PS2 Recommendations Plz

[Kawika]

Ok, so after much thought and against a promise to myself never again to own a console, I decided to pick up a PS2 for myself right after the extra Christmas money comes in. Now seems to be the time to get it since it's around $100 and there are SOOOOO many great looking titles for it. First, what is the difference (if any) between the slim version and the original fatty (besides the weight loss, of course) and is it worth the extra $20 or so? Second, what games can you guys recommend? Keep in mind please that I'm starting with some of the older titles to catch up and save a few bucks. Also, I'm 35, so no kiddie games, please (Final Fantasy is about as "kiddie" as I want to get, because I must admit, the more recent FF games look sweet!).

EDIT: I'm interested in any genre but fighting.

Thanks much!

[Kawika]

I just read that the only difference between the PS2 slim and original besides the size is the built in DVD remote and online capability, neither of which I really care about, so I may as well spend that extra money on a few games instead. :p

[booyah_boy]

.hack//Infection Part I - Action RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/hackpart1infection/screenindex.html
.hack//Mutation Part II - Action RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/hackpart2mutation/screenindex.html
.hack//Outbreak Part III - Action RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/hackpart3outbreak/screenindex.html
.hack//Quarantine Part IV - Action RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/hackpart4quarantine/screenindex.html
Arc the Lad: Twilight of Spirits - RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/arctheladtwilight/screenindex.html
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance - Action RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/baldursgatedarkalliance/screenindex.html
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II - Action RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/bgdarkalliance2/screenindex.html
Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter - RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/breathoffiredragonquarter/screenindex.html
Castlevania: Lament of Innocence - Action/Adventure
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/castlevaniatentativetitle/screenindex.html
Castlevania: Curse of Darkness - Action/Adventure
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/castlevaniacurseofdarkness/screenindex.html
Champions of Norrath - Action RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/championsofnorrath/screenindex.html
Champions: Return to Arms - Action RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/championsreturntoarms/screenindex.html
Dark Cloud - Adventure RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/darkcloud/screenindex.html
Dark Cloud 2 - Adventure RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/darkcloud2/screenindex.html
Devil May Cry - Action/Hack n' Slash
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/devilmaycry/screenindex.html
Devil May Cry 2 - Action/Hack n' Slash
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/devilmaycry2/screenindex.html
Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition - Action/Hack n' Slash
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/devilmaycry3specialedition/screenindex.html
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness - Strategy/Tactical RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/disgaeahourofdarkness/screenindex.html
Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories - Strategy/Tactical RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/disgaea2/screenindex.html
Drakengard - Action RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/drakengard/screenindex.html
Drakengard 2 - Action RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/drakengard2/screenindex.html
Dynasty Tactics - Turn-Based Strategy (Historic)
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/strategy/dynastytactics/screenindex.html
Dynasty Tactics 2 - Turn-Based Strategy (Historic)
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/strategy/dynastywarriorstactics2/screenindex.html
Final Fantasy X - RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy10/screenindex.html
Final Fantasy X-2 - RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasyx2/screenindex.html
Final Fantasy XII - RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy12/screenindex.html
Front Mission 4 - Mecha Turn-Based Strategy
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/strategy/frontmission4/screenindex.html
Front Mission 5 - Mecha Turn-Based Strategy - Currently Available in Japanese Only
God of War - Action/Adventure
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/godofwar/screenindex.html
Jade Cocoon 2 - RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/jadecocoon2/screenindex.html
Kingdom Hearts - Action RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/screenindex.html
Kingdom Hearts II - Action RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomhearts2/screenindex.html
La Pucelle: Tactics - Turn-Based Strategy
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/lapucelle/screenindex.html
Legacy of Kain: Defiance - Horror Action
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/lokdefi/screenindex.html
Magna Carta: Tears of Blood - RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/magnacarta/screenindex.html
Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome - Turn-Based Strategy RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/makaikingdomchroniclesofthesacredtome/screenindex.html
Mega Man X Collection - 2D Platformer
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/megamanxcollection/screenindex.html
Mega Man X7 - Platformer
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/megamanx7/screenindex.html
Mega Man X8 - Platformer
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/megamanx8/screenindex.html
Mega Man X: Command Mission - Action RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/megamanxcommandmission/screenindex.html

Continued In Post Below...

[Cormac]

Mark of Kri is a beautiful game, action-adventure with great combat.

