Complete RPG List for the PS2 - Updated 2017 [Archive] - Page 6

lendelin

11-10-2008, 03:29 AM

Which disc(s) goes to which set?

Ecactly that's the question.

I forgot to mention that my game in the deluxe set which I bought new directly from Working Designs has Disc 1 (20758B, Growlanser Generations II) and Disc 2 (20759B, Growlanser Generations III).

This disc label set (groups of game characters pictured) seems to be the deluxe set labels, while the two 'single girl'-labels (Disc 3 and Disc 4) seem to be exclusive to the stand-alone version. (so it was vaguely presented on the website I got these pics from, but the information is not very reliable).

We can't be sure. It might even be that not only are these labels not exclusive to the deluxe and standard edition, they might have been even sold in all four possible combinations, that means 1 and 2, 1 and 4, 3 and 2, and 3 and 4.

So my assumption that the two discs with 'B" at the end is one set, and the two discs with "A" at the end is another set might not be correct. We just can't be sure unless gamers clear that up since we can't ask Working Designs anymore.

bcks007

11-10-2008, 06:35 AM

PapaStu

11-10-2008, 09:27 AM

The WD release of Growlanser has 2 releases. From my understanding, the 'Limited' special version was the 'B' release, the regularly purchased one in stores was the 'A' release, as noted by the disc and inserts SLUS#. I've only got the WD pre-ordered special release, but I do know i've seen the 'A' release on shelves in GameStops.

Aussie2B

11-10-2008, 01:49 PM

I have the deluxe set, and it has discs 1 and 2 (the B set). I bought it used, but if I recall correctly, the person I got it from never even played it and the game case itself was still sealed in plastic.

lendelin

11-10-2008, 08:29 PM

I know alot of Working Designs ps1 games had alot of variants. I do not think that this will be the case for there ps2 games that where made. No other ps2 games have artwork random variants.

Btw, the other 2 Working Designs games for the ps2, Silpheed: The Lost Planet and Gungriffon Blaze, both have a A and B game disc variant. Both games have different artwork on there cds, and different artwork on there cases. From the copys I've seen on ebay, both always match up.

Thanks for the heads up! I didn't know that that Silpheed and Gungriffon Blaze have cover and disc label variants. I have the A label variant in both games, I wasn't even aware that there are cover variants as well.

lendelin

11-10-2008, 08:39 PM

Thanks a lot! I think it's pretty clear by now that the A-set disc labels are in the standard version, and the B-set disc labels are in the deluxe edition.

I made a note in the listing. Obviously the sentence "the game in the deluxe set is identical with the standard version" was wrong since these are not only disc label variants but came separately with both editions.

I uploaded pics of the disc label variants with their SLUS numbers (Pictures4) and also put pics up for the soundtrack CD folder, the soundtrack CD, and the manual. (Pictures3) With these pictures everything of Growlanser Generations is covered picture-wise. :)

Just out of curiosity: Does Growlanser Heritage of War also have disc label variants? I guess not since WD didn't publish it.

PapaStu

11-11-2008, 12:37 PM

I highly doubt that Generation Wars has a disc variant.

Back in the PS1 days, Working Designs had friends at Sony, who let them do the disc art variants. As those friends retired, moved on ect, those perks of theirs (along with their ability to get games approved) went down the tubes, and thusly why we never saw some of the announced WD games on the PS2. They were lucky to even get Growlanser out considering the policies that had been enacted by SCEA against 2D gaming. Besides the fact that they took too long to get games done, other companies had sprung up snatching away licenses away, or the Japanese companies were just releasing titles here.

WD was a special entity to even ponder making a label variant for games. The only other time you'll see label variants is due to a factory misprint, a new publisher taking over the title (happened with PS games, not so much PS2 games) or a GH re-release situation.

Press_Start

11-11-2008, 03:03 PM

Back in the PS1 days, Working Designs had friends at Sony, who let them do the disc art variants. As those friends retired, moved on ect, those perks of theirs (along with their ability to get games approved) went down the tubes, and thusly why we never saw some of the announced WD games on the PS2. They were lucky to even get Growlanser out considering the policies that had been enacted by SCEA against 2D gaming. Besides the fact that they took too long to get games done, other companies had sprung up snatching away licenses away, or the Japanese companies were just releasing titles here.

Where did you hear info like that?

If the 2D gaming policy was true, how were Atlus able to release Odin Sphere and GrimGrimoire on the PS2?

WD was a special entity to even ponder making a label variant for games. The only other time you'll see label variants is due to a factory misprint, a new publisher taking over the title (happened with PS games, not so much PS2 games) or a GH re-release situation.

I believe that's was they're intention from the start. Looking at the packaging with Turbo games, you release they were something that wanted to stand out. In their case, they were the gamer's company and provided us with great games most companies ignorantly wouldn't bother with.

I heard Victor Ireland started a new company but that's as far as I know. Any one know what projects he's working on now?

PapaStu

11-11-2008, 04:21 PM

Where did you hear info like that?

If the 2D gaming policy was true, how were Atlus able to release Odin Sphere and GrimGrimoire on the PS2?

I 'heard' info like that from some conversations i've had with a Sony employee that would be very in the know.
The 2D policy is not something new, it was highly pushed by Sony in the middle of the PS and PS2 lifespans. Look at early PS games, we got stuff like Mega Man Legends and Street Fighter Ex+Alpha because Sony demanded 3D games from companies like Capcom, otherwise they'd not be allowed to publish the Megaman 8's, MegaMan X7's and Street Fighters Vs Capcom type titles.

