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[A Black Falcon]

Normally turn based tactics games are known as tactical RPGs (or sometimes strategy RPGs) which are at this point a pretty well established sub-genre of RPGs.

Japan can call turn-based tactical strategy games "RPGs" all they want, but people who do will continue to be wrong. There's a reason why the "SRPG" genre is listed as strategy games on sites like GameFAQs -- they are strategy games first, RPG second. The strategy and RPG genres are related, as both come from the same roots (both developed out of wargames), but ARE different, and it's not that hard to tell which genre games are in.

I will give that the Growlanser games are probably RPGs, and I likely should have removed them, but not anything else on that list. Growlanser II and III are strategic, but are RPGs. All other titles on the list are not, and in that I agree with GameFAQs -- other than Growlanser, nothing else on that list is an RPG by their standards, and it isn't by mine either.

Almost everything you listed as not RPGs fall into that category. Harvest Moon type games are different and maybe they're considered pure simulations rather than RPG-lite.

Regardless of what you think of tactical strategy games, Koei grand strategy games like PTO, Nobunaga's Ambition, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms are in absolutely no way RPGs. They are strategy games, bordering on simulation perhaps. And yeah, Harvest Moon and co. are simulation games. The Rune Factory games are sim/RPG hybrids, but not Harvest Moon.

Of the others, Sakura Wars is an adventure/strategy hybrid; no RPG there. GrimGrimoire is a side-view RTS. Heroes of Might & Magic is a turn-based strategy game franchise; yes it has some RPG elements, but having RPG elements doesn't make a strategy game an RPG! And Future Tactics and Gladius are strategy games.

 

[Xanos]

Been on a big PS2 kick lately. What are yalls thoughts on gaming through a 60gb bc PS3? Do you find the input lag to be detrimental (or even noticible)?

I've been gaming on an OG bc PS3 for a couple years now and have never noticed any input lag. It's really nice being able to play wirelessly and without the need of memory cards. It's a solid choice for anyone who doesn't own a PS2 or has limited console space. I still own and game on a PS2 slim regardless because PS2 is a boss ass bitch.

 

[DracoBlade]

nah, Genma Onimusha on Xbox > Onimusha 1 on PS2.

If you hate your thumbs, Genma required Dpad iirc and the Xbox dpad is terrible compared to the Dualshock's. I love everything about the S controller but the dpad is irredeemable.

 

[kick51]

If you hate your thumbs, Genma required Dpad iirc and the Xbox dpad is terrible compared to the Dualshock's. I love everything about the S controller but the dpad is irredeemable.

yeah that part of it isn't so much fun. I like the added devil trigger-like orbs though, makes the game pretty damn tough if you want to 100% it.

 

[radaxian]

Japan can call turn-based tactical strategy games "RPGs" all they want, but people who do will continue to be wrong. There's a reason why the "SRPG" genre is listed as strategy games on sites like GameFAQs -- they are strategy games first, RPG second. The strategy and RPG genres are related, as both come from the same roots (both developed out of wargames), but ARE different, and it's not that hard to tell which genre games are in.

I will give that the Growlanser games are probably RPGs, and I likely should have removed them, but not anything else on that list. Growlanser II and III are strategic, but are RPGs. All other titles on the list are not, and in that I agree with GameFAQs -- other than Growlanser, nothing else on that list is an RPG by their standards, and it isn't by mine either.

Regardless of what you think of tactical strategy games, Koei grand strategy games like PTO, Nobunaga's Ambition, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms are in absolutely no way RPGs. They are strategy games, bordering on simulation perhaps. And yeah, Harvest Moon and co. are simulation games. The Rune Factory games are sim/RPG hybrids, but not Harvest Moon.

Of the others, Sakura Wars is an adventure/strategy hybrid; no RPG there. GrimGrimoire is a side-view RTS. Heroes of Might & Magic is a turn-based strategy game franchise; yes it has some RPG elements, but having RPG elements doesn't make a strategy game an RPG! And Future Tactics and Gladius are strategy games.

It isn't just a view of 'Japan' - the large (US/Eu) enthusiast websites, developers and publishers of the games themselves, and definitions listed on wikipedia all categorize these tactical games as RPGs. You can of course disagree but this is at odds with the majority view in and around the industry.

