The Bankslammer
Member
Both Katamari games definitely fit the bill if you're staying on the cheap.
PS2 Appreciation & Celebration Thread, long live the King!
- Thread starter Canis lupus
- Start date
Played the wii verison, it was awful.
Oh no! What was so awful about it?
Looks charming, and weird. Thanks for the head's-up! I've heard of it of course, but I don't think I've ever played one.
Oh yes, I've heard of that one. $20ish isn't too bad really. I'm awful at rhythm games, though, how rhythm-requiring is this one? Thanks!
Oh yes, I've played a bit of SC back in the day but probably never that much. Thanks!
The Bankslammer
Member
I believe it's closer to $30 nowadays. A playthrough on normal mode shouldn't be a problem for even rhythm game beginners, as it's really forgiving, but following that you unlock a harder mode in which the difficulty curve is pretty much totally busted (first stage isn't too hard, huge difficulty spike into the next two stages, and then difficulty fluctuating between "tricky but doable" to "probably not designed to be played by humans" for the rest of the game).
I'm not sure how much someone who isn't into the genre would get out of it to be totally honest, because a lot of the appeal for me (gameplay wise) comes from tackling some of the absurdly hard stages. The characters, cutscenes, and dub are all super charming, though, and definitely worth experiencing. I'd probably recommend a rental if that was possible, as without going into the crazy-hard stuff, a playthrough of the main game is between an hour and two hours tops, and then pretty much all there is on top of that is multiplayer. Unfortunately it's a 13 year old game, so that's probably not possible lol
That sounds pretty neat, though. I'd like to check it out, thanks for all of the info. I've also had Mad Maestro! and Mister Mosquito on my radar for a long time. Know anything about those?
The Bankslammer
Member
To be honest, I have Mister Mosquito but haven't gotten around to playing it yet. I just remember wanting to pick it up because the premise sounded strange and the dub was pretty goofy. Also it didn't cost a whole lot.
Dunno anything about Mad Maestro, aside from having seen it at stores for circa-$5.
Dunno anything about Mad Maestro, aside from having seen it at stores for circa-$5.
Infernal Monkey
Member
I also played the Wii version, and its controls were some of the worst on the system. It forced horrible waggle to do special moves and having to constantly point at the screen to shoot, which didn't work at all. So I imagine the PS2 version is a million times better by default in that regard!
Other than that, I just found it to be pretty boring all around. The levels are way, waaaay too long and the graphics have a cheap look to them which made it hard to stay interested.
speedlolita
Member
The product of occasional purchases the past year. The PAL Final Fantasy games are from my territory, only have them because they're cheap and nostalgic!
So many more games I want though, amazing library.
So many more games I want though, amazing library.
Chulip? I haven't played it, but it's cheapish and it looks zany and charming. $15-20 for a complete copy.
cj_iwakura
Member
The product of occasional purchases the past year. The PAL Final Fantasy games are from my territory, only have them because they're cheap and nostalgic!
So many more games I want though, amazing library.
What is that game between NFS and FFX?
The Bankslammer
Member
Stretch Panic (apparently Hippa Linda in Japan)
Is there some kind of difference between the JP and localized versions of Stretch Panic?
Hmm, I wonder if it might have a Japanese language option, then.
Wow, that looks...zany and charming indeed. Thanks kick!
sixteen-bit
Member
The product of occasional purchases the past year. The PAL Final Fantasy games are from my territory, only have them because they're cheap and nostalgic!
So many more games I want though, amazing library.
Those pal boxes are kinda arty too. They've got a consistent minimalist theme that reminds me of the JP ones.
Tidus_Great
Banned
ae the .hack games any good?
I;ve played the .hack Gu trilogy and enjoyed it, but I've heard the first 4 games are not as good.
I;ve played the .hack Gu trilogy and enjoyed it, but I've heard the first 4 games are not as good.
GayForMaster
Banned
I finally got my copy of Michigan: REPORT FROM HELL only to realize it doesn't work on my NTSC PS2... despite supporting 60 hz... weird, huh? I wanted to ask if this is worth it gaf?
http://www.modchipcentral.com/store/product.php?productid=17910&cat=255&page=1
I figured modding it would be the best option, at least that sounds better than buying another PS2. I read about FCMB but that thing from what I've read refuses to allow existing different region disks to be played. I'd have to dump the game on my hdd, change the region of it, reburn and play using ESF or something... I really don't want to do that, I'd rather just throw any region disk in I buy and play away.
http://www.modchipcentral.com/store/product.php?productid=17910&cat=255&page=1
I figured modding it would be the best option, at least that sounds better than buying another PS2. I read about FCMB but that thing from what I've read refuses to allow existing different region disks to be played. I'd have to dump the game on my hdd, change the region of it, reburn and play using ESF or something... I really don't want to do that, I'd rather just throw any region disk in I buy and play away.
first, where did you buy that? It hasn't even come up on ebay searches for me
were you using some import solution that it doesn't work with? or you just didn't realize you couldn't play imports on PS2.
I just stick to swap discs. A mod chip is probably better but I've always been too lazy.
L4DANathan
Member
My PS2 raised me more than my parents did. It will always have a special place in my heart. My favorite games/noteworthy games:
Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War
Burnout Revenge
Dragonball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3
God of War
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
Jak II
Jak 3
Kingdom Hearts
Kingdom Hearts II
Ratchet & Clank
Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
The Simpsons: Hit & Run
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus
Spiderman 2
Tony Hawk's Underground
Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War
Burnout Revenge
Dragonball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3
God of War
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
Jak II
Jak 3
Kingdom Hearts
Kingdom Hearts II
Ratchet & Clank
Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
The Simpsons: Hit & Run
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus
Spiderman 2
Tony Hawk's Underground
sixteen-bit
Member
I always thought folks that said "console x was my childhood" were being hyperbolic but now I'm not so sure.
Kinda true at least with the PS2. The gamut of games on the system is staggering. I remember thinking that to myself being in high school and going to my local gamestop one day. In my head I was just like, "Man, these kids have it so good these days." So much to choose from.
There are a lot of solder points and small contacts involved in installing one of those so I wouldn't try it unless you're comfortable and a little experienced using flux/solder etc. I did that install in an old fat PAL PS2 to get NTSC support and managed to get it working but it was a complete pain and it took a few attempts/fixes. Also now I'm scared to handle the PS2 too much in case something comes loose! (yes I used a glue gun where I could)
My suggestion would be to look at swap trick type solutions or try and find another PS2 from the desired region.
GayForMaster
Banned
Well I never planned to do it myself. I see the service is doable with the link I posted. I would never try it myself because I suck at doing that kind of stuff lol.
first, where did you buy that? It hasn't even come up on ebay searches for me
were you using some import solution that it doesn't work with? or you just didn't realize you couldn't play imports on PS2.
I just stick to swap discs. A mod chip is probably better but I've always been too lazy.
you mean Michigan? I went on ebay.co.uk I guess. Not everything shows up when I search on ebay.ca only
neotokyo360
Member
Final Fantasy XII
Best game on PS2.
Best game on PS2.
sixteen-bit
Member
Wasn't it like, only 1/3rd of the game Matsuno wanted to make? My, what could have been...
PumpkinSpice
Banned
Anyone have a lot of experience with OpenPS2Loader?
I'm looking at the best way to long-term preserve playability of my PS2 games. I'm concerned about eventual disc-rot, and I don't think my current solution of DVDR backups will work forever as they rot much faster and will not be on sale forever. Plus laser diode eventually wearing out, any rubber in the disc assembly, etc. This may sound paranoid but I'm trying to think 20+ years in the future.
I'm thinking to use my OG PS2 w/ network adapter and an SSD + SATA to IDE adapter for a long-term solution. I figure with even just a 256GB SSD I can store every PS2 game I own with good headroom for future purchases, and SSDs are much less likely to fail long term than hard drives, especially with limited writes.
My question is: will this work? Are there any caveats to this approach? I've read that PS2 is picky with SATA to IDE adapters but a lot of the stuff I'm reading is old forum threads and I'm not sure how much of this is relevant today.