Working Designs games were shoved into limbo hell after the launch of the PS2 because they (WD) wanted to release games that didn't look like they were 'next-gen', and appearance is everything. You are in the market to tout power over This is a SCEA thing, not a SCEJ mentality. In Japan they'd release a ton of stuff that SCEA would never think of releasing here. Sony has since lightened up on this stance, because they've dropped licensing fees for the PS2 down to nothing, and thats allowing companies like Atlus and others who are still putting out 2.5D games like that to make back something before they burn a bazillion bucks on making a PS3 game, by letting them get licenses here to release them.

I believe that's was they're intention from the start. Looking at the packaging with Turbo games, you release they were something that wanted to stand out. In their case, they were the gamer's company and provided us with great games most companies ignorantly wouldn't bother with.

I heard Victor Ireland started a new company but that's as far as I know. Any one know what projects he's working on now?

WD brought a level of collectability by making their manuals and disc arts as eye catching as they were, and their sales during the PS days were out of sight. They sold better than many primary publishers at the time.

If Vic's got a new company started/formed/what have you, good for him... though unless he can get XBLA, Wiiware or PS3Store titles out, he's probably going to be in bad shape again.

Press_Start

11-12-2008, 10:46 AM

WD brought a level of collectability by making their manuals and disc arts as eye catching as they were, and their sales during the PS days were out of sight. They sold better than many primary publishers at the time.

Really? How many did they sold during those days? Which site did you find info like that?

PapaStu

11-12-2008, 12:26 PM

Really? How many did they sold during those days? Which site did you find info like that?

Vic has been pretty forthcoming with sales data in years past when you talk with him. Lunar SSSC sold a few hundred thousand copies if memory serves. Some info also used to be on the WD website before it was eaten by the internet gremlins.

TonyTheTiger

11-12-2008, 03:05 PM

I can confirm that there were approximately 300,000 copies of Lunar: SSSC sold. It was Vic's best selling game. Check my posts on page 8 of the top sticky thread in the Collector's Guide and Rarity Database forum.

I also have a wrench to throw into the machinery about Growlanser Generations. I bought a copy from a Gamestop probably 14 or 15 months ago. It didn't have all the bells and whistles of the deluxe edition but when I asked about it, the clerk said that the person who traded it in had all that stuff but since Gamestop doesn't take it they gave them back to him and just took the game. My copy has discs 3 and 4. So either there isn't a hard and fast rule with how the discs are dispersed, the person who traded in the game somehow had a mixed up copy, or the clerk was just being an idiot. Based on what I've seen, it probably is true that the discs are specific to one version or the other but keep your eyes peeled for possible exceptions.

PapaStu

11-12-2008, 03:47 PM

I'm going to venture a guess that the clerk was just being an idiot...

lendelin

11-12-2008, 08:27 PM

I can confirm that there were approximately 300,000 copies of Lunar: SSSC sold. It was Vic's best selling game. Check my posts on page 8 of the top sticky thread in the Collector's Guide and Rarity Database forum.

Based on what I've seen, it probably is true that the discs are specific to one version or the other but keep your eyes peeled for possible exceptions.

You are right that we have to be careful to declare one disc set specific to one version. I'll keep my eyes peeled for sure. Strictly speaking, I should have waited until two people report they bought Growlanser Generations new as a stand alone game and the A disc set was in there.

I checked ebay for GG. 90% offered as a stand alone have the A disc set. I'm still mistrustful, and we should be careful about this judgement call although in all likelihood we are right.

I read your posts about Lunar SSCC. Very interesting. I wasn't even aware that there is a demo disc for the game.

lendelin

11-12-2008, 09:19 PM

PapaStu is absolutely correct about the difficulties to get GG released. WD had problems with SCEA. I remember the post of a former DP member and former WD employee (who wrote the guides for Lunar 2 and Vanguard Bandits) about a conversation he had with Victor Ireland.

Ireland pointed out that Growlanser II didn't get the go because it is 'only' a 2D game, graphically not top-notch, and something additionally has to be included. WD had to add and translate Growlanser III and could Growlanser II publish only as a package. That caused of course a lot of problems for such a small developer. In the end WD, critically acclaimed, was almost a one-man show.

But we shouldn't focus entirely on SCEA which has certainly partial responsibility to make life difficult for WD. It is the tale of an industry that experiences more and more a concentration process that leaves smaller developers/publishers in a very difficult economic situation. Development time and development costs increased dramatically in the last eight years, and so did localization of already existing games. Without finacial backup by publishers, a well carved out niche, and strict cost-efficiency within the firm smaller developers/publishers are relegated nowadays to the virtual stores of Nintendo, MS and Sony. At best they can develop for handheld games.

Powerhouses like Konami and Capcom have much more leeway to develop and publish niche games, SCEA is certainly more lenient towards these companies.

SCEA's actions have to be seen as a re-action to market developments. They wanted the next-gen, 3D-top-notch-image because it is an economic necessity. It sells, it is mainstream, it is survival in a very competitive market.

In 2002/2003 2-D games did not sell well like they still moderately did in the transition phase from 2D to 3D (1995 to 2000) ... at least this was the case and so it was anticipated.