 

[Mzo]

Games like Military Madness and Advance Wars are strategy games. Nothing RPG about them at all.

Games where you have persistent units that gain xp, level up, and change as they grow like Fire Emblem or Disgaea or Final Fantasy Tactics are strategy RPGs, os SRPGs.

It's not that hard.

 

[koopas]

I've been gaming on an OG bc PS3 for a couple years now and have never noticed any input lag. It's really nice being able to play wirelessly and without the need of memory cards. It's a solid choice for anyone who doesn't own a PS2 or has limited console space. I still own and game on a PS2 slim regardless because PS2 is a boss ass bitch.

PS3 is a boss as bitch confirmed.

Yeah for the most part I haven't noticed it either, some games I do. I was playing Taito Legends 2 the other day and noticed a little but the upscaling plus convenience with the ps3 make up for my perceived lag.

If I am playing with my controllers connected (charging) via usb does the ps3 register the button inputs via usb or does it still use bluetooth?

 

[hardcastlemccormick]

Oh, boy, one of those semantics arguments about RPG's where people deluge paragraphs of ill-considered, pointless text.

I've been playing Kingdom Hearts and I finally got the sequel. It's really polished. *cue globs of text about how Kingdom Hearts isn't an RPG for some obscure overexplained reason*

Been on a big PS2 kick lately. What are yalls thoughts on gaming through a 60gb bc PS3? Do you find the input lag to be detrimental (or even noticible)?

Certain games are worse than others. I find racing games and Resident Evil 4 obnoxious on a PS3, but the RPG's are great and clean!

 

[DracoBlade]

yeah that part of it isn't so much fun. I like the added devil trigger-like orbs though, makes the game pretty damn tough if you want to 100% it.

I agree the additions and graphics enhancements are superior but I wish they added analog support for Genma, then it would indeed be the definitive edition.

 

[krrrt]

My brother had an imported US PS2 back in the day so a fair number of my games are US copies. The problem is that I no longer live at home and only have a european console myself. What would be the best way to go about playing import games? Is it easy to buy a cheap american slim PS2 from Europe or is getting mine chipped a better option? (And does that even still happen?)

 

[Red Blaster]

getting a big old cathode ray sd display isn't an option for me, so my sony bravia will have to do. do component cables actually make a significant difference or should i just stick with s-video?

 

[televator]

getting a big old cathode ray sd display isn't an option for me, so my sony bravia will have to do. do component cables actually make a significant difference or should i just stick with s-video?

Component all the way. There' s no real reason not to, considering how relatively cheap and easy they should be to find.

 

[hardcastlemccormick]

My brother had an imported US PS2 back in the day so a fair number of my games are US copies. The problem is that I no longer live at home and only have a european console myself. What would be the best way to go about playing import games? Is it easy to buy a cheap american slim PS2 from Europe or is getting mine chipped a better option? (And does that even still happen?)

Swap Magic, probably, though it's a hassle and probably more expensive than getting a US PS2.

getting a big old cathode ray sd display isn't an option for me, so my sony bravia will have to do. do component cables actually make a significant difference or should i just stick with s-video?

Get component, it makes a huge difference even for blurry 480i. I happily use generic cables, but Monoprice is a good quality brand if you want something sturdier.

 

[ascii42]

getting a big old cathode ray sd display isn't an option for me, so my sony bravia will have to do. do component cables actually make a significant difference or should i just stick with s-video?

Component is definitely worth it, especially if the game you are playing supports progressive scan.

 

[Jimnymebob]

I decided to have a look at the demo disc I got with my PS2 for the first time in like 10 years last night, and Klonoa 2 and Dark Cloud still hold up really well with component cables. I think it's a mix of them being bright and cartoony, and also being fairly simple graphics wise.

Also tried out yabasic, never really understood what that was. Seems like a pretty interesting feature, but it's too confusing for me. I enjoyed the snake game though.

 

[Teknoman]

So its best to have a PS2 connected to a CRT with component cables right? Or for that matter Gamecube and Xbox as well?

