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What To Get Ought I?

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DarthWoo

I'm glad Grandpa porked a Chinese Muslim
I've been thinking that it's about time to splurge on a new game system, since the newest one I've had for a few years was the Dreamcast. However, I only have the resources to buy one for the moment. I've ruled out X-Box, so it's down to just PS2 and Gamecube. I know that the prices may eventually drop with the upcoming next generation, but since it's the X-Box 360 coming first, I doubt that it'll have a serious impact on the prices of the other two.

On the Gamecube side, there's still the SSBM bundle available for $99.99 everywhere. I've also seen a very interesting Wavebird/Metroid Prime bundle on clearance at some stores for less than the Wavebird alone, so at least there's a source for cheap controllers too. (I'd buy a couple, and give the game to a friend who has a Gamecube if he didn't already have it.)

On the PS2 side, there's the benefit of a library that's probably at least 10x as large. On the other hand, the current price is still $10 more than I'd pay for the Gamecube/SSBM bundle with two extra Wavebirds and Metroid Prime. Although I'm an avid Square/Enix fan (I have played all the FFs from IV-IX), FF X and KH seem rather forgettable. Perhaps with the more substantial competition that Sony will face from the XB360's release, there might be a price drop sooner?

I've been mainly a PC gamer for the past few years (and will remain substantially so, regardless of what I get), and currently the game I play the most is still BF1942 (or at least a much better mod thereof). I don't think BF2 will run too well on my PC (although the demo runs reasonably well) and there aren't really any great mods for it yet. I also enjoy a good space/flight combat sim and strategy game, and an occasional fighter.

So, at the risk of inciting a heated debate purely on the company loyalties of those who post here, what do you think would be the best course of action?
 
if you've done without a gamecube for this long, you're not such a nintendo fetishist that you'll prefer a gamecube to a ps2.
 
My advice? Ignore the bundle features and cost of the original hardware investment, as it'll likely pale in comparison to how much you'll (eventually) spend on games. And those games, really, are what counts. So browse some the IGN or Gamefaqs database of released games and let them sway you.
 
drohne said:
if you've done without a gamecube for this long, you're not such a nintendo fetishist that you'll prefer a gamecube to a ps2.
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Yeah exactly, its been $99 for awhile now.
 
Doh, I had hoped to be instantly swayed by the first few posts in reply, but now the imaginary question mark over my head is just growing even larger. :( (Thanks anyway for the effort though :))
 
it might help you to know that metroid prime is extremely boring and that ssbm is a great soundtrack in search of a halfway decent game.
 
i'm this close to putting speevy on ignore. his nonstop xbox appreciation seminar has gotten unbelievably tiresome.
 
drohne said:
i'm this close to putting speevy on ignore. his nonstop xbox appreciation seminar has gotten unbelievably tiresome.
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You can put people on ignore here?

Edit: Oh yes, I suppose I should add that I do and have enjoyed the majority of Nintendo's first-party offerings in the past. Although all of my consoles are packaged up to conserve space for now, I do have both Zeldas, SSB, and a bunch of other things for the N64. I'd say that my playing time between PSX and N64 was generally about even. The sheer amount of time spent on RPGs on PSX was made up for on N64 by good times with N64 multiplayer.
 
I'd recommend GC usually because of all the great multiplayer stuff, but there's not many good fighters other than Smash and SC2 right now and it'll probably stay that way.
 
Speevy: The overlap between the Xbox and PC library is probably too significant. Anyone with a computer could have played Psychonauts, Halo, KOTOR, Doom 3...

The GC library is a joke compared with the PS2's, despite the prominence of old and great licenses. If it's between GC and PS2, I don't think there's any decision to make.
 
Shinoobi said:
I'd recommend GC usually because of all the great multiplayer stuff, but there's not many good fighters other than Smash and SC2 right now and it'll probably stay that way.
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What other multiplayer gems has GC got in genres other than fighters?
 
