The PS2 modem has been out for a while and the amount of games playble online is growing. Which are the best ones? We'll try to help you decide.
Online gaming is a relatively new concept to console gamers while PC enthusiast have been playing online for almost a decade. That being said, there are some good online options for console gamers out there. Here's a short list of the best PS2 modem compatible games out for the system right now.
ATV Offroad 2 This is a very silly game on the outside but amazingly fun on the inside. Sure the stunts will require you to suspend your disbeliefs but that's the fun part about it. Also nothing beats ramming your 4-wheeled ATV into a real human player knocking him into a billboard sign. Definitely a great game for you modem owners.
Auto Modelista A cel-shaded racers that can be played online and offline. Not quite Gran Turismo 3, but then again you can't play GT3 online either.
Everquest Online Adventures Does this game need any explaination? It was a monster hit on the PC as an MMORPG and will probably attain as many accolades on the PS2. Sure the console market probably has less of a glut of D&D fans but a lot of PC gamers are cross-over console fans. The Everquest universe is huge and this is a game that will occupy you for hours. Additionally, it's being offered for free with the modem as a pack-in for a limited time.
Madden 2003 One of the few options to play football online on a console and one of the first games available for the PS2 modem (first shown at E3 2002). Madden has always had decent sports action and this is no different online. Sudden bouts of lag might throw off a pass pattern or two but overall a good gaming experience.
Midnight Club 2 Another great racing game for the PS2. If arcade racing is what you want, it's either this or the aformentioned Auto Modelista. If you don't like cel-shading, then it's just Midnight Club 2.
NBA Live 2003 NBA action at its best. The LIVE series has been around for a long time, with constant tweeks to its gameplay and it shows. Good game for the NBA fans out there.
NBA 2k3 The "other" major contender for football action if you happen to detest Madden 2003. Opinion seems to be evenly splits as to which is the better football game. It's all personal preference.
NCAA Basketball 2003 A favorite among the college basketball fans (I.E - College age males). You might see this game being played online in a few dorm rooms for years to come.
NFL Gameday 2003 Sony's own Gameday doesn't seem to be nearly as popular as Madden or Sega's NFL2K series. Gameplay wise, Gameday isn't as strong but it's still a fun online experience as the other two games.
SOCOM: US Navy Seals Perhaps the most popular online game for the PS2, SOCOM needs no introduction. If you're a fan of Counter-Strike for the PC, you will definitely love the team-based gameplay of SOCOM.
Tony Hawk 4 An excellent game as a single player trot, not so strong as a mutliplayer gig. However, it's still fun online or offline, a good pickup either way.
Tribes Arial Assault Another team-based shooter, this is a game that has its roots from the PC. Vehicles, rocket packs, and laser guns, if you want a sci-fi online shooter, Tribes is the way to go.
Twisted Metal Black Online At one point this game was being offered free with the purchase of the modem (now Everquest has taken that slot). Still a great game to get if you like your racing games a little dirtier and rougher (I.E - You like to blow up your opponentns with heavy machine gun fire).
