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Sony PlayStation® 2 Console Videos >>
Rating Reviewed By Peter SchoonReview Date 10/26/2000 Overall Rating  5 of 5 Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5, 1 votes Rate this review? Summary This all-round multimedia package will not disappoint you. The only major fault I found was the price, but you can't judge a machine by it's cost, only by how it performs. And it's performance is superb. Admittedly the DVD playback is not as good as a solo purpose DVD player, but it's way better than the VHS most people are used to. The same goes for music playback, although this largely depends of course on the system you hook ur PSX2 into.The actual machine itself, as a physical entity, makes a very suitable addition to the "electrical furniture." And the black/blue colour scheme, while great, is bound to be changed into a myriad of coloured options, like the N64 and PSX before. It's just that kind of machine, the kind that will appear in public places a lot, in many different outfits. Sound As I said before, this largely depends upon the output system you have the PSX2 plugged into. For me there are no quarms regarding sound. Equally, I cannot say it's as good as my stereo, cos it only goes through my TV.Gameplay Primarily designed for games, but encompassing most of modern day multimedia, the PSX2 is an all round machine. This doesn't detract so heavily from it's gameplay as general reviews might have you think. After owning a Dreamcast since the day it came out, and playing about 70% of the games that have been produced for it, I can safely say the PSX2 is slightly ahead of the DC on most things. What seals it superiority games-wise is not the new titles tho, it's the vast array of old PSX titles, that can now be run in hi-res mode. This was a master-stroke by Sony, and one which could save them from the negative hype caused by over-hype in the first place!Would you like to Comment? Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member. Rating Reviewed By Jonathan Fingas PostalFrom Orleans, ON, Canada Review Date 10/26/2000 Overall Rating 5 of 5 Rate this review? Summary Looks like I'm the first here with a genuine North American PS2 review (if a very early one), so here goes: it's amazing.Those who chickened out when they saw the less-than-ideal Japanese launch will regret it, since I've experienced first-hand what the system is like on this side of the planet. Most of the launch titles have been dramatically improved - Tekken is stunning, and I don't even have S-Video or component video. FMV is much smoother and clearer. Sound is sharper. Even the system menus are more interesting. It's a very solid package; the only tragedy is that very few people can actually own one right now. But it's not too late to put yourself on a pre-order list! Sound There's not much to discuss about sound. In-game sound is fine; I can't tell if multiple sounds are mixed or not unless I'm playing, but I do think the quality itself is higher. The main benefit of the PS2 for sound is that Dolby Digital and DTS are possible, even if only in FMV and with an external decoder. But there's no complaints here; it'd just be nice if the sound was more comparable to a good PC card's.Well, it is in a way: in the temple stage for Tekken, there's an audio reverb effect applied. I'd chalk that up more to the increased CPU strength, but nevertheless it sounds more like an SB Live - a good thing. Gameplay The launch titles for the North American PS2 seem to be much more consistently well-done than those of the Dreamcast and Japanese PS2 launches. The DC had a few very notable titles - but after those the quality seemed to drop off more noticeably. The Japanese PS2 launch didn't have much more going for it than Ridge Racer V and Kessen, which is just shameful (however good those two games might be, they're just two).Compare that to the PS2 launch in the West: we've got SSX, Madden, Dynasty Warriors 2, DOA 2 Hardcore... there are few bombs, and even the games carried over from Japan tend to have tweaks. If Tekken had any problems, I can't see them! You won't regret picking up a PS2 for the games at all, as far as I can tell. Would you like to Comment? Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member. Rating Reviewed By Amanda Hood(Kenji)From Edmond,Oklahoma Review Date 10/26/2000 Overall Rating 5 of 5 Rate this review? Summary The playtstation 2 is the best $300 I have ever spend. The playstation2 delivers good graphics, is a DVD player and it's like a computer. It is much better than dreamcast, and will win the video game war. Playstation2 is the best thing I have ever done in my life.Sound The sound was incredible. The background music is so crisp and clean that I just wanted to puke all over the playstation over envy. I just want to say one more thing, Sony you are the best, keep up the good work.Gameplay The games are really fun, but some of the games were too easy to beat. This is from a guy who is an all star video game player. Out of all the games I have played only one was not very fun. I won't say which but it still delivered a good package. I think the Playstation2 is the future of entertainment. I think Sony is going to be the tehnological advance of the millenium.Would you like to Comment? Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member. Summary Very cool system. Last night I played SSX on the new PS2 and I had a blast! I've played all of the other game systems out there and I'm an arcade freak, and I could easily tell that there was a noticable difference. This machine was even better then most of the new arcade games I've played. It was completely smooth. It felt like real-time with no tweaks or delays when the graphics got detailed and clustered. The loading time for each level seemed to take less time then the previous playstation, which didn't really matter much to me as I had so much fun playing the system. Great overall system that I would highly reccommend, although it doesn't look like anyone who didn't pre-order or campout will be getting one anytime soon *8^pSound ExcellentGameplay ExcellentWould you like to Comment? Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member. Rating Reviewed By Arnold C.From Detroit, MI Review Date 10/26/2000 Overall Rating 5 of 5 Rate this review? Summary Ill start with teh outside appearance. Looks great, totally futuristic. The vertical stand is a must. Yeah,its a bit pricey, but for a quality machine like this,it can be expected. Anyone who says they are buying a PS2 for the DVD player is full of it. My DVD player has a 2-disc tray and a dolby digital decoder and a good remote. That all cost $294.99. In summary, any true gamer must have this system. I will explain why.Sound It got Dolby and dts (whatever that is), no other system do that. The old playstation sound was good, this is 1000 times better.Gameplay PS2=gameplay. With over 100 games to be released next year, total third party suport, and broadband gaming all on the horizon,the PS2 is a symbol of future. Unlike the powerless arcade game only dreamcast, the PS2 is capable of good graphics, sound, and can play DVD movies. And we know exactly what games are coming next year. For reamcast, can you name the games coming out next year on more than one hand? Course not. But what is important is the games. Unlike every other console in history, this launch doesn't suck. Me and my bros have had a great time playing games like Madden 2001. Phattest game ever. Weve also been enjoyin that new Tekken game. I couldnt get a memory card,and that sucks!! I told tha b**** in the store that they better get mo' cards in. SSX is fun but I hate snowboarding its just a fake sport for rich white boys. You want a system that has a future, loads a power, and tight games, get a PS2. If you want a poorly selling powerless system with stupid games, and none will come out after next january, get a dreamcast.Would you like to Comment? Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member. Rating Reviewed By Mike LecsterFrom Pennsylvania Review Date 10/26/2000 Overall Rating 5 of 5 Rate this review? Summary How can you guys possibly give a one to this next generation system!This is great, SSX is revolutionary, timesplitters has awesome multiplayer. All the titles have excellant graphics. The control is down on most of the games, especially timesplitters and SSX, which are totally custimizable. Please don't listen to the people who gave it an automatic 1, if you didn't like it you would just return it to the store or sell it on e-bay for 800 bucks. Their just sega diehards.Sound Great quality dvd and gameplay sound, it's hard to beat it.Gameplay Very good, i love the ps2 controller, i have a dc and the ps2 has a little better control.Would you like to Comment? Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member. Summary I would just like to star by saying that i am a fan of all videogame companies and i own the dc,n64,ps,ps2,snes. i really like GAMES and dont really pay atention to the system. if a game is good that meens that the system is good. the ps2 is really good but nothing revolutioonary. dont get me wrong ssx just blew me away. with its tracks already pre-loaded there was no popup in sight. a powerful machine that i highly recomend.(if you can get one)Sound WOW WOW WOW.this is truly great and realistic. unbeliavable!! if you have a nice speaker system then you know what i meen. OVERALL-a great system that is worth the money Gameplay Great. the controller is nothing new(which isnt bad) and the reponce is great controls are great and the games are great.Would you like to Comment? Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member. Summary I am pleased with the PS2. I paid 300 for a PSX, PS2, and dvd all in one which is a good deal. I remember paying that much for the PSX 5 yrs ago. The starting lineup of games is pretty good compared to the PSX and even the Dreamcast. I got Tekken and the new Madden and I was Impressed as I feel both are the best so far in there series. I even have the dreamcast and the only thing it has on the PS2 is a better selection of games. Though that will change in time as games start coming in. I already had a dvd player so I did an a/b comparison with a couple of movies. The stand alone dvd player slightly had better picture quality and sound but still watching movies on the PS2 is far better than a vcr. Especially if you have a good dolby digital sound system. Overall I'm happy with it as it has potential and cant wait till some good Sh!t comes out for it.Sound Sound is a step up in quality also. Sound effects,music, voices, whatever are more defined and theres less background noise compared to other systems. I believe this is the only system compatible with dolby digital which is the best way to go. Though its only in the dvd movies but I know games will come out with dolby digital later on.Gameplay Gameplay has been improved but overall the same. Games that use the touch sensitive analog buttons is a big improvement that will get better use down the road. I own the Madden game and some say its sluggish but I have know idea where they get that as it plays fine to me.Would you like to Comment? Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member. Rating Reviewed By Jayson Roxburgh Li Jayson LiFrom SINGAPORE (currently in San Jose, CA) Review Date 10/26/2000 Overall Rating 5 of 5 Rate this review? Summary Now that I have the US version of the PS2, I've been playing and enjoying it since I first turned it on. The PlayStation2 does have greatness in it, and I'm very happy to be part of this day's big launch. Currently the PlayStation2 can play games and DVD movies for the owner, and there's more potential in this because the console supports future features like connecting to the web via broadband, downloading movies-music from the net, and online play.The PlayStation2 delivered very well on the games and its power shows it has an edge over the Sega Dreamcast. As a DVD player, the PS2 has one of the clearest and most detailed DVD visuals, which easily rivals some of the best DVD players in the land. At $299.99, the PS2 is the best deal. PS2 bashers out there claim that the system is a failure, and they don't even know what they're talking about because the many features of the PS2 are all great, and other consoles out there lack those features! On ending this review, I must say that the PLAYSTATION2 IS HIGHLY-RECOMMEND TO EVERYONE! PS2 is not just a game machine, it's A MULTI-ENTERTAINMENT MACHINE! Ignore those PS2 bashers, my word and experience with the PS2, along with those of many others, is more important than those useless ideas from those PS2 bashers. PlayStation2 is a great system, no doubt! Saying the PS2 is a bad system is always a biased view. PS2 is the best!!! Sound PS2's sound engine has many sound channels and other components to make music more lively, make voices clearer and sound effects sound real! I played a CD of John Williams' Star Wars music on my PS2, PSX and CD player. With the PS2 connected to my TV, I noticed that the music is clearer and heard something like a few more instruments playing, which was not the case with the others.With the PS2 sounds doing very well on my TV, it even works better on my stereo! The result is a great home theater sounds, with a console that is! Gameplay The launch games came out with very good variety as far as gameplay goes. To name a few games, SSX is a highly entertaining snowboarding game where you get to race fast and do those many stunts. Tekken Tag Tournament, the gem of the launch, is the most entertaining game I've played this year plus it's a great improvement over the Japanese version!With the game Ridge Racer V, Sony's PlayStation2 controller is customized to help the game experience of the gamer with the controller's analog feature. Driving with analog makes a difference in racing RRV on the PS2, so don't just think that only the old PSX racing experience and controls are there. More games will support the Dual Shock 2 pad. Gran Turismo 3 is the next big game for this feature. For the other way in playing, the DVD playing setup is very good, and it's not troublesome as some say. In fact, controlling the PS2 DVD player with the control pad is not a problem at all and the response to the controller is accurate (like moving the film is slow mo to catch a certain glimpse). The backward compatibility of the PS2 rocks too. I can now play great PSX games like Ridge Racer Type 4, Final Fantasy VII, Tekken 3, NBA Live 2001 and Metal Gear Solid! Selling my PSX was not a waste at all and it saved my old games, all thanks to the PS2! Would you like to Comment? Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member. Rating Reviewed By HansenFrom Kissimmee, FL Review Date 10/27/2000 Overall Rating 5 of 5 Rate this review? Summary PlayStation2 is a hot system despite all the bad comments I read. Because of those comments, I had doubts about the console but now that I have it and used it for 15 hours, I must tell you readers to dismiss those bad comments and experience the PS2 yourself.The experience of what happened back in 1998 seem to have repeated itself, because the PS2's potential is realized and I think it'll live up to all the hype. Want to know the best way to decide to get a PS2? I suggest playing demos or playing the PS2 from a friend and then you decide. Don't listen to those rumors or bad comments on the PS2. And