Why is the PS2 so praised?

Every time a thead about the "best consoles of all time" is opened it's always the PS2 that gets much praise.

But why is this so? Was it really so far ahead of it's time? Did it really wipe-away the competition and all the other consoles in game quality and variation? Did it bring unprecedented technical improvement?

As far as I remember, the console was nothing to rave about when it came out. It had jaggy and flickering graphics, poor game line-up and was expensive.

Things changed with time and I admit the console has seen some great games, but at the same time I still don't quite get it why it was so unquestionably superior to the other consoles.

I mean a lot of it's games are just PS1 games in better graphics and the competition offered some damn good games too.

Thoughts?

I agree PS3 is the best. Much better than PS2

Because of R&C, Jak, Sly, Gt3 and gt4, GoW 1 and Gow 2, MGS3 and MSG2. It pushed the limits of gaming in the day.

Fantastic Third and First Party support, some of the best may I add. It may not have been the best graphics wise, but it's certainly makes up for that game wise. Plus it wasn't that expensive.Lexter45

because of the wide variety of games and exclusives, its pretty much been unmatched and i doubt anyone will ever do it again.Could be seen as a turning point in the games industry aswell.

Because of R&C, Jak, Sly, Gt3 and gt4, GoW 1 and Gow 2, MGS3 and MSG2. It pushed the limits of gaming in the day.

Ironbash

How exactly did the games your mention "push the limits of gaming" ?

GT3 and 4 were just GT in better graphics, GoW 1 & 2 were actually less complex than Ninja Gaiden on the Xbox and MGS 2 & 3 were just MGS in better graphics (imo).

Every time a thead about the "best consoles of all time" is opened it's always the PS2 that gets much praise.

But why is this so? Was it really so far ahead of it's time? Did it really wipe-away the competition and all the other consoles in game quality and variation? Did it bring unprecedented technical improvement?

As far as I remember, the console was nothing to rave about when it came out. It had jaggy and flickering graphics, poor game line-up and was expensive.

Things changed with time and I admit the console has seen some great games, but at the same time I still don't quite get it why it was so unquestionably superior to the other consoles.

I mean a lot of it's games are just PS1 games in better graphics and the competition offered some damn good games too.

Thoughts?

nameless12345

I'm sorry, I couldn't help but laugh.

Yeah, because graphics is where it counts. Not gameplay or good libraries with varied amount of amazing titles, amirite?

PS2 is probably the best gaming system of all time (yes even better then PC I'd say) because of the amount of innovation and boundary pushing it did. PS2 was the console responsible for making videogaming acceptable in mainstream and not just for "teh nerds". The PS2 was responsible for being more then a game system, with a DVD player and music playback as well, paving the way for consoles to add features like web browsers and be more entertainment centers.

Of course the number one thing the PS2 did, was allow an absolutely unbeatable number of exclusive titles on their system. Games like MGS2, GTA III, Tekken 4, Ratchet and Clank, Jak and Daxter, Gran Turismo 3, etc. There are just early titles as well, with a lot more to come in the later years.

Probably because it was an incredible system?

I don't agree that it is the best system of all time, however. Maybe top 5.

[QUOTE="Lexter45"]Fantastic Third and First Party support, some of the best may I add. It may not have been the best graphics wise, but it's certainly makes up for that game wise. Plus it wasn't that expensive.racing1750

I beg to differ. While it's game library was indeed huge, I also think some people were more satisfied with Xbox or GameCube.

[QUOTE="Ironbash"]

Because of R&C, Jak, Sly, Gt3 and gt4, GoW 1 and Gow 2, MGS3 and MSG2. It pushed the limits of gaming in the day.

nameless12345

How exactly did the games your mention "push the limits of gaming" ?

GT3 and 4 were just GT in better graphics, GoW 1 & 2 were actually less complex than Ninja Gaiden on the Xbox and MGS 2 & 3 were just MGS in better graphics (imo).

There weren't better driving sims than GT. GoW was still better than ninja gaiden. There weren't better platformers than R&C, Sly and Jak. Splinter cell was declining by the time MGS3 came out. Your point?

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

Every time a thead about the "best consoles of all time" is opened it's always the PS2 that gets much praise.

But why is this so? Was it really so far ahead of it's time? Did it really wipe-away the competition and all the other consoles in game quality and variation? Did it bring unprecedented technical improvement?

As far as I remember, the console was nothing to rave about when it came out. It had jaggy and flickering graphics, poor game line-up and was expensive.

