PS2 Games To Watch in 2005

The Exclusives

Wanda And The Colossus (SCEJ, screenshots)
European release date: TBC - estimated Q4

It seems some things in life are destined to remain forever cultish, no matter how much people bang on about them. ICO was one of this generation's great overlooked games. Not that its commercial failure was the fault of the public; that blame lies squarely at Sony's door for its bizarre decision to release one of its best ever games with precisely zero fanfare. Understandably, the announcement of a brand new game from the ICO team has been given special treatment in the expectation of being something very special indeed. News to date has been somewhat scant and enigmatic, but what we do know is that although this isn't a sequel as such, this is the same game referred to for a long time as NICO, and basically centres around fighting giant enemies in order to awaken the soul of a young girl. Once again the game is set to be visually spectacular and is based on a young boy character in a lonely and mysterious ancient land (sound familiar), although this time you'll have the use of a horse which helps you negotiate certain obstacles along the way. The final title has yet to be confirmed, as has the release date, but we're fully expecting E3 to shed a great deal more light on this fascinating title.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (Konami, US review)
European release date: 25th February (pre-order from Simply Games)

Already a huge pre-Christmas hit in the States, PAL gamers who've been reluctant or unable to import finally get their hands on Hideo Kojima's jungle based stealth masterpiece at the end of next month, and can expect a somewhat different approach to the previous two huge-selling titles in the series. With no radar to hold your hand in the 1960s setting, it's all about camoflague and being incredibly patient, but with a typically cinematic approach and a distinctly different flavour of stealth it's enough of a progression to keep the fanbase more than happy - especially with a bunch of PAL specific extras thrown into the mix.

Shadow Of Rome (Capcom, first impressions)
European release date: 4th February (pre-order from Simply Games)

Wow, now here's a collector's item: a Capcom game that's actually coming out in Europe before the US. Okay, it's only a matter of four days or so, but still, we nearly fell off our chair when we realised that. So what's the deal? Well, for a start it's set in 44BC at the height of the Roman Empire, and the whole city's in chaos because someone's only gone and murdered Julius Caesar. Worse still, all the evidence points to it being your dad's fault and you've got to prove his innocence with a mixture of stealth cunning and gladiatorial brute force. Why should you care? Because it's Keiji Inafune's new title (long-term Capcom design guru behind Onimusha 1 and 3 and Resident Evil 2, and even The Minish Cap), it's Capcom's first new brand of genuine mass interest for ages, and from our first impressions it looks damn good too. A more concrete assessment very soon, but possibly the first good game of 2005.

Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening (Capcom, preview)
European release date: 25th March (pre-order from Simply Games)

The first in the series was a revelation; one of the first all-new gaming brands to push the PS2 and promised to be an uber franchise to usher in a new era for Capcom... and then it went and spawned possibly the most disappointing sequel of this generation by turning the gameplay into a single button pressing hackandslash. A third game to feature Dante ought to sort things out in a similar vein to how Capcom managed to turn around the Onimusha series, and with the promise of six fighting styles to learn there's every chance this will be the return to form all of us want it to be. With the US release less than two months away we'll be getting a hands-on very soon, so we look forward to bringing you our thoughts on what should be the most intense balletic gothic combat game ever. Or something.

Death By Degrees (Sony/Namco, preview)
European release date: 11th March (pre-order from Simply Games)

One of those spin-off titles that could either hit the jackpot or be consigned to the curiosity pile. Based around the unlikely proportions of Tekken's Nina Williams, Namco has taken one of the less memorable characters of its beat 'em up series and built a fast-paced action adventure around her. Featuring all her signature moves and the outstanding visual polish of the Tekken series, a 360-degree combat style utilising both analogue sticks gives it the potential to impress; but Namco's track record in action-adventures is patchy (say hello Dead To Rights), so we'll reserve our excitement (or not) until we get to play this in a few weeks.

SEGA Rally 2005 (SEGA, screenshots)
European release date: TBC - estimated Q3

Finally! Six years after abandoning the much-loved franchise, SEGA has decided to return to the dirty world of rallying, and curiously has elected to make the game a PS2-only affair. Reflecting the falling revenues from coin-op sales, the game will make its debut not in the arcades, but on the relatively humble PS2, so at least we won't be left moaning about compromises and features left out in its transition to console. Although the game will feature the usual Quick Race, Time Attack and Career modes, multiplayer has been bizarrely omitted entirely (yes, not even split-screen), and SEGA is limiting the number of cars to just 20. But on the plus side there are around 400 tracks to enjoy, not to mention a random track generator. Whether the team can push the PS2 to new heights, though, remains to be seen with only a clutch of unrevealing screenshots and a curiously dodgy demo version emerging to date.

