PlayStation Underground
|
The first issue of the PlayStation Underground | |
| Categories | Video game magazine |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Sony Computer Entertainment America |
| First issue | March 26, 1997 |
| Final issue — Number |
Q3 2001 5.1 |
| Company | Sony Computer Entertainment America |
| Country | United States |
| Based in | Foster City, California |
| Language | English |
PlayStation Underground is a now-defunct American video game magazine, originally published by Sony Computer Entertainment America. The magazine focused on PlayStation fanbase, including gaming on the original Sony PlayStation and the PlayStation 2. Unlike its paper-based counterpart the Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine, PlayStation Underground came in the form of CD-ROMS which could be played on the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 consoles. The magazine released its first issue on March 26, 1997[1] and ended with its final issue in 2001. The Magazine released a total of seventeen issues during its active years.[2] The magazine was eventually merged with Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine in 2001 when it was discontinued.
Content
Each issue consists of two CD-ROMS that can be played on a PlayStation or a PlayStation 2 console, or an emulator.[1]
Disc One
- The Vault - A collection of playable game demos of upcoming Sony Computer Entertainment America game titles.
- Code Book - Hints, cheat codes and strategy guides for video games.
- Imports - Preview of games from around the world such as Europe and Japan which have yet to be released in the United States.
- Download Station - Additional game content such as extra secret levels or hidden characters which are saved into the memory card for use with certain games similar to the seventh generation of consoles' DLC.
- Tech Q&A - A section which asks and answers questions behind product development and the PlayStation's technological capabilities.
- Debriefing - Video interviews with major video game designers who work with the PlayStation console.
- Behind the Scenes - A look at the "making of" video games, commercial spots, etc.
- Event Center - A highlight of current happenings in the PlayStation brand, promotions and marketing events.
- Bulletins - Exclusive special notices and opportunities for PlayStation Underground club members.
- Transmission - A feature showcasing upcoming features and contests.[1]
- Alphas - Exclusive previews and premieres of upcoming games.
- Hidden Content - Each issue had various Easter Eggs hidden throughout the sections including cheat codes, game movies, game demos, etc.[2]
Disc Two
The second disc contains mostly demos of upcoming games as well as game trailers. An example would be in the second issue of PlayStation Underground the second disc was a Square themed disc containing demos to Final Fantasy VII and Bushido Blade as well as exclusive upcoming trailers of new Square games.[2]
Notable Interviews
PlayStation Underground featured video interviews with many high profile game designers as well as other notable figures in the entertainment industry internationally during their Debriefing, Tech Q&A and Behind The Scenes segments, these include:
- Dave Jaffe (Incognito Entertainment) - Twisted Metal 2, Twisted Metal: Black
- Hironobu Sakaguchi (Square) - Final Fantasy VII
- Nobuo Uematsu (Square) - Final Fantasy VII
- Yoshinori Kitase (Square) - Final Fantasy VII
- Todd McFarlane (Acclaim Entertainment) - Spawn
- Kazuo Hirai (Sony Computer Entertainment) - Sony Computer Entertainment
- Masaya Matsuura (NanaOn-Sha) - PaRappa the Rapper
- Stewart Copeland (The Police) - Spyro the Dragon
- Ken Kutaragi (Sony Computer Entertainment) - "Next Generation PlayStation"
- Phil Harrison (Sony Computer Entertainment) - "Next Generation PlayStation"
- Tomonobu Itagaki (Team Ninja) - "Next Generation PlayStation"
- Kazunori Yamauchi (Polyphony Digital) - Gran Turismo 2
- Shuhei Yoshida (Japan Studio) - Ape Escape
- Tony Hawk (Neversoft) - Tony Hawk's Pro Skater
- Jason Rubin (Naughty Dog) - Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, Crash Bandicoot: Warped, Crash Team Racing
- Ted Price (Insomniac Games) - Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!
- Tokuro Fujiwara (Whoopee Camp) - Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return
- Hideo Kojima (Kojima Productions) - Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty[2]
Staff
The staff of PlayStation Underground included:
- Narrator - Gary Barth
- Narrator - Chris Colon
- Senior Executive Producer – Andrew House
- Senior Producer - Perry Rodgers
- Executive Producer - Peter Dille
- Producer – Gary Barth
- Marketing Director – Colin MacLean
- Marketing Manage - Michelle Vercelli
- Audio - Buzz Burrowes
- Music Composition, Sound Effects - Nathan Brenholdt
- Music Composition - Chuck Doud
- Marketing Coordinator - Yvonne Smith
- Marketing Coordinator, Product Manager - Kim Yuen
- Creative Director - Alan Drummer
- Test Manager - Mark Pentek
- Art Staff - Christian Lowe
- Tip Team - Francesca Reyes[2]
References
- 1 2 3 Chris Kramer, Samantha Sackin (March 26, 1997). "PlayStation goes underground; PlayStation UndergroundClub launches with innovative CD-ROM CD...". Business Wire. Sony Computer Entertainment America. Retrieved June 30, 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Giant Bomb Staff. "PlayStation Underground". Giant Bomb. Retrieved June 30, 2010.
External links
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