How good is OpenPS2Loader compatibility? I've looked at the compatibility charts but I've found with these kind of charts in the past people tend to be quick to say compatibility is "perfect" with a game when there are still minor but annoying issues that don't exist with the original format. Anecdotally has anyone found odd problems playing off a hard disk / SSD?
Ideally I'd like to see an optical drive emulator show up for PS2, as PSIO is for PS1 and WODE has long been around for Wii, but I'd like to investigate other alternatives in case this never appears.
I'm looking at the best way to long-term preserve playability of my PS2 games. I'm concerned about eventual disc-rot, and I don't think my current solution of DVDR backups will work forever as they rot much faster and will not be on sale forever. Plus laser diode eventually wearing out, any rubber in the disc assembly, etc. This may sound paranoid but I'm trying to think 20+ years in the future.
I'm thinking to use my OG PS2 w/ network adapter and an SSD + SATA to IDE adapter for a long-term solution. I figure with even just a 256GB SSD I can store every PS2 game I own with good headroom for future purchases, and SSDs are much less likely to fail long term than hard drives, especially with limited writes.
My question is: will this work? Are there any caveats to this approach? I've read that PS2 is picky with SATA to IDE adapters but a lot of the stuff I'm reading is old forum threads and I'm not sure how much of this is relevant today.
How good is OpenPS2Loader compatibility? I've looked at the compatibility charts but I've found with these kind of charts in the past people tend to be quick to say compatibility is "perfect" with a game when there are still minor but annoying issues that don't exist with the original format. Anecdotally has anyone found odd problems playing off a hard disk / SSD?
Ideally I'd like to see an optical drive emulator show up for PS2, as PSIO is for PS1 and WODE has long been around for Wii, but I'd like to investigate other alternatives in case this never appears.
drtomoe123
Member
I can't say too much about the drive questions (I just use the FFXI 40GB HDD and transfer my games over ethernet), but I've played through a few games--Chulip, Ar Tonelico, Rurouni Kenshin, FFXII IZJS--on the newest version of OPL and haven't had any problems. Of course, that's a very very very small percentage of PS2 games but I've never run into any issues, even minor ones.
hardcastlemccormick
Banned
Lots of questions, I'll see what I can address.
1. Everything will degrade. I wouldn't concentrate so much on finding the ONE HARD DRIVE THAT WILL NEVER DIE and aim more for something that you can copy your games to and from easily in the future. Believe me, I've been down that road and it leads to a lot of wasted time. As cool as it would be to make a self sufficient and ageless PS2 with a RAID 5 array and other industrial grade parts, the PS2 isn't really a platform for "forever." Just my opinion, though, so good luck!
2. OPL has great compatibility. There are a few games that don't work at all (such as MGS2 Substance) but those are rare.
3. There's no reason to emulate the optical disc for OPL. I think you're trying too hard to plan ahead for problems; just get the games running and google for issues if they arise. I've never run into an issue where the game kinda ran; it did or it didn't.
4. The IDE port for the PS2 is picky about hard drives, yes. There's really no way around this; you'll just have to buy hard drives and see what works and what doesn't. I have a good stack of IDE drives that don't work and it's a shame. And obviously the ports of your IDE to SATA adapter have to line up perfectly to the physical ports on the network adapter.
sixteen-bit
Member
DYKG? tackles PS2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HuUa4Lnw9I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HuUa4Lnw9I
Has anyone dealt with this knock off PS2 wireless controller called "hydra twin shock 2"?
It's probably because I bought this thing for $5 but it keeps loosing its signal and it's getting annoying.
I think I might just shell out for an official one if this thing keeps failing one me
It's probably because I bought this thing for $5 but it keeps loosing its signal and it's getting annoying.
I think I might just shell out for an official one if this thing keeps failing one me
RadarScope1
Member
So it's just component in to your TV? How do PS1 games look and play that way?
Yep, just component. Haven't tried PS1 games yet but planning to get Rayman PS1 so I'll be sure to report back. PS2 games look terrific though.
