Overview
PlayStation Underground was a CD magazine for the PlayStation. Subscribers received quarterly issues that consisted of two discs (except the final issue). The first issue was released in Spring 1997. At that time, Underground was a unique, revolutionary product in the world of gaming. Never before had gamers had access to this type of content.
Each issue was divided into many sections. Here are the sections that appeared most often in the issues:
- Alphas - Exclusive first looks at upcoming games.
- Behind the Scenes - An inside look at PlayStation events, developer studios, commercial shoots, etc.
- Bulletins - Info about the mag itself including Speak Your Mind (fan interaction), PlayStation Online news, Contests, Fan Art, Underwear/Threadz (merchandise), Next Transmission (subscription info), Hidden Codes from previous issues, Credits, and Fine Print.
- Code Book - An encyclopedia of codes for tons of PlayStation titles.
- Cool Moves - Members of the Tip Team go through walkthroughs and strategies for the most popular games.
- Debriefing - Interviews with industry pros.
- Download Station - Access to save files that you can download straight to your own memory card.
- Event Center - Documentary footage of the industry biggest events like E3, Tokyo Game Show, Game Developers Conference, and more.
- Imports - Demos from Japan and/or Europe.
- R&D - Presentations on new PlayStation hardware/accessories, Net Yaroze, playabe Yaroze games, Project Wormhole, and CG Design.
- Tech Q&A - Answers to commonly asked questions in the world of PlayStation.
- The Vault - Playable demos.
- Hidden Content - Each issue had various Easter Eggs hidden throughout the sections including codes, movies, demos, etc.
Discontinued
PlayStation Underground merged with Official PlayStation Magazine in Summer 2001. The PlayStation Underground brand lived on as a free portion of Sony's official PlayStation website where they run many contests, offer special deals to members, publish newsletters for many PlayStation products, and was home to the Retail Loyalty Site before being completely phased out nearly ten years later.
Issue 1
The premiere issue of PlayStation Underground was sent to anyone who registered their PlayStation via the card included in the system's box and arrived in the Spring of 1997. The opening sequence features a CG cutscene of characters starting up a satellite transmission that will beam the Underground content to the new subscribers. The main menu consisted of a stone portal of some kind that opened up to reveal the icons for each section of the issue as the user scrolled through them.
Disc 1
The Vault
Imports
Tech Q&A
- "Why are PlayStation CD's black?"
- "How are games tested and bugs caught?"
Debriefing
- Dave Jaffe interview about the development of Twisted Metal 2.
Behind the Scenes
- Twisted Metal 2 commercial
- NFL GameDay '97 commercial
Download Station
Event Center
Code Book
Bulletins
- Fan art submissions
- Subscriber comments
- Merchandise
- Credits
- Fine print
Disc 2
In Stores Now
Coming Soon
Hidden Content
Where | What | How |
---|
Main Menu | Credits Movie | Square, Triangle, Circle, X |
Main Menu | Twisted Metal 2 codes | Circle, Triangle, Square |
The Vault | "Momma Michelle" caricature of Michelle Vercelli | Square, Triangle, Circle, L1, R1 |
Tech Q&A | Cool Boarders hints | Square, Triangle, Circle |
Behind the Scenes | NFL GameDay '97 codes | Hold L1+L2+R1+R2 |
Download Station | Blasto promo | R1, L1, R1, L1 |
Code Book | Jet Moto tips | Triangle, Triangle, Triangle |
Disc 2 Menu | Music video from The Urge, "All Washed Up" | Circle, Triangle, Square, Circle |
In Stores Now | Music video from Ginuwine, "Pony" | R1, L1, R2, L2 |
Coming Soon | NHL FaceOff '97 sweepstakes | Triangle, Circle, Triangle, Square |
Coming Soon | Resident Evil 2 Sneak Peek | Triangle, Triangle, Triangle |
Issue 2
The second issue was split with one disc for Underground and the second disc featuring products from Squaresoft. Many retailers including Babbage's, Software Etc., and Electronics Boutique offered this issue as a pre-order bonus for reserving/pre-ordering Final Fantasy VII.
The opening sequence of the Underground disc features out-takes from the infamous "PlayStation $149" commercial that featured an elderly British couple. Despite only having one disc to work with, the PlayStation Underground team still crammed so much content into the issue that the Final Fantasy VII and Bushido Blade demos felt like a bonus.
