PS2 Games

[doc_bean]

My girlfriend is getting me a PStwo for christmas. Recommend me some games ! (I'm probably going to get Gran Turismo 4 and God of War with the console)

[Kekvit Irae]

Dynasty Warriors 5 and DW5: Xtreme Legends
Katamari Damacy
We <3 Katamari
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
Metal Gear Solid 3: Substance

(I heard bad things about GT4, so I suggest getting Gran Turismo 3 instead)

[Syxx_Killer]

What bad things did you hear about GT4? I can't think of any logical reason to get GT3 instead of GT4. Every vehicle and track in GT3is available in GT4. Plus, GT4 has ALLOT more vehicles than GT3 (Isn't it over 700?). I've had the game since release (as well as GT3) and am very pleased with it. The only thing I don't like is the fact that the endurance races are WAY to long. I've never been a fan of the endurance races since GT2. At least the B-spec mode helps out with that. Actually, B-spec is invaluable when doing the 24 hour races. I really like the photo mode. If you have a USB flash drive you can transfer the photos to your computer. The only problem I have with GT4 is that sometimes the screen will "stutter". It's not a game stopper by any means, but only very slightly annoying. I highly recommend GT4 when you get your PS2.

[GiantMonkeyMan]

Black is a great game and very fun
possibly call of duty?
and if you're into football (soccor) then get Pro Evo 6; its much better than FIFA or if you're into american football then the new madden is suppossed to be good... of course if you don't like either then forget about it

i'm extremely bad at driving games and don't waste my money on them so i have nothing to say about any of the GT's

[Alexander the Pretty Good]

I've heard good things about the Ace Combat series, but I don't have a PS2 yet.

I think I'll get one sometime after Christmas, used, for hopefully a rather low price.

[Xiahou]

PS2 thread? Guess I'd better recommend 'Shadow of the Collussus' again.

I think I'll get one sometime after Christmas, used, for hopefully a rather low price.

Me too. Although, if you want a used one- better look to Ebay. I did a price check at Gamestop yesterday and they have the unbelievable audacity to ask $119.99 for the slim PS2 that retails new for $129.99
Man does that company ever suck.

[Marius Dynamite]

If you have lots of fun friends, Pro Evolution Soccer 6 is the best game you could get, provided you have 2 controllers.

[Kekvit Irae]

PS2 thread? Guess I'd better recommend 'Shadow of the Collussus' again.

Me too. Although, if you want a used one- better look to Ebay. I did a price check at Gamestop yesterday and they have the unbelievable audacity to ask $119.99 for the slim PS2 that retails new for $129.99
Man does that company ever suck.

And unfortunately, you cant use your GameStop discount card on used hardware, only software

[Xiahou]

And unfortunately, you cant use your GameStop discount card on used hardware, only software

Actually, I could buy it on Amazon (no sales tax/free shipping) and I'd get a brand new console for less than a $3 price difference. (119.99x6% sales tax = $127.19) Just in case buying a used one at retail could look like any worse of a deal.

I'm still hoping to see the price fall further when more PS3s finally hit the market. There's definitely alot of good games that I missed out on by not having a PS2.

[Syxx_Killer]

I don't know about the new Ace Combat games, but I have Ace Combat 4 and it is very good. The graphics are probably some of the best on PS2. There are actual cockpits for every aircraft. It is a bit arcadey, though. Last time I checked a F-16 didn't have 50 missiles. However, if you are not a hardcore sim fan, Ace Combat should be a fun title. Also, the latest Ace Combat finally has a co-op two player mode. Something I would have liked a long time ago.

[frogbeastegg]

Browsing my shelf, first the obligatory RPG list:

Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X-2
Final Fantasy XII (yes, the obligatory FF games in the obligatory RPG list. Not amazing, but solid enough. FFXII isn't out in Europe until February, so I haven't played it)
Dark Cloud 2/Dark Chronicle depending on where you live (massive, massive game with loads to do and gorgeous art styling)
Suikoden V (it has 108 playable characters and a very good plot)
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (less about plot than humour, character building, and challenging battles; another gorgeous looking game)
Kingdom Hearts (don't let the Disney put you off; it's surprisingly dark)
Kingdom Hearts II (sequel to the above; play them in order for the sake of the plot)
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time (seems like you either love it or loathe it because of a certain plot twist and the real-time action based battle system)
Shin Megami Testune: Lucifer's Call
Shin Megami Testune: Digital Devil Saga 1
Shin Megami Testune: Digital Devil Saga 2 (to be played in numerical order; it's story heavy and DDS2 acts like the other half of DDG1, and I hear DDS1 follows on from LC)
Shadow Hearts
Shadow Hearts: Covenant (play them in order as the strong plot carries on from one to the other; they have an unusual setting (pre WWI era Europe) and unique battle system)
Arc the Lad: Twilight of Spirits (nothing stunning, but it sounds quite different to the average JRPG and the premise of the plot intrigues me)
Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana
Atelier Iris II: The Azoth of Destiny (these two can be played in any order; they're more about alchemy than plot, making items and exploring)
Disgaea
La Pucelle: Tactics
Phantom Brave (these last three are the so-called Nippon Ichi strategy RPGs; massive, complex affairs with quite humorous plots and oodles to do)

And then misc other games I liked:
Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy (like Zelda, but with two playable characters and an enjoyable dose of humour)
Dynasty Warriors 3 (best of the series IMO; I found it more enjoyable)
Lego Star Wars (preferred this one to the sequel; it felt more focused and more fun)
We Love Katamari (Weird. Just weird.)
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones (play them in order for best effect; they build on each other quite well)


NB: I haven't played all of these to completion, much as I wish otherwise. There are a couple I have only just brought too, so they haven't so much as been taken out of the case once. But I do my reading well; they all have something good to offer, if some of them cater to quite niche gaming tastes.

[doc_bean]

Thanks for the suggestions so far people, keep 'em coming !

Anyone play the Rratchet&Clank games ? Are they any good, I loved the Crash Bandicoot games on the PS1 and they somehow seem similar.
Anyone play Devil may Cry 3 or Resident Evil 4 ? Are those any good ?

Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
Metal Gear Solid 3: Substance

Is it important to play them in order ? MGS3 seems readily available, MGS2 seems harder to find. Also, is there any important difference between teh different editions of MGS3 ?.

Black is a great game and very fun
possibly call of duty?

I think I'll stick to my PC when it comes to FPSes

Not too big on sports games either. Might get a tennis game someday. For some reason I really enjoyed some tennis game on the CD-i (ancient) and i occasionally think about another one.

I think I'll get one sometime after Christmas, used, for hopefully a rather low price.

I don't really trust used electronics, and the price will still eb too hefty to take the risk imo. I might buy a GameCube once they hit 20€ used though

Also, my girlfriend seem to want me to buy one soon, seeing as she already got her present and my birthday present arrived a few months late. I think she feels a bit guilty

Browsing my shelf, first the obligatory RPG list:

My main reason for wanting a PStwo is so I can play some jRPGs again. Unfortuantely I won't have too much time in the next couple fo months (not enough to waste on a 100 hour game and keep track of the story anyway).
Which ones do you recommend most ?
Which ones have a 'reasonable' timeframe between save points ? (I usually can't play more than an hour at a time)

Prince of Persia: Sands of Time
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones (play them in order for best effect; they build on each other quite well)

I have the trilogy on PC, finsihed the first one and am about one thrid into both the second and the third one. I think i might wait getting God of War since it sounds pretty similar.

[Craterus]

Grand. Theft. Auto.

(III, Vice City and San Andreas)

[Kekvit Irae]

You dont have to play the MGS series in order to enjoy them, though it is suggested so you can get an idea of what the storyline and the inside jokes are like in the later games. The difference in the original games and the Substance games are... substance. You get a LOT more stuff like virtual reality training missions and skateboarding (MSG2) as well as online play (MGS3) than you do with the original games. It's still the same game, but with more extra content.

If you get Devil May Cry 3, get the Directors Cut. If you get the original DMC3, YOU will be crying. The difficulty is something most people cant handle. With the Directors Cut, you get a difficulty choice.

[frogbeastegg]

Anyone play the Rratchet&Clank games ?

I played 1 and 2 back when I was still at uni. I preferred 2 to 1; it was one of those sequels which expands and refines the prior game.

If you want good platformers you might want to look at the Sly Racoon series. I have the first one; its a nice game, fairly compact and quite well suited to 20 minute play sessions, as the levels are reasonably compact.

MGS

The important thing to know about MGS2 imo is that it has a lot of cutscenes. Long cutscenes. Like 30 minute cutscenes. Also the plot gets insane.