Gran Turismo 4 (Sony/Polyphony, screenshots)
European release date: 25th February (pre-order from Simply Games)

Proof - if ever it were needed - that online gaming and the PS2 go together like oil and water. After years of development hell and dogged determination, Polyphony had to admit defeat and ditch the online multiplayer element of GT4 after a long, but ultimately futile battle to eliminate lag problems that made online racing less than a perfect experience. Still, given that only a tiny fraction of PS2 players are playing online anyway, this news won't come as too big a blow - not to mention the fact that as a single-player game it's likely to be one of the most vast and involving driving experiences ever conceived. Admittedly racing simulators aren't everyone's cup of Tetley, but those that buy into the punishing learning curve will reap rich satisfaction from one of the most crafted videogames ever.

Tekken 5 (Sony/Namco, screenshots)
European release date: TBC - estimated Q2 (pre-order from Simply Games)

Although beat-'em-ups have long since lost the commercial appeal they once attracted in the '90s, Tekken games are still a big draw and the three-year absence from the scene has helped generate the kind of buzzing anticipation that has been lost with the tiresome introduction of annual updates. The third and almost certainly final PS2 Tekken is once again exclusive to the platform and brings back a host of characters from the previous games for a whopping total of 20 characters to choose from right from the start - with plenty more unlockable for good measure. As well as the usual array of costume unlockables, Namco has included a potentially intriguing bonus action-adventure game, complete with the requisite nonsense side-story and lush cut-scenes that it excels in.

The Warriors (Rockstar/Rockstar North)
European release date: TBC - estimated May

In traditional Rockstar North fashion, no-one actually knows a damn thing about its forthcoming project, apart from the fact that it's coming out at some point in April and that it's based on the 1979 Walter Hill-directed cult movie of the same name. But what the hell's it about? Well, a Coney Island gang are falsely accused of the murder of the head of a rival gang and basically go on the run from the cops, not to mention the riled Rogues gang. At a guess you'll get to play Swan, the gang leader, as well as Ajax, a chap who's more than a little handy with his fists. So it's gang violence? Hmm, there's the hint right there. Think of a more focussed version of San Andreas' gang violence leanings and you're probably somewhere close. Let's just hope this is more GTA than Manhunt, eh?

Final Fantasy XII (Square-Enix, screenshots)
European release date: TBC - estimated May27th(pre-order from Simply Games)

The name gets more ridiculous with every iteration, but as Square Enix' flagship RPG series rolls into its twelfth full-sized incarnation, innovation appears to be in evidence everywhere bar the name. Set in the kingdom of Ivalice, which will be familiar to players of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, the game boasts a brand new real-time battle system, insanely beautiful graphics and video sequences, and an epic plot which looks set to lead players around the kind of stunningly realised world that makes George Lucas cry into his beard. If you don't get a shiver down your spine watching the trailers available at the moment, you're never going to get Japanese RPGs - it's that simple.

God Of War (Sony/SCEA, preview)
European release date: TBC - estimated summer

Greeks, Roman, another Age game... you can't get away from ancient history these days, as Sony becomes the latest in a long line of publishers to plunder ancient mythology for inspiration. Unveiled at last year's E3, this single-player action adventure features Kratos, a burly warrior with sword handily chained to his wrists. Must be a right pain trying to go to the loo. We've seen very little of this one to date apart from some typically impressive footage, but expect "slick cinematics, hardcore combat, traps, stunts, physical challenges and story-driven puzzles". More when Sony Europe gets around to adding this to its release schedule.

Shadow Hearts Covenant (Midway/Aruze, US review)
European release date: 6th March (pre-order from Simply Games)

The first game is one of the most underrated RPGs on the PlayStation 2, and this sequel carries forward many of the things which made it so good - it's dark, gothic and interesting, with a perverse sense of humour and a cast of adults rather than squeaky teenagers for a change. Flawed, certainly - it's arguably not as good as the first game, and the twitchy Judgement Ring system is hated by many - but still excellent, and worthy of a look-in for any fan of the genre.

Phantom Brave (KOEI/Nippon Ichi, US review)
European release date: 4th February

Nippon Ichi's follow-up to Disgaea: Hour of Darkness, which you probably didn't buy. That's a shame, and it'd be an even bigger shame if you let Phantom Brave pass you by. Less outright funny than Disgaea, but sporting a totally new battle system that drops the grid system entirely and sees you summoning the spirits of warriors in trees, rocks and plants, Phantom Brave is one of the most finely executed turn-based games we've ever seen.

Suikoden IV (Konami, screenshots)
European release date: TBC

We never saw the third Suikoden in Europe, sadly - but hopes are high for Suikoden IV on these shores, and the game looks like a massive improvement over its predecessor as well. The very definition of epic RPG, the Suikoden series boasts a gigantic cast of characters and sees you building an army rather than just a party - and it looks very pretty too, which is always nice. Shallow, us? Oooh... Shiny thing!

