What system should i get?

[whoisKeel]

first off, i don't wanna turn this into a flame-the-other system thread.

my birthday is monday and i will be getting some $$$, so i'm thinking either gamecube or ps2. I really wanna try out this disgaea for ps2 probably more than anything, and also ff x but i haven't really been feeling rpg's lately.
but gc has zelda i wanna play, and i love metroid games and i hear they have alot of other fun games.

i like the $100 price tag for gc, i don't like the $200 for ps2
i like the thought of gba on my tv, but i hear that is $50 adaptor.

i'm a little out of the loop on new games, so basically list me some of the major must-haves, and anything else i should know. and i will not be modifying anything so don't even bring itup.

[Half Japanese]

If I were you I'd wait till around the middle or late Novemeber to see whether or not this fabled ps2 price drop to $99 comes about. I dunno about you, but I'd feel played like a damn fiddle if I paid $179 for one weeks before that drastic of a price drop.

Some highlights and advantages for each system:


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Gamecube - 4 players w/o multitap, Nintendo first part offerings, nice exclusives
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Games to try: Super Monkey Ball, Rogue Leader (any), Metroid Prime, Zelda, Wave Race, Ikaruga, SSBM



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Xbox - Online play, some solid first part stuff and 3rd party exclusives, lots of sleeper hits
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Games to try: Phantom Crash, Sega GT 2002, JSRF, Panzer Dragoon Orta, Halo, Max Payne, KOTOR



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ps2 - market leader, online play, most amount of games available, tons of exclusives
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Games to try: Sly Cooper, Gungrave, Half Life, Virtua FIghter Evo, Metal Slug 3 (assuming it gets the greenlight), and tons of others


Those are my picks for games to try btw, you may want to look around to find others that may suit you. If all else fails, get a Dreamcast + a shitload of games, you can't go wrong there either.

[nesuser2]

well, i think somebody already hit all points and hit them well but i'll add my two cents.....

i have 2 ps2's and about 20 games - never really played any of them...

i have one gamecube and about 20 games.....i cycle the games.....play one level on one and onto the next. that way i don't feel as if i've neglected any of them.

so, i would say gamecube because it's good clean fun. it reminds me of being a kid. but on the other hand, i really like some ps2 titles like GTA III and Vice city which are uncomparable to other games in my eyes.

other downside, ps2.....i hear too much about disc read errors to fall in love with it too much....and i think they should fix the problem before moving to the next system, but why would they listen to me.

and finally, i wouldn't pay $100 for a GC or $179 for a PS2. i would atleast wait to see what christmas brings. and for me, there is a pawn shop locally that has GC, Xbox, and PS2. while the xbox's literally leave as fast as they come, they have GC consoles in all the colors complete with the exception of the instructions and box and whatnot. and same with the ps2 they have. GC's are $69.....PS2 is $99. and if i wanted another GC i would definitly go there(i just payed $170 for mine off a board member before the price drop, yet still a good deal with all the extras) so anyways, i would never buy a used PS2 unless it was from a board member or somebody i knew. i would atleast want some form of backing, like if it started failing right after i got it. so......that's my opinions. and walmart has ps2 bundles right now(mine does atleast) and it's $200 for a ps2 with a network adapter. so......that's my 2 cents, do what you want to do!!

[whoisKeel]

ok, thx so far, i forgot to mention that xbox is completely out, as my roomate has one and most titles are ps2/pc available anyways (i don't care for fps on consoles, that's what pc's are for so forget halo)

i was thinking the same thing for used ps2, forget it, but i didn't know that there may be a $99 ps2 available for xmas...if that is the case i may go with that...but i was under the impression that the ps2 price just dropped...to $179 howlong ago was that? i'd still go for the online pack for the extra $20 tho....


ALSO one more thing....i refuse to pay monthly fee to play a game online (i hear FF is like $12 a month) are all the systems pretty much free online play or how does it work?


and what's with this zelda gamecube bundle, that sounds very appealing...can't find any comfirmation on this.

[nesuser2]

my advice, wait it out. i don't see ps2 stooping down that low though. and i know ps2 is free online, but you have to buy a switch or a hub if you don't already have one.....which isn't really expensive but it costs money. or you could just switch it back and forth between your pc and your system. and i wouldn't hold out for the gamecube zelda bundle. if you really want it, i'm sure you'll be able to find it somewhere. have any friends that work at a gaming store? that may also help if you want to buy a system. find somebody that works at kmart, walmart, TRU, gamestop, EB.......etc etc......any place that sells PS2 and GC. most employees get 10%.......so 10% on 180 is $18......and $10 off a GC......which is pretty good savings. i mean, if you spent a grand at 10%, that's $100!!.........and sorry if you can figure this out on your own and i don't want you to feel as if i'm insulting your intelligence in any way......just my 2 cents and a couple things that people can overlook. let us know what you go with, i'm interested!

