Network Adaptor for PS2

Online gaming.  Those words go together almost as well as peanut butter and jelly.  I say "almost" because online gaming isn't accessible to everyone yet, or at least it wasn't until Sony released its much-anticipated Network Adaptor.  The Network Adaptor is just that -- an adaptor that allows you to log into Sony's online network.  This network isn't like an ISP (Internet Service Provider).  E-mail, chatrooms and Web browsing are not available on PlayStation 2 (however, those and many other features are being planned for the future).  Instead of paying Sony to play online, you pay your existing ISP or subscribe to a new one.

The installation process couldn't be much easier.  This isn't at all like installing a modem card, where drivers have to be prepared and everything must be fairly precise.  Think of it as inserting a new game into the back of the console.  You know that slot on the back of the PlayStation 2 that says "Expansion Bay"?  Stick your finger in the expansion bay cover's slot and pop it out.  Now replace the cover with the Network Adaptor.  Grab a nickel (not Nickelback, an actual nickel.  Nickelback is an amazing band, but they won't help you install your Network Adaptor) and use it to tighten the over-sized screws.  Plug in a modem or Ethernet cord (sold separately) and you're done.

The only thing you have to do now is set up your ISP.  If you have a popular ISP, such as America Online, AT&T Worldnet, Earthlink, SBC, etc., then all you have to do is fill out the requested information (which should be very familiar to you), and log online.  Some ISPs, such as America Online, require you to call an activation number, which leads to some disappointing news.  More on that in the Cons section of this article.

Note: You must have a minimum of 137 of free space on your memory card to save your ISP information.  Additional space is required for saving your online games.

After those two steps, both of which are very easy, logging on is a snap.  The first game I tested, Twisted Metal: Black Online, automatically detects the saved information and dials into your ISP!  A user name and password must be created first, but that's only to individualize each player (you wouldn't want everyone to be named Player 1, Player 2, Player 3, etc., now would you?).

When the game is logged in, you'll see a list of the games currently being hosted.  Now you can join one or start your own.  It's that simple.

And while this is more of an individual game thing, I must bring up the very serious issue of lag.  Lag is something that no one likes.  In Twisted Metal: Black Online, lag is nonexistent!  Even dial-up users will experience ZERO lag!  I couldn't believe it.  To see this game moving so fast and smooth, without any slowdown whatsoever...it was really amazing.  TMB is a beautiful game, one with lots and lots of polygons.  Yet somehow or other, Sony managed to keep the game running at a great pace.  I can't vouch for the games I haven't played yet, but if a game as graphic-intensive as TMB can run smoothly, I would imagine that most (if not all) of the other games will, too.  Tribes: Aerial Assault will allow 4 dial-up users to play simultaneously.  Cable and DSL games will be even bigger.  How awesome is that?

Technically, the Network Adaptor has launched with only one new game -- SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs.  However, there are four previously released games that are compatible with the adaptor, including Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3.  You might remember hearing about its online capabilities late last year when it was released.  Due to the strict modem and ISP requirements (specific USB modems were required, and AOL users couldn't log on), most gamers couldn't play it online.  This is about to change though, as hundreds of thousands of new Network Adaptor buyers will be turning to Tony Hawk 3 for their online gaming fix.  And rightfully so!  Tony Hawk is one of the most entertaining extreme sports series out there.

But if extreme sports isn't your bag, or if you want more games that lend themselves to highly competitive gameplay, Electronic Arts, 989 Studios and Sega of America have just the thing for you.  From Electronic Arts comes the first online Madden game -- NFL Madden 2003.  Unlike some of the other multi-console games, Madden 2003's online features are exclusive to PlayStation 2.  I haven't gotten the chance to play it yet, but GameZone's very own Tim Surette says that it's "Addictive, exciting, and involving...Madden 2003 continues to get better and better." 

Sounds very impressive, doesn't it?

Then there's Sony's first online sports game, NFL GameDay 2003, and the latest version of Sega's critically-acclaimed football series, NFL 2K3.

Regardless of what your preference is, one thing is for certain: all of these games are more fun now that they are playable online.  The Internet adds a whole new dimension to console games.  I really enjoy playing through the Season modes of sports games, but there is nothing more rewarding than the feeling you get when you play against (and beat) someone that is real.  Someone that exists.  Someone that lives, breathes and slams their first down on the floor when they lose for the fiftieth time in a row.  Whether you can chat with your opponents or not, their screams can be heard from a million miles away.  Recently I spent a few hours repeatedly kicking the butt of one persistent gamer in Twisted Metal: Black Online.  It was the most fun multiplayer experience I've had in years!  I love playing against my friends, but that can get old after a while.  We learn each other's strategies, and then the challenge is practically lost, because there's nothing new to experience.  With the Internet, every person you play is a stranger.  There's no way of knowing how good a player he or she is before entering a game.  You just have to do it and take a chance.  That's one of the things that I loved about arcades.  I loved to practice at home, and then go to an arcade on the weekend and beat -- or get beaten by -- all of the local junkies.  Win or lose, I didn't care.  Unique competition was what I wanted.  I lost that, but now it's finally back again.

The game I mentioned above, Twisted Metal: Black Online, is on of the best freebies you will ever receive.  You can get that game for the low, low price of...a stamp!  Just buy the Network Adaptor, fill out the card that's inside, send it in, and in about six weeks (it may be more depending on how many requests Sony receives), I'll be able to add you to my "Smoked Gamers" list!  Or you can add me to yours, if you're good enough...

Incase you missed it, here is the list (direct from Sony) of games that are compatible with the Network Adaptor:

NFL GameDay 2003 – Out Now

NFL 2K3 – Out Now

Madden NFL 2003 – Out Now

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs – Out Now

Twisted Metal: Black Online – Free with Network Adaptor

ATV Offroad Fury 2 – November 12, 2002

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 – Fall 2002

NBA Live 2003 – Fall 2002

Tribes: Aerial Assault – Fall 2002

Auto Modellista – Fall 2002/Winter 2003

My Street – Fall 2002/Winter 2003

Frequency 2 – Spring 2003

There will be many more online games in the future, including Resident Evil Online and Gran Turismo Online.  But Sony is concentrating on the immediate future, which is what they cover on the list.  Other than Frequency 2, all of those games could be released before the end of the year.

Pros:

All of the above.  Especially the games!  You can't have an online adaptor of any kind without good games.  But that's not a problem here.

Cons:

There is only one con, and it isn't one that I have with the adaptor itself, but rather the online aspect.  Regardless of whether or not you subscribe to an ISP, you may still have to pay an additional monthly fee.  This will surely come as a surprise to you, as this information was kept very, very quiet.  When I called the toll-free number to activate my account, I found out that after December 21st, 2002, America Online would begin charging me $5 a month to play games online.  This may not sound like much, but consider this: I already pay nearly $24 a month for AOL.  The extra $5 brings it up to $29.  Not only that, but most of the really, really big online games planned for release next year, such as Final Fantasy XI, will have a separate monthly fee.

Note: Some ISPs may NOT charge an additional monthly fee.  To find out if yours does or not, check with your local provider.

Verdict: 9.5

Without a doubt, the Network Adaptor is the best accessory you can buy for the PlayStation 2.  Memory cards are great, and controllers are fun, but the Network Adaptor is revolutionary.  It opens up a whole new world of competitive gaming.  Multiplayer games are meant to be played with other people -- lots of other people.  Now they can.