Millions, perhaps billions, of people will watch the Olympics this August in Athens.  Unless you're one of the lucky few who just happens to be a world-class athlete, then that's all you'll be doing watching.  Unless you own a PlayStation 2 that is.  Athens 2004 is the official game of the Olympics and will give you a chance to bring the games home and compete in them as well.  To find out more about the PlayStation 2 Olympic experience, we asked Paul Murphy of Sony some questions about the game...

Athens 2004 takes aim at providing a complete Olympic experience.

GT: Does the game to capture the setting, spirit, and atmosphere of the Athens Games, or is it more of a timeless tribute to the Olympics?

PM: Essentially, your question is one in the same... Athens 2004, The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games, has been designed to capture the spirit and emotion of the Olympic Games while providing the most detailed and comprehensive Olympic licensed video game ever made, thus it could be considered, in your words, "a timeless tribute" based on each individual user experience.

GT: How many different countries are represented in the game and how many can you play for? What if any effect does your choice of country have on the game?

PM: Athens 2004, The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games, allows you to choose from one of 64 countries and up to 800 different characters. Each character has different attributes depending on the event. For example, in Weightlifting, the characters have big and strong attributes, while in running events, character's attributes are lean and athletic. Choosing the country will give the look and personality of the character from that area, but it will be up to the user to control the character athletically.

GT: How many different events will be included in Athens 2004? Will the emphasis be on track and field events or will other events be represented?

PM: Players will be able to participate in up to 25 events including:
Thirteen Athletics (Track & Field) Events including: 100m, 200m, 400m,
800m, 1500m, Hurdles, Long Jump, High Jump, Triple Jump, Pole Vault,
Javelin Throw, Discus Throw and Shot Put.
Four Aquatics (Swimming) Events including: 100m Freestyle, 100m
Backstroke, 100m Breaststroke and 100m Butterfly.
Four Gymnastics Events including: Floor Exercises Men, Floor Exercises
Women, Rings Men and Vault.
One Shooting Event: Skeet.
One Archery Event: Individual 70m.
One Weightlifting Event: Clean & Jerk.
One Equestrian Event: Jumping Individual Mixed.



 

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