Ironically, the success of the games WD stood for contributed to its downfall. Disgaea (August 2003) sold more than expected, and that prompted Atlus and NIS to publish themselves more of the quirky traditional Japanese RPGs once thought not suitable for the American market. By the time GG got published (December 2004) the niche for WD was no longer a safe place. WD faced not only competition in the form of games, but more so of developer/publishers which didn't go the route through a localization/publishing company for the American market. Again, market developments and not only SCEA are responsible for the unfortunate fate of WD.

Images and competition, development costs and time, required big personal staff, financial backup, and subtle shifts in demand leave smaller developers/publishers in a very difficult situation.

esquire

11-13-2008, 10:51 AM

Isn't Eternal Poison officially out now? If so, it needs to be added to the list.

Has anyone picked it up?

Press_Start

11-13-2008, 11:29 AM

But we shouldn't focus entirely on SCEA which has certainly partial responsibility to make life difficult for WD. It is the tale of an industry that experiences more and more a concentration process that leaves smaller developers/publishers in a very difficult economic situation. Development time and development costs increased dramatically in the last eight years, and so did localization of already existing games. Without finacial backup by publishers, a well carved out niche, and strict cost-efficiency within the firm smaller developers/publishers are relegated nowadays to the virtual stores of Nintendo, MS and Sony. At best they can develop for handheld games.

Something always been bothering me. If Sony was giving WD a hard time, why didn't Victor go to Nintendo? I'm sure there were a few Gameboy and Gamecube titles people would have loved to come to the states.

Isn't Eternal Poison officially out now? If so, it needs to be added to the list.

Has anyone picked it up?

It did...oh shoot. It is still possible to get the bonus artbook from Gamestop?

TonyTheTiger

11-13-2008, 12:36 PM

Something always been bothering me. If Sony was giving WD a hard time, why didn't Victor go to Nintendo? I'm sure there were a few Gameboy and Gamecube titles people would have loved to come to the states.

If there is one thing about Victor Ireland, he's stubborn. That probably wasn't a bad thing for the most part. If not for his stubbornness he wouldn't have had WD spend years rebuilding the lost data for Magic Knight Rayearth. But that stubbornness also drove him to push for games despite there being 0 chance Sony would cave.

It happened with Sega. I'm pretty sure he was planning on localizing the Saturn versions of the Lunar remakes but his main contact (the guy who facilitated his relationship with Sega) went to Sony and Vic followed. But after you burn a bridge or two you find there aren't as many avenues to explore and I guess he didn't adapt well to the change. Though I don't think it's fair to lay the blame squarely on his shoulders. He was jerked around a bit and stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Sony says "Sure, do Lunar, do Silpheed, do GunGriffon Blaze, do this, do that." Then all of a sudden "Growlanser? Screw you, Vic." All the while Disgaea manages to eke by. What was Victor supposed to do? Cancel the project and eat the loss or trudge through and try to make at least some kind of profit? What he should have probably done is accepted Growlanser as a hard lesson, adapted to the obvious changes, and not pushed so hard for that old Goemon game that Sony was never going to let him do. Not doing a collector's package of Growlanser might also have been a good idea. It would have been a much easier sale to the public if he marketed the game as "2 in 1 for standard price" and not chipped away at the company's finances by trying to sell an additional (and expensive) collector's edition with a watch and other trinkets. All in all, he should have moved to another platform if that was an option or adapted to the changing tides at Sony a little better than he did.

lendelin

11-13-2008, 07:59 PM

Isn't Eternal Poison officially out now? If so, it needs to be added to the list.

Has anyone picked it up?

Added. I waited to make sure if the release date is correct. Amazon and Gamestop has it in stock today, so I left the release date at 11/11.

I pre-ordered it, but Amazon didn't ship it yet.

lendelin

11-13-2008, 08:11 PM

Updates:

Ar tonelico 2 got delayed. The new release date is January 20, 2009. Amazon and GS have the new release date while Rosenqueen still has mid-December.

SMT Persona 4 will get a a guide after all. Published by Doublejump, it will ship according to Doublejump on December 12. (Release date for the game: December 9) Price: $19.99

Kingdom Hearts RE seems to have no own strategy guide, but I guess the old guide by Brady for the DS game will cover it. In a strict sense the game didn't receive a guide because platform and the title of the game are different.

Aussie2B

11-14-2008, 12:47 AM

Do you guys know if the Arc the Lad Collection came into being because of the same pressures over Growlanser, or did Working Designs themselves choose to make it a package deal?

Press_Start

11-14-2008, 03:44 PM

Updates:

SMT Persona 4 will get a a guide after all. Published by Doublejump, it will ship according to Doublejump on December 12. (Release date for the game: December 9) Price: $19.99

Will Rosenqueen do a special pre-order bonus for Persona 4 as they did with Ar Tolenico 2?

Btw, everytime I tried to pay with Paypal, they forget to my apartment on the shipping address. Is anyone having this same problem?

bcks007

11-14-2008, 04:21 PM

I live in a apartment with a #number, your question didn't make sense. But I've never had a problem, in case you don't know, you should be adding your apartment number on the same line as your street address. Make sure to add # before your numbers.

bcks007

11-14-2008, 04:23 PM

O'wait, is that paypal screwing up or Rosenqueen? Paypal should have your addi saved, perhaps its loading a previous or wrong add, you might need to find out how to update or remove the other one.

lendelin

11-14-2008, 04:29 PM

Will Rosenqueen do a special pre-order bonus for Persona 4 as they did with Ar Tolenico 2?

