HELP! PS2 Game Purchase? What should I buy? [Archive]

Divinus Arma

08-24-2006, 02:57

I am going to go buy a PS2 game for the first time in ages. I have no idea what to get. I have no idea what is even out there.

For the last, oh, three years all I have played is TW games. I'm a big fan of strategy, and I prefer something not based on the Dune engine (althought that game was great in its day.)

No sports or shootemups or anything that merely involves fast fingers. Just some type of smart strategy game.

Need help here. I'm all out of ideas. :help:

Divinus Arma

08-24-2006, 03:10

Romance of the three kingdoms X? Yay or nay?

Divinus Arma

08-24-2006, 03:17

Kessen?

*Sigh*

This is hopeless. They all look boring. Console stinks.

Strike For The South

08-24-2006, 03:42

Kessen was damn good back when I was like 11 me and my friend stayed up all night and still didnt beat it

Xiahou

08-24-2006, 04:10

Romance of the three kingdoms X? Yay or nay?
Some of them stank (hell all 10 cant be winners can they?) but, the ROTK games have usually been very deep in terms of diplomacy and micro-management. The tactical battles in my experience tended to be a little simplistic, but usually still fun. I havent played many of the games, including X, but feel free to check out the review/screenies/ect, here. (http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/strategy/rottkx/index.html?q=romance%20of%20the%20three%20kingdoms%20x)

Btw, my name here comes from the ROTK storyline that these games are based on- Xiahou Dun to be specific. :2thumbsup:

Personally, if I had a PS2 (I dont), one must-have game for me would be Shadow of the Collosus (http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/wandaandthecolossus/index.html?q=shadow%20of%20the%20collosus). I've never played it- but it looks mindblowing.... but, it may not fit the description of what you're looking for.

Divinus Arma

08-24-2006, 05:57

Personally, if I had a PS2 (I dont), one must-have game for me would be Shadow of the Collosus (http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/wandaandthecolossus/index.html?q=shadow%20of%20the%20collosus). I've never played it- but it looks mindblowing.... but, it may not fit the description of what you're looking for.

I ended up buying Spartan: Total Warrior. And after 30 minutes of button-mashing, I now have a splitting headache. I couldn't see a damn thing and could never tell exactly where my character was.

I has low expectations, but it was way worse then I thought. I only bought it on faith for CA. Guys at CA- no offense, but stick to what you do since you do it so damn well.

I'm going to try and take Spartan back tomorrow and I think I'll get this "Colossus" game in its place. Colussus looks like it's enough to offer some semblance of escape.

Geoffrey S

08-24-2006, 09:26

I've only played it on the GameCube, but I'd still recommend Prince of Persia Sands of Time. Although it's an action game it's far less button-bashy than the sequels, usually a few slow button presses at roughly the right time can have the desired effect; it's the platforming that's emphasised, and it's some of the best around.

I would recommend either sequel, but there is more emphasis on quick combos and after having played through Sands of Time again I can safely say it's the best in the series.

Fragony

08-24-2006, 09:37

I'm going to try and take Spartan back tomorrow and I think I'll get this "Colossus" game in its place. Colussus looks like it's enough to offer some semblance of escape.

That is an excellent idea, that game floored me.

Divinus Arma

08-24-2006, 10:30

That is an excellent idea, that game floored me.

Really? "Floored"? That's pretty impressive.

I have to admit though: Now that I am pretty inebriated after 2 bottles of wine, and that I am used to the non-stop button-mashing, SPTWR is right where I thought it woulod be. Its not as bad as I first indicated, but its faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar from good. It'll do me for the night.

Fragony and Xiahou: Collosus it is. :2thumbsup:

Fragony

08-24-2006, 10:42

Kindly allow me to slip in another recommendation,

GOD OF WAR :balloon2: :balloon2: :balloon2:

If you want button mashing goodness, which makes the larger then life hero do completily over the top insane cool moves, with beautifull graphics that rival the best of the xbox, with a great greek tragedy story and magnificant epic fully orchestrated music, then look no further.

http://www.armchairempire.com/images/Reviews/Playstation2/god-war/god-war-3.jpg
http://accro.blogstation.fr/images/medium_god_of_war_13_big.jpg
http://ps2media.gamespy.com/ps2/image/article/706/706099/god-of-war-ii-20060509114148989.jpg

Oh, and good thinking on the namechange, you are way to badass for an eclectic ~;)

Kekvit Irae

08-24-2006, 12:37

Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 and 10 are great choices. I love them both

frogbeastegg

08-24-2006, 16:44

Dynasty Tactics 1/2 are worth a look too. Been ages since I played the first one, but I liked it. My memory of them isn’t fresh, so I’ve got to skim over a lot of the more intricate and advanced details.