[Retsudo]

In my opinion, It depends on what games you like. All 3 systems have their good and bad points. If your into fighting games, get a PS2. If you want to play online games like tactical shooters outside of your pc get the xbox. if you like cutesy games like Mario, get a Game Cube.

[atomicthumbs]

Pimp off your mom and get both.










I did...





Your mom, not my mom....

[goatdan]

If you don't have one already, I'll toss in my two cents for the Dreamcast. I adore my Dreamcast, and you can pick them and great games up cheaply.

If you already have a Dreamcast, as the others said it depends on what you like. If you like multiplayer games or platformers, get a 'Cube. If you like adventure games or racing games, go with the PS2.

Remember, the 'Cube will be getting Final Fantasty Crystal Chronicles, so that might tip your scale that way.

I also agree to look used. I have seen 'Cubes as low as $50.00 now. PS2s are still hovering around $150.00 though.

[dreamcaster]

If it's out of GameCube and PS2 - I'd give it to the PS2. Better range of games. DVD playback. CD playback. Online. Etc.

But - I will say that Dreamcast is the BEST system of the lot. If you want quality system with guaranteed playable games - go with the DC.

[Oobgarm]

While everyone has made excellent points here, I'll toss in my opinion here:

Choosing a system really depends on the games you want to play. Nintendo has always been superb in their software, and the GameCube is no different. The first party effort is tremendous, but, unfortunately, the third parrty software is lacking, with fewer and fewer games being put out for it since some developers don't see it as being a competitive platform.

PS2 is a bit more expensive, but the game selection is much broader. Judging by the posts I read above, you enjoy RPG's, and this is the system to have for that particular genre. There is usually a 1:4 ratio when it comes to good vs. crap games, but you know, not everyone is going to like everything, so your mileage may vary. There are plenty of games that are widely considered to be crap titles that I enjoy.

Good luck with your decision, and remember to get the extended warranty on the PS2 if it's offered. Peace of mind for $20-$30 is a great deal.

[Captain Wrong]

Go with a NeoGeo. Or a Dreamcast. :P

Seriously though, I'd wait a bit to see what, if any, deals might appear closer to Xmas. Personally, I'd say PS2. It's a "something for everyone" kind of deal.

[MacGurl]

I'd rule out PS2 right away. There's a huge game library for it, but 98% of the games suck big time.

So, If I were you, I'd be trying to decide between the Gamecube and XBox. Xbox will give you a wider variety of games plus online play. Gamecube has less titles, but the majority of them are decent games. And the XBox can be "fixed" to play all your old games on it.

[chevy_chase]

ps2 is good if you want it modified, so you can play copies.
i don't know if gamecube has any decent modchips out yet.
so if you valua that ps2 is a better choise.

[Oobgarm]

Well, this conversation has gone right into the shitter..... :hmm: x_x

[SpasticFuctard]

having all 3 systems, I have to say that you should get the PS2. Because it's cool, and I like their gamepad more than anyone elses. The game library is staggering, and Diagaea really is all that and a bag of chips.

SF

[Captain Wrong]

ps2 is good if you want it modified, so you can play copies.
i don't know if gamecube has any decent modchips out yet.
so if you valua that ps2 is a better choise.

:roll:

[sisko]

I'd rule out PS2 right away. There's a huge game library for it, but 98% of the games suck big time.


What an utter load of biased crap.

All systems have excellent games. All of them have bad games. But 98%? Sounds like somebody has only played 2% of the games and is prejudging everything else. I could just as well say that for the GCN and XBox.

You may not want to rule out the XBox so quickly. If you are into retro-gaming at all, you can modify it and emulate the vast majority of consoles throughout the 16bit era. That alone is a great reason to get one. well, that and Steel Battallion :D

The PS2 has backwards compatability, which is HUGE plus. Not only do you have a huge library of PS2 games, you have an enormous If it didn't have that I wouldn't have bought the system. The online capabilites are a plus if your into that too. The hard drive will be really nice if that ever makes it out.

Also on the PS2 topic..I just picked up Disgaea and this is DEFINITELY a MUST HAVE RPG. I rank it #3 as the all time greatest RPGs (Xenogears, Dragon Force, Disgaea). It has a very complex but completely controllable battle system. I also like how new item classes can be obtained, the ability to create any given characters and character types to YOUR specifications, and levelling up items is pretty cool too. The slapstick humor of the game is also great too :)

The GameCube is cheap, and the games are getting cheaper. its an excellent console for party games like Super Smash Brothers or Super Monkey Ball, but also has several quality 1 player games as well (both Rogue Squadrons come to mind)

Either way you go, you really won't be disappointed.

List the games you want to play for each system, and buy the console that has the larger list.

[can_dude]

if you want the PS2, dont only wait for the price drop, but wait until february...2 more colors for the PS2 are coming out in the US and Canada.

[sisko]

if you want the PS2, dont only wait for the price drop, but wait until february...2 more colors for the PS2 are coming out in the US and Canada.

Also try and get the SCPH-50000 model....its a better upgraded version than the SCPH-39000 model.

Also if you get a PS2, get the 2 year replacement warranty.....just in case.

[nesuser2]

maybe try renting the consoles, i know you can do that here and you will see which one you love more. and yes, that one keynote about the xbox. that's the only reason i got one LOL but keep in mind that it does cost quite a bit of money once you start getting into it. i think mine reaches a total of.....$370 until i get my $70 mail in rebate.....so choose wisely

[whoisKeel]

ok, thx so far. as i said in my first post, don't bring up any modchip factors, that's not gonna sway me one way or another, i'm well aware of the emulation/piracy issues for each system. i'm gonna wait and see what xmas price drops bring, i'm leaning towards gc at the moment tho, as the main reason i want the ps2 is for disgaea as i'm a FFT fanboy, but have been disappointed in other srpgs i've played. i did have a dreamcast a few years back with quite a few back-up games, but they are gone now and the system died...i may still pick one up as i have the controller, connectors, vmu etc. zelda, metroid, this viewtiful joe game, and smash bros entice me more than what the ps2 has to offer right now, i'll probably pick up a ps2 later down the road when it is cheaper.

btw xbox fans, not to be rude, what games are good for it? Rulling out max payne/ FPS / tom clancy games, i'm bored with those already.

[sisko]

Steel Battallion, but youve got to be willing to shell out $200 for it.

Jet Set Radio Future is also great. Gunvalkyrie has excellent graphics, and its a great concept, but the poor controls are a fatal drawback. I paid $4, you should pay $1. Other than Wreckless (I still haven't played it) that's all I ever bought for it ^^;

My main console is my PS2.

[jonjandran]

I have all 3 next gen consoles.

XBOX---Only play Halo on it. And I will be playing Halo 2, Half Life 2, Doom 3. But since FPS aren't your thing , then pass on it.

GameCube ---- Got it for the Mario's, Super Smash Bros, Metroid ,etc. Play it a lot and love it but once you play the Nintendo 1st party games that's about it.

PS2 --- Spend the most time with it. GTA#, Simpson Hit and Run, Hot Shot Golf 3, Castlevania Lament Of Innocence, Socom, . The list goes on and on. It's the one to get because there will not be a certain type of game you want that you won't be able to find.

My 2 euros on the matter.

[Half Japanese]

Here are some Xbox games I've enjoyed:

Phantom Crash - hands down the best mech title I've ever played. It's similar to Armored Core in the customization aspect, but it's a lot more arcade-like from how I hear AC is (haven't played any AC's). A wonderful game.

Deathrow - A unique sports/violence hybrid with loads of cussing. It also happens to be one of the more original and fun efforts in the genre in the past few years. Critically acclaimed for the most part, but quickly fell off retail shelves due to poor sales and knowledge (plus the fact EGM ignorantly gave it a 4.5).

Jet Set Radio Future - a wonderfully animated extreme sports/graffiti hybrid. Sure, it may not be as good as the original, but then again that's a very high watermark to try to top.

Crimson Sea - a neat little 3rd person action title, dubbed by some as "Dynasty Warriors in space." A little confusing and the plot could use work, but I don't play games for storylines anyway.


You sound as if you're aiming for Gamecube though, and the GCN and the Xbox are pretty opposite as far as their markets and releases, so if you get one, give these games a try:

Ikaruga - you can read my review of the GCN version here at DP or I think Flack also reviewed the DC version, and we were both less than half a point apart on pretty much everything. Wonderful and challenging game.

Wave Race: Blue Storm - WONDERFUL racing game, in fact the most fun I've had racing in a long time. It takes a little getting used to, but once you do it's a very fun and challenging game.

Bomberman Generations - a nice little single player game tacked onto one of the longest running and best multiplayer games. Expanded multiplayer modes and a pretty interesting single-player experience chock full of mini games and such. Worth at least a rental.

You've probably heard the spiel on all the top-selling Nintendo 1st party stuff, so I'll spare you that!

Hope that helps!