I liked MGS2 to begin with, but by the time the credits rolled I was relieved to have it done with. I like games with a good plot; I also like to play my games, not watch them.

My main reason for wanting a PStwo is so I can play some jRPGs again. Unfortunately I won't have too much time in the next couple fo months (not enough to waste on a 100 hour game and keep track of the story anyway). Which ones do you recommend most ? Which ones have a 'reasonable' timeframe between save points ? (I usually can't play more than an hour at a time)

Same problem as me. Except it has lasted a year and more, and looks set to continue.

Gah! How to answer? I haven't completed all of the games on that list, and I'm still waiting for a couple of them to arrive after my cheap RPG buying spree. Many of the ones I have played I haven't got 100% completion on. Some of the ones which sound most intriguing to me are also the ones I'm waiting to arrive; either they only recently came out in PAL land, or I couldn't afford them before and am going back to pick them up now I can.

Kingdom Hearts I I completed fully. It took about 50 hours. To only see the plot it's probably more like 30. It's got a strong story, and lots of little touches. The battle system is real time and action based, just like in Prince of Persia. This makes it different to most of the RPGs I listed, and it's quite fun to battle with your keyblade while still being able to cast those classic Square spells like thundaga. The Disney aspect is well used, so don't let it put you off. Kingdom Hearts II is a refinement and continuation of the first game; you do need to play them in order to get the best from the plot. They have save points; for the most part they are decently spaced, so when I wanted one there was usually one in reach.

Star Ocean is a big game. Two DVDs. Enough said.

The Final Fantasies ... XII isn't out here until February. I hear it's good, but then one always hears that about FF games. FFX-2 follows on from FFX, as you might imagine, but you can play it without finishing X. You won't get the most from it that way though. It has a very good battle system, less linear play, and some fun moments ... which mostly makes up for the cheesy atmosphere and cringe-inducing moments where the girls start singing or something. I've got 5 hours of play logged in it; a rental to see if I wanted to buy it, and if so at what kind of price. I did buy when it hit £20. I'm waiting to finish FFX before I start properly. FFX I like reasonably so far. The battle system is nice but I appreciate it's not for everyone. It's turn based in the old sense of the word; you have as long as you like to make a move. You can swap characters in instantly without losing a turn, and, at least before you max them out to uber levels, all the characters feel individual and have different strength and weaknesses. The plot begins slowly but gradually improves, and from the spoilers I got hit with it gets to be very good. Save points in FFX and FFX-2 seem about average; one every 30 minutes, or thereabouts. FFX can take between 40 and 200 hours, depending on how much you do and if you have the PAL edition (has a set of extra super hard bosses which require a maxed out party with the best weapons to even stand a chance against). FFX-2 seems to be between 30-70.

Dark Cloud 2 oozes style. It has loads to do in it; after 15 hours I'd barely scratched the surface. Sadly I had to put it on hold for some reason, probably exams, and haven't yet picked it back up. You can save in villages ... I think there must have been save points scattered about in dungeons and the world too. I don't really recall. My overall opinion of the game was very positive; one of the reasons I haven't picked it back up is that I am waiting until I can do it justice.

Suikoden V I'm still waiting for. I am really liking the sounds of this one, primarily because of the plot.

Dragon Quest VIII I got a couple of days ago but haven't played at all yet. Given that it's a hardish game and a bit old school in its styling I am positive it will have save points and that they may be spaced out a bit. I do know that if you die you go back to your last save point with half your money but all of your XP, so dying is not a Bad Thing(TM). There’s a lot to do in this one if you want; I’ve heard talk of 80+ hours.

The Shin Megami Tetsune games are all supposed to be very challenging (waiting for my two copies to arrive, and DDS2 isn’t out here until … heaven knows, maybe never. Supposed to be about 40 hours, with save points put in quite considerately, a necessity in a game where regular battles can kill you easier than boss battles in other RPGs. The plot’s the lure for me here.

The Shadow Hearts games are both short for RPGs, under 30 hours. When my batch of cheap RPGs finishes dribbling in by post this is the series I will probably start with thanks to the combination of reputedly excellent plot and the short length.

Arc the Lad: Twilight of Spirits, dunno. I have been struggling to get hold of a PAL copy for years. Finally found one for £8 the other day. I think this one might require a bit more time per play session, as the battles are quite tactical. Sounds like quite a long game too.

