Complete RPG List for the PS2 - Updated 2017

[lendelin]

Got my amazon shipment today, :)
Persona 3 Fes w artbook and soundtrack CD, is a new variant. A rather odd one, but imo it is. It comes in a box. But the box is the Persona 3 box, untill you flip it over to find a very, very different back to the box. It also has a upc that is different then the Persona 3 box, even though the boxs are 50% like each other. Not opened it up yet, will so, later tonight.

I will post more info later on, i have to go to work now. :(

Thanks for the info!

That's a surprise! I didn't even expect it comes in a box. If the box has indeed a different back cover from the persona 3 box it makes it a deluxe edition of Persona 3 Fes in its own right. (not a variant of persona 3 because it is a different game)

Just make sure that in the back of the shrinkwrapped box isn't just a one page insert over the back cover...but even in this case despite same art book and CD like in the persona 3 set, the game got its own deluxe edition! (with its own back cover or 'just' a little insert tailored towards FES if this were the case, doesn't matter, it's always an independent edition)

I ordered one from Amazon. Although it doesn't show images anymore, it is still advertised as "with soundtrack CD and artbook." So i hope I'll still get it with the box...the only reason I buy it since I have the FES stand alone game. (Actually, then I'd have a spare FES game to sell for later since the game in the set is identical with the standard version...not bad since there will be no money lost.)

Could you check the SLUS number on the box? The SLUS of the stand-alone-game is 21621. Any additional S or P on there?

btw, is this an Amazon exclusive?? Didn't see it offered by someone else, not by CC, Best Buy and Gamestop anyway.

[koster]

Thanks for the info!

That's a surprise! I didn't even expect it comes in a box. If the box has indeed a different back cover from the persona 3 box it makes it a deluxe edition of Persona 3 Fes in its own right. (not a variant of persona 3 because it is a different game)

Just make sure that in the back of the shrinkwrapped box isn't just a one page insert over the back cover...but even in this case despite same art book and CD like in the persona 3 set, the game got its own deluxe edition! (with its own back cover or 'just' a little insert tailored towards FES if this were the case, doesn't matter, it's always an independent edition)

I ordered one from Amazon. Although it doesn't show images anymore, it is still advertised as "with soundtrack CD and artbook." So i hope I'll still get it with the box...the only reason I buy it since I have the FES stand alone game. (Actually, then I'd have a spare FES game to sell for later since the game in the set is identical with the standard version...not bad since there will be no money lost.)

Could you check the SLUS number on the box? The SLUS of the stand-alone-game is 21621. Any additional S or P on there?

btw, is this an Amazon exclusive?? Didn't see it offered by someone else, not by CC, Best Buy and Gamestop anyway.
I also ordered this game from Amazon. My copy is still sealed, but it appears to be the original Persona 3 box (SLUS 21569P) with an insert sheet on the back. The Persona 3 FES in the box has the same SLUS (21621) as the regular version.

[bcks007]

Just make sure that in the back of the shrinkwrapped box isn't just a one page insert over the back cover...but even in this case despite same art book and CD like in the persona 3 set, the game got its own deluxe edition! (with its own back cover or 'just' a little insert tailored towards FES if this were the case, doesn't matter, it's always an independent edition)
How did you know about the page insert? I couldn't even see it had that until i opened it up tonight. It was over the back of the case, but underneath the plastic perfectly on my copy. I guess im blind. :(

Why would they add a insert with a upc even?, that's just stupid imo. :vamp:



Could you check the SLUS number on the box? The SLUS of the stand-alone-game is 21621. Any additional S or P on there?
Everything is the same. :( Just like koster said.


btw, is this an Amazon exclusive?? Didn't see it offered by someone else, not by CC, Best Buy and Gamestop anyway.
Not sure.

I hope you have time to cancel your order if wish, can't believe they did something so stupid like this, and i didn't see it. (feels duped) X_x

Btw,
Kingdom Hearts RE: Chain of Memories, is SLUS-21799.

[lendelin]

How did you know about the page insert? I couldn't even see it had that until i opened it up tonight.

Just a hunch...it's not the first time and won't be the last time retailers do that.


I hope you have time to cancel your order if wish, can't believe they did something so stupid like this, and i didn't see it. (feels duped)

Nah, I won't cancel my order...and don't feel duped. I'm actually glad I ordered it. I will sell my sealed FES game for at least the price this set cost. I get an artbook and the CD, a box, and the little curious insert for free. It's actually a good deal....and I like to have the unique set with the unique insert ... better than just owning the stand alone game since the game is anyway in the box.

The set doesn't count as an edition, though, despite the insert. Amazon just exchanged the games of the Persona 3 set. If there were the FES Slus number on the box or none at all, then it would be a different matter. But as it stands, everyone of us could do what Amazon did and declare it a FES special edition.

BUT it is good to know that this set with a special insert sheet was for sale to prevent future misunderstandings; and I think it is great to own this set as a curiosity with the special insert on the back cover, far worse things developed to in-demand items in the past! Hang on to it :)

[lendelin]

I also ordered this game from Amazon. My copy is still sealed, but it appears to be the original Persona 3 box (SLUS 21569P) with an insert sheet on the back. The Persona 3 FES in the box has the same SLUS (21621) as the regular version.

Thanks a lot! Yep, that's the old Persona 3 box with the Slus number...and that is exactly why the set can't be regarded as an edition, I think...still, very nice to have this set.

[lendelin]

I added SMT Persona 4. Although the street date is December 9, the game ships already.

Additions:

Main list:
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4. Atlus, Atlus, 12/9/08.

List of regular cases with extra content:
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4. Sold only in this edition with extra content. Included is a soundtrack CD. (SLUS xxxxx)

Noteworthy:

The game got a guide by Doublejump.

So far the dot hack series had the most entries. With this release the SMT series is on par with the dot hack series with seven games.

The list of upcoming releases grows thin (Ar tonelico 2). So far I don't know about other releases in 2009.

I also added a list with links to all RPG developers (not publishers); however, half of them are Japanese websites.

[lendelin]

There were questions about the impact of the Growlanser Generations package on the end of Working Designs.

While searching for the websites of the developers I came across this interview with Victor Ireland from Working Designs in 2005 I remembered vaguely.

He talks about how much it hurt WD to be forced to package Growlanser II with Growlanser III together, and that the failed approval of Goemon by Sony was the final blow for the company.

Here is the link: Interview with Gamespot (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6141225.html)

[jupitersj]

Sorry about never getting back to you with a better xenosaga lenticular picture lenadin ^^;

I haven't crawled through the rest of this thread but I did find out that disgaea non greatest hits has two US covers. One with a succubus on the bottom left on the front, and one with Laharl replacing the succubus.

Here's a tiny pic showing that variation

http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/all/boxshots2/589678.jpg

Just in case this wasn't discussed >.>

[lendelin]

Sorry about never getting back to you with a better xenosaga lenticular picture lenadin ^^;

Don't sweat. :) I got it recently and took a scan of the lenticular cover.


I haven't crawled through the rest of this thread but I did find out that disgaea non greatest hits has two US covers. One with a succubus on the bottom left on the front, and one with Laharl replacing the succubus.

Here's a tiny pic showing that variation

http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/all/boxshots2/589678.jpg

Just in case this wasn't discussed >.>

Thanks so much, that's very important, I wasn't aware that there might be a cover variant out there.

I searched thoroughly but can't confirm the cover variant. Have you seen one?

This is what I found: In a Wikipedia article was mentioned that there are two different box arts for the US release. No further information.

If you enlarge the gamespot thumbnail which you cite on their website, the usual cover comes up (shown below), the one with the succubus on the bottom left corner. Gamefaqs also has a thumbnail of the cover with the screaming Laharl on the bottom left corner, but if enlarged - again - the scan shows the common cover we all have.

I looked around at ten different websites for covers of the game, none had the cover with Laharl on the bottom left corner. I looked through the ebay auctions - again, nothing. This alleged version might be a picture from a pre-release advertisement, I doubt that the game actually got this cover variant.

I never saw this version...but if someone here has this alleged version, that means a different one than the one shown below, PLEASE, let us know and post a pic of it!!


http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/lendelin/XXXXDisgaea-UPLOAD.jpg

[bcks007]

Kingdom Hearts RE: Chain of Memories is under $20 on amazon right now. :)

I think there could also be 2-3 varaints for this game already. Amazon has a very shnny looking artwork, mention collectiable artwork on it. I also see people mentioning something about cards, and im also guessing there is a version with none of those.

I hope someone can get info to fill me in on this....

[jupitersj]

I actually found the thread on GameFAQs where people were discussing it (Disgaea) someone mentioned the later print runs have laharl and his friends got that but wanted succubus.

Asking on atlus forums might help

http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/genmessage.php?board=945236&topic=46986424

here i found the discussion

[lendelin]

Kingdom Hearts RE: Chain of Memories is under $20 on amazon right now. :)

Circuit City started to sell it for $20, then Amazon followed.


I think there could also be 2-3 varaints for this game already. Amazon has a very shnny looking artwork, mention collectiable artwork on it. I also see people mentioning something about cards, and im also guessing there is a version with none of those.

I hope someone can get info to fill me in on this....

The cards were a pre-order offer by Amazon. (3 postcards) Just attached to the game or something else...well, Amazon was vague about it as always.

I looked at the referred Amazon customer images here LINK (http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B001G3B0HC/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_all)

The new unopened box has a sticker, BUT it is still a sealed box..if the sticker is on the shrinkwrap it wouldn't count.

But what I really find surprising is that the cover looks indeed different. The white clouds of the standard cover are replaced by grey clouds, no idea what to do with that. (can't be that just the pic is dark)

The second question is if the cards are inside the game case or just attached on the back of the regular case and then it got resealed.

Assuming that there is indeed a release with a special cover (dark, with sticker) and cards, then we would end up with two (not three) variants because it seems the cover is associated with the cards.

[lendelin]

I actually found the thread on GameFAQs where people were discussing it (Disgaea) someone mentioned the later print runs have laharl and his friends got that but wanted succubus.

Asking on atlus forums might help

http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/genmessage.php?board=945236&topic=46986424

here i found the discussion

Thanks for the link!

Again, it's all speculation and claims. I looked around further about box art images. Very often the alleged box art comes up with RP (Rating Pending), sometimes with the normal T rating...and they are always thumbnails. Very suspicious.

I'm skeptical that this cover exists; and if it were the standard later printing it would be all over the place. I certainly bought my copy one year or two yeras after it was released. (Things are a bit more complicated because of the reprint...Disgaea like SMT Digital Devil Saga got reprinted but was always readily available) IF it exists then it was an early printing, but I still have to see one to believe it.

BUT I really appreciate it that you made us aware of it! We should certainly keep our eyes peeled and look further into it. It is unlikely that this cover exists, but it is possible.

[lendelin]

Kingdom Hearts RE: Chain of Memories is under $20 on amazon right now. :)

I think there could also be 2-3 varaints for this game already. Amazon has a very shnny looking artwork, mention collectiable artwork on it. I also see people mentioning something about cards, and im also guessing there is a version with none of those.

I hope someone can get info to fill me in on this....

No variants, no nothing. :) BUT it was good that you alerted us with possible variants because I wasn't aware that the game comes standard with three postcards. I put it in the 'regular cases with extra content'-list. Seems you can't sell a RPG for the PS2 with some sort of something in the last hurrah days of the console.

Since I was anyway looking for clearance bin deals at BB and CC today, I checked Kingdom Hearts RE and picked one up for $20.

Every game has on the shrinkwrap the little sticker, every game has the half-holographic cover with the dark clouds, and every game comes standard with three postcards in a wrapper. I put pics up of everything in the picture list.

The cover with the whiter clouds are pre-release ad pictures; (I suspect this happened with the Disgaea cover, too) The clouds were made whiter in pre-release pics because this holographic part doesn't come over well in pics.

I guess until a GH release there won't be a variant. There might be one a couple of months from now, who knows. ...and...Amazon tried to 'sell' the standard extra items as a pre-order bonus, that's all.

[lendelin]

Added to the list of regular cases with extra content:

11) Kingdom Hearts RE: Chain of Memories. Sold only in this version with extra content. Included in a wrapper are three postcards picturing game characters. (SLUS 21799)

I also put pictures up of the game cover, disc, manual and the three cards in the picture list. (section 4.B.)

[jupitersj]

Couple more games and I'll have every ps2 rpg too >.< I've been picking up the last few. I'm also trying to obtain every ps2 rpg strat guide...19 more guides to go :onfire:

[bcks007]

Check gamefaqs boards for people talking about getting there $20 copy at Circuit City and it doesn't come with the cards.
I also found out those cards are packed inside the ps2 case.

So there should be a with and without card versions. I wasn't sure about the special cover that i saw. Thats why i said there might be 3, but right now there is 2.

[lendelin]

Couple more games and I'll have every ps2 rpg too >.< I've been picking up the last few. I'm also trying to obtain every ps2 rpg strat guide...19 more guides to go :onfire:

Great! If you have all the games I wanna see some pictures! I love to look at genre collections.I'm still missing 3 variants and seven guides, but I didn't make efforts to get the guides.

[lendelin]

Check gamefaqs boards for people talking about getting there $20 copy at Circuit City and it doesn't come with the cards.
I also found out those cards are packed inside the ps2 case.

So there should be a with and without card versions. I wasn't sure about the special cover that i saw. Thats why i said there might be 3, but right now there is 2.

Yep, the cards are inside the case, I bought one and posted pics of them.

All the games I saw had the sticker on them, the half holographic cover which made it darker than what we ususally see in advertisements (the illustration of the manual is actually the pic used to advertise the game), and the cards inside.

Do people report that the game without the cards has a different cover, the whiter one? or is the the game without the cards sold with the same boxart?

Thanks for bringing it up!! If this is true then it has to be noted in the list and the game has to go in the variants list as well!

Well, I'll look around and keep my eyes open, still haven't seen one w/o the cards.

[lendelin]

Today I got SMT Persona 4. One odd thing: the SLUS number is 21782B. This is the first time I see a B added on a SLUS number. P, S, and GH I understand, but B? What could a B stand for? Or does it indicate a (upcoming?) variant of the game?

btw, the artbook that came with it as a bonus item is not bad at all. Nice drawings, good pic quality, and in an oversized mag format.

[bcks007]

B stands for bonus disc or bonus. I have a few that are like that and know of another.
Was in that way on the disc or just the case?

Goosebumps Horrorland (box with book), is SLUS-21834B. (don't own)

Backyard Football 2009 (box with book)(Walmart), SLUS-21670B for the outer box, and SLUS-21809 for the inner game. (whoever made this set, sure messed up on the slus code on the box, as its the slus code for Backyard Football 2008.)

And 1 Streetball (with bonus disc), is SLUS-21237B, the normal is SLUS-21237.

Btw what does P stand for? I've seen a few games and even own a few that have a P at the end, but i don't see anything that makes them special.

[lendelin]

B stands for bonus disc or bonus. I have a few that are like that and know of another.
Was in that way on the disc or just the case?

The additional B is on the case and disc. Never saw that one before.


Goosebumps Horrorland (box with book), is SLUS-21834B. (don't own)

Just saw this one yesterday in a clearance bin. Because of the unusual comic book I did a price check, but it was $20...that meant 'thanks but no thanks' for me. For $10 it had been a 'maybe,' for $5 I'd have picked it up.


Btw what does P stand for? I've seen a few games and even own a few that have a P at the end, but i don't see anything that makes them special.

P stands for Premium. A couple of PS2 RPGs have it, like the two Growlanser sets, the Persona 3 set, or Digimon World 4 with the card.

There is no consistency whatsoever with the additional P, S, or B in a SLUS number. Some games with extra content have it, others don't.

[lendelin]

Below the list of the guides by Doublejump I added a list of all the developers with links to their websites plus the number and titles of the games they produced.

It is actually pretty fun and interesting to poke around the websites, in particular the Japanese ones.

I also added this trivia remark that isn't so trivial at all, I think:

The Busiest Developers

1) Square Enix (11 games)
2) Atlus, Cyberconnect2 (7 games each)
3) Namco Bandai, Nippon Ichi Software (6 games each)
4) Gust, Konami (5 games each)
5) FromSoftware, Level-5, Media Vision, Snowblind Studios (4 games each)

Concentration Process: These 11 developers produced almost half of the game library (63 games = 47%) although they represent only 18% of the total number of developers (59). If the games by subsidiaries of bigger companies (like Career Soft and Amusement Vision) are counted as games of the bigger companies, then the trend towards concentration is even stronger.


If we'd do the same for publishers the concentration would be much higher.

[bcks007]

I have Cabela's African Safari, which apparently is the Premium version of this game. It is SLUS-21379P. I've been searching for the normal SLUS-21379, but have yet to find it. I can't for the life of me figure out why it has a P at the end. Possibly it was gonna be a special set, but at the last second it was turned into a normal release only, what do you think?


Where did you see Goosebumps Horrorland for $20? I always like to get the tricky variants out of the way when i see them. There a pain to track down later on, cause you never know what they should have come with usually, and there quality of the items get worse if used.


For Persona 4, i bet they either have plans for another release, or possibly another artwork on the cd like working designs games.


I also had a weird thought, have you ever seen those fake greatest hits stickers that some stores put over new sealed copys to make them look like there now $20 and a GH release? Possibly at one time, maybe Dark Cloud 2 and Ico, got this treatment, and that is why some sites have claimed that GH versions of those 2 exist.
I know the game Avatar: The Last Airbender, at my local best buy has this fake sticker on it. I've checked ebay for it a few times, and all i find of a GH release are the fake sticker versions. This is really the only proof i have for why Dark Cloud 2 and Ico are listed as being GH.

I recently read about the re-release of ICO around the same time as Shadow of the Colossus, and that the manual for ICO might have changed a bit. I'm currently looking into this. I wonder how much it went for at stores when it was released, anybody know?

[Press_Start]

Just picked my Persona 4 today and I must say I was...a bit disappointed. :(

Was expecting a similar setup to Persona 3, a nice box with game, artwork, and music when put together looks really neat. The mismatched sizes of the artbook and game makes it look at out of place compared to previous Atlus games.

[lendelin]

I have Cabela's African Safari, which apparently is the Premium version of this game. It is SLUS-21379P. I've been searching for the normal SLUS-21379, but have yet to find it. I can't for the life of me figure out why it has a P at the end. Possibly it was gonna be a special set, but at the last second it was turned into a normal release only, what do you think?

No mentioning of someting included on the back cover? (maybe they wanted to include a gift certificate for a real lion, or worse, for an entrance ticket for the zoo?) Yeah, the additions to the Slus numbers lack any consistency.


Where did you see Goosebumps Horrorland for $20? I always like to get the tricky variants out of the way when i see them. There a pain to track down later on, cause you never know what they should have come with usually, and there quality of the items get worse if used.

In a clearance bin at Best Buy. Because of the thick comic book I was curious and would have picked it up for around $5. I wouldn't worry if I were you to get it at some point VERY cheap. Stuff like this is never in demand.


For Persona 4, i bet they either have plans for another release, or possibly another artwork on the cd like working designs games.

I doubt it. The B just refers to the CD included, I can't imagine Atlus will go for another version of very late release for the PS2.


I also had a weird thought, have you ever seen those fake greatest hits stickers that some stores put over new sealed copys to make them look like there now $20 and a GH release? Possibly at one time, maybe Dark Cloud 2 and Ico, got this treatment, and that is why some sites have claimed that GH versions of those 2 exist.
I know the game Avatar: The Last Airbender, at my local best buy has this fake sticker on it. I've checked ebay for it a few times, and all i find of a GH release are the fake sticker versions. This is really the only proof i have for why Dark Cloud 2 and Ico are listed as being GH.

I remember vaguely, not sure. But this tells you how careful we should be determining what actually exists.

I'm convinced that the Disgaea cover with Laharl is a rumor, too. Or look at the Kingdom Hearts RE cover which are out there on the web. The 'white' cover was already posted in mid-September on various game websites with a RP rating, then with the normal ESRB rating. Posted on websites, pictures of it, discussed, and in particular gamespot and gamefaqs use pre-release ad pictures from 3 months before the release and don't bother to change them if the actual cover later looks different...and years after it becomes slowly a reality.

BTW, have you seen Kingdom Hearts RE sold without the cards and/or with a different cover? That it gets sold w/o the cards is really possible because there is no mentioning of them on the back or front cover, just the sticker on the shrinkwrap. If it sells w/o the cards then it schould go in the variants list.


I recently read about the re-release of ICO around the same time as Shadow of the Colossus, and that the manual for ICO might have changed a bit. I'm currently looking into this. I wonder how much it went for at stores when it was released, anybody know?