Things changed with time and I admit the console has seen some great games, but at the same time I still don't quite get it why it was so unquestionably superior to the other consoles.

I mean a lot of it's games are just PS1 games in better graphics and the competition offered some damn good games too.

Thoughts?

mrmusicman247

I'm sorry, I couldn't help but laugh.

Well, it did have a poor game line-up when it came out. It took a year or two that the hyped games actually started comming out.

Because it has one of the best game libraries ever?

I never liked PS2 much, PS1 is my top PS system by far for FF7-8-9, Mana etc

Every time a thead about the "best consoles of all time" is opened it's always the PS2 that gets much praise.

But why is this so? Was it really so far ahead of it's time? Did it really wipe-away the competition and all the other consoles in game quality and variation? Did it bring unprecedented technical improvement?

As far as I remember, the console was nothing to rave about when it came out. It had jaggy and flickering graphics, poor game line-up and was expensive.

Things changed with time and I admit the console has seen some great games, but at the same time I still don't quite get it why it was so unquestionably superior to the other consoles.

I mean a lot of it's games are just PS1 games in better graphics and the competition offered some damn good games too.

Thoughts?

nameless12345

[QUOTE="racing1750"][QUOTE="Lexter45"]Fantastic Third and First Party support, some of the best may I add. It may not have been the best graphics wise, but it's certainly makes up for that game wise. Plus it wasn't that expensive.nameless12345

I beg to differ. While it's game library was indeed huge, I also think some people were more satisfied with Xbox or GameCube.

If you couldn't find a slew of games that appealed to you on the PS2 then something is wrong with you.Jynxzor

That's like saying something is wrong with someone because he doesn't like console games. Sounds like stereotyping to me.

[QUOTE="Jynxzor"]If you couldn't find a slew of games that appealed to you on the PS2 then something is wrong with you.nameless12345

That's like saying something is wrong with someone because he doesn't like console games. Sounds like stereotyping to me.

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

[QUOTE="Ironbash"]

Because of R&C, Jak, Sly, Gt3 and gt4, GoW 1 and Gow 2, MGS3 and MSG2. It pushed the limits of gaming in the day.

Ironbash

How exactly did the games your mention "push the limits of gaming" ?

GT3 and 4 were just GT in better graphics, GoW 1 & 2 were actually less complex than Ninja Gaiden on the Xbox and MGS 2 & 3 were just MGS in better graphics (imo).

There weren't better driving sims than GT. GoW was still better than ninja gaiden. There weren't better platformers than R&C, Sly and Jak. Splinter cell was declining by the time MGS3 came out. Your point?

There was Forza on the Xbox which, according to some, is the better driving sim. Whether GoW or NG is better is a matter of taste. Maybe those platformers were the most praised but I personally think Mario Sunshine came close to them. And some consider the Spliter Cell games to be better than the MGS games.

Well, it did have a poor game line-up when it came out. It took a year or two that the hyped games actually started comming out.

nameless12345

Every time a thead about the "best consoles of all time" is opened it's always the PS2 that gets much praise.

But why is this so? Was it really so far ahead of it's time? Did it really wipe-away the competition and all the other consoles in game quality and variation? Did it bring unprecedented technical improvement?

As far as I remember, the console was nothing to rave about when it came out. It had jaggy and flickering graphics, poor game line-up and was expensive.

Things changed with time and I admit the console has seen some great games, but at the same time I still don't quite get it why it was so unquestionably superior to the other consoles.

I mean a lot of it's games are just PS1 games in better graphics and the competition offered some damn good games too.

Thoughts?

nameless12345

either you just started gaming this gen or you never owned a ps2.

cuz you obviously know nothing about it

The software was amazing...

http://www.gamespot.com/games.html?platform=7&type=top_rated&mode=all&sort=score&dlx_type=all&date_filter=all&sortdir=asc&official=all&tag=games%3Bfooter%3Bmore&page=0

Feel free to go through a few pages.

It had the biggest and best range of games available. It was a great Console, simple as.

started gaming this gen or you never owned a ps2.

cuz you obviously know nothing about it

LP4EVA2005

This....I was lucky enough to get my hands on a ps2 at launch and there were so many good games in the coming months....the only thing it was lacking was a BBA, but at the time no ne was really running faster than 56k my ps2 game collecting is 100+ and it continues to grow, i would love to see what games you found on xbox besides NG and Halo which the ps2 does not have and for gamecube if it werent for capcom the 3rd party support woulda been abysmal

quality of software. and if you want proof of its appeal, then look at sales. it was only topped by the DS, and it's still selling thousands a week (at least in japan)BrunoBRS

Well, the Wii also sold a lot more than PS3 and 360 did but would you dare say it's much better?

