The sound design of PS2

[CrystalViolet]

Now that PS2 is getting closer to beta, I'm hoping we start hearing more about a very important aspect of the game, the sound. Specifically wondering if the audio side of things will be getting as much of an upgrade as the visuals, and how sounds in PS2 might effect gameplay. I'd love to see a "Sound Design" themed week that features examples of engine noises, gunshots, ambiance, and the process of implementing a soundscape on such a major scale. Also hoping that the engineers might pop in here and give us a few tidbits on the topic.