Gamernode: Latest PlayStation 2 News

Atlus announces, dates Persona 4 for North America...

The next entry in the popular Persona series will be on Japanese store shelves in in just a few days, but little over a half-hour ago, Atlus announced that the PlayStation 2 game will be coming to North America this year, as well.

On December 9th, the previously Japan-only RPG will be hitting western shores. What's more is that every single copy of the game will ship with a soundtrack CD, and will cost just $39.99. From the Press release:

"Experience a thrilling murder mystery RPG set in the Japanese countryside. A mysterious chain of deaths remains unanswered and only you and your team of gifted supernatural sleuths can uncover the truth.

Develop strong friendships to aid you in battle, take direct control of your party in combat, acquire and fuse Personas, craft weapons, sign up for part-t...

• (2)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

New PS2 coming to Europe and India this fall

Apparently working its way west, the new model PlayStation 2 that hit Japan last November will be coming to the European and Indian markets by late October of this year. It will precede this year's Diwali festival, which takes place on October 28th, said SCE India manager Atindriya Bose.

The new model will be slightly lighter and slimmer than existing PS2 consoles, and will also do away with the bulky external AC adapter of those models. It will cost 6990 Indian Rupees ($163), which is the same price as the systems that are currently in stores. Pricing has not yet been announced for the European release.

Regarding the Indian gaming market, Bose said, "We feel PS2 has the potential to penetrate further into the Indian and Russian markets. Console gaming is in its nascent stage in India. These...

• (3)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Garfield Lasagna World Tour game launches

Blast! Entertainment and Conspiracy Entertainment have just released the game Garfield: Lasagna World Tour. With a game title like that, it just might be worth a look for either Garfield or lasagna fans.

The plot of the game has to do with a television channel organizing a treasure hunt. The winner of the contest gets free lasagna for life! Now that's a prize that a lot of us can appreciate.

According to the press release, you can:

The game is in stores right now and is available for the PlayStation 2.

• (5)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

MGS Essential Collection not ported from PS1 to PS...

To prime everyone up for the release of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Konami is releasing the Metal Gear Solid Essential Collection for the PS2. The collection will include the director's cuts of both MGS2 and MGS3. But perhaps the most interesting part of the bundle was that it included the original MGS (PS1). Naturally, many assumed that it was a ported version that was playable on the PS2.

Well, that speculation proved incorrect, as Konami PR has now informed Game Almighty that it will not be on PS2 discs, but rather, pressed on original PS1 discs. Why is this significant? Well, I can't speak for all the other countless millions of MGS fans, but for me the only real reason for buying this package would be an upgrade for the original MGS to a more current console. If that isn...

• (6)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

PS2 price drop coming? Target ad says yes

It looks like Sony's PlayStation 2 will finally take the plunge into the sub-100 dollar price range after almost eight years on the market. According to an ad released by Target stores, the slimline PS2 will go on sale for $99 beginning this Sunday, February 24th.

Although this is supposedly just a "sale," one has to wonder if it is also a harbinger of a more permanent price drop for the console. With the PlayStation 3 in its second year and developers steadily decreasing support for the older PS2, I would imagine that must be the case. Eight years is a pretty damn good run, though.

If somehow you missed out on the PS2 era, and have limited cash to spend on your next console, I would definitely recommend picking one of these up. Heck, I already own a PS2 and I might grab one, just for b...

• (10)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Special Metal Gear Solid compilation revealed

Playing the Metal Gear Solid games, was for many, a unique experience in which stealth and action elements were combined at the same time-- you no longer had to kill everything in sight; in some cases being undetected was more important.

For those who missed the original series or would want to re-live the stealthy moments, Konami announced that it will be releasing a compilation of the Metal Gear Solid games for the PlayStation 2.

According to an official news release, Konami said:

"Since its inception, the Metal Gear Solid franchise has been one of the most successful game series in the history of video games, receiving worldwide recognition and praise. Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection represents a great value for gamers, bringing together three must-have classic titles which pi...

• (1)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

MGS: The Essential Collection up for pre-order at ...

Want to catch up on that whole "Metal Gear Solid" thing before the release of MGS4, but haven't quite been able to track down copies of all the games? Or are you just pissed that Japan gets an MGS collection while the US got shafted? If the answer to either was yes, then worry no more, if Play-Asia's to be believed.

Over on playasia.com, they've listed a PS2 titled called "Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection." The package will sell for $34.90, and contains MGS 1-3. Not only are you getting all three titles, but you're getting the director's cut of 2 and 3, as well as new box art from Shinkawa.

