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| Playstation 2 is here, finally... sort of... |
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| Games,
Richard Young,
20 January 1999 |
Rating: F4
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Well, it’s finally here. This Friday, 24th November, the most eagerly anticipated entertainment console in video game history hits the UK. Sony’s Playstation 2 promises cutting edge graphics, DVD capability, future proof connectivity and full backwards compatibility, that is, if you can manage to get your hands on one.
Due to overwhelming demand for the PS2 in Japan, Sony recently cut the UK’s allocation yet again to only 165,000 machines. This means that unless you were an early bird filling in a pre-order form, you are most likely going to have to wait until next Easter before you will be able to buy one off the shelf. Add this to the fact that the launch titles look or play no better than many games currently available for the much cheaper Dreamcast, and that there are rumours of bugs, DVD problems and CD drawers getting jammed, and Sony’s otherwise shiny reputation is looking a little tarnished.
Despite this, developers are working hard to overcome the unforgiving programming system to ensure that future titles such as Metal Gear Solid 2 genuinely push the boundaries of console entertainment. With this in mind, we at Foocha! cast an eye over 5 of the most interesting looking launch titles.
Tekken Tag Tournament
The beat ‘em up of choice for a generation of Playstation owners gets a 128-bit makeover. Taking all the best elements from Tekken 3, adding the ability to swap between fighters mid-bout and throwing in a few mini-games for good measure means that this has to be an essential purchase for the lucky few PS2 owners. The UK (and US) version has received a graphical makeover since its Japanese release that has helped eliminate the notorious aliasing problems that have caused much debate over recent months.
Ridge Racer V
The other significant launch title for the original Playstation is now looking closer to anything the arcades can come up with. Boasting a plethora of shiny cars zooming around shiny cities at a groovy 60 frames a second, existing fans will probably love it, despite some graphical frailties and a rather nasty fogging effect in the 2-player split screen mode. A bit of a rush job?
Timesplitters
This is the first-person shooter that everyone is talking about. Set during a variety very different looking periods in time, big guns and big carnage are the order of the day, served up with a large portion of zingy graphics and lashings of lighting effects. Even though this hardly an original idea gameplay wise, it is one of the better launch titles that is not a sequel.
SSX
The other launch title that is creating a bit of a buzz is the totally unrealistic and totally fun snowboarding extravaganza, SSX. Making the most of the Playstation 2’s awesome polygon-pushing power, one can take to the slopes swooping, grinding, and catching something called “big air” and generally being, er..”rad”. Definitely the prettiest snowboarding game on a home console, and probably the best looking launch title.
Ready 2 Rumble Round 2
If you like your violence combined with side-splitting humour, then this could be game for you. Step into the boxing ring with a wild variety of cartoony characters and go the distance against zany pugilists from around the globe. Among the characters available are jive-talking 70’s throwback Afro Thunder, generously endowed Italian Lulu Valentine, and guest fighters Michael Jackson (?) and Shaquille O’Neal. No doubt Jarvis Cocker will be buying this on the basis of being able to beat Jacko’s plastic features into a pulp.
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