Sony talks backwards compatibility in the newest issue of EGM. Included in the conversation are comments on the importance of BC to Sony’s future, as well as hints at downloadable PS2 games for the PS3. This should come as a shock to no one, least of all Microsoft.

To be fair, Sony has never been exactly coy with their plans to move their game catalog to digital. While we’re still likely many years off from seeing Resistance 2 as a downloadable offering, PS1 games have been around for a bit not for both the PS2 and PSP. It only makes sense that PS2 games would follow suit, especially with rumors of Sony offering a new version of the PS3 hardware with a bigger hard drive.

As noted, this is especially not news to Microsoft. While Sony maybe fired the first volley with downloadable PS1 titles, Microsoft fired the first cannon by offering original Xbox titles through Xbox Live. The PS2 catalog easily outpaces the Xbox catalog and Sony would be stupid to ignore it. That’s especially true when it comes to obscure, niche titles. Best of all for consumers, Sony has shown they are quite willing to sell downloadable content at reasonable prices. What does this mean for PS2 game prices? Expect below the greatest hits $20 price.

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Just in time for your Oscar party, Sony has announced Buzz!: The Hollywood Quiz for the Playstation 2. Following up on the success of it’s successor, The Hollywood quiz looks to help the PS2 cash in on the current trend of casual gaming with over 5,000 questions and three new modes of play it looks like those nifty new controllers will be put to use for quite a while.

There are plenty of nods to Hollywood including characters from Creature of the Black Lagoon, an Arnold/Stallone look alike, a pirate, and even the presentation is reminiscent of the Oscars with a red carpet and a Oscar-esque statue in the shape of the game’s host.

Scheduled for a March 11th release, The Hollywood Quiz doesn’t seem to be straying from the same formula that worked for the other titles in the Buzz! series by keeping the same modes from the other games like Final Countdown and Top rank but they are including three new modes called True or False, Hollywood Stars, and Rollover. (more…)

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In The Great Games column we look back at titles that have defined video games over the years and earned a special place in the history of the medium.

ICO doesn’t begin all that spectacularly. You awake to find yourself inside a castle with little idea of what to do or where to go. In that manner, it very much mimics many classics such as the original NES The Legend of Zelda. There’s a story and a goal, but you’re going to have to figure that out as you go. It’s part of the brilliance of the game.

As you progress you discover a fair maiden who needs your help, and frightening black shadow monsters. Frightening is not an overstatement either, as the first time you encounter them and they begin to pull your companion underground you will shriek in horror. Each subsequent appearance is nerve rattling, especially as the level complexity increases. (more…)

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