Is all about the gamesJuarN18

...and game appeal is almost completely subjective matter.

Here's why:

http://www.gamerankings.com/browse.html?site=ps2&cat=0&year=0&numrev=0&sort=0&letter=&search=

[QUOTE="JuarN18"]Is all about the gamesnameless12345

...and game appeal is almost completely subjective matter.

TC, I'm just wondering if you know anything about the PS2 at all? I mean, people stopped taking you seriously when you mentioned "poor line up". At that point most people would assume your doing it just to get a rise from us all.

[QUOTE="JuarN18"]Is all about the gamesnameless12345

...and game appeal is almost completely subjective matter.

[QUOTE="Ironbash"]

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

How exactly did the games your mention "push the limits of gaming" ?

GT3 and 4 were just GT in better graphics, GoW 1 & 2 were actually less complex than Ninja Gaiden on the Xbox and MGS 2 & 3 were just MGS in better graphics (imo).

nameless12345

There weren't better driving sims than GT. GoW was still better than ninja gaiden. There weren't better platformers than R&C, Sly and Jak. Splinter cell was declining by the time MGS3 came out. Your point?

There was Forza on the Xbox which, according to some, is the better driving sim. Whether GoW or NG is better is a matter of taste. Maybe those platformers were the most praised but I personally think Mario Sunshine came close to them. And some consider the Spliter Cell games to be better than the MGS games.

At the same time GT3 was considered the benchmark for last gen which was on the PS2.Also Splinter cell was on the PS2 aswell and one of the most praised platformers early last gen was Jak and the precursor legacy which is one of my all time favourite games aswell.

At metacritic and on gamespot,Gt3 could be considered the benchmark for console simulation games last gen...sorry but somone has to put your babbling and derivative self in thei place.

TC, I'm just wondering if you know anything about the PS2 at all? I mean, people stopped taking you seriously when you mentioned "poor line up". At that point most people would assume your doing it just to get a rise from us all.

SPYDER0416

Well, I know the Dreamcast gave the PS2 a run for it's money when the PS2 came out. Later when the DC died and PS2 started getting actually good games things changed, of course.

[QUOTE="BrunoBRS"]quality of software. and if you want proof of its appeal, then look at sales. it was only topped by the DS, and it's still selling thousands a week (at least in japan)nameless12345

Well, the Wii also sold a lot more than PS3 and 360 did but would you dare say it's much better?

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

[QUOTE="Ironbash"]

There weren't better driving sims than GT. GoW was still better than ninja gaiden. There weren't better platformers than R&C, Sly and Jak. Splinter cell was declining by the time MGS3 came out. Your point?

razgriz_101

There was Forza on the Xbox which, according to some, is the better driving sim. Whether GoW or NG is better is a matter of taste. Maybe those platformers were the most praised but I personally think Mario Sunshine came close to them. And some consider the Spliter Cell games to be better than the MGS games.

At the same time GT3 was considered the benchmark for last gen which was on the PS2.Also Splinter cell was on the PS2 aswell and one of the most praised platformers early last gen was Jak and the precursor legacy which is one of my all time favourite games aswell.

At metacritic and on gamespot,Gt3 could be considered the benchmark for console simulation games last gen...sorry but somone has to put your babbling and derivative self in thei place.

GT3 was only the "benchmark" untill GT4 came out. But still Forza on the Xbox had features GT4 didn't have (i.e. online play, visible damage, ect.). Splinter Cell was on the PS2 but the PS2 got the inferior version. Compare Chaos Theory on Xbox to PS2 version - there's no comparison. PS2 was strong for platformers, yes, but at the same time I don't feel the PS2 platformers just wiped away all other platformers. Mario Sunshine, Conker and Stranger's Wrath were all very good GC and Xbox platformers.

[QUOTE="SPYDER0416"]

TC, I'm just wondering if you know anything about the PS2 at all? I mean, people stopped taking you seriously when you mentioned "poor line up". At that point most people would assume your doing it just to get a rise from us all.

nameless12345

Well, I know the Dreamcast gave the PS2 a run for it's money when the PS2 came out. Later when the DC died and PS2 started getting actually good games things changed, of course.

