PS2 originals will soon be available through PSN [Mobile/Archive]

phear3d

02-14-2008, 11:29 AM

http://www1.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9099&Itemid=59

Sony’s Eric Lempel has hinted that PlayStation 2 backwards compatibility could be resurrected for PS3 owners in the form of downloads via the PlayStation Network.

With Sony phasing out PS3 launch models which boasted PS2 backwards compatibility, either via embedded hardware or software emulation, it looked as if PS2 playback on Sony’s latest console was set to become a thing of the past as the platform holder wholeheartedly threw its weight behind its next-gen software drive.

However, PlayStation Network director Lempel has said that backwards functionality could still play a part in Sony’s plans as the technology exists to make PS2 titles available as downloads from the PlayStation Store.

"We haven't talked about that yet, but there are possibilities through technology and software emulation to make that possible," he told EGM magazine, via Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/355645/is-playstation-3-backwards-compatibility-dead-maybe-not).

Sony currently offers original PlayStation titles as downloads for PS3 and PSP via the PlayStation Store.

thanks to the 360's live arcade offering original xbox games. im sure there'd be plenty of hard to find Atlus games on the PSN for a much cheaper cost.

jkam

02-14-2008, 11:36 AM

Sounds good as long as the actual discs of the games they are offering work too. If it's all software emulation it shouldn't be an issue.

BustaUppa

02-14-2008, 12:22 PM

InuFaye

02-14-2008, 12:34 PM

maybe they could implement emulation though a firmware update so you could play the disc based games.

Chacrana

02-14-2008, 12:37 PM

Would still rather have the actual disc.

And given what they've done with PS1 games, I'm expecting maybe Twisted Metal Black, and the original Jak and Daxter for the first year.

darthbudge

02-14-2008, 12:41 PM

That is great for people who don't have many PS1 or PS2 games. However what if you already own a ton of them? You are forced to rebuy them then?

Rodimus

02-14-2008, 12:47 PM

That is great for people who don't have many PS1 or PS2 games. However what if you already own a ton of them? You are forced to rebuy them then?

Then I'd asume you still have a PS2 or PS1.

phear3d

02-14-2008, 12:49 PM

Kind of a shady move to do this AFTER removing backward compatibility...
as sad as this may seem, i think this type of business model was and being pioneered by microsoft through their xbox live arcade. some of the games are already backwards compatible in the system (360) but not all of it unlike the ps3 which you have a better chance of playing all those older ps2 titles.

for the ones that are currently out on live arcade, youre actually paying more to download than to buy the actual game. this is certainly beneficial towards the publishers and developers since they see a profit unlike second hand stores that sells their games. so its good, and its bad. but only affects gamers.

BustaUppa

02-14-2008, 01:29 PM

The downloadable Xbox games are just alternatives to using the discs though. So even if they're overpriced, they're not really backing you into a corner or anything. If the PS3 equivalent gives you this freedom too, then I've got no problem with it.

seanr1221

02-14-2008, 03:17 PM

If they can be played on the psp (doubtful) I'd be for it.

Otherwise, since I have a 60GB there's no point.

Rei no Otaku

02-14-2008, 04:06 PM

Looking at how horribly they've handled the PS1 games in the US, I'm not expecting much.

Thomas96

02-14-2008, 04:28 PM

As long as the games aren't too expensive then I think its a great service. Are there really that many games that people want to play from the PS2? If they could at least make the hard to find games available then I think people will more appreciate the service -

If they offer a a lot of the complation titles, it could make PSN a virtua virtual console. It'd also be nice if some of the PS2 releases were automatically added to the PSN library.

jman619

02-14-2008, 04:30 PM

If they added a rare game like mvc2 I would get it that way,but they would't do that lol.