Btw, everytime I tried to pay with Paypal, they forget to my apartment on the shipping address. Is anyone having this same problem?

There is no special pre-order bonus for Persona 4 by Rosenqueen. They sell a set which includes the Doublejump guide (nothing else) for the regular prices of the game and the guide.

Actually, the pre-orders by Amazon and Gamestop are a much better deal. They include an art book which Rosenqueen doesn't offer.

Amazon is by far the best deal. The game is $3 cheaper ($36.99) than the regular price, plus no shipping and no taxes. You get it for around $8 cheaper than from other online retailers and you get the art book. In-store purchases with taxes are also $5 more expensive than the Amazon pre-order.

Never had problems with the shipping address with Rosenqueen online orders.

Daria

11-14-2008, 06:30 PM

Do you guys know if the Arc the Lad Collection came into being because of the same pressures over Growlanser...

Yes, it did.

lendelin

11-15-2008, 07:20 AM

I need some information.

I am compiling a list of all guides for PS2 RPGs published by DoubleJump.

For the newer Disgaea Compilation guide (covers the PS2, PSP, and DS games) I need 1) the authors listed, and 2) the total page number of the guide.

Would be great if someone of you who has the guide could provide the information.

bcks007

11-15-2008, 04:27 PM

Just ask on doublejump forums, im sure you would get a quicker answer that way.

lendelin

11-15-2008, 05:36 PM

Just ask on doublejump forums, im sure you would get a quicker answer that way.

Not worth to register. I get the guide anyway shortly, but moreover I can not even add the list to the original post because the character count exceeds the limit! Too bad.

Well, the lists are certainly long in the meantime, maybe an administrator can make an exception?

I thought a list of the Doublejump guides would be nice because they are special and of particular interest for collectors.

I just do the list as a post.

lendelin

11-15-2008, 05:43 PM

Here is a list of the guides published by DoubleJump Books for PS2 RPGs. I cannot add the list to the original post because the character count exceeds the limit.

Noteworthy: Our "own" Daria (RPG maniac and collector, plush collector, cooking oil queen, and a worldly and intelligent woman) appears in the guide for Phantom Brave! (on page 243) In the interview section where RPG fans could ask questions to game designers/publishers she got printed asking if toys or plushies are planned for the game.

E. Strategy Guides by DoubleJump Books

01) Disgaea. Tim Lindquist, Iaian Ross, and Kitty. [Redmond, WA]: DoubleJump Books 2008. 272 Pages. Paperback. Book Format. Note: This is a compilation guide covering three games. "Disgaea: Hour of Darkness" for the PS2, "Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness" for the PSP, and "Disgaea DS" for the Nintendo DS.

02) Disgaea. Hour of Darkness. Tim Lindquist. [Redmond, WA]: DoubleJump Books 2003. 96 Pages. Paperback. Magazine Format.

03) Disgaea. Hour of Darkness. Special Edition. Tim Lindquist. [Redmond, WA]: DoubleJump Books 2003. 96 Pages. Paperback. Magazine Format. Note: This is an update of the original release with new content and with higher quality paper than the original.

04) Disgaea 2. Cursed Memories. Iaian Ross, Kale Harbick, and Alicia Ashby. [Redmond, WA]: DoubleJump Books 2006. 640 Pages. Paperback. Book Format.

05) Makai Kingdom. Chronicles of the Sacred Tome. Iaian Ross, Alicia Ashby, Kale Harbick, and Thomas Wilde. [Redmond, WA]: DoubleJump Books 2005. 244 Pages. Paperback. Book Format.

06) Mana Khemia. Alchemists of Al-Revis. Alicia Ashby & Kitty. [Redmond, WA]: DoubleJump Books 2008. 238 Pages. Paperback. Book Format.

07) Phantom Brave. Kale Harbick, Iaian Ross, and Thomas Wilde. [Redmond, WA]: DoubleJump Books 2004. 244 Pages. Paperback. Book Format.

08) Rogue Galaxy. Iaian Ross, Kale Harbick, and Alicia Ashby. Roseville, CA; [Redmond, WA]: Prima Games; DoubleJump Books 2006. 384 Pages. Paperback. Magazine Format. Note: The guide was co-published by Prima Games.

09) Shin Megami Tensei. Devil Summoner. Iaian Ross, Thomas Wilde, and Elizabeth Ellis. Roseville, CA; [Redmond, WA]: Prima Games; DoubleJump Books 2006. 253 Pages. Paperback. Magazine Format. Note: The guide was co-published by Prima Games.

10) Shin Megami Tensei. Nocturne. [No Authors]. [Redmond, WA]: DoubleJump Books 2004. 388 Pages. Paperback. Book Format. Note: The guide is an edited and extended localization of the Japanese guide by Enterbrain.

11) Shin Megami Tensei. Persona 3. Iaian Ross, Thomas Hindmarch, and Elizabeth Ellis. [Redmond, WA]: DoubleJump Books 2007. 264 Pages. Paperback. Book Format.

12) Soul Nomad & The World Eaters. Limited Edition. Alicia Ashby, Iaian Ross, and Thomas Wilde. [Redmond, WA]: DoubleJump Books 2007. 238 Pages. Paperback. Book Format.

Daria

11-15-2008, 06:38 PM

Noteworthy: Our "own" Daria (RPG maniac and collector, plush collector, cooking oil queen, and a worldly and intelligent woman) appears in the guide for Phantom Brave! (on page 243) In the interview section where RPG fans could ask questions to game designers/publishers she got printed asking if toys or plushies are planned for the game.