Underground Disc
The Vault
Imports
Debriefing
Behind the Scenes
Event Center
Download Station
R&D
- Interviews covering the Net Yaroze project plus two playable demos.
- Funky Beans (demo)
- The Appointed Station (demo)
Tech Q&A
- "How is a PlayStation character created?"
- "Why did PlayStation choose CD's over cartridges?"
Code Archive
- Codes for 36 different games.
Bulletins
- Official Underground website info
- Issue 1's Hidden Codes
- "UnderWear" merchandise
- How to submit comments
- "WIN BIG!!!" Contest
- Credits featuring the UG Candidcam
- Fine Print
Squaresoft Disc
Demos
Videos
Hidden Content
Where | What | How |
---|
Main Menu | K-1 The Arena Fighters codes | L1+L2+R1+R2 |
Main Menu | Mech Warrior 2 codes | Square, Triangle, Circle, X |
The Vault | Gary Barth's proof | Hold All, Tap X |
Imports | Intelligent Qube video | Circle, Triangle, Square, Triangle |
Debriefing | Blasto video | Triangle, Circle, Square, Triangle |
Download Station | Twisted Metal tattoos | Square, Circle, Triangle Circle |
R&D | QA Tester Bruce Cochrane fell asleep | Square, Circle, L1, R1 |
Tech Q&A | Blasto ad | Circle, Square, Triangle, Circle |
Bulletins | Peak Performance codes | R1+Triangle, L1 |
Issue 3
The third issue starts with another CG cutscene. This time it features an Area 51-type warehouse where two FBI-type guys enter to find a UFO. One of them seems surprised to see it, while the other generally ignores it in favor of something even more top secret. Locked away in its own super secure room is the third issue of PlayStation Underground.
The main menu of issue 3 is basically the same as the one found in issue 2 with some color tweaks. This issue is best known for its video footage from that Summer's E3 in Atlanta, which is something that wasn't typically available at the time (1997).
Disc 1
The Vault
Debriefing
Behind the Scenes
Event Center
Download Station
R&D
Tech Q&A
- "How are those black PlayStation CD's made?"
Code Archive
Bulletins
- Underground Online news
- Issue 2's hidden codes
- Wearhouse merchandise
- Speak Your Mind
- Win BIG Contest
- Subscription info
- Credits featuring the UG Candidcam
Disc 2
Demos
Videos
Hidden Content
Where | What | How |
---|
The Vault | Machine Hunter codes | Square, Triangle, Circle, Square |
Event Center | PlayStation Birthday Cake | Circle, Triangle, Circle x2, Square |
Code Archive | Helene Sheeler photo | Circle, Square, Triangle, Circle |
Disc 2 | Blasto preview video | L1+L2+R1+R2 |
Disc 2 | Music video from Apollo 440, "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Dub" | Triangle, Circle, Triangle x2, Square x2 |
Disc 2 | Spawn: The Eternal trailer | Triangle, Circle, Triangle, Circle |
Disc 2 | Crash Bandicoot 2 trailer | Circle, Triangle, Square, Circle |
Issue 4
The fourth issue arrived during January 1998 and included 3D glasses to use while going through the packaging. The issue starts up with a CG cutscene featuring Santa Claus coming down the chimney to deliver presents to a random family. After dropping off some gifts, one of the boxes begins to move. Santa checks it out by opening it and gets sucked into a present that leads to Underground.
The main menu of issue 4 was the same as the previous two thematically, but this time everything was covered in snow. In this issue, and for all issues following, The Vault was moved to Disc 2 so that all demos would be on one disc and in the same place.
Disc 1
Debriefing
Behind the Scenes
Event Center
- ComicCon '97 - PlayStation Underground had a booth and showed several new games including Spawn: The Eternal.
- PlayStation Truck - A 20 wheel big rig that expands into a PlayStation convention anywhere it goes. The feature includes interviews with the truck's crew, Michael "Jolly" Cole and Shane Hicke.
Download Station
R&D
More demos of Net Yaroze games
Tech Q&A
Code Archive
- Codes for 40 different games.