[booyah_boy]

Continued...
I decided to update my initial post with a quick note on each game's genre and a link to some screenshots.
Enjoy.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty - Stealth Action
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/metalgearsolid2sonsol/screenindex.html
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater - Stealth Action
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/metalgearsolid3/screenindex.html
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence - Stealth Action
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/mgs3subsistence/screenindex.html
Musashi Samurai Legend - Action RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/musashisamurailegend/screenindex.html
Okage: Shadow King - RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/okageshadowking/screenindex.html
Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams - Action/Adventure
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/shinonimushadawnofdreams/screenindex.html
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny - Action/Adventure
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/onimusha2samuraisdestiny/screenindex.html
Onimusha 3: Demon Siege - Action/Adventure
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/shinonimushadawnofdreams/screenindex.html
Phantom Brave - Strategy RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/phantombrave/screenindex.html
Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy - Third-Person Tactical Shooter
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/psiops/screenindex.html
Psychonauts - 3D Platformer
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/psychonauts/screenindex.html
Rasetsu Alternative - RTS - Currently Available in Japanese Only
http://kogado.nippon1.jp/rasetsu/system/index.html
Ratchet & Clank - 3D Platformer
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/ratchetclank/screenindex.html
Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando - 3D Platformer
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/ratchetandclank2/screenindex.html
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal - 3D Platformer
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/ratchetclankiii/screenindex.html
Red Faction - Sci-Fi FPS
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/redfaction/screenindex.html
Red Faction II - Sci-Fi FPS
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/redfaction2/screenindex.html
Shadow Hearts -
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/shadowhearts/screenindex.html
Shadow Hearts: Covenant -
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/shadowhearts2/screenindex.html
Shadow Hearts: From the New World - RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/shadowheartsfromthenewworld/screenindex.html
Shadow of Destiny - Adventure with Action Elements
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/shadowofdestiny/screenindex.html
Shadow of the Colossus - Action/Adventure
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/wandaandthecolossus/screenindex.html
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga - RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/digitaldevilsagaavanttuner/screenindex.html
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2 - RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/digitaldevilsagaavatartuner2/screenindex.html
Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne - RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/shinmegamitenseinocture/screenindex.html
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus - 3D Stealth Platformer
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/slycooperandthetr/screenindex.html
Sly 2: Band of Thieves - 3D Stealth Platformer
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/sly2bandofthieves/screenindex.html
Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves - 3D Stealth Platformer
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/sly3/screenindex.html
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time - RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/starocean3/screenindex.html
Stella Deus: The Gate of Eternity - Turn-Based Strategy
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/strategy/stelladeus/screenindex.html
Suikoden III - RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/suikoden3/screenindex.html
Suikoden IV - RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/suikoden4/screenindex.html
Suikoden V - RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/suikoden5/screenindex.html
Tales of Legendia - RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/talesoflegendia/screenindex.html
Tales of Rebirth - Action RPG - Currently Available in Japanese Only
http://www.consoles-games.com/playstation2/voir.php?inc=voir_news&num_news=10267
Tales of the Abyss - Action RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/talesoftheabyss/screenindex.html
Tony Hawk's: American Wasteland - Skateboarding
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/sports/tonyhawksamericanwasteland/screenindex.html
Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht - Sci-Fi RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/xenosaga/screenindex.html
Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Bose - Sci-Fi RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/xenosaga2/screenindex.html
Xenosaga Episode III: Also Sprach Zarathustra - Sci-Fi RPG
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/xenosagaepisode3/screenindex.html

That's it. Admittedly, some of the games noted above are slightly less-than-desirable, but it wouldn't hurt you to try them and see what you think. I apologize, but I cannot quote any prices at you, as I purchased all of the noted games at release.

[Kawika]

Wow! Nicely done. Thanks booyah_boy. :)

[booyah_boy]

My pleasure, mate.
There are some games I left off the list which deserve an honorary mention (such as The Mark of Kri, as noted by Cormac, which is actually rather superb), but knowing as little as I do about your tastes in console games, I had to bide on the side of relative popularity.
Again, enjoy.

[txa1265]

OK ... not a console guy, but get a fair amount of exposure through GamerDad, so a few things missing:
- Okami is definitely great
- FF XII as mentioned
- Resident Evil 4
- Dragon Quest VIII

Also, I have to question Red Faction 2 - it is a 5 hour long game that scored ~50%, and is really pretty crappy. Others I'm not sure - I would just suggest being careful based on that entry alone!