Exclusives:

1) Pikmin 2
2) Animal Crossing
3) Super Smash Brothers Melee
4) Eternal Darkness
5) Super Mario Sunshine
6) Zelda TWW
7) Metroid Prime
8) Metroid Prime 2
9) Pikmin
10) Wave Race Blue Storm
11) Mario Power Tennis
12) Tales of Symphonia
13) DK Jungle Beat
14) Donkey Konga
15) Ikaruga
16) Mario Golf Toadstool Tour
17) Paper Mario The Thousand Year Door
18) F-Zero GX
19) Baten Kaitos
20) Zelda FSA


Multiplatform

1) Resident Evil 4
2) Viewitiful Joe/Viewtiful Joe 2
3) Prince of Persia Sands of Time
4) Super Monkey Ball
5) Metal Arms
6) Gladius
7) Beyond Good and Evil
8) Soul Calibur 2
9) Sega Soccer Slam
10) Hulk: Ultimate Destruction

You may like, even though I hated:

1) Mario Kart Double Dash
2) Rogue Leader/Rebel Strike
3) Resident Evil remakes

Try before you buy:

1) Mario Superstar Baseball
2) Killer 7
3) Battallion Wars
4) Luigi's Mansion
5) Pokemon Collosseum/XD
6) Donkey Konga 2
7) Mario Party series
8) Lost Kingdoms series
9) Prince of Persia Warrior Within
10) Wario Ware Inc. Mega Party Games
 
I recommend a PS2. I personally feel that the Gamecube software library is inadequate, but others would disagree. The $99 price tag may be cheap enough to justify purchasing the system to play the handful of truly great games on the system.

With the PS2 you have the largest software library (unless you get a modded Xbox), and the amount of great games that are cheap make it a wise selection. It also has a functional online model; it isn't quite as expansive or refined as Xbox live, but it is free and it certainly adds value to your purchase.
 
sonarrat said:
Ikaruga isn't an exclusive. It was one of the last Dreamcast games.
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Neither are Tales of Symphonia or Shenmue 2. But if you want the game and you live in the US, you're probably getting the Cube version.
 
You're right - my mistake. I had it mixed up with Rez for some reason. I still think that's a so-so list compared with the mighty PS2. It would take me hours to do the same thing you just did with Sony's system...
 
If you're only going to get one system, the best choice is going to be the Playstation 2. It still has a lot of support, unlike either of the other two systems, and has a larger library with more diverse titles, as well as more of certain genres (RPGs, fighting games, etc.) than the other two systems. Plus you've also got backwards compatibilty for all the PSX games out there.

The Game Cube is a great system, but the only real "exclusive" titles worth getting are made by Nintendo, and if you aren't big on them, it's not going to be worth it at this point. The best 3rd party game on the system, Resident Evil 4, is coming out for PS2 in a few weeks anyway.
 
I can't believe people are making a recommendation other than the PS2.

The GC is okay and has some decent games, and it wouldn't be a bad buy at some point, but getting it as your primary system to play on is just silly. Trust me, I've been there.
 
Yeah I agree with the people who say only by a cube if you specificully want nintendo games, otherwise the ps2 is a sure bet. I'd say go with that, the cube will be very cheap soon and you may have a bit more cash to spend around when zlrda comes out if you are into that.
 
Well, I think I'm starting to lean in the PS2 direction, but that $150 price tag is still a bit of a hurdle. Are there any rumors of a price drop on the horizon? Also, do any issues still remain in regards to the reliability of the PS2 hardware? I remember my roommate from law school having troubles with his PS2 refusing to play any movie DVDs, and gradually acquiring more and more problems.
 
DarthWoo said:
Well, I think I'm starting to lean in the PS2 direction, but that $150 price tag is still a bit of a hurdle. Are there any rumors of a price drop on the horizon? Also, do any issues still remain in regards to the reliability of the PS2 hardware? I remember my roommate from law school having troubles with his PS2 refusing to play any movie DVDs, and gradually acquiring more and more problems.
Click to expand...