Imports
Bulletins
- Underground Online info
- Issue 3's Hidden Codes
- Threadz merchandise
- Speak Your Mind
- Sweepstakes winners
- Subscription Info
- Credits featuring the UG Candidcam
- Fine Print
Disc 2
The Vault
Hidden Content
Where | What | How |
---|
Main Menu | PaRappa the Rapper code | Square, Triangle, Circle, Triangle x2 |
Main Menu | Jet Moto 2 Tips & Hints | Square, Circle, Square, Triangle, Square, Circle |
Event Center | Perry Rodgers - Where Are They Now? | Circle, Square, Triangle, Circle, Square |
Code Archive | Color Memory Cards Ad | Circle, Square, Triangle |
Bulletins | Sweepstakes Contest | Triangle, Circle repeating |
The Vault | Red Asphalt codes | Square, Triangle, Square, Circle |
The Vault | Twisted Metal Cut Footage | Circle x2, Triangle, Circle, Square |
The Vault | Resident Evil 2 trailer | Square, Triangle, Square, Triangle |
The Vault | Music video from Our Lady Peace, "Clumsy" | Circle, Triangle, Circle, Square, Circle |
The Vault | Cool Boarders 2 Tips & Hints | Triangle x2, Circle, Triangle, Square |
The Vault | Starts Snowing | L1+L2+R1+R2 |
The Best of Year One
This special one disc edition of PlayStation Underground is not an actual issue. This disc was given to attendees at E3 1998 to give them a taste of what the CD mag was all about. The intro to this issue is the MST3K video from Issue 2.1 followed by a promo for selling the mag to new viewers. While the title says it's the best of Year 1, much of the disc is actually from Issue 2.1.
The Vault
Debriefing
Behind the Scenes
- The Making of Blasto (Issue 3)
Event Center
- PlayStation Truck (Issue 4)
Download Station
R&D
- Intro to Software Development Project (Issue 2.1)
Code Archive
Imports
Issue 2.1
The first issue of Volume 2 begins with the guys from Mystery Science Theater 3000 making fun of the four previous intro videos. Mike, Crow, and Tom Servo make MST3K fans proud by ripping on everything, especially the elderly couple in the "PlayStation $149" commercial.
The second volume came with revamp of the main menu. Now set in some sort of sci-fi facility, this issue had a distinct focus on Japan with a tour of Polyphony Digital, interviews about localization, and two titles in the Imports section.
Disc 1
Debriefing
Behind the Scenes
Download Station
R&D
- Previews a new "Software Development" section that will take subscribers step by step through building a game.
Tech Q&A
Code Archive
Imports
Bulletins
- PlayStation Online news
- Issue 4's Hidden Codes
- UnderWear/Threadz merchandise
- Speak Your Mind
- Get the Next Transmission
- Credits featuring the UG Candidcam and MST3K
- Fine Print
Disc 2 - The Vault
Demos
Videos
Hidden Content
Where | What | How |
---|
Main Menu | Hidden Screensaver | Circle, Triangle, Square, Triangle, Triangle, Circle x3 |
Main Menu | Code Denied! | Circle, Triangle, Triangle, Circle, Square, Circle, Triangle, Circle |
Imports | Tomba! trailer | Circle x2, Square, Triangle x2 |
Code Archive | ONE code | Triangle x2, Circle x2, Triangle x2 |
Code Archive | MTV's Gamebrain trailer | Circle x4, Triangle |
Bulletins | Hologram Contest | Circle, Square, Triangle, X |
The Vault | WCW Nitro codes | Triangle x2, Circle, Triangle x2 |
The Vault | Music video from Headswim | Circle x2, Square, Circle x2 |
The Vault | Music video from Hooverphonic-Inhaler | Circle x2, Triangle, Circle x2 |
Issue 2.2
The sixth issue opens with a CG cinematic showing an archaeological dig site in the year 2306 where the excavators find a PlayStation. The PlayStation is then placed in a museum of natural history along with the previous issues of Underground.
The majority of this issue's segments were filmed in London, England including trips to Core Design, SCE's Cambridge Studio, and some London night clubs that feature PlayStation themed rooms.
Disc 1
Debriefing
Behind the Scenes
Event Center
- The crew goes on a tour of London night clubs that feature entire rooms dedicated to PlayStation.
Download Station
R&D
- Software Development 101: How a Game is Made - Project Wormhole is introduced by Gary Barth. This is a game development project that will allow subscribers to help build a small game through the magazine. This installment teaches the basics of 3D design and let's members play around with the objects in a virtual space.