They are turn based battlefield strategy based on the Romance of The Three Kingdoms. Basically each battle has a set collection of units and factions on the field, and they lock into an overall story. Like chess units move differently and have different capabilities, and there's a similar rock/paper/scissors system to that of Shogun: TW, also a positional damage system, so attacking from the flanks or rear does more damage.

Much of the strategy comes into play with 'tactics', a series of special moves and attacks. For example light cavalry can use 'decoy' and draw the target unit after them, meaning they do damage and pull an enemy out of position; heavier cavalry and some infantry types might have 'charge' instead, which delivers a powerful frontal attack and forces the enemy back a square. These tactics can then be chained together, for example one unit pulling an enemy forward and another nipping in to attack it from behind so it does more damage. There are loads of tactics, all with uses.

Then there’s officers; they have traits and abilities which affect the soldiers under their command.

I found it fairly hard once past the introductory levels; you do have to think, and plan well. There’s a good amount of content too, so it will keep you going for some time.

Xiahou

08-24-2006, 17:15

Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 and 10 are great choices. I love them both
Cool, I thought 10 looked promising. Now I just have to talk a friend with a PS2 into buying it so I can play. :idea2:

How's the multiplayer?

Kekvit Irae

08-24-2006, 21:56

What multiplayer? :tongueg:

Divinus Arma

08-25-2006, 02:40

I took back SPTWR. Game Crazy has a great return policy. Funny. The chick at the counter said her dad loves the game and that she has heard nothing but good things. Good for CA. I'm happy to hear that. I couldn't stand it. Not my genre.

Picked up Shadow of the Colossus and GTA Liberty City Stories.

Popped in Colossus. Started playing and at first I was like, okay this is pretty cool. Sweet graphics, epic feel. Then I reached the first colossus. Holy smokes. I'm thinking, how on earth am I supposed to kill that?! At first I stayed hidden behind a rock until I could think what I wanted to do. But my hiding place wasn't good enough. Lord, when that sucker realized I was there he just stared at me for a second. That actually chilled my blood.

I haven't been this excited to play a game since I first launched flaming stones and arrows at a gaul settlement from the general's perspective on RTW.

Xiahou: You were right dude. This game is beautiful.

Fragony: Floored is the exact word.

I'm fricken delighted. :2thumbsup:

Divinus Arma

08-25-2006, 02:45

btw, nobody go tellin me how to kill these buggers. Don't ruin the experience for me. It's the best part.

Thanks :bow:

The Spartan (Returns)

08-25-2006, 02:53

Kessen is very good. but compared to RTW its a cakewalk. depends on where you deploy your troops.
DW is a nice hack-and-slash. Spartan- Total Warrior very good hack and slash.
God of War is quite boring. i just hate how he uses his weapon. even DW or SPTW is better.
i think SPTW is the best hack and slah however.

The Spartan (Returns)

08-25-2006, 02:59

you should also get Xbox. Halo and Halo 2 for starters. its damn addictive. i remember my uncle playing it with his friends since 1:00 and over.
its a fantastic FPS and its MP fps is priceless.

Papewaio

08-25-2006, 05:01

Shadow of the Colossus... I felt guilty killing the big guys.

It is like playing a cinematic sequenced puzzle game, takes more smarts then timing, but the timing is there.

I enjoyed watching the game so much I just sat back and relaxed and enjoyed the movie like game play and let my brother in law do the button thrashing.

Kekvit Irae

08-25-2006, 05:21

btw, nobody go tellin me how to kill these buggers. Don't ruin the experience for me. It's the best part.

Thanks :bow:

http://i8.tinypic.com/25ip174.jpg

Xiahou

08-25-2006, 05:29

What multiplayer? :tongueg:
Believe it or not, I've logged many hours sitting around a TV, drinking beer and playing ROTK games with friends via turn-based multi. That and Ghengis Khan. :2thumbsup:

I haven't been this excited to play a game since I first launched flaming stones and arrows at a gaul settlement from the general's perspective on RTW.Glad to hear it. If there's a PS2 price drop once the PS3 comes out, I'll probably get one basically for that game alone.

Kekvit Irae

08-25-2006, 05:34

Believe it or not, I've logged many hours sitting around a TV, drinking beer and playing ROTK games with friends via turn-based multi. That and Ghengis Khan. :2thumbsup:

Ah, Ghengis Khan... I absolutely loved it on the NES. Good memories

Gregoshi

08-25-2006, 16:47

Divinus Arma

08-25-2006, 23:05

DA (and any others), how do you find the game controls in Shadow of the Colossus? I ask because I really was looking forward to it after reading the reviews. Then I got the game demo and tried it. I don't recall the specifics but I recall having a very diffucult time getting my character to do the most basic stuff. Simply from the control issues I was experiencing, the demo dashed my desire to get the game. I'm still very intrigued by it, so any hope that the actual game plays much better than the demo would be welcomed and encouraging.