No clue about a changed manual. The original release was $50, but I really don't know if the game got a second release.

[lendelin]

Just a heads up:

Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories for $20 is the "Deal of the Day" from AMAZON. LINK (http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=vg_nav_hp_dotd?ie=UTF8&docId=1000208101&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=browse&pf_rd_r=0FTPA0345D7T2XBVR2H7&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=457819601&pf_rd_i=468642)

The offer lasts until Friday morning (around 1am).

Not a big deal since the game (new) is around for this price. But if you don't want to bother with ebay or some overpriced websites, Amazon offers for orders over $25 free shipping, and like always no taxes.

[bcks007]

It's $25 for amazon to get free shipping btw.


BTW, have you seen Kingdom Hearts RE sold without the cards and/or with a different cover? That it gets sold w/o the cards is really possible because there is no mentioning of them on the back or front cover, just the sticker on the shrinkwrap. If it sells w/o the cards then it schould go in the variants list.



Check gamefaqs boards for people talking about getting there $20 copy at Circuit City and it doesn't come with the cards.
I also found out those cards are packed inside the ps2 case.

So there should be a with and without card versions. I wasn't sure about the special cover that i saw. Thats why i said there might be 3, but right now there is 2.

Yes, you must have missed my post there. ^ I can't speak for it 100%, im just going off what other people have said.

[lendelin]

Yes, you must have missed my post there. ^ I can't speak for it 100%, im just going off what other people have said.

Nah, I read it and looked around on gamefaqs. I'm not very familiar with the site, but the few times I searched for information it wasn't very reliable. I couldn't find the related discussion...one thing is for sure, these folks create way too many threads about way too unimportant things. :)

Vague claims are not enough, I'm careful. If you or someone from this board gives the information or if I see Kingdom Hearts RE sold without the cards, then I'll put it in the variants category and make a note of it in the list for 'regular cases with extra content.'

The only noticeable difference between sealed games would then be the little sticker on the shrinkwrap.

[lendelin]

Just to make sure noone misses this deal who does not have Disgaea 2 yet.

Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories for $20 is the "Deal of the Day" from AMAZON. LINK (http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=vg_nav_hp_dotd?ie=UTF8&docId=1000208101&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=browse&pf_rd_r=0FTPA0345D7T2XBVR2H7&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=457819601&pf_rd_i=468642)

The offer lasts until Friday morning (around 1am).

[lendelin]

I made changes to the listings. I removed the 'Game Developers' section with links, number of games and titles. This list was just terribly long.

I replaced it with a smaller but more interesting list of "Multi-Platform Games." To list the exclusive PS2 titles would have been too long. 114 games of the entire library, that means 80%, are PS2 exclusives, an amazing number.

Here is the list of multi-platform games. If you notice mistakes please let us know. Note that PC releases and releases for handheld systems are not considered.

3. Miscellaneous

A. Multi-Platform Titles*

01) Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance (GameCube, Xbox)
02) Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance II (Xbox)
03) Bard’s Tale, The (Xbox)
04) Baroque (Wii)
05) Digimon World 4 (GameCube, Xbox)
06) Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel (Xbox)
07) Future Tactics: The Uprising (GameCube, Xbox)
08) Gladius (GameCube, Xbox)
09) Grandia II (Dreamcast)
10) Justice League Heroes (Xbox)
11) Lord of the Rings, The: The Third Age (GameCube, Xbox)
12) Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox, Xbox 360)
13) Mega Man X: Command Mission (GameCube)
14) Phantasy Star Universe (Xbox 360)
15) Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus (Xbox 360 Download)
16) Summoner (GameCube)
17) Summoner 2 (GameCube as "Summoner: A Goddess Reborn")
18) Virtua Quest (GameCube)
19) X-Men Legends (GameCube, Xbox)
20) X-Men Legends II: Rise of the Apocalypse (GameCube, Xbox)

*Consoles only

[bcks007]

So i guess Sega Genesis Collection for the PsP doesn't count? :p

[esquire]

So i guess Sega Genesis Collection for the PsP doesn't count? :p

Final Fantasy XI Online (360) too.

Also Disgaea (PSP, NDS)

[lendelin]

bcks007 and esquire, as I noted no handheld releases. Also MMO RPGs and the borderline cases are not considered, only games in the main list.

With Disgaea and the Genesis collection I struggled, but stuck with the no handheld games rule because for others I had to list them which are really different kind of beasts.

So...releases for handhelds and the PC are excluded.

Surprising for me was (because I didn't know better) that Virtua Quest is also on the GameCube, and that Baldur's Gate II was not released for the GameCube.

Also noteworthy is that the two X-Men Legends games for the Xbox run in true 720p and look fantastic (clarity) on an HDTV. I played them on the Xbox, didn't even cross my mind to play them on the PS2.

[lendelin]

I revised the Multiple Titles list. I could see how the MMO RPGs and the borderline cases should be included. The releases for PC and handheld systems are not considered. So, no Puzzle Quest for the DS and PSP, Monster Hunter Freedom for the PSP, Sega Genesis Collection for the PSP, or Marvel Ultimate Alliance for the PSP and GBA.

If the MMO RPGs and borderline games are included, the PS2 exclusives are 83% of the entire game library.

Here is the revised list.

