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[Bandersnatch1]

Yes you should play the first Shadow Hearts before Covenant. It takes around 25 hours to complete it too. Personally I found the first Shadow Hearts to be better than Covenant, but I think I'm the only one. I missed the darker edge the first game had. Covenant felt really bloated to me too, with the storyline getting side-tracked constantly that lowered my enthusiasm for the game. Those dungeons too, godawful. Forest dungeon, cave dungeon, wine cellar dungeon. They all felt like they were based on one concept that was run into the ground. I gave up on the game when I was in some sci-fi looking airship? with rooms that all looked the same. Anyway, enough of me whining about Covenant. I'm jealous of all who love it, wish I could feel the same way about it. Perhaps I'll give it a revisit some day.

You should also see about tracking down Koudelka which came before Shadow Hearts. It is loosely connected to the first game, but it's pretty good in its own right. It's like playing Resident Evil the RPG.

 

[Jaxter09]

I've been wanting to try it out, but is it recommended that I play the first game before Covenant?

I just finished Shadow Hearts a couple of weeks ago, never played anything else in the series. Definitely play it- there's a great atmosphere with horror elements, a very unique setting (takes place in alternate universe 1913 China) and an unintentionally hilarious translation which adds to the atmosphere. The low random encounter rate and the judgement ring system means battles never get boring and the characters are pretty fun.

The game takes around 30 hours with all the side-quests (which are actually worth doing) so it's short by jRPG standards but it feels like the right length. Don't expect FFX production values, I wouldn't be surprised if it was developed mostly as a PS1 game. Apparently the sequels tone down the horror element which is a shame. Looking forward to starting Covenant but I'm worried that the weird atmosphere won't be the same.

 

[Weiss]

I've been wanting to try it out, but is it recommended that I play the first game before Covenant?

Covenant is a direct sequel to the original, and follows on several plot points from the first game. It has a completely different cast save for the lead, but you'll be quite lost if you go into the second game with no prior knowledge. The original Shadow Hearts isn't anything spectacular, but it's interesting and unique, with a heavy emphasis on gothic, macabre horror, so I think it's worth a playthrough before going into Covenant.

 

[RadarScope1]

Yep, all region PS1 and PS2. Burnt prototypes for PS1 work fine, but any backups for PS2 need to be master patched.Dont know the exact model off the top of my head though.

Man, that is just fucking killer. I really want one.

 

[DeuceGamer]

I just finished Shadow Hearts a couple of weeks ago, never played anything else in the series. Definitely play it- there's a great atmosphere with horror elements, a very unique setting (takes place in alternate universe 1913 China) and an unintentionally hilarious translation which adds to the atmosphere. The low random encounter rate and the judgement ring system means battles never get boring and the characters are pretty fun.

The game takes around 30 hours with all the side-quests (which are actually worth doing) so it's short by jRPG standards but it feels like the right length. Don't expect FFX production values, I wouldn't be surprised if it was developed mostly as a PS1 game. Apparently the sequels tone down the horror element which is a shame. Looking forward to starting Covenant but I'm worried that the weird atmosphere won't be the same.

Finally re-added this to my PS2 collection. Didn't get around to playing it the first time before I ended up trading it and regretted it ever since. Seems to get some extremely high praise on Gaf so decided it was time (oh and the price just keeps going up).

 

[Danny Dudekisser]

Finally re-added this to my PS2 collection. Didn't get around to playing it the first time before I ended up trading it and regretted it ever since. Seems to get some extremely high praise on Gaf so decided it was time (oh and the price just keeps going up).

Yeah, it really is a cool game. I'd been meaning to play it for a long time, and finally did about a year ago. It's pretty great, and definitely one of the more unique RPGs I've played, particularly in terms of aesthetics.


That narrated story that old lady tells, though? Hoo boy. Voice acting had me cringing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b62ISM1S1j4

 

[drtomoe123]

Some new additions to my collection arrived this week!

RAD is a fantastic choice!

 

[cj_iwakura]

Yeah, it really is a cool game. I'd been meaning to play it for a long time, and finally did about a year ago. It's pretty great, and definitely one of the more unique RPGs I've played, particularly in terms of aesthetics.


