European Playstation 3 not so backwards compatible

A REPORT FROM German site Cynamite has given us our first glimpse of the new backwards compatibility software emulation within the European Playstation 3.

Sony announced over a week ago that the European version of the PS3 would not feature hardware-based backwards compatibility in the form of the PS2's Emotion Engine.

This is despite both the Japanese and American versions of the console featuring the chip. These therefore offer a significantly high degree of backwards compatibility.

Cynamite has managed to get its hands on a European PAL PS3 prior to the official launch date, and has begun performing backwards compatibility testing.

The list of games tested are claimed by Cynamite to be the top-twelve PS2 software titles, and are listed as followed:

• God of War
• MGS 2: Sons of Liberty
• MGS 3: Snake Eater
• Shadow of the Colossus
• Guitar Hero 2
• Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
• Okami
• GTA: Liberty City Stories
• Eragon
• Final Fantasy X-2
• Ratchet & Clank 3
• Lumines Plus

Its reported that only ONE of these twelve games operates properly - Eragon. All other titles refused to run, and referred the user to future software updates and the Sony Website to read the downward compatibility list.

It's possible that this console hasn't received the latest firmware patch destined for European consoles on release (it was reported to be running 1.50), but if it is the case that the PS3 backwards compatibility will be performing as badly as this, then European gamers will be in uproar. µ

See also
Wii mod-chip works
Signs of an Xbox 360 price-drop spotted
Find a PS3 and receive $1200 from Sony
Not many PS3s heading for Europe