I'm cheap

[Raging Turtle]

Breaking off from the 'Should I buy an Xbox 360' thread.

I've been feeling very cheap lately, and since I never got a GC/Xbox/PS2 and have no intention of laying down 400 for a nextgen system sans games, I figure that things aren't going to be getting too much cheaper than now.   

Is GC the way to go?  I think I've seen that they go for 100, while new PS2's are 130 and Xbox is 150.  How do the game libraries stack up?  I've ignored consoles for about 5 years now so I really have no clue.  Ideally I want 4-5 really good games with at least one or two of those either having awesome replay ability or just an assload of play hours.   I assume wavebirds are the cordless controllers?  Is the list of GC games in the other thread considered the top of the library? 

Games I like... I don't know.  Resident Evil games are fun, so thats a point for GC since RE IV is supposed to be hot sex in a cartridge.  Everything I've heard about Ninja Gaiden Black makes me drool, but thats xbox.  I think I've grown out of FF angsty-preteen-with-giant-sword style games.  I prefer shooters and multiplayer on the computer but some fun games that might appeal to the gf or that I can play multi with her would be nice.  Fighting games are ok but I've already played enough Soul Caliber on friends systems for several lifetimes.   What's eternal darkness, which I've heard people here rave about?

All opinions welcome!

[schild]

The PS2 is the way to go actually. The Gamecube is the cheapest way to go and get a complete gaming experience though.

With the PS2 you're going to end up with all the best survival horror, turnbased tactics/strategy, and well...the best everything else. Sure every system has it's money shot, but the PS2 got a better version of Resident Evil 4.

And yes, the list in the other thread is The Top of the Gamecube Library. The only thing that was left out was Ikaruga, but very few people like bullet hell games and I knew Gulp wouldn't.

Here's my recommendation:
Resident Evil 4
Disgaea/Makai Kingdom/La Pucelle Tactics/Phantom Brave (in that order)
Guitar Hero
Katamari 1 & 2
Soul Calibur 3 (sorry, still gotta recommend it)
the Shadowhearts RPG series
Rez
Digital Devil Saga 1 & 2
Gladius
Ghost Hunter
Genji
Fatal Frame (1, 2, and 3)
Shadow of Rome
God of War

That just about covers it for me. As you can see, I don't play many platformers on the PS2 and no sports games. I leave sports to the Xbox (Links, etc.) and I play platformers on my portable systems.

Also: Get the Logitech (black) wireless PS2 controllers. By far the best ones made for the system.

Edit: Added God of War. Also, I can assure you there are AT LEAST 4 if not 5 more titles that will be worth getting before the PS2 dies next springish.

[Kail]

Eternal Darkness is a survival horror thing.  I've heard it described as the best in the genre (this was before RE4, though) but I didn't like it.  Survival horror is not a genre I enjoy at all.

As for libraries, they're fairly comparable across all three systems.  The Gamecube's got the Nintendo titles, obviously: the FPS Metroid Prime games, the loved/hated cel-shaded Zelda game, and the... um... uninteresting Mario Sunshine.  There are also a bunch of fun multiplayer games you may want to look at (Smash Brothers Melee, Mario Kart, Phantasy Star Online ep. 1&2).  It seems to be that there are fewer GC titles than there are for the other systems, although I haven't researched this or anything. 

The XBox has probably the best online play, and (in my experience) generally gets the best version of games which appear on all three systems.  Aside from that, it's got some solid third party support.  Ubisoft and FASA and Lionhead et al.  It tends to be really, really focused on the Male, 18-25 demographic, though, so you might have trouble finding something for your ladyfriend.

The PS2 has a TON of Japanese stuff.  If you're not looking for the Japanese console RPGs, you might want to stay away.  But it does run old PS1 games, which is nice.

Can you rent consoles?  I think I remember one video store where you could.  Might want to give that a shot, if you can.  Rent the GC, check out Celda, Metroid, Eternal Darkness, Smash Brothers, and whatever else tickles your fancy.  If you don't really like the feel of them, then I'd suggest an Xbox.

[Yegolev]

I would describe Eternal Darkness as what the Cthulu game should have been, only years earlier.  Survival horror, I guess, but it's not really that much like Resident Evil.  You do have to fight horrible creatures with dorky controls, though the ED controls are not assy like RE.  In RE, you could only die; in Eternal Darkeness you can also go insane.  Just the sanity effects make this title worth playing.  I also enjoyed the story format, even though the story itself wasn't anything revolutionary if you know about Lovecraft.  ED also has some replayability if you want to finish it three times to get the "real" ending.  Personally, I'd rate ED higher than RE4, overalll.