Warner1281

02-14-2008, 04:59 PM

While a cool idea, I doubt you'll see this turn into much more than a couple greatest hits showing up on PSN. And if it DID turn into a huge library of PS2 games on the PSN, they're just screwing people who already have a physical library of PS2 games, unless they can find a way to let owners of the game download the software version from PSN for free.

rodeojones903

02-14-2008, 05:50 PM

I wish they would focus more on good PSone game for the PSP and PS3.

jer7583

02-14-2008, 08:15 PM

whoknows

02-14-2008, 10:08 PM

No Sony supporter has any right to say shit about 360's backwards computability plan now. PS3 gets BC, then gets it yanked so Sony can legitimize selling PS2 titles as downloadable. I do hope that some form of disc based BC comes out for PS3, because it's still the main selling point for the system to me. Upscaled PS2 titles would be nice.

Pricing will be the interesting thing. Hopefully they undercut XBL's rediculous $15 price and light a fire under their ass to drop prices.

Well I have a 60gb model so I'll complain about 360's poor BC all I want. Someone with a 40gb shouldn't complain, but that's not me :-P

In any case this doesn't affect me due to my 60gb as well. Only way I'd buy it on PSN if it was far far cheaper than buying the actual disc which probably won't happen. If they were smart they'd put the rare games up. $10 to download Nocturne? I'm there. Even $15. Stuff like that would sell well, but paying $10-$15 (which is what I'll assume it will cost) for a PS2 launch game is pretty stupid.

Only reason I've bought PS1 games off the PSN is because I can switch back and forth between playing it on my PSP and PS3.

jer7583

02-14-2008, 10:09 PM

Well I have a 60gb model so I'll complain about 360's poor BC all I want. Someone with a 40gb shouldn't complain, but that's not me :-P

In any case this doesn't affect me due to my 60gb as well. Only way I'd buy it on PSN if it was far far cheaper than buying the actual disc which probably won't happen.

Well, you're certainly getting your $599 US dollar value with that Backwards Compatability.

whoknows

02-14-2008, 10:13 PM

Well, you're certainly getting your $599 US dollar value with that Backwards Compatability.

I just might be. I won't say I'm not bitter after seeing it drop to $500 so fast, but upscaled PS2 and PS1 games are nice, so I won't complain. Not to mention being able to have as many memory cards as I want saved on it being a huge plus. Besides, I play PS3 games on it too...

Mechafenris

02-15-2008, 12:45 AM

Well, you're certainly getting your $599 US dollar value with that Backwards Compatability.

I know I am. :) Oh, wait... I bought a 20GB. ;) heh. It's got its convenience moments... if I've already fired up the PS3, why bother flipping over to the PS2? :)

And as for BC... it's overrated, at least for me. It never bothered me that the 360 wasn't very good at BC with the 180... (or "original"). I figure it'll annoy me more when I have to find a replacement Xbox.... but the few games I have for the original aren't going to make me lose sleep if the old beast goes Tango Uniform...

I think the most noise we hear about BC is from people with very small entertainment centers. :)

(I vote next-gen has 0 BC... save us some $... but that probably won't happen...)

phear3d

02-15-2008, 10:04 AM

I know I am. :) Oh, wait... I bought a 20GB. ;) heh. It's got its convenience moments... if I've already fired up the PS3, why bother flipping over to the PS2? :)

And as for BC... it's overrated, at least for me. It never bothered me that the 360 wasn't very good at BC with the 180... (or "original"). I figure it'll annoy me more when I have to find a replacement Xbox.... but the few games I have for the original aren't going to make me lose sleep if the old beast goes Tango Uniform...

I think the most noise we hear about BC is from people with very small entertainment centers. :)

(I vote next-gen has 0 BC... save us some $... but that probably won't happen...)
the first good game at launch for the Ps3 was god of war II, that was a ps2 game. without it, i didnt think that the ps3 would sell as good as it should have. sure you have resistance, but that was it. the ebay resell value of the ps3 dropped significantly after just 2 weeks from the launch date. thats to saying that people dont see a point in owning one yet since theres no good games for it.

and also, theres far more great games for the ps2 than it is for the ps3. while backwards compatibility was great, the ps3 clearly showed that this feature is one that should be taken out in the future because of its cost making it almost impossible for everyone to buy the system (i still havent bought a ps3).

there should be a reason why backwards compatibility isnt as good on the 360 (i know theres more games that are compatible now than before). and one that comes to my mind is that they can sell the games again through live arcade. i would have done the same thing. the publishers and developers cant profit off of used games (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8632&Itemid=50). in a way, if it'll make my future consoles cheaper to buy at launch, i too will vote off backwards compatibility.

