I'm sure almost everyone is familiar with the current PlayStation. After all, it's been available since '94 and is home to the current king of racers, Gran Turismo 2. So what separates the newfangled PlayStation 2 from its 32-bit brother? Well, for starters the PS2 is a 128-bit machine. Without sounding like a techno-geek, more bits translate into more processing power. More processing power means better graphics, larger levels, and deeper game play. Think of the PlayStation like a 4-cylinder Daihatsu and the PS2 like a 290hp NSX. Not only does the PS2 have a processor that is more capable than most supercomputers, it incorporates a technology that Sony has labeled as the "Emotion Engine". According to Sony, the "Emotion Engine" achieves unsurpassed realism. Characters will laugh, cry, and become angry; for once, artificial intelligence may just be that, intelligent.
Not only will the PS2 run its own software like GT2000, but in hopes of making the transition that much easier for consumers, the PS2 will also play existing PlayStation games and support most gray box peripherals. So don't worry about that extensive PlayStation library going obsolete. Another definite bonus, particularly for anyone that doesn't own a DVD player, is the PS2's built-in DVD drive. The best part about this is that the PS2 won't need any additional hook ups whatsoever to play movies-it's all plug and play, I mean, watch. So come October 26th, we'll be watching The Matrix on PS2s.
Sony wasn't content by ensuring that PlayStation owners and movie buffs alone would be happy with the new system, so the PS2 also had to be ready for the future. One Drive bay, two USB ports, one IEEE Link, and one Optical Line Out sure sound like the PS2 was designed with upgrading in mind, and will be around for a while. The idea for PS2 is to create a broadband network (DSL, Cable Modem, etc.) dedicated to the system and its games. While most of us may never care to see that side of the console, we'll still be playing more games than we can keep up with. At press time, every current PlayStation publisher and developer has jumped on the PS2 bandwagon.
Sony expects to have about 50 titles available by Christmas. That's a far cry from the dozen games available in Japan right now. October isn't that far off from Christmas. At least you know what to ask Santa for now.
Gran Tourismo 2000Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment AmericaDeveloper: Polyphony Digital StudiosNumber of Players: 1-2Available: Fall 2000
This December will mark a full year since the release of GT2-the current undisputed king of console racers. I'd say it's about time for an upgrade or a trade-in, if you will. Enter GT2000 on PS2. This little bad boy is GT and GT2 all rolled into one sleek 128-bit package. I probably should warn you, GT2000 isn't exactly what we'd consider a new game-it's like more of the same only, significantly better. While the design team busted out GT2 (some readers may remember the first run that was released with bugs and flaws) faster than lightning, the same team was hard at work on the "real" game, GT2000.
In true PS2 fashion, every car model, track, and individual building have all been painstakingly recreated in a much richer and more vivid world. Cars shine against the setting sun and glisten against the night sky. Racetracks are no longer simply surrounded by flat two-dimensional objects; you'll blaze past lush 3D environments on your way to Gold. Wait until you catch a peek of night racing; it's so life-like, it's scary.
By Tyrone Rodriguez
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