That narrated story that old lady tells, though? Hoo boy. Voice acting had me cringing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b62ISM1S1j4

Considering 1 & 2 were localized by Midway of all people, I thought they did a fine job.

 

[Glowsquid]

Don't forget Heatseeker!

And maybe SkyGunner counts too?

There's also WDL WarJetz, Sidewinder MAX (part of the same series as Lethal Skies), Space War Attack, Energy Airforce, and an ungodly number of shovelware WWII games.

 

[Accoun]

Is the PS2 version of Bust-A-Move any good?

 

[Mzo]

Set up a dual set of ParaParaParadise controllers I recently got at a community garage sale for my birthday get-together this past weekend. Pretty happy that they worked well, had a lot of fun.

 

[cj_iwakura]

Set up a dual set of ParaParaParadise controllers I recently got at a community garage sale for my birthday get-together this past weekend. Pretty happy that they worked well, had a lot of fun.

Wow, that's awesome. I have a copy of the PS2 version that I got for $2 off Ebay on a fluke, but it doesn't even boot up... maybe it requires the controller?

 

[koopas]

Is the PS2 version of Bust-A-Move any good?

If you're referring to the one with the baby on the cover then yes. Had a blast with that game way back. I believe it was a launch title too.

 

[Mzo]

I need PS2 double DVD replacement cases.

Anyone know where I can buy them or, conversely, what's the cheapest double DVD game?

 

[KaoteK]

My favourite generation of all time, and I've been playing since the first gen, old git that I am.

Such a fantastic variety of excellent games, the PS2 is the console that went around the world with me whilst I was travelling and working as a scuba instructor. Many friends were made, and many good times were had thanks to the PS2.

 

[Palom]

I need PS2 double DVD replacement cases.

Anyone know where I can buy them or, conversely, what's the cheapest double DVD game?

Devil May Cry 2 uses a double-disc case and is really cheap.

 

[Mzo]

Devil May Cry 2 uses a double-disc case and is really cheap.

Yeah, sounds like DMC2 is the winner from what I've been looking at, too. Thanks!

 

[Crayon]

I dont think ive used my ps3 at all this week. My ps2 is dominating. Vrally 3, red faction 2, tomb raider anniversary coming off th backlog and keeping me very entertained.

I started a new game off fft last nite, too. Hopefully i dont get hooked again.

 

[sixteen-bit]

Devil May Cry 2 uses a double-disc case and is really cheap.

Thanks for the heads up. My ESPGaluda 2 and special DVD are in a cheap regular DVD case and I should really put it into a proper PS2 one.

 

[Benzychenz]

More PS2 games in the post the past couple days!

Never played a Yakuza or Katamari game before so I am very excited.

Sly 3 I do want an Australian copy of, but I bought this one because it was cheap and 'like new' with the 3D glasses, that every used copy on ebay seems to be missing.

Collection is getting very respectable too, up to 42 games now.

 

[marcincz]

More PS2 games in the post the past couple days!

Never played a Yakuza or Katamari game before so I am very excited.

Sly 3 I do want an Australian copy of, but I bought this one because it was cheap and 'like new' with the 3D glasses, that every used copy on ebay seems to be missing.

Collection is getting very respectable too, up to 42 games now.

Yakuza is one of the best games on PS2 and I am sure you'll love it. Great choice.

 

[theSlacker]

Yakuza is one of the best games on PS2 and I am sure you'll love it. Great choice.

You meant to point out how We Love Katamari is one of the best games of all time amirite?

Spoiler

Yakuza is also good. :3

 

[Benzychenz]

Yakuza is one of the best games on PS2 and I am sure you'll love it. Great choice.

You meant to point out how We Love Katamari is one of the best games of all time amirite?

Spoiler

Yakuza is also good. :3

Now I don't know which to play first.

 

[cj_iwakura]

Now I don't know which to play first.

Both. But I'd say Yakuza, try to track down Katamari Damacy 1 first before starting WLK.

Was that version dubbed also?

 

[Benzychenz]

Both. But I'd say Yakuza, try to track down Katamari Damacy 1 first before starting WLK.

Was that version dubbed also?

Damacy didn't get a PAL release which is why I grabbed WLK first.

 

[Moor-Angol]

Just bought a D-terminal cable, asap I'll post some pics comparing A/V and D-terminal

 

[sixteen-bit]

Damacy didn't get a PAL release which is why I grabbed WLK first.

WLK is the best Katamari game. It's a shame y'all didn't get the OG, but if it was between one or the other, Namco chose right.

 

[Pinewood]

Anyone here got experience hooking a PS2 to a CRT monitor? Im looking for a screen for my PS2 and there is a Sony GDM-F520 on sale for a ridiculously good price. But it has only BNC and VGA connections, so I have no idea what cables I would need to hook my PS2 up and if it would be worth the hassle image quality wise. And would an unmodded PS2 even work with that? Although the monitor is considered on of the best CRT monitors ever.

 

[ascii42]

Anyone here got experience hooking a PS2 to a CRT monitor? Im looking for a screen for my PS2 and there is a Sony GDM-F520 on sale for a ridiculously good price. But it has only BNC and VGA connections, so I have no idea what cables I would need to hook my PS2 up and if it would be worth the hassle image quality wise. And would an unmodded PS2 even work with that? Although the monitor is considered on of the best CRT monitors ever.

Component to VGA adapters do exist. Since most PS2 games don't output 480p, you'll want to get one that can deinterlace or upscale a 480i signal.

 

[Pinewood]

Component to VGA adapters do exist. Since most PS2 games don't output 480p, you'll want to get one that can deinterlace or upscale a 480i signal.

So its more hassle than its worth it?

 

[ascii42]

So its more hassle than its worth it?

That's up to you, but I'd probably just try looking for a display with component input.

 

[saveweyard]

Anyone here got experience hooking a PS2 to a CRT monitor? Im looking for a screen for my PS2 and there is a Sony GDM-F520 on sale for a ridiculously good price. But it has only BNC and VGA connections, so I have no idea what cables I would need to hook my PS2 up and if it would be worth the hassle image quality wise. And would an unmodded PS2 even work with that? Although the monitor is considered on of the best CRT monitors ever.

You can use some bnc to rca adapters. I have my PS2 hooked up to my PVM (mostly used for PS1 games) using them.

 

[DeuceGamer]

Yeah, it really is a cool game. I'd been meaning to play it for a long time, and finally did about a year ago. It's pretty great, and definitely one of the more unique RPGs I've played, particularly in terms of aesthetics.


That narrated story that old lady tells, though? Hoo boy. Voice acting had me cringing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b62ISM1S1j4

Good to know. I'm still waiting for both the first and second to arrive. I'm thinking I should move them towards the front of my backlog when they do arrive.

 

[Awayze]

I can't believe my mum through out my PS2 and PSP 1000 boxes. It's going to haunt me for the rest of my life. I missed out on the PS2 era sadly, few games that only GTA VC and NFSU2 got played a lot.

 

[Sunnington]

I grew up on NES and Genesis, but PS2 is definitely my favourite console.

The underrated RPG I really liked was Wild Arms 3. It was rather charming and had the wide open fields FF X lacked.

I think the Shadow Hearts Covenant is overrated. I bought it late in the PS2's life cycle and it was difficult to play. I've never been a fan of the brown/gray era of gaming but the story was rather bland

Spoiler

the fact that it was satirical on RPG storylines in general didn't help. I specifically remember having to go through a dungeon or tower or whatever where a cutscene had told me the enemy wasn't there, but the characters in my party didn't know so we had to go through a completely useless dungeon to progress the game.

I don't particularly remember the combat, but it must've been the standard turnbased affair.

 

[DeuceGamer]

I grew up on NES and Genesis, but PS2 is definitely my favourite console.

The underrated RPG I really liked was Wild Arms 3. It was rather charming and had the wide open fields FF X lacked.

I think the Shadow Hearts Covenant is overrated. I bought it late in the PS2's life cycle and it was difficult to play. I've never been a fan of the brown/gray era of gaming but the story was rather bland

Spoiler

the fact that it was satirical on RPG storylines in general didn't help. I specifically remember having to go through a dungeon or tower or whatever where a cutscene had told me the enemy wasn't there, but the characters in my party didn't know so we had to go through a completely useless dungeon to progress the game.

I don't particularly remember the combat, but it must've been the standard turnbased affair.

Funny enough one of the other games I just picked up is Wild Arms 3 (also grabbed Okage). Not sure when I'll get to playing them though.

