Playstation 2 over the past 2 years

[Kahnno6]

Ok, I'm coming to all of you for advice and help.

I was at one point an avid gamer. However, with the birth of my son, that time had come to pass. I sold my consoles and all of my games as they were merely collecting dust. However, in the last two years, my son has grown older and I actually have a little bit of this strange thing called "free time".

I still miss my days playing console games. So, with a nice Christmas bonus, and some holiday cash, I've decided not to go the route of one of the current gen consoles, but to go back to what I truly enjoyed, my PS2. I have an idea of what games I want. Some RPGS, strategy, and sports titles that I use to enjoy, however, being a new father, I've completely removed myself from the gaming scene (as well as many others). So who can tell me what I've missed on this console over the past two years? I know out of the previous generation, PS2 is really the only console to have continued support and titles, so I'm sure I've missed some really great games.

So what would you suggest?

[J Dog]

Although Microsoft and Nintendo have given up on their last generation systems, Sony's still releasing good games onto the PS2. However, I think that by the end of 2008, they'll focus mainly on the PS3.

I tried to get a PS2 for my brother today, but I couldn't. The first game I would've gotten would be a "Grand Theft Auto" game. In spite of the mature content (and the fact that it's not mature people who would buy the copies), I enjoy the concept of a large city or region.

However, that's my view. I will give you a good list of games to look at, but for now, I got a blank slate.

[jesse_custer]

Although I believe this came out before two years ago, if you haven't played it yet you need it in your life, being a fan of strategy and RPGs: "Disgaea: Hour of Darkness."

[Kahnno6]

Although I believe this came out before two years ago, if you haven't played it yet you need it in your life, being a fan of strategy and RPGs: "Disgaea: Hour of Darkness."

I played the hell out of that :) It's actually one of my all time favorite games. However, I haven't played the sequel. How does it stack up?

[jesse_custer]

Haven't played the sequel but heard good things. Picking it up before any other recent RPG would not be venturing into regret, if I had to guess.

[Donald M.]

What kind of games do you like, other that RPGs, Strategy and Sports?

I admit I haven't been playing my own PS2 much lately, but I could probably name a few games you'd enjoy.

One game I've had a lot of fun with is God Hand, a 3D beat-'em-up with a nonsensical plot and bizarre sense of humor. Not sure if you're into that sort of thing but I'd reccomend it if it looks like soemthing you'd enjoy. Here's a decent review:

http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/godhand/godhand.htm

Rogue Galaxy is a decent RPG, good but not exactly mind blowing. I think it's going for $20 now though so you might want to pick it up. It's from the same folks who developed Dragon Quest VIII. Speaking of which, if you somehow missed that one, get it. It is pure old-school goodness and one of the top 5 RPGs ever released for the system.

I've heard good things about Persona 3. I played the hell out of the first one for the PS1 but never quite got into the sequel for some reason. I think I got stuck somewhere and that was right around when I got my PS2. I still have it.

I might have some more recommendations later.

[Kahnno6]

What kind of games do you like, other that RPGs, Strategy and Sports?

I admit I haven't been playing my own PS2 much lately, but I could probably name a few games you'd enjoy.

One game I've had a lot of fun with is God Hand, a 3D beat-'em-up with a nonsensical plot and bizarre sense of humor. Not sure if you're into that sort of thing but I'd reccomend it if it looks like soemthing you'd enjoy. Here's a decent review:

http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/godhand/godhand.htm

Rogue Galaxy is a decent RPG, good but not exactly mind blowing. I think it's going for $20 now though so you might want to pick it up. It's from the same folks who developed Dragon Quest VIII. Speaking of which, if you somehow missed that one, get it. It is pure old-school goodness and one of the top 5 RPGs ever released for the system.

I've heard good things about Persona 3. I played the hell out of the first one for the PS1 but never quite got into the sequel for some reason. I think I got stuck somewhere and that was right around when I got my PS2. I still have it.

I might have some more recommendations later.