It takes some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, there is no problem. The camera angle control is what causes me the most discontent, only because it is set backwards like a flight control. I suppose I could change it, but then I would have to start all over getting used to the new camera setup.

No, in all honesty, it really isn't that bad. This game is probably one of the best games I have ever played. It's beautiful. It's one of those rare games that gives you little emotional moments. The settings are amazingly well done and the Collosi are thrilling. And the dev team has done a great job bringing the two together: When a Collosi walks by a tree, the tree shakes and leaves fly off, or when something large strikes the ground, it leaves deep pits or damage to the ground. chunks of rock and stuff fall off some of the collosi. And you get a feel for how huge these things are when a flock of birds flys by them and the flock look small.

Worth every penny and every second of study time I am wasting.

Gregoshi

08-26-2006, 02:05

Thanks for the comments. I stared at it on the store shelf today and thought about getting it but decided to wait for some feedback. Based on your comments I guess for $20 I'll give it a whirl. I really do want to like this game. I'm ready for a new game in my PS2 library. Though I prefer PC games, having the PS2 comes in handy when the other family members are fighting over computer time.

Kekvit Irae

08-26-2006, 03:26

For just five minute gaming bursts or long hours of addiction, I suggest the following games:

Dynasty Warriors 5 (And DW5: Xtreme Legends)
Katamari Damacy (And We <3 Katamari)

If you have plenty of time on your hands, I suggest the following:

Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 or 10 (don't get 9)
Any of the Metal Gear Solid series
To Love Suiseiseki Heart Master Desu 6: Devil Heart Key Fap (or any other cookie-cutter RPG from Japan)

Gregoshi

08-26-2006, 03:43

I'll second Katamari Damacy. I got it as a present for my dad. It remained untouched by him for over six months. When we were in Canada earlier this month to visit him, I started playing it. When I told the teenaged boys about the game, they wrinkled their noses...until I started playing. I had an audience to watch me play. What really hooked them was when my katamari got big enough to pick up people. Then the boys started playing it too. It is quite a fascinating game to play and watch. It is just plain simple fun. And as kek said, it is a perfect game to pick up for a quicky game session as the missions (as far as I played it) run about 10 minutes in length. Oh, and the game has a real quirky sense of humour. Alas, it is hard to find in stores in my area.

One of these days I'll finally break down and get Romance of the Three Kingdoms. I've looked at those games for years but always resisted purchasing them. I'm not sure why.

Leet Eriksson

08-26-2006, 04:41

Final Fantasy 12 is on the horizon if you want to give this JRPG a try, i heard many good reviews about it.

As for strategy.. if you got an Xbox (not 360) get Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders, or Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes (the former is more newbie friendly), these trump every console real-time strategy game by a long mile, and are almost like Total War games, but can only display 400 people on screen at once. The game is pretty detailed and very spot on on infantry and cavalry tactics (cavalry charge straight through blocks of infantry, horse archers need to be facing to their left to fire, archers can light arrows to burn forests to flush potential ambushers out.. etc)

Instead of talking though check the gameplay videos out:

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/strategy/kingdomunderfire2tc/media.html

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/strategy/kingdomunderfireheroes/index.html?q=Kingdom%20underfire

Divinus Arma

08-26-2006, 05:26

Gregoshi: Dont read any reviews or website comments about collosus until after you play for a couple hours. It simply isn't worth any spoilers. This is one game where the initial mystery is a plus. Not to say that it isn't replayable, but the first experience has so far been terrific because of the novelty.

Let me know what you think if you pick it up.

The Spartan (Returns)

08-26-2006, 14:16

no, get Dynasty Warriors 5 Empires.

Kekvit Irae

08-26-2006, 16:32

MGS3: Substance has a lot more goodies for only $30 USD, priced new. This includes an online mode, new camoflague if you pick the choice of "I like MGS3!" at the beginning (three of which have very useful properties, such as the flecktarn prevents battery drainage), new Snake vs Monkey levels, and connectivity to Metal Gear Acid 2 (if you have a PSP).

