Game Console + 2 Games - Which Ones?

In My Humble Opinion
1

Okay Dopers,

I have decided to purchase a game console and a few games and need some advice. I have no idea what to buy. I was pretty much raised on Centipede and the like so I am totally out of touch with current games. I am a returning college student and need something mindless to relieve stress between tests, papers, rotations, etc. One thing that I have noticed is that the current crop of games seem to require days if not weeks to learn and months to play. Not really into role playing either. Needless to say, I do not have the time or the patience for such an investment. On the other hand, I have matured beyond the simple “shoot 'em up” games as well. Any suggestions?

2

Playstation 2 should be the console.
Xbox may be the one to get in 8-12 mos…but I had one and took it back…there is just nothing out for it worth a damn.

Games…I would definately say Grand Theft Auto 3, if you want to relieve some stress…after that…maybe Metal Gear Solid2(action), Jax and Daxter(platform), Gran Tourismo 3 (racing) or Virtua Fighter 4 (fighting)… I would go rent several and pick one you like.

3

If you don’t have time to play involved games, that is really going to limit your choices IMO.

I have no recommendation on a console. Apparently I am the only person in the world who thinks that the PS2 is a waste of money.

4

Why so?

My hesistancy about game length is based on hearing and seeing people spend months progressing through games - way to long for me, but a week or two maybe I could handle.

5

If you do end up getting an XBox, I can wholeheartedly recommend both HALO (first-person shooter) and Project Gotham Racing (duh, racing).

Jaxbeachboy is somewhat true that there are not very many games out for XBox yet. But I do think that if you’re looking for a system that has potential to still be decently current in a year or two, XBox is a much better bet. In terms of pure power and potential, PS2 doesn’t come close.

6

Your best bet is to look at the games you would want to play. Halo was fantastic, Max Payne was tolerable on the XBox (NOT on the PS), Super Smash Brothers Melee was fantastic on the GameCube (as was the Star Wars game… tough, but you only need to get as involved as you want… there’s hidden stuff to look for if you’re in the mood, but it isn’t absolutely necessary to win). Soul Calibur 2 should be coming out on all systems, so that’s the fighting game to watch. The PS has FFX and FFXI going for it, but those are pretty involved RPGs so probably not your cup of tea.

I dunno, the PS2 is a decent choice… I wouldn’t say you’d be disappointed. My problem with the PS2 is that it floods the market with games that simply don’t impress me. XBox I haven’t paid much attention to, but god Halo was so impressive I can barely stand not owning one. I got a GameCube because it was cheap, has a few good games available now (I don’t play much, either), and looks to have some more great ones coming (Metroid, the entire RE series, Starfox, Zelda, Eternal Darkness…), so that’s the one I’ve really been following.

I’ve heard so many good things about GTA3 that I must be asymptotically approaching a state of virtual leprosy for not having played it (and, worse yet, not having a desire to). I say head to http://www.videogames.com/ and spend a good three days looking over games that sound interesting on each system. Unless you play video games 24/7 the difference between the three systems is, IMO, only dependent on what games you want to play.

Look to the games and all will be revealed. PS and XBox both have some good racing games, and I think the GC is also coming out with some good ones. All three have skateboarding/ snowboarding games which seem to be popular. IMO the XBox is prepared to go the distance in length of service, the PS2 has the added advantage of playing PS1 games (and there are some goodies out there even if the graphics might seem dated), and the GameCube seems to have the usual Nintendo franchise games behind it (which is usually enough to sell me).

My opinion, then, is essentially: it doesn’t really matter which system you get unless you don’t have a DVD player. You’ll be happy with all three, I think.

7

PS2.

Swing Away Golf and Capcom vs. SNK 2.

Just trust me on this. :smiley:

(Oh, and if you haven’t already, get a membership at a video game-rental place pronto. You’ll be extremely glad you did.)

8

PS2 and Grand Theft Auto 3, and SSX Tricky. GTA3 is the best game EVER and SSX tricky is fun and deep, yet you can play it for like 15 minutes at a time if you so desire.

9

If you didn’t have a computer, that could give you a lil push towards an XBOX…but if I want online gaming, I’m going to use my PC…if I was a first-person shooter(Halo), I want my mouse/keyboard on my computer…like I said, I had an XBOX…after 1 week it completely underwhelmed me. I was done with Halo…I had rented MSR for 3 days and was already bored with it…same with the other games I had. I also hated the conroller. It has potential, but right now I wouldn’t recommend it.

10

i havi used to use the nintendo systems then i switched to xbox. As mentioned before Halo is the vBEST game ive ever played. You can have 4 friends play in your living room all stalking each other over huge beautifully detailed maps. i personally LOVE the rocket launcher.Game cube seems to be geared twoards the younger group and have more of the “cartoon” games. PS2 is a decent system but it simply doesnt have the built in memory nor the same processer speed.xbox games, while limited when it was first issued have really started to catch up to the rest and microsoft seems to have made a real commitment to making great fast and stunningly graphic games. I know your not too into role playing games but AZURIK is one of the largest worlds ive ever seen anywhere.it makes everquest worlds seem tiny i was frankly stunned at how they could fit all that on ONE CD.

11

GameCube-
Eternal Darkness:Sanity’s Requiem
Super Smash Bros. Melee

I know ED hasn’t been released yet, and it just might be a dud, but nevertheless, it looks amazing. SSB:M is just awesome.

Besides, since when was the Cube a kiddie system? It’s getting Final Fantasy and Resident Evil (exclusive.)

12

If you don’t want to have to sit down for weeks on a game and you want something you can just pickup and put down whenever you want, I’d suggest getting a Game Boy Advance. It’s a great handheld system, with old school and new type games. Plus it’s only $69 and you can really rack up on games with the money you’d save. I’d say you can’t go wrong with Super Mario Advance 2 (formerly known as Super Mario World on SNES) and Tony Hawk 2 (haven’t played THPS3 yet so I can’t say about it.) Plus you can get a lot of the old arcade games one cartridge (Centipede, Scramble, Tempest…)

13

I would get a GBA if the games where a bit cheaper.

btw, when you plug a GBA into a Gamecube, can you play the GBA games on the big TV screen? Also, can you play the Gamecube games on the GBA screen? eg for 2 player games?