 

[NormalFish]

My search for a PS2 JP21/Scart cable continues. Can anyone give me a more confident yay or nay for the generic ones coming out of hong kong such as THIS or THIS?

Also: is there any reason why I would want a SCART cable with the red and white audio AV cables for use with an XRGB mini?

 

[Pinewood]

Component to VGA adapters do exist. Since most PS2 games don't output 480p, you'll want to get one that can deinterlace or upscale a 480i signal.

Why is deinterlacing important tho?

 

[koopas]

I've been on a PS2 kick lately. I love my BC PS3 and I'm not convinced there's a whole lot of input lag (my panasonic plasma has a good 'game mode'). I hooked up my slim via component 480i to the same tv and didn't notice a change.

I've ordered some ps2 to usb connectors so as to minimize the lag on the controller side anyways.

News to me is try finding a memory card adapter for ps3 that is reasonably priced. I remember when retailers couldn't give those away...

 

[ScOULaris]

I've been on a PS2 kick lately. I love my BC PS3 and I'm not convinced there's a whole lot of input lag (my panasonic plasma has a good 'game mode'). I hooked up my slim via component 480i to the same tv and didn't notice a change.

I've ordered some ps2 to usb connectors so as to minimize the lag on the controller side anyways.

News to me is try finding a memory card adapter for ps3 that is reasonably priced. I remember when retailers couldn't give those away...

Play a fighting game and you won't be able to ignore the input delay. It's not an issue on most games, though.

 

[Benzychenz]

I was looking at all of the SCE games to see what I'd overlooked on the first party front and I'm wondering how Primal and Genji are? Don't really know a whole lot about them. Are they decent or just fairly forgettable and not really worth playing?

Shinobi as well, no one brought that up when I asked about Sega games a little while ago, I thought it was well regarded.

 

[Exr]

I was looking at all of the SCE games to see what I'd overlooked on the first party front and I'm wondering how Primal and Genji are? Don't really know a whole lot about them. Are they decent or just fairly forgettable and not really worth playing?

Shinobi as well, no one brought that up when I asked about Sega games a little while ago, I thought it was well regarded.

Shinobi is fantastic. Great music, fast gameplay, hard, good environments and lots and lots of replayability thanks to a ranking system and unlockable characters. One of my favorite action games on the system.

 

[Pinewood]

Don't cruxify me - is PS2 modding(soldering the chips and whatnot) talk allowed here?

 

[kaiju]

I was looking at all of the SCE games to see what I'd overlooked on the first party front and I'm wondering how Primal and Genji are? Don't really know a whole lot about them. Are they decent or just fairly forgettable and not really worth playing?

Shinobi as well, no one brought that up when I asked about Sega games a little while ago, I thought it was well regarded.

Primal is one of my favorite PS2 games. Great gothic world to explore, with some interesting puzzle elements. I thought the way the sidekick gargoyle Scree was used was excellent. Battle action is pretty bland, but Jen's different demonic forms keeps things interesting.

But the most memorable thing about Primal was the dark ambiance of Oblivion, the game's world.

 

[NormalFish]

Don't cruxify me - is PS2 modding(soldering the chips and whatnot) talk allowed here?

if it isn't, I've broken that rule a number of times.

 

[Rufus]

It's fine. Talking about and sharing links to certain sites and such is a no-no though.

 

[Bringer Of Bacon]

Guys, where is the best place to buy a new ps2? Amazon and eBay are overpriced.

 

[Fox Mulder]

Guys, where is the best place to buy a new ps2? Amazon and eBay are overpriced.

It's too late really to find a good deal on a brand new console.

 

[NormalFish]

Guys, where is the best place to buy a new ps2? Amazon and eBay are overpriced.

what you're seeing as overpriced is the actual price. New CIB games/consoles/etc. appreciate in value.

 

[NormalFish]

Sorry for the double post, but I was curious if anyone knows anything about the supposed atlus game reprints that've been around on ebay lately (like THIS or THIS or THIS). I ordered a couple and they seem legit except the cases seemed to be lower quality than some of the ones I have. the games worked fine.

So in your collective opinion: Bootleg or legit Reprint?

**Might be worth noting that Amazon also seems to have stock.