This may as well be a confession that you don't know what you are talking about.

[QUOTE="SPYDER0416"]

TC, I'm just wondering if you know anything about the PS2 at all? I mean, people stopped taking you seriously when you mentioned "poor line up". At that point most people would assume your doing it just to get a rise from us all.

nameless12345

Well, I know the Dreamcast gave the PS2 a run for it's money when the PS2 came out. Later when the DC died and PS2 started getting actually good games things changed, of course.

not really, the dreamcast didnt have a few 3rd parties behind it, especialyl one that is considered the biggest aka EA.

Launch PS2 titles included the first SSX,Tekken Tag tourney (a highly rated game both by fans and critics),Smugglers run,DoA2,Ridge Racer V.Which tbh looking back is a fair shot better than this gens offerings minus the wii's trump card Twilight princess.

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

[QUOTE="BrunoBRS"]quality of software. and if you want proof of its appeal, then look at sales. it was only topped by the DS, and it's still selling thousands a week (at least in japan)BrunoBRS

Well, the Wii also sold a lot more than PS3 and 360 did but would you dare say it's much better?

Well exclusives aren't the only thing that makes a system. There's also multiplat games and in those the Wii is lacking quite some.

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

[QUOTE="SPYDER0416"]

TC, I'm just wondering if you know anything about the PS2 at all? I mean, people stopped taking you seriously when you mentioned "poor line up". At that point most people would assume your doing it just to get a rise from us all.

SPYDER0416

Well, I know the Dreamcast gave the PS2 a run for it's money when the PS2 came out. Later when the DC died and PS2 started getting actually good games things changed, of course.

This may as well be a confession that you don't know what you are talking about.

I didn't say it had a "poor line-up" for the rest of it's time.

[QUOTE="razgriz_101"]

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

There was Forza on the Xbox which, according to some, is the better driving sim. Whether GoW or NG is better is a matter of taste. Maybe those platformers were the most praised but I personally think Mario Sunshine came close to them. And some consider the Spliter Cell games to be better than the MGS games.

nameless12345

At the same time GT3 was considered the benchmark for last gen which was on the PS2.Also Splinter cell was on the PS2 aswell and one of the most praised platformers early last gen was Jak and the precursor legacy which is one of my all time favourite games aswell.

At metacritic and on gamespot,Gt3 could be considered the benchmark for console simulation games last gen...sorry but somone has to put your babbling and derivative self in thei place.

GT3 was only the "benchmark" untill GT4 came out. But still Forza on the Xbox had features GT4 didn't have (i.e. online play, visible damage, ect.). Splinter Cell was on the PS2 but the PS2 got the inferior version. Compare Chaos Theory on Xbox to PS2 version - there's no comparison. PS2 was strong for platformers, yes, but at the same time I don't feel the PS2 platformers just wiped away all other platformers. Mario Sunshine, Conker and Stranger's Wrath were all very good GC and Xbox platformers.

At the same time GT3 was seen as the biggest LEAP forward, the problem with last gen is that XBL was much more fragmented and at the time Forza's damage implementation from what i recall of over 40h of playtime on it was sometimes shaky.Those were points that bring forza 1 down it was ambitious but it was ahead of its time and would have been much better suited to being a 360 launch title as it was launched relatively late in the original xbox's lifecycle aswell thats my personal opinion it would have been a perfect showcase of what they could do with live.

And we play the inferior version card :-/ yet again another ill thought arguement.

keep thowing stikes bro as Sony held its own first party with Sly,Jak,Ratchet and Clank,Ico.

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

[QUOTE="SPYDER0416"]

TC, I'm just wondering if you know anything about the PS2 at all? I mean, people stopped taking you seriously when you mentioned "poor line up". At that point most people would assume your doing it just to get a rise from us all.

razgriz_101

Well, I know the Dreamcast gave the PS2 a run for it's money when the PS2 came out. Later when the DC died and PS2 started getting actually good games things changed, of course.

not really, the dreamcast didnt have a few 3rd parties behind it, especialyl one that is considered the biggest aka EA.

Launch PS2 titles included the first SSX,Tekken Tag tourney (a highly rated game both by fans and critics),Smugglers run,DoA2,Ridge Racer V.Which tbh looking back is a fair shot better than this gens offerings minus the wii's trump card Twilight princess.

All of those didn't live up to the hype. Or better said - only people who thought "PS2 is god" believed the PS2 wiped away the other systems in game quality.