Today, I have elected to cut all ties to an old friend. This friend was inobtrusive, but the highlight of many of my younger days. Kevin and I wouldn’t be as close as we are without it (whether or not this is good is debatable), nor would my other friends. That friend? My PlayStation II.
My first PS 2 came from a wealthy college roommate my sophomore year. My roommate tripped over his controller cord, causing his machine to come crashing down. He was going to throw it in the garbage, but I salvaged it and got a high quality system out of it that only had a DVD tray that was out of alignment. I forget what my first purchase was; I think it was Metal Gear Solid 2, but I won’t swear to it. (Madden 02 was a thoughtful gift from my sister, although it was the PS 1 version.) I enjoyed the GTA Series, Madden, MVP, NHL, and a host of other games. It offered me an opportunity to play Mega Man again and introduced me to Tenchu. There were some bad games (Dropship and the Getaway), some okay games (Red Faction II), and some brilliant games (GTA and God of War). My first PS 2 died the day after I got Madden 04. I was distraught beyond all consolation; when my mother agreed to buy me a new one as an early birthday present, I was ecstatic.
If San Andreas is the Babe Ruth of PS 2, Madden 04 was my Cal Ripken. I played an amazing 20 seasons of Madden; it finally topped High Heat 2001 as the game I played most in a one year period. I am disappointed I’ll never get to play God of War II or finish Vice City Stories, but there are those who can use it more than me (my nieces). Some games will be sold to buy new ones, like MLB 08 and GTA IV. Some will be given away.
My last PS 2 game was Smackdown vs RAW 2008; before I pack my stuff away, I’ll try to remember to post pictures of Team Orthodoxy, whom I look forward to recreating in future editions.
Farewell, PS 2. You were my first non-Nintendo gaming system, but you will forever remain in my heart.
(At least until I get GTA IV.)