I loved Dragon Quest VIII. It was the last game I really put any quality time in with.

I primarily tend to go for the genres I mentioned (rpg/strategy/sports), but I am not above steppin goutside of that for a good action/beatem up or fighting game or even a good music/rythm game. Not sure if I'm willing to shell out the cash for the accessories needed for a Rock BAnd or Guitar Hero though.

[BYC]

God of War and God of War 2 are excellent.

[ocelotrevs]

God of War and God of War 2 are excellent.

Agreed. Both are Marvelous games to play.

Devil May Cry 3.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance, but it takes time to go in to (for me).

[Kahnno6]

Agreed. Both are Marvelous games to play.

Devil May Cry 3.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance, but it takes time to go in to (for me).

I do have an interest in Marevel Ultimate Alliance. How would you say it compares to Justice League Heroes? I haven't given that a try yet either.

[Gladiaria_Alata]

Hmm.

Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
Disgaea II: Cursed Memories
Phantom Brave
Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome
Grandia II
Valkyrie Profile II: Silmeria
Okami
Atelier Iris II: The Azoth of Destiny

Not too sure about Star Ocean, Onimusha II or Shadow Hearts, not started those....

...And it's not cause I have all those games, certainly not... Heheheh. ^^;

[Kahnno6]

Hmm.

Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
Disgaea II: Cursed Memories
Phantom Brave
Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome
Grandia II
Valkyrie Profile II: Silmeria
Okami
Atelier Iris II: The Azoth of Destiny

Not too sure about Star Ocean II, Onimusha II or Shadow Hearts, not started those....

...And it's not cause I have all those games, certainly not... Heheheh. ^^;


I've played Disgaea (love it), Phantom Brave (was a little disappointed), Shadow Hearts 1 & 2, both good. We tend to have similiar tastes in these things, so that's a nice list to start with :)

[Kage Kisaragi]

for gods sake if you didn't or did have a great high school life, YOU need to play Persona 3 to either make up for the sucky one you had or to remissness about how awesome it was, you have to play this game. It's a RPG like no other, you get to balance out 2 worlds, your school life world, and your after hours save the world world. Every aspect of high school life is pretty much addressed, from after school activities, to social interactions, even testing are all here. Yeah and you get to save the world whenever you get around to it. :p

the combat isn't clunky and is innovative in a lot of ways, yet still challenging in the sense that you have only yourself to blame since you only control your main character and give out orders to the others. The game is fun (im on my 4th play through.) and has about 40 or more hours worth of game play.. and it looks visually good with a very good sound track.

[Gladiaria_Alata]

I've played Disgaea (love it), Phantom Brave (was a little disappointed), Shadow Hearts 1 & 2, both good. We tend to have similiar tastes in these things, so that's a nice list to start with :)

I was surprised at hows the fights were structured in M.K. and P.B. I guess I assumed it would be the grid-system like in Disgaea, took a little getting used too.

And for gods sake get Okami!! It's not an RPG, but it is thoroughly awesome! :eek:

I'm still completing sidequests and have clocked up 40+ hours.

[Nik Hasta]

I played the hell out of that :) It's actually one of my all time favorite games. However, I haven't played the sequel. How does it stack up?

Personally I think it's superior to the original; something about it just makes it more engrossing.

I don't know it might be I just grew older and got better at playing games between Disgaea 1 and 2.

Also though, Disgaea 3 is coming out on PS2 possibly late next year so that'll be worth a look.

Dark Chronicle, a game I have just picked up again after many years of not playing it, is definetely worth a look, good plot, good graphics and gameplay, little shorter than maybe I'd have liked but the weapon-making system is hugely engrossing.

Beat 'em Ups-wise; Def Jam: Fight For New York is amazing, Soul Calibur 3 is great and if you're after 2D fighting action, and let's face it who isn't, then Guilty Gear X2 or Guilty Gear X Slash are the best 2D beat 'em ups on the market.

