Sony's Playstation 2 is the only one of the so-called "next generation" video game systems that lacks four-player game support at the time of purchase. In order to play a four-player game on the Playstation 2, gamers must shell out extra cash for the multi-tap peripheral that enables four-player mode. Perhaps this is why there are comparably so few four-player Playstation 2 games on the market today.
In the last few months Sony has made a strong drive in its four-player gaming repertoire, and in the near future several will be released with high expectations.
"Champions of Norrath" an action/role-playing game created by Snowblind Studios (the makers of "Balder's Gate: Dark Alliance") and published by Sony Online Entertainment is a must have for any Playstation 2 fan interested in four-player games. Inspired by the world of the PC title "Everquest," one of the most revolutionary games of all time, this game does not disappoint.
This game features both four-player multi-tap and free online play support. Players cooperate on a team to vanquish the forces of evil that populate more than 45 levels and promise over a hundred hours of gameplay per player character. Randomly generated dungeons, armor and weapons make sure players never experience the same game twice, making this game fun to play for extensive periods.
"Wrath Unleashed" published by the LucasArts Entertainment Company provides a game which is a combination of Strategy and Fighting. Four players battle it out head-to-head in a game that tests both the strategy formulation and "button mashing" abilities of players. This game places opposing armies on a chessboard-like world and is reminiscent of the classic Nintendo game "Archon" published by Activision many years ago.
Players take turns moving their pieces on the board and when their respective characters attempt to occupy the same space they engage in combat. The objective is either to occupy a certain number of "power spaces" or completely annihilate your friends. While game sessions between friends can be very enjoyable, everyone in the group needs to be a fan of both strategy and fighting games for it to be worth playing over and over again.
"McFarlane's Evil Prophecy" published by Konami Digital Entertainment features a poorly developed four-player cooperative action/fighting mode. Each gaming session lasts about an hour and basically repeats. The four-player mode is a depressingly difficult "play until you die" situation where players receive only one health bar and on average only reach level 15 or 16 before they are beaten to death. The single player option is not much better with choppy camera angles and poorly thought-out gameplay. Anyone interested in a four-player game should avoid this monstrosity.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus" being produced by Konami Digital Entertainment is a game coming out later this month. The title will no doubt bring up some nostalgia in gamers for the classic arcade version or one of the numerous Nintendo versions. The Ninja Turtles are promising to return in this game featuring the classic four-player cooperative story/arcade and four-player battle mode play styles. Additionally, this game features voiceovers from the soon-to-be classic TMNT animated series. Anyone interested in four-player action or the Turtles will want to keep a close eye out for this game as it progresses through development.
"Champions: Return to Arms" currently being created by Snowblind Studios and published by Sony Online Entertainment is the sequel to the highly acclaimed game "Champions of Norrath" and should prove to be one of the best four-player games created for the Playstation 2. So far boasting two new playable classes, the ability to import characters from the original game, thousands of new items and fifty new levels, this sequel promises to exceed the original.
