GamesActionPlayStation 2I bought a PS2 demo disk from 2003 that has Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance, Silent Hill 3, and Burnout 2 on it, and it’s my finest eBay purchase everWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesActionPlayStation 2I bought a PS2 demo disk from 2003 that has Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance, Silent Hill 3, and Burnout 2 on it, and it’s my finest eBay purchase everWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future)
It felt like a fun enough experiment at the time: buy the 2003 demo disk and give it a whirl for the sheer nostalgic joy of it. I get to do the weirdest little things in my line of work, and unearthing some of thebest PS2 gamesand other oddities on eBay is one of them.
Playing catch-up
(Image credit: Warner Bros)
Demo-licious(Image credit: Devolver Digital)From horror gardening sims to RPG puzzlers, here’s 15 Steam Next Fest demos you have to play this June
Demo-licious
(Image credit: Devolver Digital)From horror gardening sims to RPG puzzlers, here’s 15 Steam Next Fest demos you have to play this June
(Image credit: Devolver Digital)
From horror gardening sims to RPG puzzlers, here’s 15 Steam Next Fest demos you have to play this June
It’s hard to recall a time before Next Fest and the relative ease and accessibility of Steam demos, but in reality, those memories aren’t too far off. My PS2 demo disk is a reminder of those times; game demos would come in the post, sellotaped neatly to the cover of a magazine or perhaps tucked into a goodie bag if you’re one of the lucky ones whose parents would let you spend your allowance on them.
Perhaps it’s because I was 8 years old in 2003, but I don’t recall ever owning my own magazine demo disks. We just traded CDs on the playground at school, a covert mission that rarely escaped the watchful eyes of our classroom teachers. That’s what makes this experience so fascinating to me: I’m finally getting to pretend I was cool and old enough to play PS2 demos back in the early ’00s.
I can see the appeal. The overzealous hum of the PS2 springing to life still makes me feel like an excited little kid again. Fuzzy and underexposed pictures appear on my TV screen, courtesy of the shaky AVI to HDMI converter I’d also purchased on eBay some five years ago. A suitably gaudy title screen reading G.A.M.E flickers into focus, and after sitting though a few short trailers, I’m ready to pick my demo poison.
Unusual suspects
(Image credit: Interplay)
I’m finally getting to pretend I was cool and old enough to play PS2 demos back in the early ’00s.
I’m finally getting to pretend I was cool and old enough to play PS2 demos back in the early ’00s.
Black Isle’s 2001 offering Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance is first on the chopping block. I learn the hard way that this particular CD (do let me know if it was common in all demo disks) likes to boot me back to the title screen after 30 seconds of inactivity, so I know I have to make my time count.
I spawn into the cellar of the Elfsong Tavern, a location I recognize fromBaldur’s Gate 3no doubt, and I’m actually quite impressed with how easy it is to navigate. For the purposes of this demo, my level one elven sorcerer must smash a bunch of crates and use magic or melee to fend off any rodents in her path. It’s kitschy and simple enough to be fun for about five minutes
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Next up, I turn my attention to what was intended to be my piece de resistance. Scuzzy indie rock indicates an Akira Yamoka special, underscoring a lengthy Silent Hill 3 trailer as the demo starts up. We begin at Lakeside Amusement Park, creepy and abandoned and adorned with many a Robbie the Rabbit dolls. The puzzles here are few and far between, more like a walking simulator to get the player used to the game’s fixed camera angles and combat elements. The first thing I do? Change the controls from 3D to 2D mapping, because there is no way I am getting out of this alive otherwise.
(Image credit: Konami)
There’s still something so exciting about physical media when it comes to video games.
There’s still something so exciting about physical media when it comes to video games.
Its bright colors and fast-paced rock soundtrack are a far cry from the bleak darkness of Silent Hill 3, and suddenly I remember why I adored playing Burnout Paradise so much. The aim of the game isn’t to beat your car up here, though. It’s a racing game, and every time you crash, you simply restart. There’s a sense of mindless, repetitive comfort generated in Burnout 2 that compels me to play the demo for about thirty minutes more than you’re probably meant to. The only notes I took? “Super fun. I suck at it.”
If this demo CD has taught me anything, it’s that those who regularly got their hands on these disks back in the day are a lucky, lucky bunch. There’s still something so exciting about physical media when it comes to video games, the feeling of cracking open a DVD case and spinning the disk on your fingertip for a moment, carefully checking its reflective underside for scuffs or scratches. I don’t get to experience it often, as almost all of my games are digital copies these days, but I’m already feeling that tell-tale mental tug toward the start of yet another arbitrary collection. If you need me, I’ll be scouring eBay for more forgotten PS2 demos.
Some want GTA 6 to go dark and gritty – but afterreplaying Vice City on PS2, I hope Rockstar doesn’t lose its sense of humor
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
1
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5
Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”