Dynasty Warriors 5 Empires is only subpar compared to all the stuff you can do in normal and Xtreme Legends

Divinus Arma

08-26-2006, 20:13

Well, I may go out and buy more games again in a while. I just needed something to distract me from studying. I simply must procastinate, lest I get lazy. :laugh4: (I like to work under pressure.) :book:

The Metal Gear games were good, I enjoyed 1 and 2 enough. I may go for 3, but I don't know if I have that much time. I already know I would get hooked and then I would really neglect RL. :no:

I may take a look at Dynasty Warriors. The Problem, IIRC, that I have with the series is that it is a super-hero Hack & Slash. I get really bored with monotanous repetition despite the occasional boost or levelup or bonus or whatever. And RPGs tend to piss me off because either (a) its a diablo style levelup marathon or (b) its a puzzle-solving hammer to the brain.

I need to escape when I play. Some thought is good, but do not sit me in front of a combination lock puzzle and expect me to stay interested. I just got done computing activity based cost accounting for christ's sake. :dizzy2:

I could go for an RPG that isn't quite so level-up intensive (kill kill kill, level up, kill kill kill, level up, GAH!). Remember the sierra games on the old Amiga 500? This was my alltime favorite (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quest_for_Glory_I). Ahhh. Quest for Glory. Nothing like cribbage with a hermit in his cave. :laugh4: (Probably bore me to tears now though.)

Kekvit Irae

08-26-2006, 21:08

MGS3 was a fantastic addition to the series. Just like all of them, it had its emotional moments. I dont want to spoil anything, but the ending had me in tears.

And I think I have Quest For Glory I, on an old PC Gamer cdrom that had a lot of old games on it including the original Duke Nukem, King's Quest, X-Com, Terminal Velocity :loveg:, and many others. I have never played it though.

If you get bored with the monotonous tone of DW5, then consider merely renting it and seeing how it fares before you get head-deep into it.

And, of course, get Katamari Damacy and/or We <3 Katamari. There's no excuse for not owning it.

EDIT: spelling -.-

The Spartan (Returns)

08-26-2006, 21:12

Halo,Halo,Halo!!!

IrishArmenian

08-26-2006, 23:14

Kessen was great. It cannot be compared to Total War because they are two way different games. Kessen is focused on diplomacy and micromanagement. Total War is more tactical.

Kekvit Irae

08-27-2006, 01:05

Halo,Halo,Halo!!!

Halo has only been released for the Xbox and PC, not the PS2

The Spartan (Returns)

08-27-2006, 16:19

i know.

Kessen has diplomacy?
must be the newer version right?
(or are you talking about defection and things)

IrishArmenian

08-28-2006, 01:09

Diplomacy- Defections and stuff.

Fragony

08-29-2006, 08:47

I'm fricken delighted. :2thumbsup:

Glad you like it, it isn't for everyone. Now be a good boy and get God of War the minute you have rid the world of these stone pests. You simply cannot go wrong with that one.

Kekvit Irae

08-29-2006, 22:25

God of War was amusing... for the first hour or two. Repeditive gameplay and the later levels being pretty hard didnt appeal to me.

+1 Minigames to defeat bosses and certain normal foes
+1 Nudity
+1 Combat styles

-1 Button mashing goodness... for the entire game.
-1 Tomb Raider-style "crate jumping" puzzles
-1 Difficulty of later stages
-1 Lack of subtitles (spouse is deaf)

Fragony

08-31-2006, 07:47

Compared to other games like this it's actually very forgiving, Ninja Gaiden and the Devil may cry games are a lot harder. Maybe you just don't like the type of game, you are of course doing the same thing the whole time, but there is always a little twist to make it interesting (says a fan of course).

Divinus Arma

08-31-2006, 22:29

I cant stay interested in games like devil may cry. I dont think god of war is my thing. Collosus only really works so well for me because of its incredible beauty. It really is stunning. And some of these collosi are incredibley challenging.

Fragony

09-01-2006, 08:49

Shadow of the collosus is quite something ain't it. You might like Ico as well, same makers, same mood. About God of War, it's cheap, take a risk. Maybe it isn't your thing, but if it is you will love it to death.

Orb

09-03-2006, 01:29

I just got Shadow of the Colossus. Great stuff: love it.

Divinus Arma

09-03-2006, 06:19

My brother and I just beat it. I won't give any secrets away. That game was worth every penny. :2thumbsup:

The Spartan (Returns)

09-03-2006, 17:16

heh
you must have played a lot!

Gregoshi

09-04-2006, 03:18

You finished it in 10 days DA?! ~:eek: I second The Spartan's comment.

Divinus Arma

09-05-2006, 05:50

We did a collosus marathon. I had beaten all but the last one by day 8 or 9. My Bro had beaten the first 4. He came over to my house and we played, starting from the beginning, until 5:30am the next day. We couldn't beat the last one until we went to sleep and tried again. That last one is tough as can be. And the ending was very rewarding. Nothing cheesey. Plus, you get a "hard mode" to play through a second time, which is indeed harder.

That game was just what I needed. :2thumbsup: