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[TnK]

here's the SH PC thread on how to get them at their best:
www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=488899

seems like the kind of project i'd love when I built my first PC, but now it looks like a pain

Thanks, this is exactly what I have been looking for. A comparison between both versions.

EDIT: Forgot to mention also a method on how to keep the PC version up to date. It isn't too much of a pain btw, just a few patches and some changes here and there. Shouldn't take a long time to do.

 

[Leynos]

Sorry to break up the Silent Hill party, but I'll just quickly mention that I found a few games that I've been wanting for a few bucks each at the local game store:

Star Trek: Shattered Universe
Thunderstrike: Operation Phoenix
Shinobi

My search for Ring of Red, Dropship, and Neo Contra continues.

 

[Teknoman]

http://m.neogaf.com/showthread.php?t=904541

Just in case you still need a reason to beat Extermination or revisit...that town.

 

[GreatMightySymp]

Anyone know if the (seems like some of them are new, not opened) PS2 slim models on Amazon are still reliable? Prices didn't seem that bad (around $120 new).

Got a good deal on the first two Ar tonelico games and a few other PS2 games, but my old phat PS2 had some issues the last time I tried booting it up disc-wise.

IIRC the memory card still worked fine so I should be able to just swap that into it.

EDIT: Also, if I'd be playing it on my HDTV, does the PS2 support just the R/W/Y cables or can it support the other ones that have the blue and green colors (I can never remember if it's component for the first or the second ones)? If it's the latter, where could I get that cable since IIRC the box just comes with the R/W/Y cables?

 

[BocoDragon]

Anyone know if the (seems like some of them are new, not opened) PS2 slim models on Amazon are still reliable? Prices didn't seem that bad (around $120 new).

Got a good deal on the first two Ar tonelico games and a few other PS2 games, but my old phat PS2 had some issues the last time I tried booting it up disc-wise.

IIRC the memory card still worked fine so I should be able to just swap that into it.

EDIT: Also, if I'd be playing it on my HDTV, does the PS2 support just the R/W/Y cables or can it support the other ones that have the blue and green colors (I can never remember if it's component for the first or the second ones)? If it's the latter, where could I get that cable since IIRC the box just comes with the R/W/Y cables?

My slim model is perfect.. runs like a champ. By then they had definitely fixed the "disc read error" problem, so there is no real defect in the design. Stuff can randomly break, but I wouldn't worry about the slims in particular. (and actually, my later ~2002 PS2 phat also runs like a champ).

The R/W/Y cables are called composite.
The B/G/R ones are called component. (confusing, I know).

Yes, PS2 definitely supports component. Here's the beauty: You can just buy a PS3 one. I'm not sure where you'd get one now... a million places. eBay maybe?

 

[sixteen-bit]

Technically only the yellow cable is composite video. The red and white cables carry sound.

 

[orthodoxy1095]

Radiata Stories. Anyone got comments on this game?

 

[kick51]

Technically only the yellow cable is composite video. The red and white cables carry sound.

i found out all 3 are the same cable, but just different colored plastics on them. so you just use "audio cables" to hook up a nes, for example.

not sure if i'm lttp on this or #mindblowingfacts

 

[sixteen-bit]

i found out all 3 are the same cable, but just different colored plastics on them. so you just use "audio cables" to hook up a nes, for example.

not sure if i'm lttp on this or #mindblowingfacts

technically you can do that for component as well :O

 

[Palom]

Radiata Stories. Anyone got comments on this game?

I really enjoyed it. It's been about 5 years since I played it, and don't remember too much about it, but just remember it being somewhat light-hearted with a few guffaw moments. It has day/night cycles and NPCs have routines that affect side quests and character recruitment, and there are a ton of characters to recruit. It's has different storylines depending on decisions you make and which side you end up choosing. I played through the game twice to see both sides. I don't remember the battle system, though. I think it's kind of a simplified Star Oceany style.

I found an old GAF thread on the game if you want some other impressions from the time.

 

[Teknoman]

Radiata Stories. Anyone got comments on this game?

Moderately easy yet still fun. Great graphics / art style and characters, really cool / unique soundtrack.

 

[orthodoxy1095]

I really enjoyed it. It's been about 5 years since I played it, and don't remember too much about it, but just remember it being somewhat light-hearted with a few guffaw moments. It has day/night cycles and NPCs have routines that affect side quests and character recruitment, and there are a ton of characters to recruit. It's has different storylines depending on decisions you make and which side you end up choosing. I played through the game twice to see both sides. I don't remember the battle system, though. I think it's kind of a simplified Star Oceany style.

