Playstation 2 General Questions [Archive]

Wheel-Nut

11-15-05, 12:16 PM

My wife and I have decided to get our oldest son a PS2 for Christmas. Looking at a few of the retail sites there seems to be several "packages" to choose from. Its been a while since I have looked at video systems.

Questions:

Is one start up package a better value than another? (i.e. sometyimes you can purchase separate pieces and come out better in the $$$ department)

What are some of the additional "must haves" to get started playing right away?

Thanks

If were up to me and me alone we would have to get this:

LINK (http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=sc_iw_r_1_0/602-5377391-7567848?%5Fencoding=UTF8&asin=B000BNZBJQ)

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000BNZBJQ.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS384_.jpg

racer2c

11-15-05, 12:24 PM

Must have's? Xbox 360 of course. :) The 360 will debut next Tuesday. You might have to camp in line with the rest of the geeks and parents to get one though.

Or you could pick up an Xbox which is twice the system of a PS2 for the same price. You can pick up old arcade discs for yourself that work on the Xbox.

The PS2 is about to be equated to the likes of Pong. In other words it has run it's course.

Wheel-Nut

11-15-05, 01:25 PM

We're not looking for the latest and greatest . . . and there is nothing wrong with pong!! :D

Wabbit

11-15-05, 01:56 PM

I've always been partial to the X-Box (help my stock price). :D

There are several "classic" arcade game discs available for both. I know Atari and Williams both have them. You get Asteroids, PaperBoy, Joust, Missile Command, Robotron 2084. I also have one with 6 versions of Pac-Man.

Ankf00

11-15-05, 02:26 PM

All he's ever going to need. Until next summer and the release of 2007 that is, it's a vicious cycle really...

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00083G5CQ.01-A1NDBS7YGOPBD6._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Hrm, looks like the EA guys prefer Desmond to Eddie George, go figure :D

xbox is the better platform by far, but if you want him to be able to play games like SOCOM, etc online, PS2 doesn't charge for their service, you just buy their modem once. Xbox requires you buy a subscription, $50 per annum, for access to their online gaming (but comes with ethernet adapter built into the unit)... online gaming just makes things more fun :)

devilmaster

11-15-05, 02:33 PM

If were up to me and me alone we would have to get this:

LINK (http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=sc_iw_r_1_0/602-5377391-7567848?%5Fencoding=UTF8&asin=B000BNZBJQ)

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000BNZBJQ.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS384_.jpg

This doesn't help your ps2 debate, but this post is for you....

Start looking around the net for MAME - short for Multi Arcade Machine Emulator. Its a program that can play ROMS. These ROMS are the old game software packages - so you can play all the old, actual arcade games on your puter.

dando

11-15-05, 02:46 PM

This doesn't help your ps2 debate, but this post is for you....

Start looking around the net for MAME - short for Multi Arcade Machine Emulator. Its a program that can play ROMS. These ROMS are the old game software packages - so you can play all the old, actual arcade games on your puter.
Steve, ya beat me to it. Arcade Classics is just a MAME box. Check out:

http://www.mame.net/

and

http://www.mame-arcade.com/

For lots more info. There are also a bunch of MAME forums out there. I plan on building one once our basement refinish is completed.

'Nut, in regards to PS2, I tend to avoid the combo packs, because they usually sell titles I don't want with one I do want. I generally buy used games from sites like EBGames.com, which can save you mucho $$$ over new games. Must have games are NCAA foosball, Gran Turismo, Madden Foosball, and Tiger Woods golf. I don't play shooter games. The arcade packs are cool, 2, and you can generally find them on a deal @ Amazon or brick 'n mortar places like Circuit City (I don't do Best Buy).

-Kevin

Wheel-Nut

11-15-05, 03:27 PM

Thanks D & D. I'm going to do some net surfing into that MAME stuff. :thumbup:

The ps 2 deal. My son is only 5 so he is easily entertained. No need fo rthe online gaming.

Audi_A4

11-15-05, 03:40 PM

I have a mini PS2 which I bought last year .. its fun and I have GRAND THEFT AUTO SAN ANDREAS .. woo hoo you can steal cars, shoot cops, naill hookers then shoot her its sick sick sick .. perfect games to mould a healthy teenager. :gomer:

dando

11-15-05, 03:45 PM

The ps 2 deal. My son is only 5 so he is easily entertained. No need fo rthe online gaming.

Ah, well that being the case, there are some Sponge Bob and Sonic games out there for that age group. I would also suggest staying away from the GTA games then. ;) Nintendo tends to be the better platform for kids games due to the Mario factor, IMHO. Do look for pre-played games, tho. You can save some serious jack, and they usually have deals available (from Techbargains.com):

EBgames.com
15% off Preowned Video Games & DVDs Code: PPLAY15 or AFF15 (Max Discount $50)

-Kevin

Wheel-Nut

11-15-05, 03:52 PM

Thanks, I'll look into them. The more money I save on him the more I get to spend on me!!