3. Miscellaneous

A. Multi-Platform Titles*

01) Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance (GameCube, Xbox)
02) Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance II (Xbox)
03) Bard’s Tale, The (Xbox)
04) Baroque (Wii)
05) Digimon World 4 (GameCube, Xbox)
06) Dokapon Kingdom (Wii)
07) Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel (Xbox)
08) Final Fantasy XI (Xbox 360)
09) Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia (Xbox 360)
10) Final Fantasy XI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan (Xbox 360)
11) Final Fantasy XI: Vana’diel Collection 2008 (Xbox 360)
12) Final Fantasy XI: Wings of the Goddess (Xbox 360)
13) Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone (Xbox)
14) Future Tactics: The Uprising (GameCube, Xbox)
15) Gladius (GameCube, Xbox)
16) Grandia II (Dreamcast)
17) Justice League Heroes (Xbox)
18) Lord of the Rings, The: The Third Age (GameCube, Xbox)
19) Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox, Xbox 360)
20) Mega Man X: Command Mission (GameCube)
21) Phantasy Star Universe (Xbox 360)
22) Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus (Download Xbox 360)
23) Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (Wii, Download PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360)
24) Summoner (GameCube)
25) Summoner 2 (GameCube as "Summoner: A Goddess Reborn")
26) Virtua Quest (GameCube)
27) Warriors of Might and Magic (PlayStation)
28) X-Men Legends (GameCube, Xbox)
29) X-Men Legends II: Rise of the Apocalypse (GameCube, Xbox)

*MMO RPGs and borderline cases included; consoles only

[lendelin]

Culdcept.* Omiya Soft, NEC Interchannel, 11/25/03.
Dokapon Kingdom.* Sting, Atlus, 10/14/08.
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords.* Vicious Cycle, D3 Publisher, 11/13/07.

I added these three titles to the borderline category. They were proposed and we struggled to put them in there. But to be inclusionary I think it's safe to regard them as borderline.

The titles are board game/puzzle/RPG hybrids. Dokapon Kingdom and Puzzle Quest Challenge of the Warlords convinced me to put them in the list, and then of course Culdcept had to follow.

If you know other games of the board game/puzzle/RPG hybrid kind that should be included, let us know.

Turn-based battle systems, levelling up, experience points and use of magic, borrowed weak elements from strategy/tactical RPGs combined with board game and puzzle game elements, plus the always elusive RPG-feel of important parts of the game justify their inclusion, I think.

[bcks007]

I think atlus has plans for Persona 4 having a 2nd cover, here is why.
If you check for the PDSS number, it is PDSS-030927 on the artwork. If you check the back of the dvd, it is PDSS-030925.
There is no reason a different PDSS number unless you have another cd artwork planed, or another release planed. Of course, it could always be canceled, or never come out. But based on the PDSS numbers not matching up, like 99.9% of all ps2 games do, then something is planed at the very least. I'm guessing they wanted a way to distinguish the bonus disc version from a none bonus disc version that might be coming out.

[lendelin]

I think atlus has plans for Persona 4 having a 2nd cover, here is why.
If you check for the PDSS number, it is PDSS-030927 on the artwork. If you check the back of the dvd, it is PDSS-030925.
There is no reason a different PDSS number unless you have another cd artwork planed, or another release planed. Of course, it could always be canceled, or never come out. But based on the PDSS numbers not matching up, like 99.9% of all ps2 games do, then something is planed at the very least. I'm guessing they wanted a way to distinguish the bonus disc version from a none bonus disc version that might be coming out.

A release of Persona 4 without the CD is a possibility for sure. Interesting observation, I never paid attention to the PDSS numbers.

In all likelihood the new Kingdom Hearts will be sold w/o the cards, too (if not already). Nothing on the covers referring to the cards, just the sticker on the shrinkwrap.

...and...I really hope you're wrong with another Persona 4 edition. :)

[lendelin]

At the top of the OP I added links to bragging rights threads with pics of completed RPG collections. The only two that came to mind was Daria's PS1 thread and mine for the PS2.

I just love to look at genre collections. It gives incentives to go after the games, awakens the old evergreen idea of "I should have this one, too," and brings back fond gaming memories. In particular RPGs (like 2D- platformers) seem to age very well.

If you know other threads with pics of RPG collections let us know.

[Press_Start]

Zone of the Enders
Zone of the Enders: 2nd Runner

Don't know if these were suggested already. A search of the thread didn't turn up anything, but you never know.

Z.O.E. is an awesome mecha action/RPG produced by the one and only Hideo Kojima. Though it has an experience system, the games tend to be more action than RPG with skill and strategy known in. The graphics, by far, are the most stunning and impressive I've seen from Konami on the PS2. Make me wonder how much better the Suikoden could have been if Kojima was in charge.

[Daria]

My Genesis collection is done as well.

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82306

Although that topic should be updated with recent pictures.

[lendelin]

Zone of the Enders
Zone of the Enders: 2nd Runner

Don't know if these were suggested already. A search of the thread didn't turn up anything, but you never know.

Z.O.E. is an awesome mecha action/RPG produced by the one and only Hideo Kojima. Though it has an experience system, the games tend to be more action than RPG with skill and strategy known in. The graphics, by far, are the most stunning and impressive I've seen from Konami on the PS2. Make me wonder how much better the Suikoden could have been if Kojima was in charge.