I found an old GAF thread on the game if you want some other impressions from the time.

Moderately easy yet still fun. Great graphics / art style and characters, really cool / unique soundtrack.

Excellent! Thanks for the link and opinions you two! Going to go pick up a copy!

 

[Accoun]

How's Rumble Roses on PS2? I think it was a cross-gen title (correct me if I'm wrong), so I'm cautious about the PS2 ver.
I've seen it dirt cheap, so I might take it for a few laughs.

 

[Timu]

How's Rumble Roses on PS2? I think it was a cross-gen title (correct me if I'm wrong), so I'm cautious about the PS2 ver.
I've seen it dirt cheap, so I might take it for a few laughs.

1st Rumble Roses was only on PS2(360 version is the sequel) and it's pretty decent.

 

[sixteen-bit]

How's Rumble Roses on PS2? I think it was a cross-gen title (correct me if I'm wrong), so I'm cautious about the PS2 ver.
I've seen it dirt cheap, so I might take it for a few laughs.

Is that what they call it these days?

 

[Cheddahz]

I finally bought component cables yesterday (since I've been in the mood to replay Steambot Chronicles) and I'm hoping that they make a huge difference (the last time I hooked up my PS2, I used the composite cables and it looked blurry on my television)

 

[kick51]

I finally bought component cables yesterday (since I've been in the mood to replay Steambot Chronicles) and I'm hoping that they make a huge difference (the last time I hooked up my PS2, I used the composite cables and it looked blurry on my television)

they do!

ps2 games look really nice on my plasma, though not nice CRT quality, obviously. ymmv with LCD/LED/whatever is in these days

 

[Jpope]

ps2>ps1>ps3>ps4

Now, It is too early to judge how well the ps4 will do for game quality. But, the ps2 blows all the others out the water in terms of sheer quality and quantity.

 

[ascii42]

How's Rumble Roses on PS2? I think it was a cross-gen title (correct me if I'm wrong), so I'm cautious about the PS2 ver.
I've seen it dirt cheap, so I might take it for a few laughs.

It's a pretty good wrestling game, from what I remember. Character models are good by PS2 standards. Voice acting is horrendous.

 

[kick51]

All that Xenosaga HD talk a while back got me wanting to play the games again. About to go to the final dungeon in Xenosaga 1...I'm not sure if the game is any better or worse than I remember it. There aren't any characters I hate, even the VA is on point, and I like the whole space opera thing. I used to knock it for overusing religious symbolism and philosophical/religious terms, but now I think it's a cute quirk.

The gameplay is decent enough, though some parts drag. One thing's for sure- it's easy as fuck to break! They give you so many skills and ways to be OP, yet don't really balance the enemies out in the least. Brave Soul + Jr. Keep him at 1hp, have Shion cast Safety so he stays alive with 1hp if he gets hit....lets see if this stays strong for the last part of the game ('cause I just gave Albedo and the "mysterious" guy in blue a serious spanking.)

of course, the weirdest/worst part of the game is that, with a couple exceptions, there's no music in any of the dungeons or when you're in control of your character in general. That feels kinda cheap.

up next: seeing if Xenosaga 2 really was that bad. I played part of it when it came out and I don't remember exactly why I dropped it.

 

[hardcastlemccormick]

All that Xenosaga HD talk a while back got me wanting to play the games again. About to go to the final dungeon in Xenosaga 1...I'm not sure if the game is any better or worse than I remember it. There aren't any characters I hate, even the VA is on point, and I like the whole space opera thing. I used to knock it for overusing religious symbolism and philosophical/religious terms, but now I think it's a cute quirk.

The gameplay is decent enough, though some parts drag. One thing's for sure- it's easy as fuck to break! They give you so many skills and ways to be OP, yet don't really balance the enemies out in the least.

of course, the weirdest/worst part of the game is that, with a couple exceptions, there's no music in any of the dungeons or when you're in control of your character in general. That feels kinda cheap.

up next: seeing if Xenosaga 2 really was that bad. I played part of it when it came out and I don't remember exactly why I dropped it.

I finally got Xenosaga 1 and 2. The first one is pretty fun; yeah there's a lot of cutscenes but I don't seem to notice that much. They're actually pretty good cutscenes for the most part and generally make good arguments as to why they should be so long.

I'm glad I didn't overlook the games, though like you I'm wary about Episode 2's reputation. Still need to hunt down a copy of 3.