There are far fewer total GC games than good PS2 games.  This is offset somewhat by the quality of the GC games, but it depends on what you want.  For example, you can get a Harvest Moon for Cube, but as far as I know River King is PS2-only.  Atlus and NIS games are PS2-only, too.  The Cube is indispensable for the 3D Metroid games and Wind Waker, to me.  Even though I try to buy the GC version of everything I can, my GC library is pretty pitiful.  You said you only wanted 4-5 really good games, though, so it's going to be less of an issue to you as long as you like the top Cube games... all of which have probably been listed.

I prefer the Wavebird to the Logitech cordless controllers.  Mostly this is because the Wavebird has a real off switch, but the buttons also feel better to me.  I like clicky buttons, though.  The Logitechs are pretty similar to the official versions; the Xbox one is notably better than the official one, but the buttons still have the "have to press down REALLY HARD" issue I don't like.

If you buy a new Cube, it will not have a progressive scan display option.  That may or may not matter to you.

[stray]

I'm with schild on PS2>GC

The Gamecube is a must for certain games, but it definitely isn't the better console. Every person I know who only has/had a GC ends up frustrated, envious, and eventually ends up buying a PS2 or Xbox.

Besides, the price difference isn't that much.

Everything I've heard about Ninja Gaiden Black makes me drool, but thats xbox.

Ninja Gaiden is cool and all, but just forget it exists and play God of War. Same general idea (gameplay wise), but better (fair warning though: there aren't any ninjas in ancient Greece).

And if you're going for horror, just get the Silent Hill games (still haven't finished RE4, so I won't say anything).

Other PS2 titles worth mentioning (besides what others said)...

Prince of Persia series
GTA: SA
Rez
The Ace Combat series
Ratchet and Clank series
Beyond Good and Evil
Ico
Baldur's Gate: DA series

[Yegolev]

Beyond Good and Evil

Also on Cube, if that means anything.

I am somewhat rabid about the series and try not to gush about it a lot, but if you like 3D platforming, humor or blowing up shit, you should get the Ratchet & Clank games on PS2.  It's more about blowing up shit than platforming.  They also have good replayability, and successive titles give you perks for having a previous save game... except Deadlocked (#4).  You actually want to play them in order, too.

[schild]

Eternal Darkness is not better than Resident Evil 4. I'll pretend I didn't read that. /sniffle

[Yegolev]

As usual, depends on what you mean by "better" and YMMV and personal bias toward creative gameplay and whatnot.  RE4 looks better, controls better, has a tighter narrative, and has a fresh spring scent.  ED has less brown and is more... creepy?  Weird?  Has more personality?  I am all in the YMMV territory now.

Comparing those two games directly was dumb on my part.  Time difference, intangibles, etc.  I can't think of a game to compare ED to, though.

[schild]

I'd compare ED to Silent Hill 2 or Fatal Frame 1. But that's just me. Maybe Haunting Ground. Haunting Ground is a stretch though.

Kuon perhaps?

[Lum]

Well, each platform does different things better.

If you like RPGs, without question the PS2 is the platform to buy. If you like sports games, the Xbox (not 360) is the way to go. Xbox also has the best strategy games (a thin selection at best, admittedly - I'm a big fan of the Kingdom under Fire series) and technically has the best hardware. If you like party games, Gamecube. If you liike shooters and MMOs, PCs.

XBox 360 doesn't have enough games out yet to convince me to buy it.

[Rodent]

Well, each platform does different things better.

If you like RPGs, without question the PS2 is the platform to buy. If you like sports games, the Xbox (not 360) is the way to go. Xbox also has the best strategy games (a thin selection at best, admittedly - I'm a big fan of the Kingdom under Fire series) and technically has the best hardware. If you like party games, Gamecube. If you liike shooters and MMOs, PCs.

XBox 360 doesn't have enough games out yet to convince me to buy it.

I was going to post something lenghty, but this post sums it all up nicely really.

I will add this on the subject of Eternal Darkness though, the game has some of the finest voice acting and story of this generation.

[eldaec]

If you like sports games, the Xbox (not 360) is the way to go. Xbox also has the best strategy games

Seems a stretch to suggest the Xbox has better strategy games (or indeed anything) than a PC.

Total War > all.