Atelier Iris 1 and 2, again I haven’t played far into them. Seems about average in terms of save points and how long each session needs to last. Quite a bit of the content appears to be optional, so you can make them as long or short as you like.

The Nippon Ichi strategy RPGs can be 40 or 400 hour games, depending on whether you want to get everything and do everything, or whether you want to see the plot and call it a day. They are a dream game for people who like to level their party up – even items have levels! I find that it takes longer than I really like to get to the save points.


If nothing grabs you after those descriptions … maybe start with Kingdom Hearts I or Shadows Hearts I.

[Kekvit Irae]

MGS2 is enjoyable to "watch" the first time around, but when you are going through the second and third and whatever time around for dogtags, it's always good to skip the cutscenes.

MGS3 is much like MGS2 in the cutscene department, however the cutscenes are MUCH more enjoyable to watch. Substance gives you the cute ability to switch actors around in the cutscenes. Watching Raiden (originally Eve) seducing Ocelot (originally Snake), or any other combination, can make for some really "OMGLOL!" moments.

[doc_bean]

I got my console yesterday ! (Christmas comes early this year !)
Just got GT4 with it. my first play i sat to close to the tv and got a splitting headache from looking at the 60Hz refresh rate (how did I ever survive that in the early days of computers ?). Took a break and tried it again, now sitting as far away as the Dual Shock cable would allow me (which really isn't that far *sigh* I've got a big tv !), much better experience ! Though I find text hard to read, probably due to 'jittering', I'm using the standard cable with the included scart ad-on BTW.

GT4 seems nice. I might have preferred a more arcady racer, but then I just started. The licensing is harsh, I haven't even managed to take a decent corner yet

O well, another game to get today to try out the console


About MGS: I played and really loved the first game all those years ago, so I'd like to play the others and see if they're equally enjoyable. I figure I can probably watch the cutscenes one evening and then skip them and play the game another evening

Too bad MGS2 doesn't seem to be available anymore.

If nothing grabs you after those descriptions … maybe start with Kingdom Hearts I or Shadows Hearts I.

Hmm, I think it will either be FFX, DQ8 or KH
FFX: I loved 7 but hated 8 (partially my own fault, i spent way to much time playing the card game, it took me over 100hours to complete and I had completely lost track of the story). I'm curious how they've evolved. If I like it I can always move on to X-2 and XII, I think it would feel wrong to play them out of order (visually it would probably be a step back at least, besides XII will still be uber expensive for the next year or so).
DQ8 just *looks* really nice, and I still fear FFs convoluted stories a bit, a nice old school RPG to get me back in the grind might be a good plan.
KH, mostly because of the WTF factor, and because I've heard very good things about it.

Thanks for all the comments people

[Kekvit Irae]

MGS2 is available everywhere over here. Not sure about stores that deliver to Belgium, however.

And I'm definately adding MGS: Portable Ops to my Xmas wish list. Metal Gear Solid 3... for the PSP... how much more luv do you need?

[doc_bean]

MGS2 is available everywhere over here. Not sure about stores that deliver to Belgium, however.

We only have one 'big' gaming store and it doesn't have it in stock (according to their internet catalogue), which would mean it's nearly impossible to find elsewhere too. People are selling ti pretty cheap on ebay though, I might check it out, though I don't really thrust second hand games that come on discs (what is it with people that always seem to scratch those ?).

And I'm definately adding MGS: Portable Ops to my Xmas wish list. Metal Gear Solid 3... for the PSP... how much more luv do you need?

Ah, the reason I was in doubt whether to get a DS or a PSP. I might just borrow someone's PSP and rent it to play it.

[Fragony]

You simply must own Shadow of the Collosus, God of War and Disgaea. The metal gear games are excellent as well, if you like to be spooked the Silent Hill and Project Zero games are perfect. If you want to proof your 360 owning buddies that this little baby can still spit out decent graphics get Black and Project Snowstorm(this one turned out to be a very pleasant surprise, a fantastic actiongame set in the deus-ex universe, terrible story, fantastic action). Good choice on the ps2, the 360 still doesn't cut it.

[Gregoshi]

GT4 seems nice...The licensing is harsh, I haven't even managed to take a decent corner yet

Yeah, I just started playing GT4 this past Wednesday evening. I have a devil of a time trying to steer using the controller. I managed to get a silver on the first corning license (after many attempts) but it wasn't a pretty line I took.