 

[sixteen-bit]

So its best to have a PS2 connected to a CRT with component cables right? Or for that matter Gamecube and Xbox as well?

yeah that or RGB if your CRT does not support progressive scan

 

[kick51]

So its best to have a PS2 connected to a CRT with component cables right? Or for that matter Gamecube and Xbox as well?

yes to Xbox and Gamecube as well, but Gamecube component is an expensive set up, may as well just buy a Wii with component cables-- get an extra system and cheap component.

 

[televator]

So its best to have a PS2 connected to a CRT with component cables right? Or for that matter Gamecube and Xbox as well?

Personally, not if the CRT doesn't support The 480p output of some software... its a case by case thing.

 

[Dizzy-4U]

The "Graphics Synthesizer Mode Selector" (GSM) is kinda pointless if you're using the xrgb-mini, right? It's just an upscaler?

 

[Teknoman]

yeah that or RGB if your CRT does not support progressive scan

Yup, just connected the PS2 to the CRT I use for the rest of my retro stuff, looks great, and I just ripped through Gitarooman for the first time...so thats saying something

yes to Xbox and Gamecube as well, but Gamecube component is an expensive set up, may as well just buy a Wii with component cables-- get an extra system and cheap component.

Luckily I snagged the GC component cables long ago from Nintendo.com, so i'm good there.

Personally, not if the CRT doesn't support The 480p output of some software... its a case by case thing.

The majority of the games I end up playing dont support it (my CRT doesnt either apparently) so im good there. Another thing was that I cant stand playing games outside their intended ratio...but then I cant stand giant black bars either lol. So seems like the PS2 move to CRT was best. No room to set the cube and definitely none for the xbox so those will just have to stay unplugged until ready.


EDIT: I know we stopped trading awhile back, but if anyone has La Pucelle Tactics or Phantom Brave, I can see what I have to trade. I'm sure all the Gamestops are probably bare from 75% clearance.

 

[drtomoe123]

Finally found copies of Echo Night Beyond and Dokapon Kingdom for less than $5 each at one of my local stores. Since when has Dokapon been going for $50? I was even more stunned seeing the Wii version go for more than $100.

 

[Ravager61]

Got a brand new copy of God Hand at a local place for $20. I think that is a pretty good deal. It wasn't shrink wrapped because they gutted the game but that doesn't matter too much to me since I'm going to actually play it.

 

[zonipoi]

If I import a NTSC PS2 Slim, does it work with the same cables and power cord as my PAL console? Also I have the newest slim model (9000-something?), is it a problem if I buy a 7000 or 8000-something NTSC Slim console?

Was quite happy with my collection of ~20 JRPGs that I bought when I got the system two years ago. Then I made the mistake of entering this thread yesterday and now have 26 games ordered and many more on a list. I used to have a PS2 but I lived with a friend during the high school and we were the only guys from our friends who had their own place so the whole generation was just thousands and thousands of hours on PES. There was always somebody hanging in our place and everyone loved PES. It's great to get to know the library better now.

 

[Suzzopher]

A few weeks ago I found my old launch PS2 at my mum's house I was about to let her give it away but decided to take it home instead. Since then I've been slowly rebuilding my library.

I'll post some pics of purchases/finds later.

As I started thinking about the games I need to find I realised that the PS2 is in fact my favourite system of all time. I'd always thought it was the SNES but recently I've found myself preferring the Mega Drive and now thinking about just how expansive and diverse the PS2 library is I don't see any system that can challenge it.

So far I have bought the following:
Arc: Twilight of the Spirits
Assault Suits Valken
Burnout 3: Takedown
Devil May Cry
Fantavision
Final Fantasy XII
Gradius V
Guitar Hero II
Kingdom Hearts II
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age
The Mark of Kri
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast
R-Type Final
Rez
Ring of Red
Shadow of Rome
Sly Raccoon 2: Band of Thieves
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time
WipEout Fusion
YS: The Ark of Napishtim

 

[Red Blaster]

replaying onimusha 2 and its so damn gud

60 fps, beautiful pre-rendered backgrounds almost on par with the re1 remake, fun combat with a neat hook in the issen system, rpg elements, multiple endings ahhhh so awesome

plus its worth mentioning how snappy the controls are inspite of tank controls, jubei's turning speed is really fast

 

[A Black Falcon]

If I import a NTSC PS2 Slim, does it work with the same cables and power cord as my PAL console? Also I have the newest slim model (9000-something?), is it a problem if I buy a 7000 or 8000-something NTSC Slim console?