Kingdom Hearts 2 (Square-Enix, screenshots)
European release date: TBC

Mixing Disney and Square shouldn't have worked, but it did - the first Kingdom Hearts was downright fantastic, with the universes of Final Fantasy and Disney colliding in an explosion of action-RPG goodness with production values through the ceiling. This sequel looks even better - with Square perhaps free to cut loose a little more with the much-loved characters and worlds, it looks darker, more intelligent, and even more intense than the first game. And it's got Auron in it - what more could you ask?

La Pucelle: Tactics (KOEI/Nippon Ichi, screenshots)
European release date: TBC - estimated Q1

Another slice of Nippon Ichi genius, the curious whims of publishing deals mean that this predecessor to Disgaea is actually arriving after the original game. We're glad to see it at all, though - infused with the same flavour of superbly balanced tactical gameplay which made Disgaea excellent, albeit with some quite different systems underlying the action and an entirely new setting, it's another chance for you to lose your entire life to some of Japan's finest and most addictive exports of digital crack cocaine.

Katamari Damacy 1 and 2 (Namco, Japanese review)
European release date: TBC

Okay, so we don't actually know if we'll ever see either of these here in Europe, but judging by the response to the original in the US, where it secured a limited release and consistently sold out within hours of being restocked, Namco must realise we want it. And you should too - any gamer worth his or her salt can't fail to be enticed by the prospect of rolling a sticky ball around gathering up tabletop objects, garden furniture, real furniture, pets, people, kiosks, cars, trucks, buildings, stadiums and even hot-air balloons as the ball grows in size. It's one of the simplest, best executed ideas Namco's managed in years, and it's universally appealing, and probably the only videogame soundtrack our usually reserved Tom has bought since Metal Gear Solid.

Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War (Namco, screenshots)
European release date: 18th February

It's been quite a while since the excellent Ace Combat 4 graced our screens, but from what we've seen so far, the latest title in the arcade flight combat series has been well worth the wait. Graphics that really are jaw-dropping despite being on the aging PS2 vy for attention with the perfectly balanced gameplay that has always set Ace Combat apart from the competition and the promise of the sort of great storyline that you really don't associate with most action titles like this.

Multiformat

Understandably, publishers generally want to target the format with the biggest installed base and the PS2 wins that war hands down. But at the same time, releasing their games across all the major formats makes a lot of sense too, so long as that conversion doesn't take up too much resources. The easiest way to do this is obvious; design the games around what the PS2 can do and don't worry too much about the conversions. Make them faithful, and sales are assured. The plus side for PS2 owners is they rarely miss much even though they possess a console that technically struggles in key areas. The more talented developers have made the most of what the PS2 can and can't do, but the truth is the base system is almost always the PS2.

Medal Of Honor: Dogs Of War (Electronic Arts/EA LA)
European release date: 11th March (also out on Xbox, GameCube, pre-order from Simply Games)

After the appalling travesty that was Rising Sun we'd practically written off this franchise, but EA realises how important it is and isn't likely to release a 'dog' twice in a row (see what we did there). Early reports suggest this is a massive return to form for the series, and with a release date around the corner we won't have to wait long to find out.

Destroy All Humans (THQ/Pandemic, preview)
European release: TBC - estimated April (also out on Xbox)

As with most of the multiformat games, Pandemic has designed the game around the PS2's limitations so this ought to be every bit as promising as the Xbox version - which is to say hilarious, original and a lot of fun.

Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition (Rockstar/Rockstar San Diego, preview)
European release date 25th February (also out on Xbox, pre-order from Simply Games)

Without doubt the best street racing game around, and in common with Rockstar's output should be virtually identical to the Xbox version. Should blow NFSU out of the water for gameplay, and its customization options are mind boggling.

TimeSplitters Future Perfect (Electronic Arts/Free Radical Design, screenshots)
European release date: 4th March (also out on Xbox and GameCube, pre-order from Simply Games)

Another all-format game that we're expecting to be undiluted console FPS genius. The network gaming is likely to suffer next to the Xbox, but other than that should be functionally identical.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (Ubisoft/Ubisoft Montreal, first impressions)
European release date: 25th March (also out on PC and Xbox)

Thus far Ubi has only shown off the PC and Xbox versions, but going on past form this should be a decent port without quite hitting the heights on other formats.

Far Cry Instincts (Ubisoft/Ubisoft Montreal, screenshots)
European release date: 25th February (also out on Xbox, pre-order from Simply Games)

We're tempted to bank on this being one of those 'mission impossible' conversions, but having seen what Melbourne House managed with Transformers there is a good chance Ubi will pull a rabbit out of the hat to get Far Cry running acceptably on the PS2. Not a game we'd expect to be challenging for top honours, but we'll keep an eye out just in case.