[booyah_boy]

In response to txa1265's post:

I have to chime in on this one.
First, I was incredibly unimpressed with Okami. Stylisticly speaking, Okami takes a new approach, but their "radical concept for display" (quote from Capcom) is often an impediment to the game itself. Furthermore, on a low-resolution screen Okami looks horrid. What's more, the game, like so many others, has been thoroughly over-hyped.

I did not mention Resident Evil 4 as it, like every other RE title released to date, both looks and plays better on the GameCube. I happen to own a copy of RE4 for both systems, and thus, can testify to such, as well as cite reviews noting the same. If you do not have a GC, by all means, get RE4 on the PS2. If a GameCube is in your possession or is something you are planning on obtaining, it will be an unecessary addition to your library of PlayStation 2 titles.

Lastly, where on earth did you drag up that information as regards Red Faction II? Are you certain you're referencing the correct title? Red Faction 2 recieved an 8.2 (Great) from GameSpot, 9.2 from IGN, 87 of 100 from GameRankings, 89 of 100 from GameSpy, and a 9 of 10 from GameZone, Dark Station, Gamers Temple, Gaming Horizon, Gaming Nexus, Gamers Europe, Game Power AU, Play UK, Games Masters UK, PSW Magazine...and the list goes on and on. What's more, I would score the game a solid 8 of 10 myself, hence, "pretty crappy" is a poor and highly inaccurate summation. Lastly, the game is longer than five hours (I'd say a complete run-through would probably take about eight hours)...besides, even were that untrue, quality counts far more than quantity, aye?

[txa1265]

Lastly, where on earth did you drag up that information as regards Red Faction II?
I played Red Faction II on the PC, which is 'FPS central'. Perhaps on the PS2 it seemed better ... I don't know. I'm not a console gamer.

Red Faction II took me ~5 hours, similar to what I read in some PC reviews. I don't care about the length, since I got it cheap on eBay. But it felt like two games - you complete one in ~3 hours, then it feels like they noticed it was too short and tacked on another mini-plot with end-boss to make it at least acceptable in length. Again, perhaps that works better on the PS2.

I have heard directly from people who love Okami, but can't comment directly - but I do agree on your assessment of RE4, but if you have a PS2 and no 'Cube then it is probably worth looking at.

Sorry to debate the point - I think it is great that you took the time to do such a comprehensive list!

[JDR13]

I have to add my 2 cents here. Red Faction 2 is crap. Nothing else to say.

Did I hear someone mention Resident Evil? I'm a huge fan of that series, recognize my avatar? In fact, Resident Evil 4 is my all-time favorite game on a console system.
I can't comment on the PS2 version because I haven't played it, but if it's even close to the GC version then it's definitely worth playing.

[txa1265]

I have to add my 2 cents here. Red Faction 2 is crap. Nothing else to say.
Yeah, but booyah_boy is right - check GameRankings, reviewers were drooling all over that game on the PS2!

[curious]

wasn't re4 supposed to be released on pc...

[curious]

yeah my brother liked that game (red faction 2) alot i remember, he mostly plays sports games though, and his idea of a good rpg was dark alliance. which i played with him a few years back-not my idea of a quality game. other than that the most recent console rpg i've played was summoner 2.

[txa1265]

wasn't re4 supposed to be released on pc...

Yep - and still is targeted at March '07. I'm keeping an eye on that one.

[JDR13]

Should be interesting. I can't imagine playing it with a keyboard and mouse though.

[Kawika]

I like James Bond and WWII themed shooters too. Medal of Honor: Frontline and James Bond: Everything or Nothing look good. Also, Mercenaries got really good reviews. I like looking games up on gamerankings.com because you have many reviews in one place plus an average of all those reviews. :)

[Cormac]

One game I'd like to try is Way of the Samurai 2. It's apparently fantastic but I cant find it anywhere.

[Bartacus]

If you like racing, you should deffinately get Gran Tourismo 3 (IMO better then GT4). It was the sole reason to get myself a PS2.

[Neo]

I would personally recommend the Jak series, all 3 parts. It's some sort of old platform gaming style, mixed with the free-roaming known from the GTA series. I loved the games, and even did Jak 3 twice!

(part 1 is called Jak & Daxter)

[Jaz]

A pity you don't like fighting games because those are the only PS2 games I could recommend. Whenever you feel inclined to play some beat'em ups, tell me, and I'll recommend a few games :).

