Xian\'s Modified Voice wrote:

mark wrote:

Well, now that I finally have some money, its time to purchase a console. As discussed in some other thread a while ago, PS2 seemed to be the best choice, so I guess I'll go with that. Suggestions on what my first game purchases should be? Older games (Read DOA2, VF4) I'm planning on getting used via Amazon or some such, but for games that are new, I drew up a list that I will probably select a couple from:

Get VF4 now - get it get it get it. Unless you're willing to wait for the "expansion", although I forget when it's due to be released. VF4 is crazy great. It combines the one intriguing element from the Sims (mixing and matching the insane number of unlockable accessories and clothes colors to suit your exact tastes) with the best fighting game I've ever played.

Dark Cloud 2 -- I'm pretty opposed to fruity japanese RPGs, but this game got such huge reviews. Also claims of "LIMITLESS GAMEPLAY" which is always a lie, but often a good sign. Also I heard it was more zelda-esque and far less FF, which places it in the realm of non-suck.

Played it for a bit - I hate spiky-haired anime characters by default, but it was charming and fun and that weapon alchemy system or whatever the hell it's called is probably as deep as everyone's saying it is, but I didn't get to fuck with it enough to really tell. I definitely plan on renting it.

Dynasty Warriors 4 -- I played 2 or 3 or something and it seemed pretty cool plus we there's the Curst seal of approval, and we seem to agree on many things...

It's hella-good, but if you can find both DW3 and DW3:XL for a combined price of $40 or less, then it's *really* hard for me to say DW4 is any better. I'm still trying to slap together a review for it that isn't bland and also isn't a meandering rant about all my nitpicking complaints, but on balance I'd have to say it's tougher, which is a plus, but it "feels" slower, a bit more deliberately paced - which is not a plus and dare I say may even be a minus.

Splinter Cell -- I really know nothing about this game other than 1) it's beloved 2) looks sneaky/shooty, ala metal gear.

Is it being ported to the PS2? I know it is for Windows but I hadn't heard that it'd be made for any other consoles besides the X-Box. Yeah, everyone compares it (usually favorably) to Metal Gear but says that there isn't nearly as much inane dialogue, which is a huge plus for me.

Tenchu -- I liked the first, at least.

Having never played the first or second, I can definitely thumbs-up the third. The AI is pretty stupid compared to the one stealth game I've truly loved (Thief), since it's way too easy to shake enemies once you're spotted. However, in the later levels the game still gets really tough - indeed the last time I played it an enemy pulled a stealth kill off on ME, which I definitely did not expect. Only downside is that it's too easy to fall to your death in a bottomless pit during combat because pretty much all your combos involve you taking steps directly forward, and some confrontations that are just about impossible to avoid naturally take place near such pits. But hey, it's ninjas, it gives you cool cinematics when you pull off stealth kills - it's fun.

Tekken 4, maybe.

It's my favorite Tekken, but I still like Virtua Fighter better myself. I got it since everyone I know enjoys Tekken more, and as such when I'm hanging out with others it's a more surefire bet for rockin' da party.

Any suggestions? Games in that list that are definately rent first/only rent? Last minute advice not to buy a playstation?

You should probably rent Tekken 4 and Virtua Fighter 4 first to determine which you like better.

Oh yeah, GT3 is pretty cheap/old now, but is it still a worthwhile driving game or has it been surpassed many times over?

I personally like Vice City a bit more than GTA3 because of the whole "homage to Scarface" thing, not to mention the soundtrack. Then again, it is coming out for Windows soon, and if GTA3 was any indication, it'll be noticably more fun on Windows if only because of the improved controls. I'd only get the PS2 version if, like me, your computer very like will be unable to play the Windows version. Just from the screenshots alone, I'm betting GTA:VC will have higher sys. requirements than GTA3 did, and I already had my share of performance issues with GTA3.