- Net Yaroze - New playable titles include Little Wing, Asobu Rakugaki, and Hover Racing.
Alphas
Code Archive
Bulletins
- PlayStation Online news
- Issue 2.1 Hidden Codes
- Threadz/UnderWear merchandise
- Speak Your Mind
- Get the Next Transmission
- Credits featuring the UG Candid Cam and "Mean" Gene Okerlund
- Fine Print
Imports
Disc 2 - The Vault
Demos
Videos
Hidden Content
Where | What | How |
---|
Main Menu | Raystorm code | Circle, Square, Triangle, Circle |
Main Menu | Command & Conquer: Red Alert codes | Triangle, Square, Circle, Triangle |
The Vault | Gary Barth fell asleep | Square, Circle, Triangle, Triangle |
The Vault | WCW Nitro interviews with Bret Hart, Gene Okerlund, and Rey Mysterio. | Circle, Square x3, Circle |
The Vault | Jet Moto 2 tips video | Triangle, Circle, Triangle, Circle, Triangle |
The Vault | Croc 2 trailer | Triangle, Circle, Square, Circle, Triangle |
The Vault | "The Glove" video | Square, Circle x3, Square |
The Vault | Pitfall 3D tips video | Square, Triangle, Circle, Triangle, Square |
Issue 2.3
The issue begins with a view of a pyramid with a "U" at the top followed by an Indiana Jones style run through the dungeon to find Issue 2.3 resting on a trap pedestal. The adventurer narrowly escapes through a quickly closing stone door and we're taken to the main menu, which is now set in the streets of an unknown city.
This issue is most notable for its tours of Naughty Dog and Insomniac Games' studios, plus coverage of E3 1998 in Atlanta, Georgia and GDC in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Disc 1
Debriefing
Behind the Scenes
Event Center
Download Station
R&D
- Project Wormhole (Part II) - This episode features how to build tunnel tracks, showing weapon ideas from subscribers, and the ability to start building your own tracks.
Alphas
- The Underground crew straps a camera to Naughty Dog studio's pet labrador, and the dog sneaks around the office to get the scoop on Crash: Warped from unsuspecting developers such as Jason Rubin.
Code Archive
Tech Q&A
- "Inside Your Console" explains how the PlayStation works.
Bulletins
- PlayStation Online news
- Issue 2.2 Hidden Codes
- Threadz
- Next Transmission info
- Credits
- Fine Print
Disc 2 - The Vault
Demos
Videos
Import Demos
Hidden Content
Where | What | How |
---|
Main Menu | C: The Contra Adventure codes | Square, Circle, Square, Circle |
Main Menu | Forsaken codes | Triangle, Square, Triangle, Square |
The Vault | Music video from Soul Asylum, "I Will Still Be Laughing" | Square x2, Circle, Square x2 |
The Vault | Turbo Prop Racing trailer | Triangle x2, Circle, Triangle x2 |
Issue 2.4
The eighth issue opens with a blooper reel from the Crash: Warped commercial that featured 7-time Olympic gold medalist Mark Spitz and stuntman Robby Kneivel. This issue was Christmas themed, arrived in the Winter of 1998, and included an Underground logo sticker.
The main menu of this issue is mostly the same as the previous one. Still set in an urban environment and projecting images on the side of a building, the main difference in this issue is that the city was in daylight instead of at night.
Disc 1
Debriefing
Behind the Scenes
Event Center
R&D
- Project Wormhole (Part III) - Video explaining how collision detection works and physics in general. Playable courses are available, but no enemies yet.
Imports
Download Station
Tech Q&A
- Inside look at how the new Dual Shock controller works.
Code Archive
- More codes than ever before.
Bulletins
- PlayStation Online
- Issue 2.3 Hdden Codes
- Threadz merchandise
- Next Transmission
- Credits
- Fine Print
Disc 2 - The Vault
Demos
Videos
Hidden Content
Where | What | How |
---|
Main Menu | PlayStation Kids (Baby) | Triangle, Triangle, Square, Circle |
Main Menu | PlayStation Kids (Adult) | Triangle, Circle, Triangle, Circle, Triangle, Circle |
Main Menu | NFL Blitz codes | Circle x2, Square, Circle x2 |
The Vault | Spyro the Dragon demo | Triangle, Circle, Triangle |
The Vault | Making of Tenchu video | Square, Circle x3, Square |
The Vault | Music video from KoRn, "Got the Life" | Triangle, Circle, Square, Circle, Triangle |
Issue 3.1
The third year of PlayStation Underground starts with a trailer featuring all the content featured within the issue. Then, a CG video plays that starts in a wrestling arena then goes backstage where the menu for the issue loads. This issue has heavy influences from the WCW footage that was shot.
