Internal Hard Disk Drive

When Sony announced that it would release a Hard Disc Drive (or HDD) back in mid-2001, PlayStation 2 fans--like myself--have anxiously awaited this much needed peripheral now that the PS2 has a number of online games plus some really interesting ones on the way.   Yet days, months and years passed and there was no sign of that the HDD would ever reach North America.  In fact, there were a few times when gamers began to think that a hard drive would only be found in Sony’s next console, the PlayStation 3.  So it came as a pleasant surprise that, with an agreement with Square Enix, the HDD has indeed arrived and packaged with Final Fantasy XI (Note: See FINAL FANTASY XI REVIEW).  So is the HDD everything we dreamed it would be?  Let’s just say that if this is a dream I don’t want to wake up.

The first thing you’ll notice is that the game comes neatly packaged in a somewhat hefty white box that pretty much advertises the fact that Final Fantasy XI, the first MMORPG set in the Final Fantasy world, is Sony’s way of rewarding us for having made us wait that long.  This nice bundle has a retail price of $99, which makes this a pricey item but after you read about all the things it offers you’ll come to see that this is actually a good deal but we’ll get into that a little later.  The second thing you’ll notice is that the HDD itself is a pretty heavy piece of hardware with slots that won’t have you guessing what goes where just be looking at it.  So let’s go through the simple installation process.

INSTALLATION

For starters, PS2 owners will need the PS2 Network Adaptor (an extra $39 if you don’t already own it) that will be connected to the HDD via the screws and power connectors.  All you have to do is secure the power connectors to the Network Adaptors (they align in place easily) and then secure the screws a little with a nickel.  Then the HDD, with the Network Adaptor attached, slides into the Expansion Bay and you secure the screws in place.  Sounds simple, doesn’t it?  Well, it is and all you have to do now is turn on your console.  If you see a soft flash or two of a yellow light through the slits in the front of your console, don’t worry, it’s your HDD at work.

From here, it’s now on to the HDD Utility Disc that comes with the HDD.  It ensures you have the latest copy of Final Fantasy XI along with the online game Tetra Master and an upgraded version of PlayOnline, a new online service.  The disc also has all you’ll need to repair anything that might occur while using your HDD and helps you manage your 40GB of memory storage via some file folders that keeps everything in its tidy place (you can also transfer files from your 8MB memory card to the HDD).  The Utility Disc also updates your DVD Player and CD player with a new version of the original software and adds new configuration settings. 

THE FEATURES

Basically, the HDD was designed with online gaming in mind but it was also designed to offer a feature the Xbox Live service has been supporting since its launch--downloadable content.  Sony has already confirmed that Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain and SOCOM II: US Navy SEALs will be supporting the HDD technology and this means downloadable content such as extra levels, maps, weapons or even character skins.  It also helps keep the pre-installed Final Fantasy XI a constantly evolving world since new additions to the playing environment are being hinted at by the game itself.  And while nothing is yet to be announced, you can bet that more games will be building their games around the HDD technology (let’s keep our fingers crossed that Resident Evil: Outbreak will support it).  And, with 3400 RPM and 66 MB/sec, you’ll find that the majority of your games load forty percent more quickly.

As I mentioned before, the Utility Disc also installs PlayOnline, a service that offers everything from a chat function to emails and invitations to a friendly match with anyone you might have put on your Friend’s List.  The cool part about the Friend’s List is that you can email invites to friends and even chat with them via a USB keyboard.  PlayOnline is also used to download content such as new wallpaper and also links you to a newsletter that keeps you abreast of all the new features available for Final Fantasy XI.  And speaking of downloads, while much of the PlayOnline’s services are free, the service makes references to fee-based downloads.  A valid credit card is also required for PlayOnline even if all you’re interested in is the free features.  But you’ll have your own online handle and finding your friends is as simple as getting a pop-up message shades of America Online’s Buddy List box.

Here’s the good news, the HDD interface is easy to deal with and so is the PlayOnline interface (although there are some things, like a more accessible button to add a new friend to your list).  On top of that there’s customer service support as well plus plenty of updates.

The HDD is a welcome addition to your PS2 console and if you have the money this is the hardware to buy if you love your PS2.  It’s still too early to tell what new things Sony has in store for us but so far things are looking pretty good.  There’s also no word yet when they plan to sell the HDD by itself but at the moment this is a solid deal that’s worth every red cent. 

Pros:
Out of the protective package the HDD looks intimidating complex to install but looks are deceiving because the installation process is as easy as snapping LEGOS together.  The installation of most of the programs on the Utility Disc do take more than an hour or so but at least your console will be neatly updated.

The fact that games load a bit faster now and the 40GB hard disc of space alone make the HDD worth the purchase price. 

Those obsessed with online gaming will find a lot to look forward to in the future but at the moment, Final Fantasy XI and Tetra Master are just too much fun to want to put down.  Expect to find a lot of downloadable content available for games like SOCOM II coming soon.

Cons:
For those gamers who don’t already own the PS2 Network Adaptor, the HDD will be very pricey.

Many gamers might be turned off by the fee-based downloads Sony keeps hinting at but this still remains to be seen.

Don’t you wish you could throw your memory cards out the window and just save your game directly to your hard drive like the Xbox?  So far the drive just copies your memory card saves to the HDD but it’s not the same thing.

Verdict: 8.7
The HDD is a great investment for those gamers that want to get the most out of their online gaming and as a neatly packaged deal, you certainly get your money’s worth.  I can’t wait to see how this hardware will influence upcoming PS2 games.