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TheBadgerHunter · Dec 31, 2004, 07:27 PM

Little background:

I don't have much time for games. I currently just play your basic shooters on my Mac and I have a PS1 for vintage stuff. Now I feel like spoiling myself.

I am looking at buying either a DS or a console. I'd like the spend $200 +/- before taxes. I won't be playing the hell out of the thing so I just want a system with maybe 2-5 really good games. I probably will not buy another system for a very long time. Multiplayer is of no interest at all. Ditto with price of games or selection. Arcade and 1st person shooters aren't my style in general and I wouldn't mind just grabbing a few RPGs.

Scifience · Dec 31, 2004, 07:45 PM

If you're looking for a handheld, look no further than the Sony PSP. Currently only available in Japan (or for a nice chunk of change as an import

). It will play movies, supports the Sony Memory Stick for removable data storage, and has a beautiful widescreen display and great graphics.

I don't own a DS, but the whole concept of two screens seems rather akward for a portable system, especiall when the second screen seems to be used as an afterthought in most games (for a map, stats, etc.).

A GBA isn't a bad system, though. There is a wide selection of games available at good prices, and the SP is very tiny.

If you like RPGs (as you seemed to hint that you did), get a PS2 as it has the widest selection in that genre. FFX is great, and FFXI is fun if you like MMORPGs. DDR is also fun. The PSOne has built-in networking. However, the PS2 has the worst graphics of the bunch.

If you aren't going to buy another system for a long time, you might want to wait a bit to see what this year's E3 brings. The next generation of game consoles should be coming out soon, but with price tags closer to $300.

The XBOX has the best graphics and some good games, but it is made by Microsoft. The GameCube is great for people who are interested in Nintendo's exclusive franchises, but not much else. Most popular games are available on one or both of the other consoles. The WaveBird is the best wireless controller on the market, though, and it is the smallest of the consoles.

I own all of the systems mentioned aside from the DS. If you have any other questions, let me know.

lavar78 · Dec 31, 2004, 08:23 PM

You say you want RPGs, so that all but eliminates the Xbox right away. If you mean traditional RPGs, the PS2 is the best choice. However, there are some very good RPGs (and games with RPG-like elements) for the GameCube. Paper Mario and the Wind Waker are both excellent. I've also heard very good things about Tales of Symphonia, a more traditional RPG I'll be buying one of these days.

Don't underestimate the GBA SP. AFAIC, it's probably the perfect handheld -- small size, a long-lasting battery, a backlight, and an extensive library of great games. There are a lot of critically acclaimed RPGs: Golden Sun, Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, Advance Wars (if it counts), and Mario & Luigi just to name a few. There's also a new Zelda game coming soon. Of course, you can play all of those games on the DS.

Kilbey · Dec 31, 2004, 08:34 PM

I voted "none".

Console games are for the immature.

EDIT: /ducks flamethrowers]

TheBadgerHunter · Dec 31, 2004, 09:15 PM

Originally posted by Scifience:
If you're looking for a handheld, look no further than the Sony PSP. Currently only available in Japan (or for a nice chunk of change as an import ). It will play movies, supports the Sony Memory Stick for removable data storage, and has a beautiful widescreen display and great graphics.

If you aren't going to buy another system for a long time, you might want to wait a bit to see what this year's E3 brings. The next generation of game consoles should be coming out soon, but with price tags closer to $300.

The XBOX has the best graphics and some good games, but it is made by Microsoft. The GameCube is great for people who are interested in Nintendo's exclusive franchises, but not much else. Most popular games are available on one or both of the other consoles. The WaveBird is the best wireless controller on the market, though, and it is the smallest of the consoles.

I own all of the systems mentioned aside from the DS. If you have any other questions, let me know.

PSP isn't an option with its price tag way above my price range. I'm thinking the same with the DS.

I'm tossed between the PS2 and cube. Cube has maybe 5 or 6 games that I'd want, PS2 has tons. PS2 is showing its age and the cube is considerably cheaper.

Is there ANYTHING else I should know?

Here are the cube games Im looking at:
Baiten Kaitos
Future Tactics
Xmen
Paper Mario
Pokemon

Anything else that stands out?

Lateralus · Dec 31, 2004, 09:35 PM

GameCube.

TheBadgerHunter · Dec 31, 2004, 09:37 PM

Originally posted by Lateralus:
GameCube.

I'm going to go for it. Watched some videos of a few games, read some reviews, checked prices. Definitely the one for me.

Busemann · Dec 31, 2004, 09:51 PM

Originally posted by TheBadgerHunter:
I'm going to go for it. Watched some videos of a few games, read some reviews, checked prices. Definitely the one for me.

Its future looks pretty lackluster though (except Zelda)..

I'd get a PS2 (the new slim one), it still has lots of original/AAA stuff on the horizon; Wanda & Colossus, MGS 3, GT4 etc..

macaddict0001 · Jan 1, 2005, 01:21 AM

get tales of symphonia for gamecube. by far the longest rpg out their. it even comes on two discs. and believe me it needs the space. not that its bloated or anything. just that it will take you at least 70 hours to complete it. not to mention side quests and stuff(although it is quite linear)