The original PS2 and the 9000 have internal power supplies, while the 7000 has an external power supply, so no, they'd use different power cords (and you'd need a converter or PAL power supply to deal with the power difference). The PS1, PS2, and PS3 will all work with the same AV cables, though.

 

[zonipoi]

Just bought a PS2 Slim (NTSC - SCPH-77001) from eBay. Has anybody used third-party power cables like this http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FBM31WQ/ ? Is it an option too if I just replace the cable going from the power box (? ) to the wall?

Sorry if these are stupid questions but I've understood that the cord is universal and can handle 100v-240v. But just want to be sure to not fry the console straightaway when it arrives.


Edit. ^Thanks for the reply. I learned about the internal power supply after my initial post and started to look for 7500-7900 models. Still would like a confirmation that the external brick can handle the power difference and I just need to get it to fit my wall.

 

[koopas]

replaying onimusha 2 and its so damn gud

60 fps, beautiful pre-rendered backgrounds almost on par with the re1 remake, fun combat with a neat hook in the issen system, rpg elements, multiple endings ahhhh so awesome

plus its worth mentioning how snappy the controls are inspite of tank controls, jubei's turning speed is really fast

I have this sitting on my shelf (unopened) and you've inspired me to open it and play it.

I actually have all three is the second one the best?

 

[drtomoe123]

replaying onimusha 2 and its so damn gud

60 fps, beautiful pre-rendered backgrounds almost on par with the re1 remake, fun combat with a neat hook in the issen system, rpg elements, multiple endings ahhhh so awesome

plus its worth mentioning how snappy the controls are inspite of tank controls, jubei's turning speed is really fast

I loved the first one when I was in high school and I've always wanted to go back and play the rest of the games. The tank controls were the only things keeping me from going back, though. Might try it sometime.

 

[Red Blaster]

yes, onimusha 2 is tops in the series. play that shit asap. onimusha 1 is also pretty good but is much more like a samurai resident evil, complete with jump scares and creepy environments. 3 isn't bad either but the vibe kind of got lost when they moved away from pre-rendered backgrounds.

 

[DracoBlade]

replaying onimusha 2 and its so damn gud

60 fps, beautiful pre-rendered backgrounds almost on par with the re1 remake, fun combat with a neat hook in the issen system, rpg elements, multiple endings ahhhh so awesome

plus its worth mentioning how snappy the controls are inspite of tank controls, jubei's turning speed is really fast

I've been recently making my way thru Onimusha 1 after picking the series up at GS for cheap. Absolutely amazing game!

 

[Teknoman]

The only thing that kills me in Onimusha 2 is lack of JP VA. That "Jubei? Juuuuubeeeeeeiiii?" at the beginning just kills me.

But yeah I wish they kept the straight horror/folklore vibe of 1, the trilogy is awesome. Havent played Dawn of Dreams yet.

 

[Wounded]

I have never owned a PS2, and it's been something I've been thinking about doing recently. I would quite like to own one as I'm sure there's a ton of games to play. That said, I'm wondering if it's worth it now with PS2 emulation being so effective and the PS4 potentially being able to emulate games in the future. What to do, eh?

 

[drtomoe123]

I have never owned a PS2, and it's been something I've been thinking about doing recently. I would quite like to own one as I'm sure there's a ton of games to play. That said, I'm wondering if it's worth it now with PS2 emulation being so effective and the PS4 potentially being able to emulate games in the future. What to do, eh?

Now's a perfect time because you have so many options.

Want to play on a physical console and get the best experience? You can mod a PS2 to play games off of an internal HDD, eliminating a lot of load times and reducing the load on your laser. You can also play on a BC PS3 which is a godsend simply because of virtual memory cards and the minor upscaling. On the other hand, if you feel like using emulation, PCSX2 is phenomenal and can make some of these games look heavenly.

