Wow - after spending the last one hour to this entire thread (yes, reading every single post), I just want to add my two cents.
RichGUK;
there are times where I would call you an absolute moron (no offence), but at times like these with the launch of newer console just a few days back - I can\'t help but to feel the same. There is one difference within my doubts though: I know it will improve. If Polyphony can fullfil wonders like with GT3 A-Spec, than so can the average developer out there. But more to this later...
Getting to the PS2, I think that you exagerate (sp?) just a bit where graphics and framerate stand. I am also from Europe and have to deal with those sloppy PAL conversions - but framerate has never been noticably bad in SSX or other launch games. Note that I started off with 3 games at launch, owning just \'round 14 games until now. SSX is still one of the most impressive games (graphics wise) for PS2 at the moment (take away GT3). Framerate might drop at several corners, but I must say that I honestly don\'t see them or don\'t pay any attention to it. The textures are pretty sharp and very detailed, especially the city track and the tokyo complex. I don\'t see how Dreamcast (only since you mention Shenmue and high standard for graphics) is much better. Tekken TAG looked good too, Ridge Racer besides that low resolution and jagged look is far from being crap. And those were launch titles, that I would say at least touches the better share of Dreamcast titles. Then the next games appeared and ZOE being one of them featured amazing graphics (especially with particles and effects) - which I would also say is on par if not better than the standard of Dreamcast titles to date. The list continues: Rayman looks good (well, I was impressed and it\'s fun too) and so did Quake (although framerate drops are pretty bad). With the launch of GT3, the graphics are just getting better and better. And the graphics engine of GT3 didn\'t take that long if I stand correct. Polyphony was working until mid to late 2000 on GT2000 and than rebuild the graphics engine from scratch (accoarding to an interview with Yamauchi). I think GT3 is by far the best looking game on any console out to date. Even better than PC racers in many departments: no framedrop, very good car models, spectacular real-time reflections on cars and buildings, high quality and sharp textures - and on top of this, through great gameplay, simply the best racing game on any platform hands down. Okay, as have already said, it\'s just one game. Well, not exactly, SSX was very nice at the time too and GT3 is just underlining the present. Final Fantasy X launched in Japan a while ago - and is said my numourus (sp?) big magazines in Japan to be the graphic-wise the best on the PS2. Seing in-game scenes, this is not hard to believe.
Games that are launching within the first year here in Europe are Smugglers Run 2 (gorgous graphics), Devil May Cry (very nice graphics, nice textures), Silent Hill 2 and if MGS2 makes it, definately that one aswell. If you add those to the list, those are already 7 games within last month and games launching within this year. Mark that it\'s still the first year for americans and europeans with our PS2s. What did Dreamcast have to offer during this time? Apart from the much easier development on this console, it also had it\'s share of disappointments (although everything was considered a blast compared to the competitor PSX). I am sure you\'ll agree with Bluestinger (or what it was called), House of Dead, Sega Rally etc. I think the Dreamcast, despite it\'s easy development, has only shown true impressive graphics within this year and with the launch of F355 and Shenmue.
Inovation. Okay, Dreamcast is clearly great in this department, but PS2 isn\'t doing that bad either. The games with the top notch graphics might be the rehashes, but PS2 is already doing a lot of positiv things PSX was clearly missing: FPS and fun games. Lotus Challenge and Stuntman are also games that feature inovative gameplay.
I think the PS2 might have a hard time because of the many ports and large third party support. A lot of ports (Quake III, UT, DoA2:HC and others) are being rushed to the PS2. Also, there are a lot of developers that aren\'t investing a lot of time to learn the PS2 and are instead over rushing their games. The PS2 is without doubt hard to develop for, but after seing a game (that Africa Rally game) that could possibly surpass GT3 (and that from a third party) is very good news. Like I said, if Polyphony, Konami, Square, Capcom, Namco can do it, so can the others. It\'s just a question of when it will reach us. But it will come, no doubt about that.
Now that GameCube launched just a few days ago - and following the shocking announcement of the Resident Evil series going (at least for 6 titles) exclusive to Nintendo - I wonder just how much better those consoles will get (graphics wise). Anyone see the Resident Evil screens for Cube??? Look pretty damn impressive - although after finding out that the backgrounds are most likely prerendered, it doesn\'t seem that impressing anymore. I think GC and X-Box will have their disappointments aswell - and hey, not to mention that those killer apps are still far away.
So my tip, give PS2 a chance and enjoy the good games we have now. The graphics started with SSX and have gotten much better with GT3. With Final Fantasy X, Baulders Gate, MGS2, The Getaway, Stuntman, Ace Combat 4, Jax and Daxter, Onimusha 2, Silent Hill 2, Devil May Cry, Africa Rally ..., World Rally Championship and Wipeout coming soon - thing will get more impressive by the game. PS2 gamers have a bright future ahead.
Greetz
seven
PS. Sorry for the chaotic post, but I\'m tired and had quite a stressful day today...