 

[Ralemont]

Excellent! Thanks for the link and opinions you two! Going to go pick up a copy!

The two big things I remember from Radiata stories are:

1. You can recruit Lenneth Valkyrie
2. You can powerwalk. No, I don't mean walk fast I mean your dude does this:

I'm glad I didn't overlook the games, though like you I'm wary about Episode 2's reputation. Still need to hunt down a copy of 3.

I know I'm in the minority but 2 is my favorite chapter. The battle system is much more strategic and the story focuses on developing character arcs for a few characters instead of giving you cliches and then going heavy on religious plot symbolism (it obviously still does that as it's a Xeno game but it takes a bit more of a backseat).

 

[A Black Falcon]

Radiata Stories... ugh. It feels like whoever designed it said, "hey, we want to have a LOT of party members... but because we hate our players, you can't actually play as any of them. No, you're locked to only boring generic warrior guy only, all others are going to be uncontrollable NPC allies. Sounds great!" ... but no, it almost ruins the game. The main character is so boring to play as, I want to be just about any other class... but no, boring generic warrior guy only. Awful, awful design. It could have been an okay game, but they ruined it.

 

[hardcastlemccormick]

I know I'm in the minority but 2 is my favorite chapter. The battle system is much more strategic and the story focuses on developing character arcs for a few characters instead of giving you cliches and then going heavy on religious plot symbolism (it obviously still does that as it's a Xeno game but it takes a bit more of a backseat).

Interesting perspective. I definitely like the battle system of Xeno 1, so a deeper battle system could go over well.

As for Radiata Stories...never picked it up after I decided not to buy it for $7 at a Black Friday. My regret haunts me every time I see it in a game shop.

 

[Ralemont]

Interesting perspective. I definitely like the battle system of Xeno 1, so a deeper battle system could go over well.

It's of course possible that I simply played Xenosaga 1 wrong as I was like 17 when it came out and not very experienced with RPGs. Still, in Xenosaga 2 the basic idea is to break an enemy's guard and either shoot them up in the air or knock then to the ground, then combo the everloving shit out of them for massive damage before they recover. In that sense it might be a bit of a 2-trick pony, but somehow I found it fun enough to last a game. It might made sense to me than X1's battle system I guess I'd say.

They still don't get Gear fights right though.

If you're a fan of Junior or Albedo I suspect you'll enjoy 2's story.

 

[orthodoxy1095]

Interesting perspective. I definitely like the battle system of Xeno 1, so a deeper battle system could go over well.

As for Radiata Stories...never picked it up after I decided not to buy it for $7 at a Black Friday. My regret haunts me every time I see it in a game shop.

FWIW you can get a copy for a reasonable price on eBay these days (that's where I got mine).

 

[TnK]

All that Xenosaga HD talk a while back got me wanting to play the games again. About to go to the final dungeon in Xenosaga 1...I'm not sure if the game is any better or worse than I remember it. There aren't any characters I hate, even the VA is on point, and I like the whole space opera thing. I used to knock it for overusing religious symbolism and philosophical/religious terms, but now I think it's a cute quirk.

The gameplay is decent enough, though some parts drag. One thing's for sure- it's easy as fuck to break! They give you so many skills and ways to be OP, yet don't really balance the enemies out in the least. Brave Soul + Jr. Keep him at 1hp, have Shion cast Safety so he stays alive with 1hp if he gets hit....lets see if this stays strong for the last part of the game ('cause I just gave Albedo and the "mysterious" guy in blue a serious spanking.)

of course, the weirdest/worst part of the game is that, with a couple exceptions, there's no music in any of the dungeons or when you're in control of your character in general. That feels kinda cheap.

up next: seeing if Xenosaga 2 really was that bad. I played part of it when it came out and I don't remember exactly why I dropped it.

Reading this post reminds me that I should have started Xenosaga 1-3 when I finally got part 3 back in 2007.

Does it hold up to Xenogears?

 

[Ralemont]

Does it hold up to Xenogears?

No...but still good games.

 

[kick51]

It's of course possible that I simply played Xenosaga 1 wrong as I was like 17 when it came out and not very experienced with RPGs. Still, in Xenosaga 2 the basic idea is to break an enemy's guard and either shoot them up in the air or knock then to the ground, then combo the everloving shit out of them for massive damage before they recover. In that sense it might be a bit of a 2-trick pony, but somehow I found it fun enough to last a game. It might made sense to me than X1's battle system I guess I'd say.

They still don't get Gear fights right though.

If you're a fan of Junior or Albedo I suspect you'll enjoy 2's story.

