An exciting development for fans of PlayStation 2 retro gamers: over 750 demos and prototypes have been uploaded to the Internet Archive.
Described by archivers Hidden Palace as “a project so massive it practically eclipses everything that we’ve tackled up until this point” the Project Deluge collection is made up of pre-release software that does not match the final build. Most significantly – and impressively – the entire collection is courtesy of one person.
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.
Games are in various stages of production, from late pre-release builds to early prototypes. Each entry at Hidden Palace features graphics and screenshots (where available) along with compatibility information (including emulation) and download links. Highlights of the collection include Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex and Shadow of the Colossus, as well as prototypes and previews of Bond titles Everything or Nothing and From Russia With Love, along with God Hand, and Final Fantasy 10-2.
In short, it’s going to take a while to get through this immense collection. Send your thanks to the gaming gods.
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.