Rob

11-15-05, 04:00 PM

One simple must-have is a memory card. Unless things have changed in the last few years, the PS2 doesn't come with one. Many games virtually require a memory card in order for it to have any long-term playability.

Audi_A4

11-15-05, 04:02 PM

Hard Driver

11-15-05, 05:43 PM

Basically the only real add on that is needed is the memory card.

For a 5 year old the games are a little limited on PS2 and even more limited on an XBox. Actually the Nintendo gamecube probably has the best games for the 5-7 age group. But the nintendo is the least powerful of the systems out today and any older kids would prefer a PS2.

I personally have a PS2 for my 10 year old son and there is tons of stuff once you get to 7 or 8 years old. My 6 year old daughter prefers the PC games.

Ankf00

11-15-05, 05:43 PM

5? Get him the Nintendo dude, tons of kiddie titles, less of the Grand-Theft Auto, SOCOM Navy Seals, Halo 2, blow the hell out of them variety :)

and get him super monkeyball or super monkeyball 2, that game, albeit for kids, was a f'ing blast... the main game mode is like Marble Madness for original Nintendo, except that you're not controlling the marble, or in this case the monkey in a sphere... you're tilting the game's level back, forth, left, right to direct the monkey dude in the ball, it's addicting :D and there's a bunch of other game modes like bowling and stuff...

emjaya

11-15-05, 08:07 PM

Have you thought about sticking with the PC and buying games to suit.If your kids are only young,they won't care as long as the games are fun.There's a large range of games out there for 5yo on pc,some educational ones as well,so they learn how to use a computer and learn counting and spelling at the same time.

We have a 5,an 8 and a 15yo and the only time they want a PS2 is when they have been to a friends house and played on one.Most of the time it is just the game they where playing that they want and it's usually available on PC anyway.

I must admit I don't know much about PS's or Xbox,when I could not get games for my Sega mega system I sold it at a garage sale and went pc.I'd rather update my computer every three years then replace game consoles.

Just my opinion on the the PS2,I'm with you,I'd get the arcade cabinet. :)

Paintergeek

11-15-05, 09:42 PM

The PS2 is about to be equated to the likes of Pong. In other words it has run it's course.

The words of a hater. PS2 is still very strong, and all but one of my gaming friends has PS2's.

I had mame on my PC for a long time, but during my recent C-drive wipe-out/rebuild, I decided not to put it back on. Cool as hell, But not used enough to fill up my 40 gig HD.

I did a MAME cab for a friend of mine:

http://www.fordfalcons.com/paintergeek/images/cab2.jpg
More pics and info here:

http://www.fordfalcons.com/paintergeek/odds.htm

I mounted the control panel and such for it too. It rocks. A stand up arcade machine that has essentially every american and japanese video game made from the mid 70's to the mid 90's. Joystick and all. An absolute blast.

He used to have a webpage about the build up, but I cant find it anymore. I think it is down.

Methanolandbrats

11-15-05, 09:53 PM

My kids have lots of that electronic stuff. Then I bought em a ping pong table and a dart board. When their friends come over, they have more fun with that stuff. Call me retro.

racermike

11-16-05, 05:09 AM

Wabbit

11-16-05, 11:21 AM

My kids have lots of that electronic stuff. Then I bought em a ping pong table and a dart board. When their friends come over, they have more fun with that stuff. Call me retro.

It's because nobody has those kind of toys anymore.

Tifosi24

11-16-05, 12:01 PM

I would put my hat in the Gamecube corner for the kids, and as Ank said there are games that are a lot of fun for adults too. I haven't played the Donkey Kong game, but Mario Tennis and Pikmin are a couple games that anyone can spend hours playing no matter their age. I already have two computers, so I am actually considering getting the Gamecube because it is getting really cheap, and there are a few games that can only be played with that system, Mario Tennis :D .

Robstar

11-17-05, 02:01 AM

G - T - 4... 'nuff said :thumbup:

Love PS2 :)

dando

11-17-05, 12:33 PM

G - T - 4... 'nuff said :thumbup:

Love PS2 :)
Amen...'cept that the farkers didn't include the online stuff w/4. :mad: :(

-Kevin

Andrew Longman

11-17-05, 01:05 PM

FWIW I asked a similar question 2 years ago (because I was buying a gaming system for mmy son) and was told here that PS2 is the way to go if you are especially interested in racing/driving game. More and better titles.

So far he has loved it.

Loved it so much that he wore it out. Impossibly expensive to repair I bought him a reconditioned used system (same PS2) for $50, warrantied for 90 days. Looked good as new. The video store had dozens just like it on hand.

Came with everything except a memory card and extra controller (which of course he already had)

Given that there is a new PS system on the horizon, it something you might want to consider.