The release date is listed as March 2008. So far there's been no official word from Konami about the package, and it doesn't appear on other sites like Amazon or GameStop, but it wouldn't be the...

• (6)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

First trailer for NIS and Gust's Mana Khemia

I'm in a trailery mood right now. Next up, the first official English trailer for NISAmerica and Gust's upcoming game, Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis Mana Kehmia is the fourth game in the Atelier Iris series, but the first to take place primarily in a school setting. Much like Persona 3, the game splits time between school stuff and outside stuff. Unlike Persona, though, this time you have assignments to complete, such as making certain potions or finding/defeating certain things. (I assume.)

If you've played any Gust or NISAmerica games in the past, you know what to expect. For a bonus, check out the official page to enter to win a free copy of the game.

• (3)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

UK judge blocks sale of Manhunt 2 (again)

Just when you hoped the world was done with the Manhunt 2 drama...

On Friday, the UK once again blocked sale of Rockstar's Manhunt 2. Last month, you may remember the Video Appeals Committee lifted the ban at the request of Rockstar, and awarded the game an 18 certificate (meaning you have to be at least 18 to purchase it). Their conclusion? It was unlikely to cause harm to children or adults who happen to play it.

Now, a High Court judge in London deemed the VAC decision fatally flawed by "a clear error of law" when it came to their determination that the game didn't cause harm. Why? Because despite the 18 rating, children might still get access to the game.

During the hearing, the British Board of Film Censors also expressed displeasure at the VAC decision, saying that their overturning o...

• (8)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Silent Hill Origins confirmed for PS2

Last week, we posted a rumor that Silent Hill Origins was coming out on the PS2. At the time, only retail and rental sites showed the new product, while Konami was mum on the subject. Today, though, Konami has sent out a press release confirming the rumor.

"Console gamers can now expect the same chilling, suspenseful and fear-filled experience that handheld gamers encountered when we released Silent Hill Origins on the PSP system," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami. "This is their chance to learn more of the mystery and mythos surrounding Silent Hill that's been hinted at in earlier games and made the series such a success."

There's still no word on what (if any) changes will be made to the PS2 port, other than the mention in the release that the controls will be ...

• (0)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

SNK Arcade Classics: 16 games at once

SNK Playmore announced today that a compilation of 16 classic arcade titles will be released on the Playstation 2 and the PSP sometime during the first part of 2008.

Much like the Metal Slug Anthology from last year, SNK Arcade Classics: Volume 1 aims to capitalize on the everything-retro-is-cool mentality that has been sweeping the industry in recent years.

Some of the games on the list have already been re-released in various other forms (Wii Virtual Console; other compilation discs), but this particular collection looks like a very solid combination of titles. More importantly, it's far more cost effective to procure these games in this way than by purchasing them elsewhere.

The full list of games (with descriptions) is as follows:

ART OF FIGHTING - The first game in SNK's second fi...

• (4)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Jaffe says next game is revealed in Twisted Metal

The internet adores Dave Jaffe. Everyone loves what he's got to say, and wants to know what he's up to. I won't lie; after playing God of War, I could definitely see myself stalking him from dark alleys on cold autumn nights.

Kidding.

The most recent tidbit from Mr. Jaffe comes our way via a recent interview with GamePro, where the charismatic game designer explained that his new studio's next game will be revealed in the upcoming Twisted Metal Head On: Extreme Edition on the Playstation 2. He said:

"Listen, if you want to know what our next game is, it's absolutely revealed if you have a sharp eye in Twisted Metal Head On: Extreme Edition. It's hidden really, really, really well. And just because it's hidden in Twisted Metal doesn't mean it has anything to do with Twisted Metal. That's w...

• (3)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Silent Hill Origins headed to the PS2?

There has been no official announcement from Konami as of yet, but both GameFly and Amazon are listing a PS2 version of Silent Hill Origins with release information pointing to somewhere in the month of March.

This may be a good way for Konami to squeeze a few more bucks out of the game, possibly reaching a new audience. On the other hand, players might find that Silent Hill Origins is really much better suited to the PSP than a home console such as the PS2, due to its shorter length and less engaging gameplay than the typical venture into the eerie town of Silent Hill.

In any case, GamerNode will be on the lookout for any official word from Konami regarding this possible port.

• (1)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Capcom ends online services for two PS2 games

Capcom has announced via the company's official blog that online services for both Resident Evil: Outbreak and Monster Hunter for the Playstation 2 will come to an abrupt end on December 31st of this year.

After three years of service, these games will be coming off the online buffet line, not because of Capcom, but because the external company that provided the servers for these game is getting out of the PS2 online world.