Brothers In Arms: Road To Hill 30 (Ubisoft/Gearbox, interview)
European release date: 25th February (also out on PC and Xbox, pre-order from Simply Games)

Before you roll your eyes, yes it's another World War II first person shooter, but this Gearbox-coded take on everyone's favourite war has a somewhat unique approach to the conflict, with much more emphasis on strategy and realism over gung-ho antics. Code should be forthcoming shortly, so watch out for a full and frank assessment of Ubi's foray into the crowded WW2 genre.

Hitman: Blood Money (Eidos/Io Interactive)
European release date: TBC - estimated April (also out on PC and Xbox)

Another multiformat brand designed around the PS2, and after last year's satisfying but hit-and-miss Contracts, fans will be looking for a little more variety and substance to catapult it into the top echelon of stealth-action gaming where its potential suggests it should be by now.

Tomb Raider VII (Eidos/Crystal Dynamics)
European release date: TBC - estimated mid-to-late 2005 (also out on PC and Xbox)

After the debacle that was Angel Of Darkness, it was obvious something had to change, and Eidos' decision to wrestle the brand away from Core and give it to Crystal Dynamics was hardly surprising under the circumstances. With any luck its rebirth will deliver us a true advancement of the brand that patient fans of platform puzzling deserve after all these years of waiting. With nothing shown to date, the jury's well and truly out, but should figure very large at this year's E3.

Ultimate Spider-Man (Activision/Treyarch)
European release date: TBC - estimated summer (also out on Xbox)

With no movie to base a game on this year, Activision has decided to keep the pot boiling with a return to the comic book source material. The very first Neversoft-coded PS1 Spider-Man was one of our all-time favourites back in the day, so who knows? Maybe Treyarch can build on the excellent webslinging antics of last summer's huge hit and benefit from not having to base levels on movie plot elements for once.

Area 51 (Midway)
European release: TBC - estimated June (also out on Xbox)

Fed up with same old same old FPSs set in WW2 and the like? Midway looks set to build on its growing reputation of making good original games with this promising FPS based in the US government's top secret military base. Apparently, "futuristic Alien enemies, powers, and weaponry await" and we can finally discover the "truth" behind the Roswell conspiracy, the faked lunar landings and the re-election of George Dubya.

The Movies (Activision/Lionhead)
European release date: Pete only knows - estimated summer (also out on PC, GameCube and Xbox)

We love Peter Molyneux, we really do. Excuse us - Peter Molyneux OBE! He's affable, entertaining, and has had a hand in some outstanding games over the years. But when it comes to release dates, he's the master of hopeless optimism, so whether we'll see this delicious concept come to market anytime this year is anyone's guess. If it does then expect one of the most genuinely mass market games to emerge since The Sims. Essentially another resource management sim in the tradition of Theme Park, you have to build up your own movie studio empire, but with its own ingenious-looking movie creation facility, choose your own cast, crew, director, make you own classics and post them online. But will it work? Soon, my precious, soon.

Honourable Mentions
Because we haven't got all year to write this, and covered many of these multiformat titles in our recent Xbox and Cube features, we'd also suggest you keep a close watch on the likes of Battlefield: Modern Combat, Project: Snowblind, Mercenaries, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 4, Starcraft Ghost, Killer 7, and The Punisher. Will you do that for us?

The Ports

It's relatively rare for publishers to go to the effort of squeezing a PC, Xbox or GameCube title onto the PS2 given that it normally works the other way around, but now and again it makes perfect sense - remember when SEGA exited the console hardware market, for example? Instant bucks for relatively little effort. But most of the time downsizing a game from PC or Xbox to PS2 is a fairly fugly experience that reeks of opportunism. Still, you can't blame them for trying when the audience is so large.

Full Spectrum Warrior (THQ/Pandemic, Xbox review, PC review)
European release date: TBC - estimated April (already available on PC and Xbox)

Pandemic's wonderful puzzly squad-based combat title wasn't exactly a visual tour-de-force in the first place so ought to make a very smooth transition to the PS2 with a bit of care and attention. One of the most original action titles in many years, and its arrival on the Sony format makes perfect sense.

Resident Evil 4 (Capcom, first impressions)
European release date: TBC (also out on GameCube, pre-order from Simply Games)

Almost certain not to get a release until next year, but there's a slim chance this will be available on import if we're lucky. How it will fare in the conversion is open to speculation, but at this late stage in the PS2's life cycle there's plenty of wizardry going on, so maybe it will end up a faithful port. Hopefully E3 will shed more light on this.

Viewtiful Joe 2 (Capcom, first impressions)
European release: 1st April (also out on GameCube, pre-order from Simply Games)

Another Capcom backpedal scenario, with this wonderfully crafted side-scrolling beat-'em-up another obvious conversion that many PS2 owners will appreciate not having to buy a Cube for.