BustaUppa

02-15-2008, 10:46 AM

the first good game at launch for the Ps3 was god of war II, that was a ps2 game. without it, i didnt think that the ps3 would sell as good as it should have. sure you have resistance, but that was it. the ebay resell value of the ps3 dropped significantly after just 2 weeks from the launch date. thats to saying that people dont see a point in owning one yet since theres no good games for it.

and also, theres far more great games for the ps2 than it is for the ps3. while backwards compatibility was great, the ps3 clearly showed that this feature is one that should be taken out in the future because of its cost making it almost impossible for everyone to buy the system (i still havent bought a ps3).

there should be a reason why backwards compatibility isnt as good on the 360 (i know theres more games that are compatible now than before). and one that comes to my mind is that they can sell the games again through live arcade. i would have done the same thing. the publishers and developers cant profit off of used games (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8632&Itemid=50). in a way, if it'll make my future consoles cheaper to buy at launch, i too will vote off backwards compatibility.Calling for an end to BC is a bit extreme IMO. Keep in mind that the only console that currently offers full backward compatibility is the Wii, and that's the cheapest new console on the market.

And technically, the reason why they don't have real BC on the 360 is because of that problem with Nvidia. Since Microsoft can't actually use the parts from the original Xbox, they were forced to go with the software-based emulation for the 360, which has many inherent limitations. Anyway, for this reason you really can't factor BC into the cost of the 360, since it's primarily software-based.

hostyl1

02-15-2008, 11:21 AM

Keep in mind that the only console that currently offers full backward compatibility is the Wii, and that's the cheapest new console on the market.

Umm, I cant plug my NES Tetris cartrige into a Wii. :oops:

All kidding aside, Sony said from the beginning that they intented to use software only for BC. However, the EGM quote was not an affirmative confirmation. Having read the actual article, the interviewee was basically leaving the option open, vaguely mentioning that it might be 'possible' in the future, but he didnt say that such an option is eminent.

Still, it seems like a decent idea, assuming they can get full software BC up and running. Then, I wouldnt see why they would exclude discs. Perhaps they are closer than I think and that's why we havent heard anything about the 80gig SKU replacement. Hmmmmmm:pray:

007

02-15-2008, 12:48 PM

I love the fact that in the new EGM there's a quote from Peter Dille about something to the effect of how Sony was the 'ONLY one to do backwards compatibility and do it right'. Or something close to that, I'd need to dig it out.

I love the interview, since it explicitly states that Sony used to be arrogant, but they've learned their lesson... even though he's completely arrogant throughout the entire interview.

Random, but the BC part makes me laugh after reading this.

EDIT- I was slightly off... the quote was "First of all, nobody has pulled it off besides us." Which, of course, is a ridiculous stance no matter how you look at it.

Then he goes on to say that there's a model in the market (which may be outdated if they drop the 80gig) that supports it, and if it's that important to you, "you'll pay the extra $100."

BustaUppa

02-15-2008, 01:02 PM

Wasn't there some old interview where a guy from Sony swore up and down that PlayStations would be backward compatible for the rest of eternity? I remember reading something to that effect a long time ago, and feeling very comforted by it.

VAD3R or Fro

02-15-2008, 05:28 PM

http://www.funtownarcade.com/rezbox.jpg

Please.

Chacrana

02-15-2008, 07:41 PM

http://www.funtownarcade.com/rezbox.jpg

Please.

You should ask for Rez HD... not the original.

mykevermin

02-15-2008, 07:47 PM

No Sony supporter has any right to say shit about 360's backwards computability plan now. PS3 gets BC, then gets it yanked so Sony can legitimize selling PS2 titles as downloadable. I do hope that some form of disc based BC comes out for PS3, because it's still the main selling point for the system to me. Upscaled PS2 titles would be nice.

