Old for New--What's Playable on the UK PS3?-October 2024-www.zddgame.com

Old for New--What's Playable on the UK PS3?-October 2024

Oct 27, 2024 4:26 AM

　　Author: Phil Elliott & Guy Cocker, GameSpot UK - Posted on Friday, Mar. 23, 2007 So, finally, the PlayStation 3 has landed in Europe, and we here in the UK are ready for it. Unfortunately, there still isn't a massive selection of games available for the console at launch, and without the PlayStation 2's Emotion Engine chipset, compatibility with your existing PS2 games isn't guaranteed.

　　On the plus side, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe recently released a list of the games that it's been working hard to support in the PS3's firmware, and we've picked out the 50 key games that PS3 owners may want to know about.

　　SCEE split the list into three categories: those that work perfectly, those that have minor issues, and those that have major issues. We've split them up into the Good News, which includes the first two categories, and the Bad News, which includes the last one, plus a handful of the games that don't work at all.

　　Please note: This story is not an exhaustive list and is not intended to include every single PS2 game. It's a reference for the most popular PS2 games in the UK territory. For a full list of PS2 backward compatibility in European territories, visit SCEE's backward compatibility site.

Works fine (18):

　　Battlefield 2: Modern Combat

　　EA's multiplayer sequel should keep shooter fans happy for a while, combining the fast pace of modern-day battle, the ability to jump in various types of vehicles, take on a number of different battleground roles, and rant at your fellow soldiers while doing so.

　　Buzz! The Big Quiz

　　There's no forgetting the family-friendly quiz show addition to the PlayStation family that has gone on to spawn a number of sequels, all of which seem to work fine on the PS3 as well. Buzzers at the ready, you'll be able to renew those family feuds in no time at all.

　　Call of Duty: Finest Hour

　　Actually, this game wasn't the series' finest hour, but it was a competent shooter all the same. The main problem is that of all the Call of Duty games available for the PlayStation 2, Finest Hour is the oldest and least compelling. Sadly, the other two games, Big Red One and Call of Duty 3, are on the other lists.

　　Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King

　　Few can argue against the pedigree of this role-playing game that made it to European shores only last year. Even so, it achieved one of the highest scores on the platform in 2006, and PS3 owners can look forward to continuing the long journey on their new kit.

　　Full Spectrum Warrior and Ten Hammers

　　Full Spectrum Warrior Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers

　　This dusty squad-based game, which started life as a military simulator, is all systems go, as is the Ten Hammers sequel. It's not the best example of the genre that can be found, but it's a reasonable attempt, if a little short.

　　Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter

　　Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter

　　The name may be the same as last year's Xbox 360 BAFTA award-winning next-generation game, but little else is. It's a scaled-down shadow of what it should be, and you're much better off waiting for the PS3 sequel slated for release in a couple of months.

　　God of War

　　One of the best action games on the PS2, bar none. This highly acclaimed game lets you take on the role of the mighty Spartan warrior Kratos, who is ready to take on all comers. It's well worth digging it out and playing through it all again...

　　God of War II

　　...unless you're all set to buy the sequel in a few weeks' time, which is more of the same, and great fun. There are various rumours of PS3 God of War games in the works. Should the rumours be true, such games will no doubt prove extremely popular.

　　Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

　　Roll up your sleeves and step into a supercar. Then run some pedestrians down before hitting up your crew for some drive-by action. The sun-drenched, three-island setting for this GTA game loses its appeal only if you've played San Andreas, which, unfortunately, most people have, and which, more unfortunately, isn't on the "Works Fine" list either.

　　Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

　　Taking the franchise back to the setting for the first 3D version of the game worked well on the PlayStation Portable, but a little less so on the PS2 despite the budget price. Once again, it's impossible to forget that this isn't the most advanced version of the game.

　　ICO

　　One of the storytelling foundations of the PS2 platform, Ico may be one of the oldest games mentioned here, but it's a classic. It's worth revisiting the tale of a boy, set to be sacrificed, who rescues the mysterious Yorda and then sets about to escape the castle with his new companion.

　　Kingdom Hearts II

　　Released in Europe only toward the end of last year, this Square Enix role-playing game is certainly one of the better examples of its genre. Given that the Final Fantasy titles don't all seem to be fully compatible, this one could be important for role-playing fans looking to keep playing PS2 games on their new hardware.

　　Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy

　　The plastic men (and droids) are back in their classic setting, giving you the chance to romp through brick-based environments fighting bad guys. It's not the most significant game to transfer smoothly to the PS3, but it adds a nice touch of variety.

　　Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence

　　This, of course, is the special edition of original MGS3 release, Snake Eater. Fans should be pleased that at least this one made it in one piece, as other games in the series most certainly did not. It'll be nice to take advantage of the multiplayer functionality and relive Solid Snake's adventures one more time.