I also asked if they had any plans for porting/remaking the rest of the Marl Kingdom series for either a console collection or for handheld release. But they didn't print it. The Toys were more of an after thought.

Incidently they did include a Marona figure in the Disgaea palm figures collection.

lendelin

11-16-2008, 02:56 AM

I asked some questions over at the Doublejump forums, and Tim Lindquist was very helpful and provided the necessary information.

First, Doublejump is in Redmond, WA, so I could add the location of the publisher. (If a location is known but not given in the publication, it is common to put the location in brackets [...])

Second, I added the authors and page number for the Disgaea Compilation guide.

Third, since no authors for the SMT Nocturne guide were given, I suspected that the guide was a localization. He confirmed it. It is an extended version of the Japanese guide by Enterbrain.

Fourth, the guy is very good discovering typos! :) He immediately noticed that I had the wrong page number (214) instead of 244 for the Makai Kingdom guide. Well, there you notice the experience - proof reading is his bread and butter!

lendelin

11-16-2008, 04:39 PM

Just a heads up:

Amazon sells Baroque again for $20. Same price for the Wii version.

LINK PS2 Baroque (http://www.amazon.com/Baroque-Playstation-2/dp/B0011GBJO8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1226871189&sr=1-2)

bcks007

11-16-2008, 08:03 PM

Dokapon Kingdom is also $20 on amazon. Hope is sticks there for a bit, as im broke right now.

bcks007

11-17-2008, 06:48 PM

lendelin

11-17-2008, 07:50 PM

Eternal Poison came in today from amazon. :) It was only supposed to come with a pre-order artbook right? You can never tell what your info said after placing a order with amazon. My artbook came shirnk wrapped to the game. :)

You mean in-game packaging? Or was the book separately packaged from the game?

I'll get it soon, too, probably tomorrow. With these vague descriptions lately (in particular from Amazon) you never know if we get actually edition variants or merely bonus items.

Aussie2B

11-17-2008, 07:58 PM

Amazon shrinkwraps pre-order bonuses to games just out of convenience. It's not a special edition of the game. The art book is a separate unrelated piece, and the game is the same stand-alone copy you'd get at GameStop or whatever. All copies of Eternal Poison have a second disc tray with a soundtrack, though. I imagine it'll all be the same with Persona 4.

bcks007

11-19-2008, 06:39 AM

lendelin

11-19-2008, 12:58 PM

Yeah that shrinkwrap is shit. It almost/kinda ruined my case for Eternal Poison, because of whatever heat they used to seal up the artbook to it. My case has wavy lines from on the back and front. It could have even ruined the artwork if it had got to hot. :(

Yep, it's just a bonus item, on the other hand I think this offer was an Amazon exclusive, and I don't expect that the price for this game will drop soon. So I think a pre-order is still justified.

Still haven't gotten my copy. Could you post the SLUS number of Eternal Poison so I can add it to the special list?

lendelin

11-19-2008, 01:09 PM

The max count of the first post was expanded. The lists are now together again in one post.

I added the list of Doublejump guides (section 2.E.).

I think it's nice to have such a list because a) these guides are something special and continue the tradition of the guides by Working Designs, and b) the count is now by 12, soon 13 with the upcoming SMT Persona 4 guide by Doublejump.

Let's face it, every guide maniac needs those Doublejump guides. :)

Special thanks to the site administrators sisko and Vectorman0 who helped promptly and efficiently with simple solutions. I appreciate your help, nice guys!

bcks007

11-19-2008, 03:57 PM

lendelin

11-19-2008, 10:00 PM

Eternal Poison (with soundtrack), is SLUS-21779.
Ar tonelico 2: Melody of Metafalica, is SLUS-21788.

Seen the artwork for ar2 already. Here it is,
http://www.nisamerica.com/images/email/at2_premium_cover.jpg

THANKS, Brandon! I added the SLUS number for Eternal Poison.

Seems Ar tonelico 2 won't get the ugly red stripe "Includes..." on the front cover which Eternal Poison and SMT Persona 4 have. Reminds me too much of GH versions.

lendelin

11-20-2008, 04:35 PM

The pictures for Eternal Poison are added. (game cover, manual, game disc and soundtrack CD)

Got it today, and the art book is pretty nice. I'm not into the whole pre-order stuff, but it's 100 pages, the pics are nice and the quality of the prints is good.

lendelin

11-22-2008, 05:53 AM

lendelin

11-22-2008, 04:16 PM

I added two new special lists: VARIANTS and DUAL-SIDED COVERS with new picture sections. The pics for the dual-sided covers are new.

The Variants list is helpful, I hope. These variants are already covered in the 'deluxe set'-list and 'regular cases with extra content'-list because they are associated with special editions.

However, 'only' nine of the 29 games covered in the two older lists have variants. By making a special list for them you have a better overview of the variants you need if you have all of the deluxe sets. (so far I have six of the nine)

The variants go from different front covers, back covers, disc labels, and manuals to SLUS numbers, or all of the above (Final Fantasy XII).

If you know of more variants of any kind please let us know! (Disc labels, manuals, etc.??)