Pricing will be the interesting thing. Hopefully they undercut XBL's rediculous $15 price and light a fire under their ass to drop prices.

Hey! Look who's complaining about PS3!

I'm ambivalent on this idea. I have enough PS2 discs, as well as a 60GB PS3, that it's no big deal. Plus I still have my fat-ass PS2 to serve as my Guitar Hero and imported PS2 wrestling game machine, so I'm not particularly interested in downloadable titles.

Anything that takes away resources and time from downloadable PS1 titles on the PSN, though, is good news. They're just releasing way too many of them now. I think they might have even released 2 so far this year! HOLY CRAP!

phear3d

02-15-2008, 08:26 PM

And technically, the reason why they don't have real BC on the 360 is because of that problem with Nvidia. Since Microsoft can't actually use the parts from the original Xbox, they were forced to go with the software-based emulation for the 360, which has many inherent limitations. Anyway, for this reason you really can't factor BC into the cost of the 360, since it's primarily software-based.
even so.. with its 2 years (nearing 3) i dont think this should be an excuse. even the blogs have noticed it. and their point was? it was promised, they should deliver. there is a good chunk of old software being supported now. their software library (original xbox) isn't as big as the ps2. i mean, even peter moore was quoted saying that its not that important anyways.

Keep in mind that the only console that currently offers full backward compatibility is the Wii, and that's the cheapest new console on the market.
cause its only slightly powerful than the gamecube. and im pretty sure their parts are cost effective than the other 2.

BustaUppa

02-16-2008, 02:54 PM

even so.. with its 2 years (nearing 3) i dont think this should be an excuse. even the blogs have noticed it. and their point was? it was promised, they should deliver. there is a good chunk of old software being supported now. their software library (original xbox) isn't as big as the ps2. i mean, even peter moore was quoted saying that its not that important anyways.Yeah, it definitely should not be an excuse. All I'm saying is that they have legitimate technical/legal reasons for not having full backward compatibility right out the gate. But it does bother me that they often seem to take a lazy approach with their BC.

cause its only slightly powerful than the gamecube. and im pretty sure their parts are cost effective than the other 2.I don't see how this is an argument for ditching backward compatibility in future generations though. If the company with the SMALLEST technology gap between consoles can do it, shouldn't it be more than feasible to include BC when a new console is WAY more powerful than its predecessor?

keithp

02-16-2008, 06:31 PM

Kind of a shady move to do this AFTER removing backward compatibility... but there's some potential there. And like jkam said... if they're doing 360-style software based emulation, they really ought to make the real disc versions of those games playable as well.

You're missing the point that Sony had to have planned this a long time ago. Why offer downloadable PS2 games if we can all just put the REAL disc in--who would pay for the download then? Most of the games will be probably be ones that sold a ton so it's not like they'll reach many new people. It's all part of their master plan to force people who want to play PS2 games on their PS3's to pay again.

whoknows

02-16-2008, 06:34 PM

Anything that takes away resources and time from downloadable PS1 titles on the PSN, though, is good news. They're just releasing way too many of them now. I think they might have even released 2 so far this year! HOLY CRAP!
Yeah, I'd much rather have PS1 games myself since I can switch between playing on the PSP and PS3. I downloaded Wild Arms and am about 30 hours into it. That would have never happened if I had the actual game since I don't beat very many RPG's at home.

BustaUppa

02-16-2008, 07:01 PM

Why offer downloadable PS2 games if we can all just put the REAL disc in--who would pay for the download then?Convenience, the impulse buyer mentality, the appeal of having the games readily available on the hard drive with (theoretically) reduced load times - there's a number of reasons why a person might choose to download a title rather than buy a disc version. I wouldn't personally, but I could see why someone would. This is all assuming it's a game you don't already own, of course - I find the idea of forced double-dipping obscene.It's all part of their master plan to force people who want to play PS2 games on their PS3's to pay again.Truly dastardly if that is the case - but all is forgiven if they do it like the 360.