　　Shadow of the Colossus

　　The atmospheric, emotive action game that set the critics talking last year and resulted in two BAFTA awards is going to work perfectly on the PS3. There are only so many times you can play through the game, but this'll be a good opportunity to give it one more bash.

　　The Sims series on PS2

　　The Sims | The Sims Bustin' Out | The Urbz: Sims in the City | The Sims 2 | The Sims 2: Pets

　　Not the world-beating (into submission) games that the PC editions were, but The Sims series is popular nonetheless. If you are a fan of the console ports, you'll be pleased to know that the entire PS2 series is A-OK.

　　Tomb Raider: Legend

　　For UK gamers, the Tomb Raider series has been one of the key pillars in PlayStation game lineups over the years. Quite right that the latest version, in a return to form, makes it through unscathed.

Works mostly fine (7):

　　Burnout 3: Takedown

　　No word at this time on the status of Burnout Dominator, but at least Burnout 3 should be mostly fine. Confusingly, Burnout 2 doesn't work at all well, while the original game plays properly. Go figure.

　　Call of Duty 3

　　The latest in Activision's WWII shooters, this one's only so-so in terms of compatibility--which is a shame, since it's a high-profile game that's only a few months old. Fortunately, you have the option of picking up the PS3 version instead.

　　Final Fantasy XII

　　This is something of a blow, given that the game has only just been released in Europe. There's no indication of what glitches there may be in this one, but this is surely a flagship Sony platform game, and it's surprising to see it on what is essentially the PS3 backward compatibility B-list.

　　Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec

　　This is the game that, for many, has propelled the PS2 from a would-like into a must-have. We were impressed by the visuals back then, and they still bear up now--just not quite as well on the PS3.

　　Gran Turismo 4

　　Another game not to make it across without incurring some damage is the Prologue edition of the current flagship Gran Turismo game. We're not sure quite how it's not firing on all cylinders, but there are a lot of copies out there, and none of them will work flawlessly on Sony's new kit. That said, according to Sony, Gran Turismo 4-proper doesn't work at all. The message is clear: Go to Japan and download the HD edition.

　　Resident Evil 4

　　Undoubtedly one of the best games to be released in 2005 and one of the best horror action games ever, Resident Evil 4's presence on this list means that at least it will be playable for the most part.

　　Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07

　　For sports fans, the backwards compatibility document isn't particularly happy reading, but at least you'll be able to stroll down the latest virtual fairways without too much disruption. Then again, a PS3 version is scheduled to ship in March.

　　Share your thoughts on PS3 backward compatibility for PS2 games in Europe. Leave us a comment below.

Major issues (19):

Canis Canem Edit

　　Bully

　　Despite having the provocative title of "Bully" in the US, Canis Canem Edit was actually a clever and innovative game that sat in its own genre of "school simulation." The thousands of people that bought the game might want to do some of its own schooling on Sony, as it's only supported on PS3 with noticeable issues.

　　Dynasty Warriors 5 Empires

　　We didn't warm too much to Koei's fifth game in the Dynasty Warriors series, but a new one is released every year, and people still seem to buy it in droves. If you're one of them, don't expect to slice and dice enemies in quite the same way on the PS3, as it's on the bad-compatibility list.

　　Eyetoy: Play 2

　　EyeToy: Play 2

　　Improving on its predecessor in every single way, EyeToy: Play 2 uses Sony's USB camera to provide hours of multiplayer entertainment. While the USB camera still works with Sony's PS3 webchat software, expect the game itself to have major issues on the new platform.

　　FIFA 06

　　FIFA 06 was arguably the high point of a series that annually hits the top three in the sales charts in Europe. While more people will probably be worried about FIFA 07, it's still a sore point that none of the recent PS2 FIFA games will be playable at full pace on the PS3.

　　FIFA 07

　　With no native PS3 version of FIFA or Pro Evolution Soccer being made this year, it was important that Sony made sure that the console was compatible with the PS2 versions. Sadly, both have major issues when being played through the PS3.

　　FIFA Street 2

　　FIFA Street 2 didn't quite manage to match up to its NBA and NFL equivalents, but it's nonetheless a fun variation on the usually po-faced series. It faces relegation from the PS3 disc tray, though, as it suffers from poor compatibility with Sony's new console.

　　Final Fantasy X

　　While all eyes are on Final Fantasy XII right now, we called the 10th game in the series the PS2's definitive role-playing game. While a new chapter in Square Enix's acclaimed series is promised for the PS3, fans of FFX might have their memories of the game shattered by the imperfect emulation of the game on the new console.

