look at the Sony PlayStation 2 is over. Thank you for visiting "John's Blog Space!" If you enjoy my work, please Subscribe/Follow my blog(s) in any capacity if you love my work and want to support me any way you can. Share my blog post(s) with others if you enjoy my work. Thank you for reading! Take care and be well.
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