[Kawika]

A pity you don't like fighting games because those are the only PS2 games I could recommend. Whenever you feel inclined to play some beat'em ups, tell me, and I'll recommend a few games :).

lol, alrighty then Miss Fisty. ;)

[Jaz]

Oookay... let's start with the Tekken series. For the PS2, there are Tekken Tag Tournament, Tekken 4 and Tekken 5 - I prefer TTT out of the bunch, but I'd recommend them all.

Then there are Soul Calibur 2 and 3 (with weapons). Personally, I prefered SC2 (and the XBox version at that - it had Spawn instead of Heihachi), but SC 3 still is a beautiful game. I'm just not too partial to the green girl character they introduced in SC3.

Dead or Alive 2 Hardcore: if you like jiggling breasts, this would be your game ;). But it's good, anyway. Then there's Virtua Figher 4: Evolution. I'm not really a fan of VF, but VF4:E is better than vanilla VF4 - it has more characters and less glitches.

I haven't played Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 yet, but I'd like to - it has over 50 characters and wonderful cel-shaded graphics. It's said to be frustatingly difficult, though, so I didn't dare to order it yet.

If you like older games and/or Starlight Express ;), there's the re-release of Fighting Vipers. It looks a bit aged, though, and was a lot better for arcade.

Mortal Kombat: aaaah yes :). I own MK: Deadly Alliance, MK: Deception and MK: Alliance for the PS 2. MK:DA is the oldest out ouf the three, MK:A the newest. MK:A has a near-complete roster and a 'make your own fighter' feature, but the Konquest mode - a beat'em up adventure game - is far shorter than in the previous game (MK:Deception), they simplified gameplay even more with the use of only one type of Koin instead of five or six, and some character endings were... um... let's rather NOT talk about it. Personally, I prefer MK:D because of its extensive Konquest mode. And, of course, it has a Tetris clone mini-game.

[Kawika]

Thanks to everyone for your great suggestions! I limited myself to 10 games to start. I found everything I initially wanted except two; Medal of Honor: Frontline and God of War. I'm sure I'd easily find them on another store (went to GameStop), but I was too lazy to look, so next time on those babies. Also, I opted for the newer slim design PS2. The teenie-ness (umm...yeah) would be great for taking on the road. :D So anyway, here's the list of 10 I decided on:

Final Fantasy X-2 (FF XII is still $50, so I'll wait awhile on that one.)
Gladius (For when I'm in a turn-based RPG gladiator sort of mood.)
Onimusha Warlords
Killer 7 (Not the most highly rated game, but the nior (sp?) cell shading and unique (to say the least) story are winners in my book.)
James Bond: Everything or Nothing (A must have from the start. I would have actually bought out this one on eBay if that's what it took to get it. All-star voice acting, the gadgets, the chases, original music...and Jaws! Come on! :D )
Medal of Honor: European Assault (To make up for not finding MoH: Frontline.)
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (I don't know. It just reminds me of James Bond in the Jungle, plus it got rave reviews all over the net.)
Lord of the Rings: Third Age (Because I love the movies, but not so much the action games based on the movies :p .)
Resident Evil 4 (No surprise there and actually interacting with the great cutscenes is a clincher for sure!)
Xenosaga: Episode I (A deep space RPG and oh-so-purdy to boot.)

[Bartacus]

Lord of the Rings: Third Age (Because I love the movies, but not so much the action games based on the movies .)

-> Same thing here, but you'll see what I mean with the term: no freedom, straight forward.

[zakhal]

My own PS collection:

Final Fantasy (the whole series)
Chrono Trigger
Chrono Cross
Metal Gear 3 subsistence
God of War
Resident evil code veronica X (includes a movie that tells bg story of previous games)
Resident evil 4
Grand Turismo4 + 720 degree ps2/pc wheel
Silent hill (the whole series)

I have never played Resident evil before but I loved the alone
in the dark series on PC.

[curious]

anyone ever played martian gothic unification. i originally found about it while i was waiting for the release of gothic 2. its a 'survival horror' game but in space. i've played all the resident evils except 4, first 2 dino crisis's and alone in the dark 3,4 but this game has a unique feel to it. its got a well done story and mostly good voice acting. the controls are a bit akward but the uniqueness of this game makes it a wonderful experience that has more 'adventure' gameplay than other 'survival horror' games. its available on both pc and ps so you might want to check it out.