I loved the Zone of the Enders games, fantastic (!) games and underappreciated, one of the best game experiences I had on the PS2, with spot-on controls. However, to add them to a RPG list?? As you pointed out, weak RPG elements are thrown in to flavor the game, and it is clearly on the action side. I wouldn't regard them even borderline cases.

[lendelin]

My Genesis collection is done as well.

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82306

Although that topic should be updated with recent pictures.

Added. Great! Great to look at. The only games I have are Crusader of Centy, Sword of Vermillion, and Landstalker. I have way more shmups than RPGs for the Genesis.

I think jupitersj for the PS2 and RPG Fanatic for the PS1 should have soon also complete RPG collections...if not already. I hope you guys will post pics.

[Press_Start]

I loved the Zone of the Enders games, fantastic (!) games and underappreciated, one of the best game experiences I had on the PS2, with spot-on controls. However, to add them to a RPG list?? As you pointed out, weak RPG elements are thrown in to flavor the game, and it is clearly on the action side. I wouldn't regard them even borderline cases.

To me if you got an experience system, then you're a RPG. To each his own, I guess.

[lendelin]

To me if you got an experience system, then you're a RPG. To each his own, I guess.

Well, in lack of a good RPG definition it is indeed in the end 'to each his own,' or better: over 90% of the games in the main list (excluding borderline cases) are undisputed, the rest is up to everyone to include or exclude titles.

I didn't mean to be rude. But an experience system alone is not enough to make a RPG, otherwise you'd end up easily with around 100 more PS2 games in the RPG list. Even some sports games.

I think we can agree that a RPG should have some kind of statistics which define and describe certain attributes or skills of game characters, and that there should be some kind of method to influence these statistics. But beyond that? Or even these gameplay elements might be not necessary? Turned based battle systems or not? No matter how we define a RPG, you'll always end up with cases you exclude and actually intend to include and vice versa.

In the era of hybrid games (based on old genre categorizations) it is sometimes a matter of an elusive feeling which games should be regarded as RPGs.

One thing is for sure: not every game with an experience system is a RPG.

[Daria]

RPGamer posted an interview where NIS states that X-Edge, Sakura Wars and Mana Khemia II are due to be released in 09.

http://www.rpgamer.com/features/2008/nisainterview.html


X-Edge just seems to have NIS America all over it. It features characters from Disgaea, Mana Khemia, Ar tonelico, Spectral Souls, and the Atelier series. I mean, come on, there are even Prinnies. When should we expect to see it in North America?

NISA: X-Edge is an interesting project since it's a collaboration between 3 different companies. It's pretty funny to see a little Prinny fight characters from Darkstalkers like Morrigan and Demitri.

The release date isn't finalized yet, but it's going to be in March 09.


A little birdie told us that someone was finally getting brave enough to localize a game in the Sakura Wars series, mainly the fifth game in the main series for the PS2. Would that be NIS America, and what can you tell us about the game?

NISA: Haha, your birdie knows too much. Let's just say the game is in the works by an undisclosed company. I've heard somewhere that the game should come out in '09.


So, just curious. Since the PS2 refuses to die, should we expect Mana Khemia 2 to make it over here as well?

NISA: We haven't made any formal announcements, but yes please expect to see Mana Khemia 2. The game is definitely an improvement over the original, so please look forward to it.

[Daria]

Am I the only one really excited for Mana Khemia II?

[lendelin]

Am I the only one really excited for Mana Khemia II?

Nope, you're not the only one, that's really good news. Terriffic that Mana Khemia will be released, and that traditional RPGs and startegy RPGs will still find their way to the PS2 in 2009. I was hoping that after Ar tonelico 2 the sequel to Mana Khemia will end up in the US as well.

I'll update the list of upcoming releases later. I'm home in Germany visiting Family until mid-January, and the struggle with a German Keyboard where the letters are a bit differently arranged is as nerve-wrecking as the last big dragon fight in Dragon Quest VIII. :)

[Daria]

My bad. X-Edge is a PS3 game. Still.

[bcks007]

This topic needs a life saving bump.

Ar tonelico 2: Melody of Metafalica did indeed make street date. :)

For some goods deals on amazon on a few rpgs.
Metal Saga $9.97
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000E41KXS/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

Puzzle Quest: Challenge Of The Warlords $9.97
http://www.amazon.com/Puzzle-Quest-Challenge-Warlords-Playstation-2/dp/B000SKMF1Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1232882294&sr=1-1

You back home yet Klaus?

[lendelin]

I added Ar tonelico II: Melody of Metafalica.* Gust, NIS America, 1/20/09. (late but not too late)

The title was also added to the list 'regular cases with extra content.'

Since I'm still in Germany and can't look up the SLUS number of the game, can someone post the SLUS number?

Also: I can't look at my pre-ordered copy from Rosenqueen. Is the art book in the game separate from the instruction booklet or just an add-on to the the manual?

[Press_Start]

Welcome back! Was wondering where the hell you've been? How Germany by the way? (Enjoying the chocolate and sausages over there? ;) )

The artbook is separate. The rundown for the items of the boxed include:
Music CD w/case
Artbook
Game Case
Manual
and the Ar Tonelico 2 game itself.

The Rosenqueen additional CD is separate from the rest.

SLUS #: 21788P

BTW, lots of stuff happened while you were. I've started a thread listing all RPG for the PSP, why dont you check it out?