Sounds hopeful. 1's battle system was decent enough, though counter-boosts are bullshit. I don't think I used AGWS once outside of the times they force it in the beginning.

From what little I played of 2, I do remember Jr.'s story being interesting.

Did the series get chopped down from 6 to 3 games before or after Xenosaga 2? They really do set up a lot of stuff in 1 without much explanation.

Reading this post reminds me that I should have started Xenosaga 1-3 when I finally got part 3 back in 2007.

Does it hold up to Xenogears?

i've only played a couple hours of xenogears, so I have no idea. People have spooked me away from it because of a combo of slow text and most of disc 2 being text. One of these days I'll get around to it, but I might be JRPG'd out for a while after beating these 3 games. And next on my list after that is Shadow Hearts.

 

[TnK]

No...but still good games.

Guess I need to play them sometime.

Sounds hopeful. 1's battle system was decent enough, though counter-boosts are bullshit. I don't think I used AGWS once outside of the times they force it in the beginning.

From what little I played of 2, I do remember Jr.'s story being interesting.

Did the series get chopped down from 6 to 3 games before or after Xenosaga 2? They really do set up a lot of stuff in 1 without much explanation.




i've only played a couple hours of xenogears, so I have no idea. People have spooked me away from it because of a combo of slow text and most of disc 2 being text. One of these days I'll get around to it, but I might be JRPG'd out for a while after beating these 3 games. And next on my list after that is Shadow Hearts.

Xenogears is highly recommended, even if disc 2 has some issues. I think it's easily in the too 5 JRPGs for the PS1

 

[sixteen-bit]

Xenosaga HD talk

has the talk lead to anything or is that just wishful thinking?

 

[kick51]

has the talk lead to anything or is that just wishful thinking?

It was Harada saying "convince my bosses" with a 25,000 signature petition or something and some people started Operation Kos-Mos:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petitio...ster_the_Xenosaga_Trilogy_for_Global_Release/

its got 5000 after a month, so i guess that's that.

 

[Ralemont]

Did the series get chopped down from 6 to 3 games before or after Xenosaga 2? They really do set up a lot of stuff in 1 without much explanation.

After. 2 has a very deliberate pace. 3 is breakneck speed plot revelation/story thread tie up one after another. Which makes it good in its own way, but it doesn't have a whole lot of time for the characters. And it refocuses on Shion and KOS-MOS, which depending on how you feel about Shion could be good or bad.

i've only played a couple hours of xenogears, so I have no idea. People have spooked me away from it because of a combo of slow text and most of disc 2 being text. One of these days I'll get around to it, but I might be JRPG'd out for a while after beating these 3 games. And next on my list after that is Shadow Hearts.

Xenogears is definitely long. I think it's worth it but it's easy to say that when it's not my 90 hours I have to free up, haha. Shadow Hearts 2 is one of the best RPGs I've ever played. I'm so jealous.

 

[sixteen-bit]

It was Harada saying "convince my bosses" with a 25,000 signature petition or something and some people started Operation Kos-Mos:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petitio...ster_the_Xenosaga_Trilogy_for_Global_Release/

its got 5000 after a month, so i guess that's that.

lol, online petitions never work

 

[BadWolf]

up next: seeing if Xenosaga 2 really was that bad. I played part of it when it came out and I don't remember exactly why I dropped it.

Finished this recently and it was awesome. Can't say I understand the hate.

It was also short and didn't drag.

Really liked who/what the story focused on in this installment.

i've only played a couple hours of xenogears, so I have no idea. People have spooked me away from it because of a combo of slow text and most of disc 2 being text. One of these days I'll get around to it, but I might be JRPG'd out for a while after beating these 3 games. And next on my list after that is Shadow Hearts.

Still my no.1 rpg of all time. Highly recommend it.

 

[kick51]

After. 2 has a very deliberate pace. 3 is breakneck speed plot revelation/story thread tie up one after another. Which makes it good in its own way, but it doesn't have a whole lot of time for the characters. And it refocuses on Shion and KOS-MOS, which depending on how you feel about Shion could be good or bad.



Xenogears is definitely long. I think it's worth it but it's easy to say that when it's not my 90 hours I have to free up, haha. Shadow Hearts 2 is one of the best RPGs I've ever played. I'm so jealous.

Sounds good, I like Shion and Kos-Mos.

