Summary
- Release Year: 2002
- Genres: Racing, Shooter
- Platforms: PlayStation 2
- Developers: SCE London Studio
- Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. (SCEI)
Hardware: Online Arena: The Forgotten Gem of PS2 Online Gaming
Released alongside the launch of online play for the PlayStation 2, Hardware: Online Arena was one of the first online games for the console. Despite its early release and innovative gameplay, the game failed to achieve commercial success. However, it later gained a cult following and became one of the most popular online games on PS2.
Gameplay
Hardware: Online Arena is a vehicular combat game that pits players against each other in online arenas. Players can choose from a variety of vehicles, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Vehicles can be equipped with a variety of weapons, including missiles, lasers, and machine guns.
The game features a variety of game modes, including deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture the flag. Players can also create their own custom game modes.
Reception
Hardware: Online Arena received mixed reviews upon release. Some critics praised the game’s innovative gameplay and online features, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay and lack of content. However, the game later gained a cult following and became one of the most popular online games on PS2.
Legacy
Hardware: Online Arena is often credited as being one of the first successful online games for the PlayStation 2. The game’s innovative gameplay and online features helped to pave the way for future online games on the console.
Rediscovery
In recent years, Hardware: Online Arena has been rediscovered by a new generation of gamers. The game’s unique gameplay and online features have made it a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Hardware: Online Arena is a forgotten gem of PlayStation 2 online gaming. The game’s innovative gameplay and online features make it a must-play for fans of vehicular combat games. Despite its lack of commercial success, the game has gained a cult following and remains one of the most popular online games on PS2.
Additional Details
- Developer: SCE Studio Liverpool
- Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
- Release Date: November 5, 2002
- Platform: PlayStation 2
- Genre: Vehicular combat
- Number of Players: 2-16
Gameplay Features
- Variety of vehicles to choose from
- Each vehicle has its own unique strengths and weaknesses
- Vehicles can be equipped with a variety of weapons, including missiles, lasers, and machine guns
- Variety of game modes, including deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture the flag
- Players can create their own custom game modes
Critical Reception
- IGN: 7/10
- GameSpot: 6/10
- Eurogamer: 7/10
User Reviews
- Metacritic: 7.2/10
- GameRankings: 7.3/10
Sales
- Hardware: Online Arena sold approximately 100,000 copies worldwide.
Legacy
- Hardware: Online Arena is often credited as being one of the first successful online games for the PlayStation 2.
- The game’s innovative gameplay and online features helped to pave the way for future online games on the console.
Rediscovery
- In recent years, Hardware: Online Arena has been rediscovered by a new generation of gamers.
- The game’s unique gameplay and online features have made it a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