This issue also is the debut of the Cool Moves section, which features tips and tricks for several games presented by the QA testers that know the games best.
Disc 1
Behind the Scenes
R&D
- Project Wormhole (Part IV) - This time they explain enemy AI. The project was planned to be only four parts, but continued due to its popularity. In this issue, members could play another build that now included enemies and weapons.
Event Center
- Spyromania - Sony held a party in Las Vegas in September 1998 to mark the 3rd Anniversary of PlayStation, and the release of Spyro the Dragon. The festivities included a scavenger hunt through Vegas in which Tommy Tallarico successfully delivers on a guaranteed victory.
Download Station
Alphas
Imports
Code Book
- Still tons of codes added.
Tech Q&A
- Feature on the PocketStation accessory only available in Japan and the support it has for Street Fighter Alpha 3.
Bulletins
- Announcing Underground Radio Netcast
- Issue 2.4 Hidden Codes
- Threadz merchandise
- Speak Your Mind
- Next Transmission
- Credits
- Fine Print
Cool Moves
Disc 2 - The Vault
Demos
Videos
Hidden Content
Where | What | How |
---|
Main Menu | Tomb Raider III codes | Triangle, Square, Circle |
Main Menu | The Giant vs Dual Shock video | Triangle x3, Circle x2 |
Bulletins | Pool Hustler tips | Triangle, Circle, Square |
Alphas | Duke Nukem: Time to Kill codes | Circle, Square, Triangle |
The Vault | Hollywood Hogan promo video | L2, L1, L1 |
The Vault | Bloody Roar 2 trailer | L2, R1, R1 |
ISSUE 3.2
The 10th installment of Underground introduced a new host for the mag, a CG woman by the name of Maggie. Maggie would introduce subscribers to the new issue with a rundown of what they were about to find while bickering back and forth with Gary Barth (off-screen).
The new main menu is centered around the front doors of a movie theater. Scrolling through the different categories changes the marquee above the entrance.
Disc 1
Debriefing
Behind the Scenes
Event Center
Imports
R&D
- Project Wormhole (Part V) - This episode focuses on special effects and how they are applied in ways like the smoke trails on missiles. A new vehicle, based on subscriber suggestions, is introduced. The beta of the game is now Dual Shock compatible.
Download Station
Alphas
Bulletins
- PlayStation Online
- Issue 3.1 Hidden Codes
- Threadz & Accessories
- Speak Your Mind
- Coming Next Issue
- Credits
- Fine Print
Disc 2
The Vault
Hidden Content
Where | What | How |
---|
Main Menu | Underground Staff Photo | Circle, Square, Circle, Triangle |
Main Menu | Medal of Honor trailer | Square, Circle, Square, Circle |
Bulletins | Silent Hill codes | Circle, Triangle, Circle, Triangle |
The Vault | Alexi Lalas Soccer codes | L2, L1, R1 |
Issue 3.3
This installment begins with a shot of an Underground blimp in the sky and pans down to street level to enter a movie theater where Maggie greets us once again. The war of words between Gary Barth and Maggie continues.
Disc 1
Tech Q&A
Debriefing
Behind the Scenes
Event Center
Download Station
R&D
- Project Wormhole (Part VI) - This time they have a lesson on articulation and animation plus an updated version of the game.
Bulletins
- PlayStation Online
- Issue 3.2 Hidden Codes
- Threadz & Accessories
- Speak Your Mind
- Coming in Issue 3.3
- Credits
- Fine Print
Disc 2
The Vault
Hidden Content
Where | What | How |
---|
Main Menu | R-Type Delta codes | R1, R2, L1, L1, L2 |
The Vault | 3Xtreme codes | L2, L1, R1, R2 |
The Vault | Syphon Filter codes | L2, R2, R1, L2 |
Issue 3.4
The final issue of year three is yet another Christmas themed issue, right down to Maggie being dressed as Santa's helper, which of course gets a comment from Gary.