I think I'll start with Koudelka, then move on to Shadow Hearts. Looks short-ish and on the easier side, plus I saw it for pretty cheap at a place near me. and "weird PS1 game" is always a plus.

lol, online petitions never work

yeah, Harada sounded like he wanted it himself, but knew he couldn't convince the higher-ups to just make it on his suggestion alone. thus, dead on arrival. It was nice to dream for a second, I guess. If they went through and redid some textures (Gaignun's office is particularly funny), added some AF/AA, it could be nice.

Finished this recently and it was awesome. Can't say I understand the hate.

It was also short and didn't drag.

Really liked who/what the story focused on in this installment.



Still my no.1 rpg of all time. Highly recommend it.

I know they changed Shion/Kos-Mos design and maybe the voice acting too? maybe i'm cynical but I can imagine all the hate stemming from that design decision alone and the people affected being very loud about that.

Anyway, I'm finishing up the last dungeon and starting 2 later today.

 

[Ralemont]

I know they changed Shion/Kos-Mos design and maybe the voice acting too? maybe i'm cynical but I can imagine all the hate stemming from that design decision alone and the people affected being very loud about that.

Well they changed the art style for everyone in 2; it's no longer anime-in-3D as everyone has realistic proportions:

It's changed back to anime for 3 though. They did change Shion's voice actress...and then changed it back to 1's for 3, haha. I prefer 2's to 1/3 but I just don't like the 1/3 voice actress's voice so it's not exactly her fault.

Also crack open a nice beer before you load up 2 as it has one of the best start screens I've seen/heard. Sets the mood perfectly.

 

[kick51]

Finished 1, started 2.

They changed everyone in the main party's voice except Ziggy and Jr. Uh, it's weird, but I'll get used to it. So far, they all sound more stiff and unnatural than the first to me. Hopefully I'll get used to it.

The opening was pretty sweet though. I like the song in that area, the battle music is decent. That pop song in the city is kinda ugh. It's nice to have field music though!

 

[Cheddahz]

My component cables came in today and my god, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 looks amazing (and sounds amazing now, thanks to my sound system)

 

[cj_iwakura]

Xenosaga II is really the worst of the 3, but it does have a phenomenal OST and a fun battle system.

Also, it's VERY short.

 

[BadWolf]

Xenosaga II is really the worst of the 3, but it does have a phenomenal OST and a fun battle system.

Also, it's VERY short.

Wish more JRPGs were of that length instead of dragging on and on.

 

[Ironmask]

A little update for my collection, now i have every project zero ever .... but managed to start an .hack collection somehow

Really happy to get Parappa2 wich was my killer app of the time

 

[Cheddahz]

This component cables really do make a huge difference, I just might try to sneak in a playthrough of Steambot Chronicles before Friday (cause yeah, I wanna be ready for Bayonetta 2)

 

[sixteen-bit]

This component cables really do make a huge difference, I just might try to sneak in a playthrough of Steambot Chronicles before Friday (cause yeah, I wanna be ready for Bayonetta 2)

is there any crossover between steambot and bayo?

 

[Cheddahz]

is there any crossover between steambot and bayo?

I wish

 

[dodgeme]

I really had no intent on getting back into PS2 collecting, but I traded away my Turbo-Grafx as that is way too expensive to get into and got a big chunk of cash and these in brand new condition and I decided that I really need to get back into PS2 stuff.

So I've been eyeballing some auctions and have a lot with Budokai Tenkaichi 3 that I should win, as well as some good priced RPG's coming from amazon. Kind of forgot about all the quality stuff that got released on the PS2. Also figure I may as well get in while the prices are generally at the rock bottom or close to it.

 

[sixteen-bit]

Not sure if you're aware, but the North American release of FES actually contains the original Persona 3 as well.

 

[dodgeme]

Not sure if you're aware, but the North American release of FES actually contains the original Persona 3 as well.

Yeah I know, the guy wanted to part with them as a set and I liked the artbook that came with the original copy of Persona 3 so I took it.

 

[cj_iwakura]

Actually, vanilla P3 has two keepers of note:

the original 'attract' OP(which is fun and removed from FES), and no Orpheus Kai. So if you want to make your own team of Personae to fight Elizabeth instead of using Kai as a win button(guilty as charged), that's the legit way.

 

[redhairedking]

Does anyone here happen to know of a relatively easy way to play imports on an unmodded system? I was looking to get into Ar Tonelico (quite expensive in english but cheap in japanese) and the older Atelier games(japanese only) and would rather not buy a japanese system, though it is an option. From what I've read it seems like swap magic may be my best bet, though I've read a lot of conflicting information about the ability of softmods to run imports. I was just hoping to get some info from someone with experience.