God of War 1 and 2 are brilliant, as is Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition.

[Basara]

Not sure if I'm willing to shell out the cash for the accessories needed for a Rock BAnd or Guitar Hero though.

The nice thing about Guitar Hero is that you only need one guitar controller for all the games (1, 2, 3, and 80's).

The way I put it to people, if you've ever played air guitar in your life, you have to try this game. I still play 1 and 2 and they came out 2 years ago.

Rock Band is a party game. It's at its best when there are multiple people playing. Also, the PS2 does not have the World Tour mode, which is really the reason to play Rock Band. Honestly, I'd say you should buy Guitar Hero on PS2 over Rock Band.

Btw, I have Persona 3 and it is freakishly cool. It's disturbing, but in a good way. I don't want to say more because that would ruin the really cool moments of this game. If you are an RPG fan, pick this up immediately. You won't be disappointed.

[BYC]

Marvel Ultimate Alliance and Justice League Heroes are fun. Ultimate Alliance has far more unlockables, characters, and playtime. Both get really repetitive, especially after you finish the game and know the storyline. The harder difficulties are harder, but generally, just playing smarter will get you through (ie blocking a lot more).

Ultimate Alliance is better mainly because of the number of unlockables and characters. Although fun, keep in mind these games will quickly be repetitive. The limitations are a bit annoying as well, such as why certain powers are so weak, and the ever present mana bar which all powers require. Obviously it's to keep the game balanced and interesting, but it's also a bit annoying to wait for Superman or Captain America to "recharge" before they can use heat vision or shield throw again.

[Young Avenger]

Shadow Hearts 1 & 2, both good.

Have you played the third game? It's just as good as the first two.

I must also show my support for Persona 3. It's the best RPG I played this year.

[Demon King Psycho]

Okami Okami Okami Okami Okami!

[Sanagi]

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5306/boxlup5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[SAMAS]

The first game I would've gotten would be a "Grand Theft Auto" game. In spite of the mature content (and the fact that it's not mature people who would buy the copies), I enjoy the concept of a large city or region.

Then I would suggest Jak II and III.

[hoffmandu]

If you're into sandbox style gaming, The Warriors and Bully were pretty damn awesome. And whatever Tomb Raider that was released a few years back was pretty fun too.

[Kahnno6]

Well I picked up a ps2 yesterday and a few titles:

Disgaea 2, Final Fantasy XII (I felt compelled to do so since this is the only installment of the franchise that I've never touched), and Madden 08. However, I get home and I had a defective unit!!! Guess I'm headed back out to exchange it after work!

[Gladiaria_Alata]

Well I picked up a ps2 yesterday and a few titles:

Disgaea 2, Final Fantasy XII (I felt compelled to do so since this is the only installment of the franchise that I've never touched), and Madden 08. However, I get home and I had a defective unit!!! Guess I'm headed back out to exchange it after work!

ARGH. ><

Also. Okami Okami Okami! :p

[kain5252]

Also. Okami Okami Okami! :p

If you can find it... *twitch*


Also Kingdom Hearts is pretty good for RPG's.

[Kahnno6]

ARGH. ><

Also. Okami Okami Okami! :p

I actually looked for Okami, but they were out. I went to a few shops and they were very cleaned out by Christmas and the days after. It's on my list, don't worry! :)

[Kahnno6]

If you can find it... *twitch*


Also Kingdom Hearts is pretty good for RPG's.

I actually played both of those. I enjoyed them a great deal.

[Nik Hasta]

Well I picked up a ps2 yesterday and a few titles:

Disgaea 2, Final Fantasy XII (I felt compelled to do so since this is the only installment of the franchise that I've never touched), and Madden 08. However, I get home and I had a defective unit!!! Guess I'm headed back out to exchange it after work!

Arrrgh! That's annoying!

Glad to here you're still positive though! :D

[BlairH]

Shadow of the Colossus. It's awesome, original, unique, beautiful, and intelligent. So basically it was a commercial disaster from the start...