PS2 Network Entertainment Launches

Today, Sony launched online enabled games for the PS2 in the UK. Here are all the details, along with the new 'Network Entertainment' logo.

SCE UK today launched the PS2 broadband network gaming service, along with the first two online-enabled PS2 games in the UK. The service, which has been available in America since last year, has received a very muted debut in the UK, especially compared to Xbox Live, with Sony citing "so much more to offer than just online" as the reason. Sony claim that in Japan and America, PS2 online has "become the leading network console gaming platform."

The Network Entertainment logos for PS2.

To enjoy PlayStation 2 network gaming, consumers must have a PlayStation 2 and a broadband connection. They can then purchase a Network Adaptor kit for £24.99 comprising: PlayStation 2 Network Adaptor and the Network Adaptor Disk which will enable them to play Network gaming compatible games. Two games are currently available: SOCOM: US Navy SEALs and Twisted Metal Black Online.

The PlayStation 2 Network Adaptor enables PlayStation 2 owners to access network multiplayer games through a participating broadband network. It plugs into a dedicated bay at the back of the PlayStation 2 designed specifically for this purpose, then links via an ethernet cable (supplied) to a broadband connection.

The PlayStation 2 network gaming experience will be accessible through a wide range of broadband network partners and will be available through both cable and ADSL connections. Broadband partners include Telewest Broadband, BT Openworld and BT Retail, NTL and Freeserve, each offering competitive packages specifically tailored to PlayStation 2 network gaming.

However, unlike Xbox Live, there is no rigid framework that developers must work within - instead, they are free to create their own gameplay, network and pricing structures. Again, this reflects the modesty of Sony's online investment versus Microsoft, but developers might welcome the freedom to do their own thing with online gaming - plus all of EA's titles are coming to PS2.

John Gold
Staff Writer, Kikizo Games