If I was to buy a console - the only one I'd consider is the gamecube, simply because it's the best for slightly drunk non-gamer friends & family to multiplay on.

PS2 & Xbox undoubtedly have better single player games, but you'll keep thinking "hang on, this would be so much better if it were done properly on a PC".

[schild]

PS2 & Xbox undoubtedly have better single player games, but you'll keep thinking "hang on, this would be so much better if it were done properly on a PC".

I don't think I've thought that once with a PS2 game. I can't help but think it with Xbox games though, simply because half of them do indeed come out on the PC later. So while I may not think "this would be better on a PC" I do think "I'll be the PC one for $10 cheaper instead."

On that note, aside from first person shooters, I'd interested in what games, you think, would be better on the PC. Because I'm at a loss. I can't think of any.

[Sky]

Every game that doesn't have the style of multiplayer that's best done on a sofa with your mates, like football or fighters, would be better done on a pc.

[stray]

Platformers/action/adventure/beat 'em up titles suck on the PC. That's total couch and controller material as well, and probably the bulk of what's available on consoles.

Racing games are best for the couch.

Same goes for dance/music/party games.

Or so I think.

[schild]

Platformers, racing games, third person shooters with no crosshairs, sneaking titles (that require the finesse of an analog stick), puzzle titles, LONG RPGs that don't have first person combat, adventure titles without pixel hunting (indigo prophecy) - are all best played with a controller. Really, the only reason I need a keyboard and mouse anymore is for competitive first person gaming (note: I am now more than adept at breezing through a fps single player game) and games that require typing (like MMORPGs).

[Yegolev]

I think playing a RTS using analog nubs must be difficult, if we are just going to talk about game types.  Control mechanisms have a greater effect on game design that most people seem to think.  I can just make a blanket statement and say that any game that controls better with a mouse is more suited to the PC, but that is just stupidly obvious.

Given what I just said, there are games which just don't get the analog stick response right, particularly titles near the beginning of a console's lifespan.  Some games are too sensitive or the directional bands seem too narrow, but as time goes by, more people get it right.  I suppose that, over time, developers would learn to optimize for a controller consisting of a hand crank and foot pedal if that's what they had to work with.  My only real point here is that the games best suited for the PC (or console) are the ones designed for the PC (or console) in the first place... which is also obvious.  I even apply this between the various consoles.  Reference any FPS on the Cube... which probably just consists of Geist, but I have not tried Killer 7.  Xbox games are trigger-heavy, maybe because that's where console FPS lives or maybe it's because the black and white buttons suck shit.

[Sky]

Platformers, racing games, third person shooters with no crosshairs, sneaking titles (that require the finesse of an analog stick), puzzle titles, LONG RPGs that don't have first person combat, adventure titles without pixel hunting (indigo prophecy) - are all best played with a controller. Really, the only reason I need a keyboard and mouse anymore is for competitive first person gaming (note: I am now more than adept at breezing through a fps single player game) and games that require typing (like MMORPGs).

So get a controller for your pc. A pc doesn't mean using a keyboard and mouse unless you prefer that.

The only thing a console brings to the table that a pc can't easily do is multiplayer with multiple controllers and everyone onscreen, like the genres I mentioned. A pc is superior for /everything else/ (especially with no-cd cracks).

Platformers/action/adventure/beat 'em up titles suck on the PC. That's total couch and controller material as well, and probably the bulk of what's available on consoles.

Racing games are best for the couch.

So game from your couch on the pc :)

You guys can mock me about my tv all you'd like, but you can get a decently priced hdtv for the price of a nice pc monitor, ditch the desk and game from the couch and forget most of the limitations people put on the pc. It's not like it's some outrageous extravagence any more. Or go ahead and mock while you crouch over your desks after sitting at a desk all day :P I'll tip back a Dos Equis for mah homies.

[schild]

My desk is for PC. My couch is for consoles. We don't mock your TV Sky. We mock your painstakingly engineered PC setup which you're just using in leiu of using a console.

[Furiously]

Beyond Good and Evil

Also on Cube, if that means anything.

I am somewhat rabid about the series and try not to gush about it a lot, but if you like 3D platforming, humor or blowing up shit, you should get the Ratchet & Clank games on PS2.  It's more about blowing up shit than platforming.  They also have good replayability, and successive titles give you perks for having a previous save game... except Deadlocked (#4).  You actually want to play them in order, too.

Also available on the PC.