The list of DUAL-SIDED COVERS has four games I know of:

01) Growlanser: Generations (SLUS 20758, 20759)
02) Magna Carta: Tears of Blood (SLUS 21221)
03) Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2 (SLUS 21152)
04) Stella Deus: The Gate of Eternity (SLUS 21132)

Good chances that there are more games with dual-sided covers provide the games published by Atlus. I looked through my opened Atlus games (Dual Hearts, Metal Saga, Tsugunai, and others) but the following sealed ones I couldn't check:

Disgaea
Steambot Chronicles
Growlanser Heritage of War
SMT Digital Devil Saga
SMT Persona 3
SMT Nocturne
SMT Devil Summoner

If someone of you has a couple of these game opened, please check if the covers are dual-sided and let us know.

I don't know of any game who was sold with two separate front
covers besides Dual Masters,Final Fantasy XII, Marvel UA (because the Special Edition was released as GH), and Xenosaga III with its special removeable lenticular cover.

There seems to be no regular game (not asociated with some kind of extra content) that was sold with a front cover and/or back cover variant.

(PS: That the GH versions always have different covers [front, spine, back] and disc labels are a given)

oremites

11-22-2008, 10:45 PM

Good chances that there are more games with dual-sided covers provide the games published by Atlus. I looked through my opened Atlus games (Dual Hearts, Metal Saga, Tsugunai, and others) but the following sealed ones I couldn't check:

Disgaea
Steambot Chronicles
Growlanser Heritage of War
SMT Digital Devil Saga
SMT Persona 3
SMT Nocturne
SMT Devil Summoner

I checked my copies of those games and none of them had dual-sided covers.

bcks007

11-23-2008, 12:33 AM

There seems to be no regular game (not asociated with some kind of extra content) that was sold with a front cover and/or back cover variant.

Not quite, just no regular RPG game. There around 10 more that i know of, that are not rpgs with duel sided covers.

lendelin

11-23-2008, 01:15 PM

Not quite, just no regular RPG game. There around 10 more that i know of, that are not rpgs with duel sided covers.

I talked about RPGs only, but also about games with not just dual-sided covers but games with two diffferent covers sold separately.

Just curious: which are the non-RPGames with dual-sided covers you know?

lendelin

11-23-2008, 01:17 PM

I checked my copies of those games and none of them had dual-sided covers.

THANKS A LOT! This helps a lot. I think it's pretty safe to say that there aren't more RPGs with dual-sided covers then.

Gabriel

11-23-2008, 04:52 PM

Just a heads-up:

Amazon sells Eternal Poison for $30 already! (free shipping) Just two weeks ago released it dropped by $10.

Yikes, and I thought it wouldn't drop soon.

My advice: wait longer, and soon you'll get it for $20 and cheaper!

It doesn't seem to be a bad game, though, on the contrary. It is obviously a solid, good STRPG that has its moments. A reviewer from RPGFan gave it a score of 82.

Link to the Review (http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/Eternal_Poison/index.html)

I got Eternal Poison for $40 as a pre-order. I don't see how a strategy RPG fan could really feel they've gone wrong with this one.

The art book was a little better than I expected. I got the game largely on the basis of the character design art I had seen, so this bonus is very nice.

The soundtrack is neat, but then again I've been known to pop in SegaCD discs just to listen to the music. It's kind of the typical gothic RPG thematic stuff. There's a fairly nice, but short, piano piece I'm fond of.

The game itself could easily fall into the trap of strategy games which seem cranked out by machine to low standards. However, it manages to avoid that. While most visuals are decidedly PS1 era, what 3D there is manages to be underwhelming, and the game is the typical modern mix of Final Fantasy Tactics plus Pokemon, there's not the feeling the game started with such a mundane concept. While playing, I get the feeling the designers had a much grander vision, but this was all they had the budget and resources to realize. Sensing this, Atlus even popped for decent voice acting. The result is a very last gen title, but still very enjoyable.

lendelin

11-25-2008, 02:39 PM

I got Eternal Poison for $40 as a pre-order. I don't see how a strategy RPG fan could really feel they've gone wrong with this one.

The game is worth the $40, however, if you get the game after two or three months for $20 or even on sale for $10 then patience would have been good advice. (I'm a cheapskate) Unless you want to play a game right away and can't wait, of course. (I haven't even played the two Disgaeas yet, and I got Disgaea for $15 and Disgaea 2 for $13, both new, around one year after their release)

lendelin

11-25-2008, 02:50 PM

I slimmed down the first two special lists, in particular the second one, the list for games in regular cases with extra content.

After compiling the variants list I noticed that a lot of the descriptions in the second special list were redundant. The second list focuses now on the extra content with brief descriptions; in the list of variants the differences between the variants are given in detail, from different back covers to spines and SLUS numbers.

I hope it makes for a better overview for those who are after the nine variants in the entire game library.

lendelin

11-25-2008, 03:39 PM

Yesterday I found coincidentally a Marvel Ultimate Alliance/Forza 2 double game/disc case for the Xbox 360 at a Blockbuster ($10); one of the compilation games that sold only with the system; and that is of course a variant of the 360 RPGs with its own cover art.

That made me think if there were maybe similar double disc games with the PS2 system sold. (?) But thinking about it, these double game/disc variants seem to be specific to the Xbox and GameCube, I can't remember a single one for the PS2.

I hope there is none with a PS2 RPG. :)

koster

11-26-2008, 03:33 AM

I talked about RPGs only, but also about games with not just dual-sided covers but games with two diffferent covers sold separately.