This leaves Outbreak and Monster Hunter fans with nothing but bitter tears and offline play.

Unfortunately, the servers will not be replaced by Capcom or any other external company, so get your online fix for these two games within the next four weeks.

• (2)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

The Romantics sue Activision over Guitar Hero

According to a report on Billboard, members of American rock band The Romantics are suing Activision over the usage of its song "What I Like About You" in the game Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80's.

The suit states the game uses a version of the song that sounds too much like the original band... seriously?

The suit "claims that the sound-alike recording of the song improperly imitates the band's sound, which the members have developed since 1979."

The band members want the court to prevent further distribution of the game and, of course, want a share of the profit. Activision was questioned about the incident but they haven't replied.

Being in a band myself, while I do see where the lawsuit is coming from, I have to say that it's pretty preposterous. While I care about the music I play, ...

• (6)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

NiGHTS: Into Dreams coming to PS2

Sega has announced that in the original Saturn classic NiGHTS: Into Dreams will be flying onto the Playstation 2 early next year. Set for a February 21st release in Japan, the port will feature graphical improvements, and possibly a few gameplay features not found in the original game.

It's been quite a while - 11 years, in fact - since the gaming community has gotten a taste of NiGHTs, and now, with Journey of Dreams hitting the Wii in mid-December and Into Dreams following in just a few months, it's looking to be a veritable NiGHTS fiesta pretty soon.

Fans of the series must be jumping for joy right about now, but be aware that no U.S. release date has been announced for the PS2 game as of yet. GamerNode will be sure to keep you posted as we learn more.

• (1)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Sony launching new and slimmer PS2 in Japan

Last week, we ran a story saying Sony was planning to release a new and slimmer PS2 model state-side in 2008. But the new and slimmer PS2 will debut earlier in Japan on November 22nd.

The new model, which has a built-in AC adaptor, is much lighter and much more compact due to the streamlined power cord. As for the price, it'll retail for 16,000 yen, which is around $139 USD. There was no mention of a North American release, yet.

Even though Sony is focusing their efforts on the PS3, they can't deny the continual success of the PS2. Since its launch 7 years ago, the console has sold over 120 million units worldwide. Also, since the new PS2 will have a reduced production price, it's expected that Sony will generate a larger profit from each new unit sold.

Sony aims to sell 12 million PS2 units ...

• (0)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

ESRB keeps M rating for Manhunt 2

In response to the news that some hackers uncovered some adult content within Manhunt 2, the ESRB (Entertainment Software Ratings Board) remained firm in their decision to keep the M rating for Manhunt 2.

Simply put, the ESRB said that there's not enough unlocked adult content to warrant an AO rating. What was unlocked in the PSP version was not everything that was originally going to be put into Manhunt 2; it was just a tiny amount.

From the press release:

"We have investigated the matter and concluded that unauthorized versions of the game have been released on the Internet along with instructions on how to modify the code to remove the special effects.

"Once numerous changes to the game's code have been made and other unauthorized software programs have been downloaded to the hardware dev...

• (0)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Newer and cheaper PS2 coming in 2008?

You might have done a double-take when reading the headline of this story. Yes, it says a new low price for the PlayStation 2, not the PS3.

According to mcvuk.com, Sony is in the midst of formulating and releasing a new PS2 model that will be a "compact" edition and will be heading to store shelves sometime in early 2008.

The new PS2 will retail for only $99 in the US, which is a full $30 off of the present price of $129.99. Our cousins across the sea can expect this new, sleek model for around £75.

The next version's lower price is partially due to its build-in power supply, which cuts the cost of manufacturing.

If this story proves to be true, it is a reaffirmation that not only is the PS2 still alive and well, it continues to buoy up Sony's PlayStation division while its flagship PS3 cont...

• (3)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

PlayStation 2 turned 7 years old, yay!

Light up a cigar because the PlayStation 2 turned 7 years old yesterday! Since its release in North America on October 26, 2000, the PS2 has sold over 120 million units worldwide.

The PS2 has over 1,500 titles and SCEA will introduce 160 new games by the end of March 2008. Some of these new games include Guitar Hero III, High School Musical: Sing It, Madden NFL 08, Manhunt 2, NBA '08, Rock Band and Buzz.

Also celebrate the 7th anniversary by picking up a shiny white PS2 package with SingStar Pop! Come on, you can't pass up the white!

Jack Tretton, president and CEO for SCEA, said, "While today's anniversary celebrates PlayStation 2's past, we're very excited for its future. We look forward to the platform's continued growth and expect to sell approximately 12 million units worldwide by the en...

• (4)
• 
• 
• 
• 
•