Neowin.net

Sony is set to launch its online gaming offering for the PlayStation 2 in the USA on August 27, with the release of the official PS2 network adapter and some of the first titles to support online play - giving it a headstart of over two months on Microsoft's competing Xbox Live service.

The online plans for PS2 all revolve around the network adapter, which offers both Ethernet and modem connectivity in one package - expected to be priced at around $40, slightly cheaper than Microsoft's Xbox Live starter pack. Unlike Xbox Live, no annual subscription fees apply to basic PS2 online services, but companies are free to design their own subscription models and infrastructure for individual games in a system reminiscent of the way that PC online gaming works at the moment.

Sony plans to ship 250,000 network adapters to US retail for the launch of the service, and hopes to sell 400,000 of them by the end of the year - giving the PS2 a vital critical mass of online gamers early in the life of the service. Users wanting to bring their PS2 online will need to have a separate ISP account, either for dialup or broadband - for those who don't have one, however, the startup disc provided with the network adapter contains setup software for a variety of US ISPs.

News source: The Reg'
View: Sony confirms PS2 online plans

The Classes

SCOUT:
The SCOUT KIT is equipped with a long-range sniper rifle, which allows him to really reach out and touch someone at a distance. He can also spot for teammates who are in an artillery positions (vehicle or ship).

ASSAULT:
The ASSAULT KIT is equipped with an assault rifle, which is best when taking out enemy infantry. Due to the guns recoil it is most accurate from a stationary position, either crouching or prone.

AT:
The ANTI-TANK KIT is equipped with an anti-vehicle weapon. Most vehicles have their heaviest armor in the front, so the best tactic when attacking is to hit them in the flank or rear. Be careful of enemy infantry.

MEDIC:
The MEDIC KIT is equipped with a very effective short-range sub-machinegun. However, the true value of the medic is the ability to heal teammates.

ENGINEER:
The ENGINEER KIT is equipped with a standard issue rifle. The rifle has heavy stopping power but a long reload and limited ammo capacity. The true value of the engineer is his ability to repair vehicles and plant explosives, both landmines and demolition packs.

The Vehicles

AIRCRAFT CARRIER:
The AIRCRAFT CARRIER is close to supplanting the Battleship's supremacy on the high seas. With its brood of dive-bombers and fighters it can launch attacks outside of the Battleship's range. It can also protect itself from air attack. The LCVPs at the rear of the ship can be used to make beach landings.

DESTROYER:
The DESTROYER is a multi-purpose ship. Its primary role is as an anti-submarine escort, although in this demo you don't have to worry about submarines. You can also use its cannons for shore bombardment. It has limited defenses against air attacks. The LCVP's at the rear of the ship can be used to make beach landings.

FIGHTER:
The FIGHTER is the fastest and most manueverable vehicle in the sky. It combines excellent air cover and decent ground attack.

DIVE-BOMBER:
The DIVE BOMBER is a 2-person vehicle which provides excellent ground attack with decent air cover. An empty back-gunner position is useful when a teammate needs a quick pick-up.

LIGHT TANK:
The LIGHT TANK is an infantryman's worst nightmare. A driver-controlled cannon and coaxial machinegun coupled with a cupola-mounted machinegun for anti-air and anti-infantry makes this two-person vehicle very versatile. Be careful of Heavy Tanks or hidden anti-tank infantry.

APC:
The APC vehicle is one of the most versatile vehicles on the battlefield. It can provide light armor protection for up to 6 soldiers as well as anti-air and anti-infantry support from it's machinegun. Also, any soldier seated in the passenger compartment will automatically be healed and their ammo will be replenished. It will also replenish the ammo of any vehicle within a 10 meter radius of the APC.

SCOUT CAR:
This 2-person vehicle is the fastest on land. It's also the least armored. It is best used to quickly penetrate the opponent's line or for those quick getaways.

STATIONARY MG:
The STATIONARY MG presents a difficult defensive position to attacking units. It can cut down any unprotected infantry within seconds. It is ineffective against armored tanks. You will also want to be careful, as the machinegun is prone to over-heating.

Multiplayer Demo Requirements

Minimum:
500 MHz CPU
128 MB RAM
3D accelerated 32 MB video card or equivalent with HTL (Hardware Transform & Lightning) and 24-bit z-buffer
160 MB free hard disk space plus space for saved games (additional space required for Windows swapfile and DirectX 8.1 installation)
16X speed CD-ROM/DVD-ROM
DirectX 8 compatible sound card
Microsoft compatible mouse
Keyboard

Recommended:
800 MHz CPU
256 MB RAM
3D accelerated 64 MB video card or equivalent with HTL (Hardware Transform & Lightning) and 24-bit z-buffer
160 MB free hard disk space plus space for saved games (additional space required for Windows swapfile and DirectX 8.1 installation)
16X speed CD-ROM/DVD-ROM
DirectX 8 compatible sound Card
Microsoft compatible mouse
Keyboard

Required Operating Systems:
Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows XP or Windows 2000
Note that Windows 95 is not supported.

*Online gameplay website for Battlefield 1942™ will be available only through September 4, 2003 subject to online Terms of Service and all features may not be available at the time of purchase.