　　Final Fantasy X-2

　　While it's not quite up there with the best Final Fantasys ever, fans of the series will still be disappointed by the news that it will have issues running on PlayStation 3 hardware. At least they can console themselves with the news that Final Fantasy XII will run perfectly.

　　Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

　　One of the most critically and commercially successful games of all time, San Andreas is still incredibly popular with GameSpot readers two years after its release. You'll be saddened to hear that if you choose to visit it once more on the PS3, you'll do so with major issues.

　　Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

　　The UK's number one best-selling game at the time of the PlayStation 3's release, many people are likely to pick up the budget release of Vice City Stories when they get their shiny new console. It'll be a shame, because played through the hi-def console, it won't be as good as it is on Sony's six-year-old one.

　　Killzone

　　While PS3 owners will no doubt be looking forward to Killzone's sequel, the original still stands up as one of the PS2's finest technical achievements. Emulated on the PS3, though, it's set to have major issues.

　　Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

　　The Metal Gear Solid series holds a special place in PS2 gamers' hearts, and while the third game didn't sell as well as Solid Snake's famous second outing, it was still a pretty massive hit. It has been out in Europe only for a matter of months, so those who haven't finished the game might want to hold on to their PS2s, or should consider getting Subsistence, which does work just fine.

　　Need for Speed: Carbon

　　Need for Speed Carbon

　　We called Need for Speed Carbon a stylish and enjoyable racer when it was released last year, and it was yet another game in the series that seemed to top the charts with relative ease. Given the limited backward compatibility on this one, street racers will have to put the brakes on when they play the game on the PS3, though.

　　Need for Speed: Most Wanted

　　Need for Speed Most Wanted

　　Need for Speed Most Wanted sold so well that at one point it seemed that gamers must have been going back into stores and buying a second copy. Those who held on to the game will be disappointed to hear that it's on the hit list for badly emulated games. Need for Speed fans might want upgrade to a PS3 version of NFS Carbon.

　　Pro Evolution Soccer

　　Pro Evolution Soccer 5

　　Even though the Pro Evolution Soccer series doesn't always include many updates in each new annual edition, the games are still very popular with fans. Consider it a very large problem for Sony that none of Konami's recent football games are playable on the PS3 bug-free.

　　Pro Evolution Soccer 6

　　Pro Evolution Soccer 6 is so addictive that fans will be playing the game right up until the next version is released. Sadly, those people should keep a PS2 handy, as on the PS3 it will be one man short of a full squad. Alternately, you might just want to sit back and wait for the PS3 version of the game...whenever it gets released.

　　Singstar Rocks

　　SingStar Rocks!

　　SingStar Rocks! attempted to make karaoke acceptable for the indie crowd, and as a result, it had one of the strongest track selections in the genre. If the audio part of the game holds up it should remain playable, but it's on the list of PS2 games with noticeable issues.

　　Splinter Cell: Double Agent

　　Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent

　　The latest Splinter Cell was one of last year's big games, but it mysteriously missed the European PS3 launch. Sadly, those needing a fix of Sam Fisher to see them through will have to put up with a less-than-perfect emulated version, or wait for the PS3 version.

　　Okami

　　One of the last truly great games to be released on the PlayStation 2, Okami has only just been released in Europe. This avant-garde masterpiece is playable on the PS3, but those seeking artistic perfection will be better off playing it on its native platform.

Doesn't work at all (6):

　　Guitar Hero

　　Sadly, this one goes from "Hero" to zero. No more feeling like a rock superstar on the PS3. It's a real shame for a game that has had such widespread appeal. It's likely that there's an issue with peripherals on this one, because...

　　Guitar Hero II

　　...the sequel doesn't work, either. Not the best of moves for Sony, with so much anticipation bubbling around for the Xbox 360 version of the game, and rumours of new games in the series doing the rounds. The wrath of the rock gods shall be incurred without question.

　　Hitman: Blood Money

　　It's slightly surprising that Eidos' violent, stealth-based action game has no support at all. It might not be at the top of many favourites lists these days, but it's still a pretty good play. Agent 47 might have a new target after this.

　　Black

　　One of the biggest disappointments of them all is the lack of compatibility for Black. Criterion's stylish shooter might not have convinced everybody, but there's no way right now for you to warm up for the next-gen sequel. At least, not on the PS3.

　　Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

　　Another surprising exclusion from Sony's lists is another seminal PS2 game. It's not the most recent in the series, but for many it's the best--until MGS4: Guns of the Patriots is released, of course.

　　Tourist Trophy

　　Fans of bike racing haven't had it too hot in the transferability stakes. OK, MotoGP 3 should be fine, but MotoGP 2 isn't, and Tourist Trophy is right out of the question. Not great news on the whole for Polyphony Digital's stable of racers.

　　Share your thoughts on PS3 backward compatibility for PS2 games in Europe. Leave us a comment below.

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