Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler OT- PLAYSTATION2

my wife let me go buy a PS2 this weekend. i have been wanting one for a while, but just never got around to getting one. this is my first home gaming system since my ATARI 2600, back in the late 70's/early 80's.

anyway, i was wondering if any of ya'll with PS2's, had any good game suggestions. not only for me, but for my 7 year-old son. i dont care too much for the gang fighting/drive-by games, or any game where your goal is to kill everything.

the two games i have are the tiger woods 2004 golf, and the ATV off-road challenge. any other suggestions would be appreciated. thanks.

bigjohn

You might like the Ratchet & Clank series games, I'd look them up online. You do run around and shoot stuff, but it's very cartoony and (violence wise) only a step up from squishing mushrooms mario style.

The Jak and Daxter series seem to be kinda similar in play style.

Due to time-constraints, I usually stick to the sports game because I can just play a game here and there when I have free time. My absolute favorite is the Winning Eleven 7 soccer game from Konami. I am absolutely addicted to this game, and it is essentially all I play now. You'd probably have to be a soccer fan to get lots of enjoyment out of it, though. Otherwise, NBA Street Vol. 2 and Madden 2004 are solid sports games.

I'm too busy with work and other things to play some of the longer, more drawn-out games, but I did find Jak and Daxter enjoyable. Of course I probably played it for like 30 hours and got about 20% through the game. Way too much focus required. Same thing with Grand Theft Auto. Way too much time spent for little progress. Ace Combat 4 is a really cool flight combat game. The LOTR games seem to get good write-ups.

I am link-challenged, but here is a link to a good site to get general ratings on PS2 games:

http://www.metacritic.com/games/ps2/

Gran Tourismo (2?) is a fantastic game (at least, I think that's the name) All racing, no shooting, lots of fun. A little long in the tooth, but who cares?

BigJohn,
you definitely have to give Socom: U.S. Navy SEALs. There is no shortage of killing in it but it's no where near the level of a Doom or something like that. It has to be the most addictive video game I've ever played. They've got a sequel now too where you can team up and play with/against people on-line, Socom II: U.S. Navy SEALs. It's definitely worth renting one of them to give it a try.

I'll also throw in a plug for NHL 2004 because hockey is the greatest sport on the planet.

BigJohn - have you tried playing a video game system in the last 10 years? Last console I owned was a SNES - bro bought it or me for Christmas one year - real headscratcher since I had two PCs. Tried N64 at a family gathering, I haven't used an analog joystick since the Apple ][e - I never knew Mario had a drinking problem - poor bugger was weaving and bobbing all over the place.

Hopefully you're not just under the assumption that you can still do it...

Bren R.

thanks for all the suggestions and the links ya'll.. i will go check them out tonight.

bren- i have been playing the tiger woods golf for the last 2 months at my buddies house.. its pretty cool, but the controls arent that hard in that game. i played the ea sports hockey, and it was just real hard.. i got very frustrated with it. the football seemed ok, but i only played for a short while. and i have played the crash bandicout game a few times.. so i think i might be OK.. but dont get me wrong, i aint thinkin i am gonna be no bobby fisher, or nothing. i just want a few games i can have fun with, as well as my son.

keep the suggestions coming.. i want to go rent some from blockbuster this week, before i buy.

bigjohn

That was the impression I got from your comment. The two series I recommended are basically fun games with kinda cool graphics. Definately in the same style as Crash Bandicout. Not the kind of gorey FPS or drug criminal games you wouldn't want your son playing. I have to second the Grand Tourismo comment, great racing sim. There's also extreme sports games like Tony Hawk Pro Skater and Amped that can be pretty fun. I would say to check out the Final Fantasy line, but my guess is that's a little more time involved than you would want to be.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/cubegoodies/toys/5d39/
*runs away snickering*

Bren R.

In reply to:

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http://www.thinkgeek.com/cubegoodies/toys/5d39/
*runs away snickering*

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Bren,

And just what is wrong with that, I ask? Hmmmm?

I have one of these and my son (12) and I both love it.

WhatFurrer

I heartily 2nd the ratchet and clank games. Loads of fun and safe for a 7 year old. There is an almost fanatic following for Dance Dance Revolution and you and your family might enjoy stomping on one of those. I would also recommend SSX, SSX Tricky, and SSX 3. All 3 are snowboarding games and a good bit of fun. The tony hawk skate boarding games all got great reviews. You might also consider something like Gauntlet that will let up to 4 people play cooperatively.
More mature games: SOCOM. Syphon Filter. Metal Gear Solid II. Resident Evil (series). Splinter Cell and Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow where two AMAZING games.
I'm not much into the sports games or the GTA style much myself so I'll leave those sorts of recommendations to others. You might also want to check out Gamefly.com (in addition to blockbuster).
I very higly recommend setting things up to take advantage of your HT. Resident Evil in 5.1 with the lights off is wet your pants creepy.

jr

In reply to:

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And just what is wrong with that, I ask? Hmmmm?