It's going to be time for Sony's annual price-drop pretty soon. EB dropping the used PS2's price to $99 is a foreshadowing of that. Unfortunately, Sony will probably drop to $129 rather than the pricepoint that most people would want.
 
sonarrat said:
It's going to be time for Sony's annual price-drop pretty soon. EB dropping the used PS2's price to $99 is a foreshadowing of that. Unfortunately, Sony will probably drop to $129 rather than the pricepoint that most people would want.
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Perhaps I shall try to hold off on my purchase for a while in that case. When did the PS2's price last drop (to the current $150) anyway?
 
DarthWoo said:
Perhaps I shall try to hold off on my purchase for a while in that case. When did the PS2's price last drop (to the current $150) anyway?
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The slim PS2 came out last November. I think the old model was $150 before that, but they seem to be going off of the new hardware's lifecycle rather than the old one's.
 
Purely out of curiosity, about how long is the Wavebird's battery life assuming no more than an hour or two of use per day?
 
Mine has lasted for months, but I couldn't tell you how much I play it. Just got Tales of Symphonia, so I'm sure it will be out before I know it.
 
AndoCalrissian said:
Edited!
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Of course it's his opinion. It's an inherently subjective statement. You're supposed to take it into account either way given your perception of how his tastes relate to yours through other statements he's made. No one here needs "IMNSHFO" at the beginning of each sentence. He didn't write a video game review meant to be published. There's no "joe sixpack mass appeal" adjustment for the editor to make. It's a video game message board on the internet. DIE DIE DIE! Ahem.

Oh, and buy a PS2.
 
Sony either practices planned obsolesce or they have the most incompetent engineers in the industry. Either way, be aware that the PS2 - like almost all Sony products - is a poorly built piece of junk, and there's a high probability that it'll burst into flames and burn your house down after a year or two of use.

Sony also gave it barely any texture memory so almost all its games look crude and filthy.

Meanwhile, NintyÂ’s unique genius for game design is as daring and innovative as ever, and the GameCube's not only built like a tank, it performs like a fast, nimble fighter.

So, in light of all that, I'd obviously go with the PS2.
 
SaucerEyedMurder said:
Sony either practices planned obsolesce or they have the most incompetent engineers in the industry. Either way, be aware that the PS2 - like almost all Sony products - is a poorly built piece of junk, and there's a high probability that it'll burst into flames and burn your house down after a year or two of use.

Sony also gave it barely any texture memory so almost all its games look crude and filthy.

Meanwhile, NintyÂ’s unique genius for game design is as daring and innovative as ever, and the GameCube's not only built like a tank, it performs like a fast, nimble fighter.

So, in light of all that, I'd obviously go with the PS2.
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:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol
 
SaucerEyedMurder said:
Sony either practices planned obsolesce or they have the most incompetent engineers in the industry. Either way, be aware that the PS2 - like almost all Sony products - is a poorly built piece of junk, and there's a high probability that it'll burst into flames and burn your house down after a year or two of use.

Sony also gave it barely any texture memory so almost all its games look crude and filthy.

Meanwhile, NintyÂ’s unique genius for game design is as daring and innovative as ever, and the GameCube's not only built like a tank, it performs like a fast, nimble fighter.

So, in light of all that, I'd obviously go with the PS2.
Click to expand...

Stealth troll with a twist :lol
 
Old style PS2s are pretty dodgy in reliability after awhile (at least the launch ones) but the new slimline PS2s are solid as a rock.

PS2 is easily the best choice. Also worth noting, it's likely PS2 will see a lot more future support as both Nintendo and MS are pretty much going to drop their consoles once the next gen ones are out, unlike Sony who has made it clear PS2 will continue to have support.
 
I would make the decision based on your primary concern. This late in the game, there isn't going to be many new titles for either system of great note, especially for the Gamecube, so I would look at which titles you would look foward to playing more. PS2 has a larger library of titles to choose from, most of which are still pretty good sellers. Gamecube has a large first party library but very few third party exclusives and almost none people can agree on. First I think you should figure out what games you really want and pick based on that, it's pretty simple. Second, if you find yourself stymied, if your primary concern is budget, the cube is the best pick, it's 60 dollars refurbished and the cube is pretty sturdy so you don't have to worry about buying it used. Also most of the titles held up to be very good are now at budget prices and readily available for a low cost, along with accessories. However, if your primary concern is the longevity of this new system, the PS2 still has games in developement, and a lot of games people will claim as must haves, and if your concern is to still have games that you need to pick up for this system until next next gen rolls around get a PS2. I really think they are both fine choices this late in the game, and I would be glad to recommend a few obscure favorites of mine once you decide which system you are getting.
 