Just curious: which are the non-RPGames with dual-sided covers you know?
PS2 Inuyasha: Feudal Combat has a double-sided cover.

bcks007

11-26-2008, 11:45 PM

lendelin

11-27-2008, 03:36 AM

This seems like a new set. :snipersmile:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B001G0MG8W/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga appears in stock at amazon for $40. wOw

I truly hope that Persona 3 FES is not a new specially packaged set, that means a cardboard box with the Persona 3 FES logo on it plus artbook and CD inside.

The artbook and soundtrack CD are the same that came already in the Persona 3 box. Looks more like bonus items separated from the game. A cardboard box isn't mentioned, just that the game comes with the book and CD. But even as separated items, it is not a bad deal for this game with the bonus items.

I noticed too today that Digital Devil Saga was offered for $40. Although the deluxe box is pictured, there is no mentioning of it. I suspect it is the reprint of the stand alone game. If it were the deluxe set with the box I'd be all over it for this price, of course.

BTW, I added the Growlanser Generations stand alone game with the different disc labels to my bragging rights thread, plus the Xenosaga III Lenticular Cover version and Eternal Poison. LINK (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=113388)

Still missing Inuyasha with the card, Digimon World 4 without card, and Nocturne with CD, though. 3 variants missing, otherwise I have them all.

lendelin

11-27-2008, 02:19 PM

Just a heads-up before I say hello to the Thanksgiving turkey with a knife and fork:

The Amazon pre-order deal for SMT Persona 4 (with art book) got a bit cheaper. It is now $35 plus free shipping and no taxes. Cheaper than in-store for sure. If you pre-ordered already for $37, the new price will be applied.

codyz1112594

11-28-2008, 12:37 AM

A couple notes before I list what I have in the DP Online Guide master file:

It's tough to categorize games now that they've started to borrow RPG elements to give the title some length and depth. I've tried to categorize them as best as I can, but I'd love to hear what everyone thinks.

I have Magic Pengel and games of that ilk (like Monster Rancher) listed as Life Development titles since they focus on creating/raising a character and fighting with the a'la Pokemon Stadium. Magic Pengel blurs the line...it has RPG elements in it, but they aren't the main focus of the game. Even the package classifies it as an adventure game.

I never saw the Fullmetal Alchemist games as RPGs. They're more like beat-em-up type games, IMO.

Heroes of Might and Magic and Gladius are what I consider 'Action Strategy', or what the DP guide refers to as 'Battle-centric'. I wouldn't consider them full-blown RPGs. Could Future Tactics fit in here?

Anyway, here's the list, broken down by classifications.

First Person RPGs:

Eternal Ring
King's Field: The Ancient City

MMO RPGs:

EverQuest: Online Adventures (I'd consider the 7-day trial more of a demo)
EverQuest: Online Adventures: Frontiers
Final Fantasy XI: [w/Hard Disk Drive]
Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia
Monster Hunter

Third-Person Real-Time RPGs, Hack-and-Slash:

.Hack 1: Infection
.Hack 2: Mutation
.Hack 3: Outbreak
.Hack 4: Quarantine
Arc the Lad: End of Darkness
Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II
Bard's Tale, The: Song of the Bard
Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter
Champions of Norrath: Realms of Everquest
Champions: Return to Arms
Dark Angel: Vampire Apocalypse
Dark Cloud
Dark Cloud 2
Demon Stone: Forgotten Realms
Dual Hearts
Evergrace
Forever Kingdom
Legion: Legend of Excalibur
Orphen: Scion of Sorcery
Radiata Stories
Shining Force NEO
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time
Summoner
Summoner 2
Virtua Quest
Warriors of Might & Magic
X-Men Legends
X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse
Ys: The Ark of Napishtim

Turn-Based and Turn-Based Strategy RPGs:

Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
Ephemeral Fantasia
Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X-2
Grandia 2
Grandia Xtreme
Growlanser: Generations
Growlanser: Generations Deluxe
InuYasha: The Secret of the Cursed Mask
Jade Cocoon 2
Kingdom Hearts
La Pucelle: Tactics
Legaia 2: Duel Saga
Legend of Alon D'ar, The
Lord of the Rings, The: The Third Age
Magna Carta: Tears of Blood
Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome
Mega Man X: Command Mission
Nightmare Of Druaga: Fushigino Dungeon
Okage: Shadow King
Phantom Brave
Romancing SaGa: Ministrel Song
RPG Maker 2
RPG Maker 3
Shadow Hearts
Shadow Hearts: Covenant
Shaman King: Power of Spirit
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2
Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne
Shining Tears
Stella Deus: The Gate of Eternity
Suikoden III
Suikoden IV
Suikoden Tactics
Tsugunai: Atonement
Unlimited SaGa
Wild Arms 3
Wild Arms: Alter Code F
Wizardry: Tale of the Forsaken Land
XenoSaga: Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht
XenoSaga: Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Bose

Turn-Based/Battle-Centric

Gladius
Heroes of Might and Magic: Quest for the DragonBone Staff

im glad the3y included okage

bcks007

11-28-2008, 03:35 PM

I picked up Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection, Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES (w/Soundtrack,Artbook), and God of War II from amazon today. ;) So in a week or so, i will know if its a variant or not. :-/

lendelin

11-28-2008, 06:57 PM

Yes, let us know if the Persona 3 FES set came in special packaging or 'just' with the two bonus items separately packaged! Very important!

I bet you got the Metal Gear Essential Collection for $15 from Amazon, right? :) (Very good price for it, I have it already, but it is up to $30 again anyway)

bcks007

11-29-2008, 04:57 AM

Yeah of course i got it there, i just wish i would have had even more money to have spent. i would have picked up a few $100 ps2 batman bundles.