Jimnymebob
Member
Just so you know, it could just be my TV or component cables, but the PS1 games I've tried on my PS2 haven't been able to display the picture. Jade Cocoon. MoHo, and Crash Bash may have worked, or I may have swapped to SCART to play those.
Ico definitely didn't show up with component cables though.
So, after finally having a computer that can do emulation I have to say... the grass is not always greener. I'm actually tempted to continue my PS2 backlog on my actual PS2. Most games I've tried emulating, while perfectly playable and for the most part looking better, seem to have some kinks. I'm compelled to keep things "pure" and realize that it is probably better to play the games as originally intended.
Nestunt
Member
Best story I have about buying a game:
Me and a buddy of mine were so hyped that in the day of release we went to the local Toys R Us (only store that had the game) took two copies out of the shelves and placed them behind 20 Barbies in the pink section (since we did not have disposable income at the time)
In the weekend each one went there with our parents, the game was sould-out with the exception of ... yup
Me and a buddy of mine were so hyped that in the day of release we went to the local Toys R Us (only store that had the game) took two copies out of the shelves and placed them behind 20 Barbies in the pink section (since we did not have disposable income at the time)
In the weekend each one went there with our parents, the game was sould-out with the exception of ... yup
Shadow Ranger
Member
So interestingly Rule of Rose (PAL) went for over £400 on eBay the other day. I don't think it ever went for that much before. Let's hope that was a one off.
ResidentDante
Member
Best story I have about buying a game:
Me and a buddy of mine were so hyped that in the day of release we went to the local Toys R Us (only store that had the game) took two copies out of the shelves and placed them behind 20 Barbies in the pink section (since we did not have disposable income at the time)
In the weekend each one went there with our parents, the game was sould-out with the exception of ... yup
Haha! Fantastic!
RadarScope1
Member
Anyone ever buy or use a PS2 test unit? Is that a good way to get a region free PS2?
RoryDropkick
Member
Kinda junky. Worth $5 at least. Was disappointed that it didn't get released as Kikikaikai
there's a map in my uk edition also i may be mistaken but i don't think PS2 games were sealed with the playstation tab until around atleast 2005-2006, before then i think they might have been just wrapped like normal
also one thing i noticed that the map from both games is 98% identical apart from a couple extra roads here and there, imagine what it would be like if a sequel released today with the exact same world and just different stories for full price
Tidus_Great
Banned
i bought a knock off on ebay for 9 bucks. it works pretty decent
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Black-W...US_Video_Game_Controllers&hash=item4d1a95c200
I have two of those, best third party wireless pad I've used on the system.
NormalFish
Banned
I didn't see a response to your questions, so I'll give it a try.
The .Hack games are interesting but heavily flawed RPGs. They play kind of like action SMT in that the story sometimes feels a bit light, the areas are a bit bare and 'gritty', and the game's structured around a dungeon-esque progression system.
That said, they're not as good. The story is spread out over 4 games, each game a full length RPG (for basically no reason), which completely destroys pacing. If you enjoy the premise, and look into the combat and think it looks good, you'll probably enjoy it. If you don't find something interesting in both those aspects, don't even bother.
After typing this, I realize that I may have given SMT fans a bit of false hope. They're not really like SMT, but they are in the same subgenre of RPG (but with action combat, as stated).
Ah, damn. Thank you. What would be the best way to play PS1 games on an HDTV?
BTW, Ico showed up for me with component cables but running at 240 and very blurry. Any ideas how to mess with the TV settings to make it look less blurry? Thanks!
Jimnymebob
Member
Hmm... I'm not entirely sure. Raising sharpness is probably the most obvious solution, but it's certainly not the best. It's happening because Ico outputs at a low resolution if I remember correctly.
You may as well try a PS1 game on it to see if it works, but for playing PS1 games on a HDTV I'd either recommend using a PS3 if you have one, or composite/SCART, and setting your screen mode to 4:3.
Thank you! Is there a list somewhere of native output resolutions for PS2 games?