EviLore said:
Of course it's his opinion. It's an inherently subjective statement. You're supposed to take it into account either way given your perception of how his tastes relate to yours through other statements he's made. No one here needs "IMNSHFO" at the beginning of each sentence. He didn't write a video game review meant to be published. There's no "joe sixpack mass appeal" adjustment for the editor to make. It's a video game message board on the internet. DIE DIE DIE! Ahem.
Click to expand...

Oh Gosh, seriously! This should be burned into the forehead of anyone who writes "STOP TAKING YOUR OPINIONS AS FACTS." That is one of my internet pet peeves, *ahem*. Sorry

On Topic:

Anyway, if you're this far into the generation and you're wondering what to get I can say PS2 is by far the best investment. It's going to have a dazzling next year, so you don't have to worry about a dead system once you catch up on your backlog. And it has by far the largest variety of quality titles across all genres. You can't lose here. If you're worried about cheapness, you can just wait to see if they'll drop the price in a few weeks... but if not, I highly doubt you'll regret it even at 149.99.

Gamecube is a good system too, don't get me wrong... but Chibi Robo, Mario Strikers, Odama, Kirby, Zelda (FIREY CROSS OF GODLINESS THAT IT MAY BE) and Fire Emblem aren't really enough to overcome what PS2 has in store for the future, and the titles listed in this thread that are exclusive to GC are not enough to overcome the near endless stores of high calibre exclusives the PS2 has. You will never stop finding a gem on it, whether overlooked or not.

So that's my say.
 
See, I'd say get the GameCube, but that's just because I prefer the games on the system. Mario and Zelda are the system sellers for me. To be honest, though, it depends on what you want -- if you've held off on buying a new system this long and your last system was a Dreamcast, I'm going to assume you'd be happier with a GameCube than a PS2. Why? Quite simply -- if you wanted the kinds of games and gameplay that define the PS2, you wouldn't still be playing a Dreamcast. The GameCube offers a decent selection and some more off beat titles... and it's not "main stream".

Now, I could be entirely wrong about all of this -- you might well prefer the PS2 to the GameCube. Again, it does depend on the games you enjoy.

(I prefer games to badly acted Tom Clancy-esque movies, myself.)
 
DavidDayton said:
See, I'd say get the GameCube, but that's just because I prefer the games on the system. Mario and Zelda are the system sellers for me. To be honest, though, it depends on what you want -- if you've held off on buying a new system this long and your last system was a Dreamcast, I'm going to assume you'd be happier with a GameCube than a PS2. Why? Quite simply -- if you wanted the kinds of games and gameplay that define the PS2, you wouldn't still be playing a Dreamcast. The GameCube offers a decent selection and some more off beat titles... and it's not "main stream".

Now, I could be entirely wrong about all of this -- you might well prefer the PS2 to the GameCube. Again, it does depend on the games you enjoy.
Click to expand...

A good theory, except the PS2 has so many non-mainstream/niche games that it pretty much rapes Gamecube from a thousand different angles. That's the benefit of having the most third party support, and being the market leader.

Are you actually suggesting that Gamecube has more niche/non-mainstream games than PS2?

DavidDayton said:
(I prefer games to badly acted Tom Clancy-esque movies, myself.)
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WTF?
 
take it from another who loves the cube and the xbox (it took me a good 3-4 years into its lifecycle to actually purchase a ps2, while i owned a cube and then an xbox for years), that the PS2 is the correct choice.

library is huge and its support will last longer (the other 2 are just about dead).

if you're only going for one home console, the choice is simple.

PS2.
 
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