[doc_bean]

Got Kingdom hearts, I'm about 3 hours in (and played longer since it took me quite a few tries to beat the first boss), still haven't met up with my party. This is going to be a long game... (camera issues and fetch quests aside, it does seem like it's going to be fun)

Yeah, I just started playing GT4 this past Wednesday evening. I have a devil of a time trying to steer using the controller. I managed to get a silver on the first corning license (after many attempts) but it wasn't a pretty line I took.

Once you master the first corner it does seem to get a bit easier (I'm on test 9 now, a lap). Hitting the brakes before a corner is essential.

I'm starting to appreciate the games difficult (realistic) driving model though. Too bad it will take me a long before before I'll actually start winning races

[John86]

Guitar Hero I + II and your done.

[Fragony]

MGS2 is all over the place, hop the border. MGS3 is even better.

[frogbeastegg]

Got Kingdom hearts, I'm about 3 hours in (and played longer since it took me quite a few tries to beat the first boss), still haven't met up with my party. This is going to be a long game... (camera issues and fetch quests aside, it does seem like it's going to be fun)

How are you doing with the game now? It takes several hours to warm up. It began to draw me in about halfway through the Wonderland world.


I've started the first Shadow Hearts game, 2 hours in. It's great. Dark atmosphere, a genuinely creepy opening, a protagonist who isn't quite the typical spiky-haired silent sulky teenage boy, and a story which is thus far has more in common with the Planescape: Torment and System Shocks of the world than the Final Fantasies. I spent a good 40 minutes fighting to level my party and enjoyed myself doing so, which surprised me. Normally I find levelling up this way boring in the extreme, but I like having a powerful party so it's a necessary evil. The battle system is unique, and the random fights (the encounter rate is sensible; you can move a good distance between fights) don't drag on for too long. Coupled to that, so far levels can be gained in a reasonable amount of fights because the XP thresholds aren't set too high. Best of all you can see the difference each level makes; you can see your work paying off. The voice acting is average to poor, but the music is anything but. The battle theme sends shivers down my spine. Think I might spend a good chunk of my day off playing it today.

[Hepcat]

I don't really play PS2 much. But I recommend Killzone and Medal of Honor Frontlines & Rising Sun. Those are the only ones I have ever played for any length of time.

[Fragony]

How are you doing with the game now? It takes several hours to warm up.

And then it's over, way too short.

[doc_bean]

How are you doing with the game now? It takes several hours to warm up. It began to draw me in about halfway through the Wonderland world.

I'm about 7h in now I think, last chance I had to play it was sunday, I'll probably play it a little more today.

I'm currently in the Tarzan world, just started that. I spent at least an hour levelling up (running through traverse town) so I could beat Cerberus, up three levels and I could still only barely beat him.

The first world really wasn't a good starter, fetch quests suck ! The Alice world suffered from the same problem, though it was definitely more fun, the Colosseum world was just one area, so not too exciting really, Traverse town is nice, but not much to do there it seems (only two shops with a purpose right now, not much else). The gummi ship sections are rather crap-tastic, they look really bad and don't offer much gameplay but strangely enough I do find them kind of enjoyable.

Overall I'm finding the worlds to be rather small and limited, I hope this will change. The camera is pretty bad, but I was prepared for that, and the combat system can be a bit overwhelming (moving + selecting items is very unpractical). That said, most of the cut scenes are great, the Disney atmosphere is well done, the contrast between the Square protagonist and the Disney world is rather hilarious, combat is usually pretty satisfying, spell casting works rather well, bosses are cool, though perhaps a bit too difficult (I wasn't expecting having to level up in a game with such a premise) and the main story does have potential.

Currently I'd say it's a decent enough game, more of a guilty pleasure than something mind blowing, but I'm not that far in and perhaps it does get better later on. I'd be perfectly happy with it if it just kept the level of quality it currently has though (as long as it doesn't revert back to the Islands quality).

[Grey_Fox]

Try to look for Kessen, it's pretty good. It's set during the Sendoku Jidai period with Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyesu (although the names are used in the Western manner rather than that of the Japanese). You fight battles such as Sekigahara and Osaka and the like in the various campaigns and can change history or whatever.

Black is ok, but you'll finish it in around 5 hours (there's only 8 levels), and whileit's got some awesome shooty shooty bits, it's the same every time and replay value is kinda low.

[Xiahou]

Anyone ever play 'The Warriors' or 'Bully'?