Disc 1
PlayStation2
R&D
- Project Wormhole Finale - The video teaches you how to create well-rounded levels and introduces all new level editor that allows you to save your work on a Memory Card. This is the second to last installment, as Issue 4.1 will feature the final game.
Behind the Scenes
- CTR: Crash Team Racing - Naughty Dog's Jason Rubin, Dan Arey, Evan Wells, Gavin James, and Bob Rafei talk about the new cart racing game and all its innovative features. Rubin even reveals a code to unlock Penta Penguin exclusively for Underground members.
- Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage - Ted Price, Michael John, Mark Cerny, Vanessa Russell, Caroline Trujillo, Brian Hastings, Matt Whiting, Chuck Suong, and Oliver Wade talk about the sequel to the hit platformer including 40 mini-games and over 100 new characters. Then they play broom ball in a hockey rink.
Event Center
- Tokyo Game Show Autumn '99 - This feature talks about how 600 games are on PlayStation in America, but over 2000 are in Japan and why that is.
- Lammy Rocks New York - Sony threw a party at the Roxy to celebrate Um Jammer Lammy and Lammy's band, Milk Can, had an on-stage performance. Tokura Fujiwara also sits down for an interview.
Debriefing
Download Station
Tech Q&A
- CG Design is introduced as an upcoming section in future issues and it will show the process of creating 3D renders. They request that subscribers send in drawings of objects they'd like to see created.
Bulletins
- PlayStation Online
- Issue 3.3 Hidden Codes
- Threadz & Accessories
- Speak Your Mind
- Coming in Issue 4.1
- Credits
- Fine Prin
Disc 2
The Vault
Hidden Codes
Where | What | How |
---|
Main Menu | Trickin' Snowboarder codes | L1, L2, L1, R1, R1 |
Behind the Scenes | Suikoden II tips | R2, R2, L1, L1 |
The Vault | Croc 2 trailer | R1, R1, L2, R1, R2, L2 |
Issue 4.1
This first issue of year four opens with another view of the blimp, but this time missiles are being shot at it. A defense system takes out the missiles, which is good since Maggie is inside the blimp to introduce the new issue.
Disc 1
PlayStation2
The crew goes to Japan to get footage of Gran Turismo 2000 and to talk to Kazunori Yamauchi about he depth of control that GT2000 will feature thanks to the Dual Shock 2 controller. They also take a look at how the lighting techniques that the game uses bring unbelievable graphics to the game. They even discuss the future of the franchise being about online racing. The crew then takes a trip to Tokyo Game Show again to chat with the likes of Jason Rubin and Takatsuka Susumu about the potential of PS2.
Behind the Scenes
Cool Moves
Debriefing
Event Center
- Covert Gaming Journalists - 989 Studios invited a bunch of journalists to compete in a Syphon Filter 2 style covert operation with paintball guns.
Tech Q&A
- Christian Lowe took a drawing submitted by a fan and quickly rendered it in 3D to show how simple CG design is done.
Imports
Download Station
Bulletins
- PlayStation Online
- Issue 3.4 Hidden Codes
- Threadz & Accessories
- Speak Your Mind
- Coming on Issue 4.2
- Credits
- Fine Print
Disc 2
The Vault
Hidden Content
Where | What | How |
---|
Main Menu | Sled Storm codes | L1, L2, L2, R1 |
Main Menu | Grand Theft Auto 2 codes | L1, L2, R1, L1 |
Cool Moves | Knockout Kings 2000 codes | L2, R2, R1, R1 |
Bulletins | NBA ShootOut 2000 codes | L2, R2, L2, R2, L2 |
The Vault | WCW Mayhem codes | L1, L2, L2, L1 |
The Vault | NFL GameDay 2000 codes | L1+L2, R1+R2 |
The Vault | You Don't Know Jack codes | L1, L2, L2, R2 |
Issue 4.2
This issue again opens in the PlayStation blimp with Maggie, who talks a bit about PlayStation 2 and all the E3 2000 coverage including Frankie Muniz.