Gnam

11-17-05, 01:40 PM

and get him super monkeyball or super monkeyball 2... the main game mode is like Marble Madness for original Nintendo
Why not just force him to read the phone book? :p

Ankf00

11-17-05, 02:10 PM

Why not just force him to read the phone book? :p

um, because super monkeyball 2 is FUN :p

IGN scored it a 9.0

http://cube.ign.com/articles/368/368926p1.html

Sometimes the greatest games are born of the oddest ideas. Sega's Super Monkey Ball 2, which debuted for GameCube last year, was certainly one of those. The title pitted players as ball-encapsulated monkeys whose only goal was to traverse giant, maze-like 3D levels without falling off the platforms to their demise. It was a twisted Marble Madness for the next-generation. Packed full of levels and equally topped with multiplayer-centric mini-games, SMB was addictive, fresh and purely entertaining. It was also a relatively simple, intuitive game, which made it a perfect selection for both children and adults, male and female players.

-One to four players can compete, cooperate and collide in 12 addictive Party games
-Explore 10 Monkey Worlds filled with unique themes and incredible visuals in the new Story Mode
-Six totally revamped Party Games: Monkey Race, Monkey Fight, Monkey -Target, Monkey Billiards, Monkey Bowling, and Monkey Golf
-Six brand new Party Games: Monkey Tennis, Monkey Baseball, Monkey Soccer, Monkey Boat Race, Monkey Shot, and Monkey Dog Fight
-Simple control scheme
-Runs in progressive scan mode

Stu

11-17-05, 02:11 PM

um, because super monkeyball is FUN :p

clearly someone has never read a phone book before :D

swift

11-17-05, 07:38 PM

if you (or your kids) are into the racing/driving games, get a sturdy wheel & pedals controller. some brands to consider:

logitech
madcatz
fanatec

http://www.bproducts.com/images/driving.gif

i weep and pray for those playing driving games with a standard joystick controller. :shakehead

Robstar

11-17-05, 09:31 PM

logitech

A mate of mine has this one & it rocks... :thumbup:

JLMannin

11-18-05, 12:10 AM

Hey, Ankf00 is right. Super Monkryball and Super Monkeyball 2 are great games. I love it, my wife loves it, and my kids love it. My favorite is Monkey Target.

Gnam

11-18-05, 01:23 AM

i weep and pray for those playing driving games with a standard joystick controller. :shakehead
http://www.cs.unc.edu/Research/assist/et/projects/amaze/keys.jpg

Rock the keys, yo.

Ankf00

11-18-05, 02:24 AM

http://www.toysnjoys.com/gamecube/supermonkeyball2.jpg

http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/5462/2h/images.gamezone.com/screens/24/2/82/s24282_xb_9.jpg

http://www.nlgaming.com/games/449/20.jpg

http://www.deafgamers.com/smb2pic2.jpg

Paintergeek

11-21-05, 11:10 PM

Even though Im a PS2 guy, something to consider:

http://www.ps2settlement.com/

racer2c

11-22-05, 12:15 AM

Hater? Heck, I've got three PS2's collecting dust in a closet. 2 modded, one fried (yes, PS2 are notorious for crapping out).

Did someone say GT4? Try this on for size, Project Gotham 2 on the Xbox...not bad for a $99 unit.

http://img.gamespot.com/gamespot/images/2003/xbox/projectgothamracing2/1113/pgr_screen032.jpg

Although in less than an hour you could be playing the best of the best...Project Gotham 3 on the 360.

http://img.gamespot.com/gamespot/images/2005/321/reviews/927245_20051118_screen008.jpg

Ankf00

11-22-05, 09:08 AM

this whole Sony rootkit business is reason enough not to buy any Sony product.

pfc_m_drake

11-22-05, 07:46 PM

this whole Sony rootkit business is reason enough not to buy any Sony product.
Agreed.

chop456

11-23-05, 03:27 AM

5 years old?

$15 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Pac-Man-Plug-Play-5-TV-Games-BRAND-NEW-FUN_W0QQitemZ8234611857QQcategoryZ62054QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem)

Unless this is really for you. :gomer:

Wheel-Nut

11-23-05, 10:20 AM

He has a couple of those. Not bad entertainment.

Tedminator

03-27-07, 04:04 PM

http://www.cs.unc.edu/Research/assist/et/projects/amaze/keys.jpg

Rock the keys, yo.

Yeh! This one is a few years old... but hey, it's ChampCars :D
http://forum.rscnet.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=307136&stc=1

Too bad GPR's website for this ChampCar game is currently down.. but the thread with the free download for it is here: http://forum.rscnet.org/showthread.php?t=219411

ChampCar Legends is...
A completely self contained arcade type game for PC, featuring past and present seasons of ChampCar/CART - complete with full driver/car combinations and all of the tracks. Powered by the GeneRally engine and utilizing the GR Options Editor, you simply select the season you wish to play, choose your opponents and track, and you're off! Play a whole season or just your favorite tracks, either way you're in for hours of fun
http://forum.rscnet.org/images/avatars/custom/avatar10830_2.gif