[Joeiss]

ONLINE GAMES

1. Does [insert game here] include online play?

Here's a list of online PS2 games scheduled for release in America, with descriptions of what online features they're supposed to include. We'll update it as new games are announced, and if you know of an online game that's not on the list, holler at us and we'll include it.


Automodellista (Capcom) -- Online racing competition and community.
Catan (Capcom) -- Online board-game competition.
EverQuest Online Adventures (SCEA) -- Massively-multiplayer online RPG.
Final Fantasy XI (Square) -- Massively-multiplayer online RPG.
Frequency 2 (SCEA) -- Online DJ battle competition.
Madden NFL 2003 (EA) -- Online football competition.
My Street (SCEA) -- Online party-game competition.
NFL GameDay 2003 (SCEA) -- Online football competition.
Resident Evil Online (Capcom) -- Online cooperative gameplay (unconfirmed).
Sega Sports NBA 2K3 (Sega) -- Online basketball competition.
Sega Sports NCAA College Basketball 2K3 (Sega) -- Online basketball competition.
Sega Sports NFL 2K3 (Sega) -- Online football competition.
SOCOM: US Navy SEALs (SCEA) -- Online competition and cooperative gameplay.
Star Wars Galaxies (LucasArts) -- Massively-multiplayer online RPG.
TimeSplitters 2 (Eidos) -- Online first-person shooter competition.
Tribes: Aerial Assault (Sierra) -- Online first-person shooter competition.
Twisted Metal: Black Online (SCEA) -- Online car combat competition.
2. What about Japan?

During a Japanese press conference on February 13, 2002, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and dozens of third parties attended a public conference focused on Japanese online PS2 games, technologies and strategies. Upcoming Japanese games announced for the Japanese market include:


Bio Hazard Online [working title] (Capcom)
Auto Modellista (Capcom)
Massively Multiplayer Online RPG (Atlus),
The Dungeon of Druaga (Arika)
Tokyo Highway Battle Online (Genki)
Nobunaga's Ambition Online (Koei)
Music Game [working title] (Konami)
Sports Game [working title] (Konami)
Shogi Dojo 24 [working title] (Success)
Soreyuke! Karaoke Heaven (Success)
Final Fantasy XI (Square)
Guru Guru Onsen (Sega)
Simulation [working title] (Sega)
Hundred Swords (Sega)
Race [working title] (Sega)
Arc the Lad Online [working title] (SCE)
Kuma Uta [Bear Song] (SCE)
Gran Turismo Online [working title] (SCE)
Minna no Golf Online (SCE)
Mojibu Ribbon [working title] (SCE)
Network Board Game [working title] (Takara)
Multiplayer Action Adventure [working title] (Tecmo)
Table Game [working title] (Tomy)
Clockwork Online [working title] (Namco)
New Action Adventure Game [working title] (Namco)
3D Flight Shooting [working title] (Namco)
Namco Sports Online [working title] (Namco)
Venus & Braves (Namco)
Bomberman Online [working title] (Hudson)
Armored Core Sigma Project [working title] (From Software)
Some of those games are still very far in the future (note the preponderance of working titles), while others have substantial coverage in our preview archives. Check elsewhere on the site for the exact details.

3. When is [insert game here] coming out?

As always, please check our previews and release date sections for dates.

4. Does [insert game here] work with a 56K modem?

Some games require that you play via a broadband connection, or won't let you access all their online features when you're playing with a modem. Here's the full rundown (addressing only games likely to be released in America):


Automodellista -- Modem compatible (planned).
Catan -- Modem compatible.
EverQuest Online Adventures -- Modem compatible.
Final Fantasy XI -- In Japan, it supports both modems and broadband. The American version may differ, however.
Frequency 2 -- Modem compatible.
Madden NFL 2003 -- Modem compatible.
My Street -- Modem compatible.
NFL GameDay 2003 -- Modem compatible.
Resident Evil Online -- Unconfirmed.
Sega Sports NBA2K3 -- Modem compatible.
Sega Sports NCAA College Basketball 2K3 -- Modem compatible.
Sega Sports NFL2K3 -- Modem compatible.
SOCOM: US Navy SEALS -- Broadband only.
Star Wars Galaxies -- Unconfirmed.
TimeSplitters 2 -- Modem compatible.
Tribes: Aerial Assault -- Lag may make larger (4-6+ player) games unplayable via modem, but there is no enforced limitation on 56K players.
Twisted Metal: Black Online -- Two players via modem, eight players via broadband.
Remember, of course, that you may experience more lag or interruptions in your connection with any game when you connect via a 56K modem.

5. How do I get a copy of Twisted Metal Online?

The network adapter will come with a mail-in card that you can send in for a free copy of Twisted Metal: Black Online. We also have unconfirmed reports that some retailers may have copies available to give away with network adapters at the point of sale.

6. Can I play Japanese online games here in America?

That answer varies from game to game. Most often, it is "no." The most common question along these lines, however, is "Can I play Final Fantasy XI?", and in that case, it's a tentative "yes." You'll need a Japanese PS2, a Japanese hard drive, a Japanese network adapter, and a broadband Internet connection, as well as a lot of patience. For more information, check this article.

7. How much will Final Fantasy XI cost to play every month?

When we know, we'll tell you. In Japan, it's round about the equivalent of $10 a month.

BETA TESTING

1. What's beta testing?

Every game goes through testing in the later stages of its development. Online games, however, are unusual in that companies generally have to get a lot of players involved in the final testing of the game, to work out bugs and test the capacity of their game servers. Thus, online games occasionally enlist ordinary gamers as part of the testing process.

2. How do I get involved in online beta testing?

It varies from game to game. Sony selects its testers from among the subscribers of the PlayStation Underground CD magazine, so if you subscribe, you may get a shot at joining a future beta testing pool. Check IGN for news reports on potential testing opportunities from third-party publishers.