Over 700 PS2 prototypes, demos were released by game preservationists
Nuclear nostalgia bomb incoming
The PS2 is one of the most successful consoles in the history of video games. Hundreds of titles graced Sony’s second console; I’ve gotta say I had some of my best gaming memories from that era. From Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater to Final Fantasy X, they will always hold a special place in my heart.
This particular news piece tells the story of one man’s generosity and one team’s herculean efforts. Video game preservationists Hidden Palace dropped a nostalgic nuclear bomb on the industry, announcing over 700 PS2 prototypes and demos playable to the public. Their announcement was all thanks to just one individual:
These aging items were miraculously rescued from being destroyed, thrown away, or sold through the herculean efforts of one person. This person not only took on the task of backing up everything in their possession single handedly, but was so overwhelmingly kind enough to let us look at and preserve each item in his collection with no strings attached. Yes that’s right, all of it. For nothing in return.
Hidden Palace
All of the games provided are confirmed to be demos or prototypes. Many are early versions of the game and not the final build. We can’t list all 700 games here (…unless you want us to), but we can highlight the SEGA games they published:
- Crazy Taxi (Apr 20, 2001 prototype)
- Rez (Sep 30, 2001 prototype)
- Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love (Nov 11, 2009 prototype)
- SEGA Bass Fishing Duel (Oct 25, 2002 prototype)
- SEGA Classics Collection (Nov 30, 2004 prototype)
- SEGA Superstars (Sep 10, 2004 prototype)
- Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga (Dec 27, 2004 prototype)
- Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 (May 25, 2007 prototype)
- Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution (May 22, 2003 prototype)
Their current PS2 dump of games stands at 752. You can see the full list here. All of the games are playable through an emulator.
Lastly, this doesn’t seem to be the end of their gaming exodus. You can expect more games to become available in the months ahead.