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Nothing wrong with it... I love classic arcade and console games - I just didn't think it was exactly what John had in mind.

Bren R.

I love my PS2. I can't wait for the next generation to come out. It's going to blow the current model away. Anyway, here's some of my suggestions:

-Ratchet and Clank series
-Grand Turismo 3 (THE car simulation game. Newest one is coming soon! Over 500 cars.)
-Moto GP 3 (Pretty good.)
-Resident Evil series (1,2, Code Veronica, Outbreak. Very freaky good times.)
-Grand Theft Auto 3 (very gratuitus, but running around (aimlessly is fun)
-ATV Offroad Fury 1&2 (Fun for everyone.)
-Driver 3 / Driv3r (Coming out soon. Should be a kicker. This will be my next game.)
-Metal Gear Solid series (Newest one just came out. One of the best game series ever made.)

Bren,

Actually, I saw the irony in it...I was just jesting. .

Actually, they are a pretty good deal...given today's technology...

WhatFurrer

In reply to:

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Actually, I saw the irony in it...I was just jesting.

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Sometimes it's hard to tell. I stand corrected.

Bren R.

I don't have a PS2, but I'm going to be tempted to get one when GT4 comes out. I love that series of racing games.

I think that would be my only motivation to buy a PS2 or other console. I don't really want to drop the cash or the WAF-credit to get wheel/pedals for the PC, and I just can't rationalize a gamepad for only one game. A PS2, sure, but a gamepad?!

Big John, You really should look at getting an xbox! It has every bit as good of games, it also has dolby digital 5.1 sound in its games, so your setup can thrive. I'm new to the forum, but have been playing video games for 20 plus years.

That's always an option too. Graphics (on the whole) are better on the xbox and there are some HD games if you have the setup for it.
That said the difference is not so great that you will hate one or the other. Find the one that has the games you wan to play and go with that.

PS I have both. If the game is out on both I buy whichever seems to have the most extra stuff.

jr

If you have patience wait for the next generation to come out. PS3 and Xbox2 should be coming out in 2005.
If not, then read my breakdown of the following systems
Xbox
Pros
Halo
Online Gaming Aspect Strong
Output supported to larger resolution TVs(including HDTV)
Up to 4 players on 1 system
Cons
Not Enough good Games(Halo and Sports Games aren't enough)

PS2
Pros
Many, Many Games
Many, Many good games
Cons
Weakest Graphics output
not really good for large TVs
Weak Online Aspect

GameCube
Best for younger Kids
Games Tailored for younger generation
Pretty good graphics
Some cool GCube only games
Cheapest(100$)
Cons
Weak Online Aspect

All three of these systems are getting older and once Xbox2 and PS3 come out, companies will no longer produce games for these consoles.

Another Xbox con: the damn controllers. They are so big and cumbersome, in my opinion. Sony is long overdue for a new console. I can't wait. I can't remember, are they going to utilize the "blue lazer" tech for that one?

The XBox Controller "S" is by far the most comfortable controller in my opinion. I would agree that the original controller is the biggest, most uncomfortable POS ever, but the "S" is great. maybe its just me. I played a GameCube for the first time other day and founf the controller to be horribly uncomfortable and it felt very flimst in my hand, maybe Im just used to the beefiness of the Xbox controllers now?

i bought the PS2 for several reasons..

1. it does have A LOT of games, and many kid friendly titles.
2. i can take the memory cards over to friends and use MY saved characters on their systems.
3. all my friends have one, so we can swap games from each other.
4. it was on sale for $129, and that was the lowest i have ever seen it!

thus far, i am loving my PS2. i knew the new one is coming out in 2005, but it will be way expensive, and this one is wkng just fine for me.

bigjohn

Need for Speed Underground
Gran Turismo 1,2,3
are my favorites...

Cool! Have fun with it! Get an optical cable to connect it up. Trust me, gaming in surround sound with a subwoofer is amazing!

jr

james-

if i was to hook it up the the optical cable, would i need to disc the red and white(R & L) sound coaxils, or leave them in. and are all games in digital surround, or just a few?

bigjohn

That is an excellent question! I am not sure. I can check when I get home tonight, but since I am Pacific you'll beat me to it! :-)
If I recall correctly (big IF) I have only the digital out from the PS2 to my receiver (just like my DVD player).
You will need to manually enable the digital out on the PS2 manually under settings. If you turn on the PS2 without a game in, it will allow you to get into the setup. Same place where you set date and time if I recall.

Not all games are in 5.1 but it is still pretty amazing!

jr

well, right now i just have the yellow/red/white plug that comes with the machine hooked into my video 4 input on the front of the receiver. there is a digital input if i choose to use that. now i am getting a simulated 5.1, ya know, like in neo6, or all channel, but not the 'true' digital or DTS signal.

is there that much of a difference?? just asking?

bigjohn

There aren't any 5.1 PS2 games (trailers & intro's, yes; gameplay, no).

