MGibson -
I already have R2R: R2 for DC, and I’ve played DOA2, so there’s no reason to buy Hardcore (might rent it, though, if I ever get a PS2). I think at least two of the games you mentioned are of the “complicated shooter” variety, which I do not find fun or easy (really, I gave up on Duke Nukem 3D after about 10 minutes). In any case, this is still an awfully small percentage for a $300 system. And what the hell happened to the arcade ports? Besides Gauntlet: Dark Legacy, CART Fury, and maybe a couple others, what is there? (No, DOA2 Hardcore doesn’t count.) Again, why is it so HARD to find almost everything for this supposedly advanced system that it was so EASY to find for nearly everything else? (It wasn’t that hard for me to find a PSX joystick, either. The store eventually ran out, but I found it.)
I’m not saying that Tekken Tag Tournament, DOA2 Hardcore, Gauntlet: Dark Legacy etc. aren’t good games. But I’m going to have to see a lot more than this before I proclaim the PS2 as a substitue for anything.
Re: “They’re” not producing games for DC anymore. By “they”, do you mean Capcom (Giga Wing 2, Gunbird 2)? Or Sega (18 Wheeler)? Or Midway (everything they’ve released for PS2 they’ve also done for DC)? Or SNK (there will be a Mark of the Wolves release)? Open your eyes, man. The gaming world extends beyond Squaresoft, 50-weapon first-person shooters, and whatever “red-hot” strategy sequel is in the works. And even if the system is “dead” (and I’d like something a lot better than the cancellation of the system…I already HAVE the system!), I don’t need 500 games. I only need a handful of good games. (And preferably other games available for rental; that’s what drew me to the DC in the first place.)
I have no reason to believe the ridiculous notion that everything’s going to be better on the PS2. I’ve SEEN Crazy Taxi for PS2, dammit (in CompUSA, to be specific), and there was NO improvement. I’m sick of so-called experts hashing bits and specks and particles and this and that when I cannot see the improvement with my own eyes.
And even if there are tangible improvements, we’re talking a $300 system with no 4-player capability…that’s extra…and monumental, colossal delays in nearly everything.
I’ve been patient. And it’s time Sony realized that there are plenty of other entertainment options right now, and the DC isn’t going quietly no matter what the yammering magazine articles say, and the X-box and others will eventually arrive, and if they don’t quit dragging their feet on absloutely everything, it’s THEIR console next on the chopping block!
…pant…that is all.
Variety, my friends. Variety.