It has been a long time in the making and one of the initial selling points at launch was the Playstation 2's ability to play online games via the Internet. The wait is finally over and let me tell you folks it was worth the wait. Unlike Microsoft's decision to include a modem and hard drive in their XBOX, Sony decided to do things a little differently. The network adapter is now available at $49.99 U.S. or $69.99 Canadian funds. The hard drive, which was originally promised for this Fall has now been put on the back burner and the folks at Sony are keeping pretty tight lipped about anything to do with it. From all of the information I have gathered over the last 3 months, it would appear that Sony is in a holding pattern regarding the hard drive. While such a device would open new avenues to the Playstation brand, it remains to be seen whether consumers are willing to fork out another $100. Instead Sony is probably going to see how the Network Adapter sells and to see how Microsoft's XBOX Live Network does this winter. If things are going well for Microsoft, expect Sony to do something sooner rather than later with the PS2 hard drive. If things fall flat for Microsoft and Sony does not feel pressured then expect to see the hard drive arrive in the PS3 hardware sometime in 2005.

Regardless, PS2 is the first out of the blocks with an online network and a number of titles ready to be played continent wide and hopefully soon, globally. For $49.99 U.S. you get the adapter, start-up disc, demos and a voucher for a free copy of Twisted Metal Black Online. The adapter itself looks like a tiny PS2 and has the exact details as the console. First, you will need an Internet connection, either dial-up or broadband (cable or DSL)**. Installing the unit is very easy. Simply take off the back bay cover, slide the adapter in and gently screw the two sides shut with a coin to avoid it falling off. Next plug in the appropriate phone cord. This is important because unlike Microsoft, Sony was kind enough to support either dial-up service or broadband service. Putting the wrong cord into the wrong jack could cause a malfunction so take care in this step. Once connected, simply put in the start-up disc and follow along the easy to use menus. You will need a PS2 memory card with a minimum of 137KB of free space. While the system is setting up your configuration, it will save these unique settings to your memory card. These settings will only work with your PS2 unit. Therefore, you cannot take your settings over to your friend's house and use the adapter there. This might sound like a pain but it is a security feature to ensure cheating and abuse does not occur over the various networks. Whether you have dial-up or broadband (cable or DSL) the start-up software takes you through each step of the process to make things simple and painless. You will need you Internet Provider's network settings for some steps in the process, so if you have that information handy take it out. If you have lost it, then simply call up your provider and ask them for the necessary details.

The entire process took me less than 10 minutes to complete and the next thing I knew I was online. On the start-up disc you will find two Online playable demos of Madden 2003 and Frequency. My first inkling was to test them out and so I did. Madden 2003 was a short experience with only 1 minute quarters. Regardless, I set up my I.D. with EA's network and found myself in a chat type lounge where people were talking and challenging each other to a game. It was not long before I found myself playing someone from California. Naturally I won but it was a great experience. No lag times or hick-ups during any aspect of the game. Next, I threw in NFL2K3 from Sega. Again connecting was easy but Sega's network was quite buggy in places. People were having difficulty in getting games started due to poor bandwidth. I finally got a game going and spent the next 40 minutes enjoying it. Again, you worthy PSX2 Central editor won a very close game against an opponent who seemed to really know his football. The game ran smooth for 90% of the game with a few hick-ups here and there. These usually happened while picking a play and not during actual on-field action. After beating the poor chap 28-7, I tried Twisted Metal Black Online. There was nobody to really play here because only media were lucky enough to get copies right away while consumers are going to have to wait 6 weeks. I guess the fact that I was playing at 4 a.m. did not help either. So I put in SOCOM Navy Seals. Wow! What a blast! There are a number of options in SOCOM's online play. The best feature has to be the clan feature whereby you and your buddies team up against other teams. Unfortunately Sony has had some difficulty on its servers with this feature and as a result has suspended this feature for a few days in order to fix the problem.

Just a little insight into how Sony is operating their online plans as an open model. Sony is allowing developers to run and control their own networks as they see fit for specific titles. There are advantages and disadvantages to this model. Advantages include that developers and publishers do not have to follow any strict guidelines set forth by Sony nor do they have to pay Sony any royalties for network play. Developers and publishers can charge their own usage fees as they see fit. Rumor has it that EA will allow free play until January 2003 when it will start charging usage fees. On the opposite side of the pasture, setting up and maintaining networks may become quite costly for the smaller publishing houses. Some consumers may rather pay one flat yearly fee that would allow them to access any networked title unlimited for one year. Microsoft is taking this approach this November with its XBOX Live network launch. Which model is better? It is too early in the game to predict.

As it stands now, Sony's Network Adapter is a fantastic piece of hardware. It's ability to allow dial-up and broadband usage will appeal to the millions of PS2 owners. Keep in mind that broadband is the wave of the future and that many games, like SOCOM, will only work with a broadband connection. Regardless, if whether you are a serious gamer or a casual fan who has a PS2 in your home, the network adapter is the next step and a must in the evolution of the Playstation brand. The price is minimal and great value. I know it is difficult at the moment to find a network adapter for purchase due to the great demand. Sony promises to deliver as many units as they can from now through to Spring 2003.

** I have had a few complaints from Canadian PS2 owners who are trying to get an account with either Bell Canada's High Speed Sympatico Service or Rogers High Speed Cable Service. Apparently both companies will not issue Internet accounts unless you have a computer in your household. Even though Sony customer service states that you do not need a computer to get Internet, it would appear that this is the case with these two ISP's in Canada. My advice is to tell either one that you have a computer and make it up in order to get the modem kit and network settings. This package is usually delivered to your house. You can then set it up with the PS2 network adapter and be connected in no time. You may also want to call Sony's customer service to confirm their stance on this "no computer, no service" dilemma. Good Luck!

Value: 10
Overall Score: 10

By Mike Weatherup.