Disc 1
PlayStation2
Underground heads to E3 2000 and finds Frankie Muniz, the star of Malcolm in the Middle, who quickly realizes that you have to be 18 or older to enter E3. Muniz runs through trying to play as many games as possible while being chased by a security guard. He checks out:
Event Center
E3 2000 Roundup
Slam City Jam - The crew went to Vancouver for this skate competition in order to build hype for Grind Session.
Behind the Scenes
Download Station
Tech Q&A
- The CG Design crew picked "Land Crusher" from an 11-year old kid from Pennsylvania.
Bulletins
- PlayStation Online
- Issue 4.1 Hidden Codes
- Threadz & Accessories
- Speak Your Mind
- Coming on Issue 4.3
- Credits
- Fine Print
Disc 2
The Vault
Hidden Content
Issue 4.3
Maggie's still in the blimp as this issue begins, and she's talking to Frankie Muniz on a video wall. Apparently Frankie forgot to get games to go with those two PS2's he stole from E3. Maggie refuses to help him and we head into the menu.
Disc 1
Debriefing
Behind the Scenes
Download Station
Event Center
- The PlayStation Truck returns to Underground to show off it's PS2 make-over as it went to Rockfest 2000, which was headlined by Metallica.
R&D
- Andrew House (VP Marketing) shows the newly designed PSone, along with the optional 4-inch screen attachment.
Cool Moves
Bulletins
- PlayStation Online
- Issue 4.2 Hidden Codes
- Threadz & Accessories
- Speak Your Mind
- Coming on Issue 4.4
- Credits
- Fine Print
Disc 2
The Vault
PlayStation 2 Round Up
Hidden Content
Issue 4.4
The sixteenth installment of Underground is split between PlayStation and PlayStation 2 (one disc for each). The final PSone issue of Underground starts with Maggie at the launch of PlayStation 2. On Disc 2, Maggie is wearing a red jumpsuit in what appears to be a space station to unveil the mag's new look for PS2.
PSone Disc
Download Station
Event Center
Behind the Scenes
Cool Moves
Bulletins
- PlayStation Online
- Issue 4.3 Hidden Codes
- Threadz & Accessories
- Speak Your Mind
- Next Transmission
- Credits
- Fine Print
The Vault
PlayStation 2 Disc
Arcade
Download Station
Behind the Scenes
Cool Extra
- Theatrical trailer for The Grinch starring Jim Carrey.
Cool Moves
Hidden Content
Issue 5.1
The final issue of Underground is also the only one that is exclusively for PS2 and also is the only issue that is not two discs. Maggie introduces all the new content one final time and continues bickering with UG Producer, Gary Barth. Maggie says "See you next issue" and in the Bulletins section there is info about what will be on the next issue, but unfortunately it never came.
The Vault
This time, The Vault featured seven PS2 demos as well as seven trailers for upcoming PS2 games.
Behind the Scenes
Spyro: Year of the Dragon
- The Insomniac crew, including Ted Price (President), Craig Stitt (Art Director), and Brian Allgeier (Game Designer), are back to talk about their little field trip to go hang gliding in order to get the physics of flying right for the game.
Twisted Metal Black
- Dave Jaffe has returned to the helm of the franchise along with Scott Campbell (President of Incognito) and Randy Zorko (Technical Director). They talk to Underground about the development of the game and how it's going back to its roots.
Download Station
Event Center
Maggie joins the crew on a trip to Super Bowl XXXV in order to watch the "Game Before the Game," which is a traditional game of NFL GameDay between opposing players in the Super Bowl. The GBtG correctly determined the winner of the Super Bowl for the 7th year in a row as Qadry Ismail's Ravens defeated Jason Sehorn's Giants in GameDay.
Tech Q&A
Professional snowboarders Todd Richards, Barrett Christy, and Kevin Jones get their faces scanned at 989 Studios for Cool Boarders 2001. Chip Parsons, Kolbe Launchbaugh, and Gerald Ashworth from 989 discuss the first Cool Boarders title for PlayStation 2 and how they used motion capture technology to make the game more realistic.
Cool Moves
Credits
Many people contributed to the PlayStation Underground CD Magazine project. Since this is a concept page, there is not a way to add them the way Giant Bomb would normally do so. So, here is a list of some of the most important people involved, plus others notables that appear throughout the issues in the "Special Thanks" category.
Special Thanks
These individuals appeared in the Special Thanks section of the credits. Many more than once.
Log in to comment