[schild]

It's available on all 3 consoles and the PC. That game should not have any bearing on what system you get.

[Sky]

My desk is for PC. My couch is for consoles. We don't mock your TV Sky. We mock your painstakingly engineered PC setup which you're just using in leiu of using a console.

Don't be ignorant. Unless buying a logitech cordless duo and gamepad is painstaking engineering. My pc is totally stock with no oddness due to the monitor. I don't understand why you'd rather play PC games at a desk, when all games can be played from the couch (and at higher resolutions with a wide variety of input devices). I just want to make sure people understand that it's a choice to play pc games at a desk with a keyboard and a mouse, not a necessity. It's a great time to be a pc gamer, just as it's a great time to be a console gamer.

It's available on all 3 consoles and the PC. That game should not have any bearing on what system you get.

Only one is high resolution. :)

[Yegolev]

I'm not mocking you.  I don't have a PC downstairs due to space, laziness, and the fact that it gives me an excuse to disappear into my own little room on occasion.  If I wasn't a cheap-ass, I'd get a bigger monitor; if not for those other reasons above, I'd have a rig set up downstairs.  It sure would make things easier when I want to watch some torrented TV, nevermind having Half-Life 2 (it's my favorite game ever, you know) connected to a real surround setup with a 34" digital TV.

Also: porn.

[Jimbo]

N64 and Gamecube both have Paper Mario and Paper Mario II, well worth picking up both systems used and those games.  Great RPG and fun to play, heck that is how I got my son into RPG's with it.  He loves the Zelda games, I can't stand them, but to each there own.

[Strazos]

I tend no to sit very upright if I am playing on a couch.

Also, Keyboard and Mouse. Besides my aversion to wireless devices, I don't see it being viable on a couch.....too much movement, not at the right level.


Plus, my chair is plenty comfortable.


Also...great, you can play on your TV....but I can play at my desk AND watch TV.

[Sky]

If I'm playing something boring enough to want to watch tv, I shouldn't be playing it.

Plus, my chair is plenty comfortable.

My supervisor finally took the plunge and got his mac hooked up to his new hdtv, after years of hearing about my setup. He's been grinning from ear to ear all week from playing BF1942 and Medal of Honor.

[Strazos]

Maybe I'm better at multi-tasking, I dunno.

[Sky]

Or ADD.

[Xanthippe]

We have a Gamecube and a PS2.  If I only had one, and it was for me, not my kids, I'd probably... god, I don't know.  There are more games available for the PS2 but I tend to like the Gamecube games better.  Although I pretty much only play PC games.

(We will be getting a Wii, which are supposed to be compatible with GC games.)

[Yegolev]

I will have the PS-Wii-60 eventually.  Gotta catch'em all.  They will go in the living room.  PC stays upstairs.  That's just how it is going to be.

[Sky]

I have the xbox and cube, I've used each enough that I feel I've gotten my value from them, probably moreso from the GC with Eternal Darkness, Zelda and a couple Resident Evils. I hook the cube to my bedroom tv because I don't have the component cables and it looks assy on the big tv. I should dig the system out and play some more Mario Golf, but whenever I think about that I load up SimGolf. Mashunu.

PC gaming is about 99% of my gaming (suprise! :)). Going back through Far Cry now, which I never finished. Got bored with Oblivion, to my amazement. Need to score some mota to enjoy that game more imo.

[Big Gulp]

Also, Keyboard and Mouse. Besides my aversion to wireless devices, I don't see it being viable on a couch.....too much movement, not at the right level.

I play on the lazy boy.  I've got an end table right next to me where my beer, cigarettes, and mouse pad all go, and a sort of foldable flat keyboard tray that goes in my lap.

That said, I sort of have buyers remorse; I just don't ever use the TV as a PC gaming peripheral unless I'm playing old ROMs.

[Raging Turtle]

Picked up a PS2 last week along with Res Evil 4 and God of War.  I like God of War, but RE4 is so damn good I haven't been playing GoW much when I get a chance to hit the ps2.  I only wish the enemies were bit more 'zombie' rather than infected humans.  Or whatever they are. 

Anyone have advice for whenever I pick up a third game?  I'm satisfied with God of War for that style of game, something different would be good. 

[Trippy]

What types of games do you like to play? There's something of everything for the PS2.

[stray]

Since you want something different (fair warning though: the bulk of good PS2 games are 3rd person action in one way or another), get Katamari Damacy 1 and 2. Or just check out 1 at least.