Only X-box currently offers 5.1 gameplay.

There are however, DPLII PS2 games though.

I run an s-video cable and optical for mine. No analog, and it sounds fine. Actually, if I remember right, it seems to play louder, if nothing else, over the co-ax cables. I don't know why.

"PS2
Pros
Many, Many Games
Many, Many good games
Cons
Weakest Graphics output
not really good for large TVs
Weak Online Aspect

GameCube
Best for younger Kids
Games Tailored for younger generation
Pretty good graphics
Some cool GCube only games
Cheapest(100$)
Cons
Weak Online Aspect"

Apparently you haven't a/b compared them (graphics) using the same games, have you?

The cube looked as if I had cataracts, in comparison.

I have mine setup the way ksimple does. Svideo and digital optical cable. I play around with my DSPs with each game until I get something that works best for me. Ratchet and clank sounds great with one DSP whereas Resident Evil works better with another.

jr

in terms of hardware the gamecube has the 2nd best graphics chips and accelerators.
Xbox is first, and PS2, which is the oldest is last.

As for the games themselves, it all depends on what game it is. For most multi platform games(xbox, GC, PS2 supported) the PS2 will look weak, while the Xbox will look marginally better then the GC. Very little difference.
BUT! IF you get a crappy looking game, it will look crappy on your tv as well.

Another pro for GC is that some games are 480P supported. I know some xbox games are HDTV supported with the kit, but i dont know about 'as is' 480p games.

Glad to see many people recommending SCEA games- like J&D, SOCOM, Gran Turismo, Ratchet and Clank and a few others- cuz I work for SCEA . We had real Navy seals come in from Seal Team-5 for SOCOM, and they did 99% of the motions for us (I do Motion Capture). They put "taunts" in for multi-player, and those were done by a few of us in the Studio. Check out the "chicken dance" one, that is my friend Ryan- and it is just hilarious. Check out Rise to Honor also- those motions were all Jet Li himself, and his loyal stuntmen. We did that shoot in a big wherehouse and had full wire-work just like in his movies.

We are beginning work on several titles already for the PS3- which is gonna be amazing. When we first heard that Microsoft was jumping into the mix with the Xbox, some of us were worried at first, then we realized that most gamers would stay away from it simply because of Microsoft- and we were correct. It has some nifty features, and is certainly a capable system, but they don't have nearly as many titles available. Part of the reason is that game developers don't often have the resources to produce on two different consoles, and given the choice, the PS2 is the better option for them because it is so popular.

EDIT: BTW- if you have a large TV, it is definetly preferable to use S-Video or Component with the PS2. With S-Vid on my 55" phillips, it is much, much, much better than with the analog that comes with it.

Not to make this a playstation vs xbox thread, but there really isnt a comparison for people who appreciate high def games and true 5.1 sound. I used to have a playstation , but most of the games are multiplatform, and first party games Microsoft as of late has been on top of their game. As a matter of fact the xbox recently outsold the playstation 2 for the month of April. Also, if any of you guys play online Xbox live now has msn and cell phone text game invites, so you can coordinate your online gaming via cell phone. I'm really not a fanboy just a long time gamer. If any of you guys have played Halo 16 player capture the flag , you will understand where I'm coming from

halo 16 is pretty juicy

except when it takes 4 hours and nothing really happens cause its CTF with 16 people:)

Eltorrente-thats pretty cool you work for SCEA. Are you currently programming for a machine that is not out yet, or has Mcsoft given you a prototype system already?(not in consumer form obviously)

I just recently passed my PS2 on to the kids as there is no exclusives for it I really feel the need to own. I get all multi-platform games for the XBOX. But since you have the PS2 I'll recommend a few.

Splinter Cell: Excellent stealth game. Lots of fun and the PS2 version has two exclusive levels. One of the best games made for any console IMO.

Burnout 2: Great arcade racer. Very fast racing and it has a game mode where the object is to make the biggest wreck possible. My kids love it.

Twisted Metal Black: Car combat. Pretty cool.

Splashdown: Jet ski racing. Lots of cool tracks.

Finding Nemo: Obviously good for the kids.

The Tony Hawk series: Fun for kids and adults.

Star Wars Bounty Hunter: If you are a SW fan this one is great. Creates a story of Jango Fett and his doings before Episode II. Great third person shooter.

Stuntman: Driving game where you play a stuntman and have to do different car stunts to create scenes for a movie.

Crash Nitro Kart: haven't actually played this but heard it is fun. Similar to Mario Kart for the GC.

Since you work there, can I make a request? Please put out the next Gran Turismo on a PC platform! It's a great series, but I don't want to get a PS2 just for that one game.

Oh god yes please please please!