Besides, now is the time to buy PS2 games (at least in NA) because they're super cheap aside from the enthusiast/niche stuff.

Great time to jump in.

 

[sixteen-bit]

Is Mark of the Wolves PS2 true 240p? Thinking about picking it up.

 

[televator]

Finally got around to some dark cloud. The game looks surprizingly sharp despite its simple style. For me though its a game that's fun for a bit but I quickly feel deminishing return of enjoyment from it. The combat seemed super repetetive and the rewards were not really hooking me in. Is the second one better? Think I might just skip to that one.

 

[Suzzopher]

Finally got around to some dark cloud. The game looks surprizingly sharp despite its simple style. For me though its a game that's fun for a bit but I quickly feel deminishing return of enjoyment from it. The combat seemed super repetetive and the rewards were not really hooking me in. Is the second one better? Think I might just skip to that one.

I much prefer the sequel. It feels like all the ideas are better realised plus it looks gorgeous.

 

[Danny Dudekisser]

I've been thinking about rebuying Dark Cloud 1 for a while now. I know it's kind of a grind, and I know 2 (which I've never played) is supposed to be better... but there's something about 1 that I really like. Well, and part of it is the music.

 

[DracoBlade]

Just beat Drakengard 1, having already beaten it in the past....

Some of the weirdest shit I've ever played. Also mind numbingly repetitive.

Spoiler

Got 4/5 endings, no way I'm dedicating the time to collecting 65 weapons whilst enduring this gameplay lol. Nier played much better!

On to the sequel, never played it before so this should be at the very least interesting from a story stance.

 

[koopas]

I've been thinking about rebuying Dark Cloud 1 for a while now. I know it's kind of a grind, and I know 2 (which I've never played) is supposed to be better... but there's something about 1 that I really like. Well, and part of it is the music.

Never got around to playing 2 either. First one was great.

I feel like this is a property Sony will revisit this gen, Sony still needs their Zelda

 

[kunonabi]

bit of a cross post but whatever

 

[televator]

Hmm... looks like neither of the Dark Cloud games are my cup o tea. To the sale thread they go!

On the other hand, I started playing Shadow of Destiny. Now there's an intriguing and quirky game. I'm a few chapters in and I'm enjoying the hell out of it.

 

[TalentBurke]

question, if I get a PS2 and play final fantasy XII on my LED T.V. with component cables will it looked fucked up? I remember playing it back in 2007 on my LCD T.V. and it didn't look bad but playing it on my ps3 now it looks awful.

 

[hardcastlemccormick]

question, if I get a PS2 and play final fantasy XII on my LED T.V. with component cables will it looked fucked up? I remember playing it back in 2007 on my LCD T.V. and it didn't look bad but playing it on my ps3 now it looks awful.

It would be helpful if you were more specific as to what you mean by "looked fucked up" or "looks awful." The PS3 will just upscale the game a bit (not a big difference), otherwise it looks identical to the way the PS2 would output the game over component.

 

[sixteen-bit]

question, if I get a PS2 and play final fantasy XII on my LED T.V. with component cables will it looked fucked up? I remember playing it back in 2007 on my LCD T.V. and it didn't look bad but playing it on my ps3 now it looks awful.

does the PS3 have a crappy scaler? if so change your system settings to 480p and have the TV do the scaling

edit: I just remembered, the only version of FFXII that's 480p is the Japan-exclusive FFXII International Zodiac Job System. Sounds like you have to suffer through 480i.

 

[televator]

Haha! As much as I'm enjoying SoD, it looks like diarrhea. Polygons? Naw son, everything is made of jaggies.

I really shoul at least have an XPLoader to force 480p on these games.

 

[ZealousD]

I have a PS2 Slim where the lid sensor isn't working right. I have to press down on the top-right part of the lid to get it to read discs most of the time.

Is there an easy fix for this?

 

[Evenball]

Found a tough to find PS2 game at HPB today. pretty good deal.

 

[koopas]

Found a tough to find PS2 game at HPB today. pretty good deal.

Wow great find! Apparently there are a lot of unused RE4 assets put in Haunting Ground that were never put to use because of the change in direction RE4 had.

You can sort of see the similarity between Ashley and the main character of HG.