unlike those critics, I have my own and have experience using it. The PS2 turned out to be a multimedia system because aside from playing games, you can watch your favorite movies using the DVD-ROM. And if you look closer at the system, you'll notice that it has untapped online capabilities. While waiting for Sony's broadband network, I've got games to play and DVD disks to watch! PS2 is great! Sound The best of the sounds are used when you connect the PS2 to a stereo sound system than a TV. It sounds really great.Gameplay The launch games are not perfect, in fact no launch in history had perfect games. Now that the launch is over, I'm looking towards the future and the PS2 won't die anytime soon because of strong support from Namco, Square, Capcom, Konami, Electronic Arts and Tecmo. Remember, Namco, Square and EA, the 3 best game developers and publishers in the world, support the PS2 as their main console. Lots of games will come!Would you like to Comment? Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member. Summary The PS2 is plain and simply awesome!! People on this site will downplay it and say its overrated but they are disgruntled Sega fans who now know their system is not the best available and now the PS2's are unavailable. The DVD player is great... it plays just like my $320 Toshiba DVD player. It also has a parental control on the movies for parents. The games are limited.. but whos weren't when they launched...usually 2nd party developers dont discover the systems true abilities until a year or two later. Dont sway from these idiots who say it sucks and have only played it at Toys R' Us. Get yo' Playstation 2 on!!Sound The sound is astonishing. Hook this baby up to your surround sound and listen to glory!! This system offers DTS (digital theater systems) sound and an optical output for digital receivers for the purest sound. I cant explain more except you'll be beyond satisfaction with the sound!Gameplay The game play is good but then again game play depends on the game. As for Madden 2001... run, punch, bite your way to the front and get this game. It is unreal... or should I say too real!! The gameplay is fast and does not sputter. I have not noticed any slow down of the system. The controller will be familiar to most of you psx owners... but for a nintendo faithful like me it is unfamiliar but way better then any other controller i used. The memory card is a huge 8MB card ... but the games take up alot more memory then regular psx games. Overral the game play is what i expected.... incredible!Would you like to Comment? Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member. Summary This system has it all. Don't listen to the people who say its not up to par with dreamcast because, well, it is. Not only does it have better hardware and accessories but it has alot more potential than any other system. The graphics are so far at a minimum of what the ps2 can do and the Dreamcast is already maxed out. We'll see who is better 1 year down the road. Another thing is that Dreamcast has very few quality developers actually they have very few developers at all and the PS2 has every game developer going except Sega Nintendo and Rare for obvious reasons. So overall the PS2 is only a small step up from the DC so far but the future is much brighter and will probably take 9 or 10 more steps up from the DC in the future.Sound The sound is intense and realistic. Play SSX and Timesplitters and you'll know what I mean. Truly great quality sound over any system. Another reason why you must own this console.Gameplay The amount of games at launch is astounding and 50 more will be here at Xmas time. It's backwards compatable (plays ps1 games) and it plays DVD movies as well. Music CD's can also be played but thats nothing special. The gameplay is totally unlimited with the 500+ PS1 games (and it's still growing)and soon to be hundreds of PS2 games this system will fit all of your gaming neads.Would you like to Comment? Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member. Summary The PlayStation 2 is a thing of beauty to those of us who have been waiting for it- from the superbly simple packaging, to the compnent system aesthetic- it's the logical next step in video game history. Like the PS I feel that there is a whole world of possibilities for the PS2 as developers expand the lexicon. We've already seen what the DC can do (and it's good), but PS2s capabiliites are just waiting to be explored.Sound I have my PS2 hooked through my surround reciever, and the sound is amazing. If you have been waiting to buy a surround system, stop waiting! This console deserves to be enjoyed- and all your DVDs will be that much better. Excellent!Gameplay Gameplay is there- but like ALL systems the proof is really in what developer can do with the power of a sysyem (and what they can do to oversome its limitations) EA has a good handle on games with SSX, fast fun and addictive, Tekken Tag has some gems, DOA2 is BETTER on PS2 than DC. But to take a look back, play a game like Tekken, and then Tekken 3 on the PS, and you can extropolate what we're in for.Would you like to Comment? Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member. Summary Well, this it. The machine. I was 1 of the lucky 500,000 that just received their U.S PS2. This unit has it all. People say the DC has online gaming, well the PS2 will have the same thing and then some, in just a few months. Not to mention a QUALITY dvd player, usb ports, and the I-link port. "Expandability" is the PS2's middle name. Pretty soon it will have a hard drive and will probably eliminate loading times since the games can be stored on the hard drive for MUCH quicker access. Add together and you have a very impressive machine. For all you mature adults out there that want an HONEST, REALISTIC and UNBIASED opinion, believe me when I say that the PS2 is for real. These Sega owners just can't live with that, so don't waste your time with the things they write.Sound The first home game unit with an Optical output. This DD & DTS capable machine blows away anything the DC can do, or any game console for that matter. When I played my dvd movie in DTS mode in my good sized living room, it just exploded with natural, spacious sound with plenty of boom.Gameplay Don't think it would be right too rate the gameplay seeing that the thing just got released and only a few games are available at the moment. Not only that, but it depends on the developer for the gameplay, not so much the unit.Games will only get better, since the machine will soon be easier to program for. Would you like to Comment? Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member. Summary I preordered my PSX early this year. After reading all the bad reviews posted by disappointed game players I considered not opening the box and just returning it. I'm glad I didn't. The machine is exactly what it's supposed to be 128bit machine that plays DVD's and will easly hook up to a great sound system. The Dreamcast, which we own, is also an 128 bit system that has internet capability but no DVD or opitical audion output. Both machines produce great graphics and have support. I would give an edge to Sony with it's game controllers over Dreamcast for comfort and construction. On a regular TV with no additional sound system the Dreamcast would be my system of choice. In an entertainment system with Dolby Digital, large screen TV, subwoofer and enjoyment of watching movies, the PS2 would be the system of choice. Disappoint to those who waited a year and did not enjoy the Dreamcast and thought the PS2 would be some much more is a shame. Sony didn't build a Sega killer, it just built a damn good machine that plays 128bit games and DVD's. I will enjoy both and await the next generation to come along.The first system that truly had compatibilty with the system it replaced. Nintendo, and especially Sega never provided this to it's customers. Sound Excellent. DTS, Dobly Digital, AC-3 and opitical outputs do put this system clearly on the top. But...only if it's to be hookup to a system capable of utilizing these features, otherwise it will sound just like your old PS or Dreamcast.Gameplay All PS add ons appear to be upward compatable. Joysticks, memory cards (limited) cable and cords. The size and operation of the unit is great and easily fits into any audio/video system (might be why many think it looks like a vcr, duh!)Played 5 games, RRV, Sumgglers Run, Fantavision, and a couple others and all played good to great. Watch DVD (Rules of Engagement) and it all operated perfectly. Menu for DVD operation is a little more complicated than a conventional DVD player but what would one expect for this kind of money. I paid over $300 for my 6 month old Sony DVD player that doesn't play any games including DVD-ROM.Would you like to Comment? Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member. Summary Overall, the Ps2 is a must-own for people who want nothing but the best for themselves. The immediate quality-game supply is bad, and always pick up a quality mag for the best and final word (I reccomend EGM, PSM, OPM) on what you should pick up at launch.The long-term look is good. Metal Gear Solid 2 is undoubtedly THE biggest reason I bought my Ps2. Besides single-player, I think MULTI-PLAYER may be good too, as I have read that some Ps2 sports games support as many as EIGHT players, so that's always good. I think this spells out multi-player RPGs and lots of profit for Sony. Backwards compaitability is the smartest thing Sony can do right now. With the current $40-$50 dollar range of PSOne games, and more popular games (Crash Team Racing, Tony Hawk) becoming Greatest Hits, not to mention some of the better launch titles out now, profit should be something that comes to mind. The Console Wars? Gamecube should pose a semi-threat to Ps2, but nothing to kill the Ps2 off the face of the Earth. Dreamcast's SegaNet is looking solid, but Sony's solid game and peripheral support (mouses, keyboards, etc) is more than enough to overlook. The biggest threat to Sony is X-Box, Microsoft's first ever attempt into the gaming world. Microsoft isn't building any hype though, not announcing any games or anything, so as far as we know, X-Box is a DVD, CD, playing machine with only five titles estimated to |
4.03 of 5