Btw Eternal Poison is now down to $25.95 now. *_*

Any chance that you might pick up anything from amazon? I ask cause im broke as hell right now, and Arcana Heart is at $12.95. If you getting anything, i would love to do another money for game trade like we did last time. let me know please. ;)

bcks007

11-29-2008, 05:03 AM

wth, just lost $10

Persona 3 FES with Soundtrack CD and Artbook is now $19.95 :(

lendelin

11-29-2008, 05:36 AM

wth, just lost $10

Persona 3 FES with Soundtrack CD and Artbook is now $19.95 :(

Welcome to the club. :) Ridge Racer 7 dropped to $10!! (ordered it for $20) ( I noticed the Persona FES drop too)

Another good deal: silver PS2 controller for $8! Memory card adaptor PS3 $3! Alone in the Dark PS2 $4!

lendelin

11-29-2008, 05:42 AM

Btw Eternal Poison is now down to $25.95 now. *_*

Any chance that you might pick up anything from amazon? I ask cause im broke as hell right now, and Arcana Heart is at $12.95.

PM sent!

I should have waited to buy Eternal Poison...never thought this game would drop so soon!

lendelin

11-29-2008, 02:03 PM

Here are some links to Amazon:

Persona 3 Fes w artbook and soundtrack CD (http://www.amazon.com/Persona-FES-Soundtrack-Artbook-Playstation-2/dp/B001G0MG8W/ref=br_lf_m_1000170001_1_5_img?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=videogames&pf_rd_p=464856351&pf_rd_s=center-7&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000170001&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1EJN83N2Y7PZ86TFTNPP) $19.95

Eternal Poison (http://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Poison-Playstation-2/dp/B001DT8FUE/ref=br_lf_m_1000170001_1_1_img?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=videogames&pf_rd_p=464856351&pf_rd_s=center-7&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000170001&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1EJN83N2Y7PZ86TFTNPP) $19.95

Infinite Undiscovery Xbox360 (http://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Undiscovery-Xbox-360/dp/B00149NCYW/ref=br_lf_m_1000170001_1_18_img?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=videogames&pf_rd_p=464856371&pf_rd_s=center-7&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000170001&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1BSNXK05RHJJ1TJ8377Q) $18.95

The Last Remnant Xbox360 (http://www.amazon.com/Last-Remnant-Xbox-360/dp/B001CMJAP6/ref=br_lf_m_1000170001_1_15_img?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=videogames&pf_rd_p=464856371&pf_rd_s=center-7&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000170001&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1BSNXK05RHJJ1TJ8377Q) $29.95

NON-RPG DEALS:

Sony PS2 controller silver (http://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-Dualshock-Analog-Controller-Silver-2/dp/B000R3OR2W/ref=br_lf_m_1000170001_1_16_img?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=videogames&pf_rd_p=464856351&pf_rd_s=center-7&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000170001&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1EJN83N2Y7PZ86TFTNPP) $8 (Gone...new price $24)

Alone in the Dark PS2 (http://www.amazon.com/Alone-Dark-Playstation-2/dp/B00113NYIA/ref=br_lf_m_1000170001_1_13_img?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=videogames&pf_rd_p=464856351&pf_rd_s=center-7&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000170001&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1EJN83N2Y7PZ86TFTNPP) $4

Ridge Racer 7 PS3 (http://www.amazon.com/Ridge-Racer-7-Playstation-3/dp/B000HCMR8E/ref=br_lf_m_1000170001_1_17_img?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=videogames&pf_rd_p=464856391&pf_rd_s=center-7&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000170001&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0TW8V70ACRJZC0SYG817) $9.95 (GONE..new price $30)

Arcana Heart PS2 (http://www.amazon.com/Arcana-Heart-Playstation-2/dp/B0013LTP4W/ref=br_lf_m_1000170001_1_3_img?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=videogames&pf_rd_p=464856491&pf_rd_s=center-7&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000170001&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=18Q4F63CJA0FF0KK93D4) $12.95

bcks007

11-30-2008, 05:07 AM

Eternal Poison $19.95 now

Also Sonic Unleashed was under $15 yesterday, but its back to normal price now.

bcks007

11-30-2008, 08:37 PM

lendelin

11-30-2008, 10:18 PM

Back to the list fo Duel sided covers that i know about. Since i finaly found my list that i wrote down ages ago.

Genji: Dawn of the Samurai
God of War
Growlanser: Generations
Inuyasha: Feudal Combat (i knew about this, even though i don't own it)
Jak II
Magna Carta: Tears of Blood
Samurai Western
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2
Stella Deus: The Gate of Eternity
Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain

So not quite 10 more i know, i stoped adding to my list about a year ago, i could have ran across some more, but alas im stupid and didn't write them down if i did. :-/

These next 2 i seem to recall them having a 2nd side to there cover, but i don't own jak 3 yet, and God of War 2 is in the mail.

Can anybody confirm Jak 3 and God of War 2?

Thanks, I didn't know God of War had a picture on the the other side of the cover, didn't know about Genji and Samurai Western either.

Here are the games I checked:

Jak 3 (standard version): no dual sided cover
Jak 2 (GH version) no dual sided cover
God of War (GH version) : dual-sided cover! (picture w/o PS2 logo))
God of War II (standard version) : dual sided cover! (picture w/o PS2 logo)