[lendelin]

Welcome back! Was wondering where the hell you've been? How Germany by the way? (Enjoying the chocolate and sausages over there? ;) )

The artbook is separate. The rundown for the items of the boxed include:
Music CD w/case
Artbook
Game Case
Manual
and the Ar Tonelico 2 game itself.

The Rosenqueen additional CD is separate from the rest.

SLUS #: 21788P

BTW, lots of stuff happened while you were. I've started a thread listing all RPG for the PSP, why dont you check it out?

Thanks for the information! I added the SLUS number and made a note that the CD came in a special slip cover in the game case (hope that this is correct??)

I noticed some time ago your RPG list for the PSP and added a link to it at the top of the first post. Great list! With the DS list from Daria we have it all covered now I think (well, except for the GC and the Xbox, maybe someone else will find some time to make a list for them as well, but the PS2 list was much more important because of the sheer number of exclusive titles)

I enjoy Germany very much, I think slowly my carb diet goes down the drain. :) I wanted to stay only for four weeks, but had to extend the stay for another two months because of a research project I'm involved in. But I'll check DP from now on regularly...only downside is that I can't make scans of new releases and add them to the pic sections, and I prolly miss out on some good deals.

BTW, were there any good deals because of the CC bankruptcy? I hope I didn't miss out on good deals.

[carlcarlson]

BTW, were there any good deals because of the CC bankruptcy? I hope I didn't miss out on good deals.

Not yet. When the liquidators took over they raised all the prices and THEN started taking off %, so there haven't really been any steals. I did see a couple Fallout 3 lunchboxes that would have been about $27 but they were the Windows version, the consoles were gone. Those were the only "deals" I saw, all of the other good games would still be about $$30-$40.

[lendelin]

Added to the list of upcoming releases:

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha versus King Abadon. Atlus, Atlus, 5/12/09.

This is game number 8 of the SMT series, who would have thought that we would get so many games for SMT alone?

Since I'll be in Germany for another month and can't follow closely the game scene in the US, please make us aware of any news regarding releases of PS2 RPGs which might affect the lists.

When I'm back I'll make a scan of Ar tonelico 2 and add it to the pic list.

[Press_Start]

Did a little checking. Besides Devil Summoner, there's Mana Khemia 2, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, and possibly Sakura Wars but nothing etched in stone just yet.

BTW, did we cover a RPG list for the Wii yet?

[lendelin]

Did a little checking. Besides Devil Summoner, there's Mana Khemia 2, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, and possibly Sakura Wars but nothing etched in stone just yet.

BTW, did we cover a RPG list for the Wii yet?

Thanks! I added Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 to the list of upcoming releases.

There isn't a list of Wii RPGs. Although the list wouldn't be very long it would be nice to have a reliable list. Fell free to start one!! :)

[Daria]

God damn there's a ton of RPGs on this system. I've eclipsed my PSone collection and still have 50 something left to go. :/

[bcks007]

Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B001U7B4UW/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

wOOt :)

[vincewy]

Just got AR Tonelico 2 (last copy on shelf), while there're many RPGs for PS2, I feel like this is one of those timeless classics you can keep and play for a long time. What other keepers do people recommend (those don't have to be in deluxe box sets, even GH versions are OK)? I have Mana Khamia, DQ VIII (I know it's common but it's timeless nonetheless). I'm thinking about getting both Growlancers. Please don't mention Final Fantasy series, those have become too mainstream.

[Vkmies]

Im sorry, but I didnt have the patience to read all of the 21 pages so I'll ask my question and Im deeply sorry if the question has been anwsered already: Im not really into that japanese style of RPG's or ones with turn-based fighting. So, Could you tell me some PS2 RPG's that arent made to look and feel like anime and arent turn-based. Looking something that feels a little bit like "the elder scrolls"-series.

[oremites]

Im not really into that japanese style of RPG's or ones with turn-based fighting. So, Could you tell me some PS2 RPG's that arent made to look and feel like anime and arent turn-based. Looking something that feels a little bit like "the elder scrolls"-series.
There aren't really many "elder scrolls"-like games for the PS2.
The one I enjoyed the most was King's Field: The Ancient City.
This one is dated, but I kind of liked it - Eternal Ring. Just don't expect too much.
Summoner 2 was pretty good.

If you like the Baldur's Gate action-RPG style, there are lots of these games: Baldur's Gate 1 and 2, Champions of Norrath 1 and 2, Bard's Tale, X-Men Legends 1 and 2, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, Justice League Heroes

These games don't match what you're asking for, but if you haven't tried them, you should at least give them a shot:
Shadow Hearts or Shadow Hearts: Covenant
one of the Shin Megami Tensei games.
If you find you like them, there's a lot of great gaming with those series.

[Daria]

Im sorry, but I didnt have the patience to read all of the 21 pages so I'll ask my question and Im deeply sorry if the question has been anwsered already: Im not really into that japanese style of RPG's or ones with turn-based fighting. So, Could you tell me some PS2 RPG's that arent made to look and feel like anime and arent turn-based. Looking something that feels a little bit like "the elder scrolls"-series.

Try wizardry. Although it's a Japanese game it "doesn't feel like anime". Actually it's one o those timeless games that Vincewy ought to pick up too,

[Chainsaw_Charlie]

try the wild arms series, while turn based they do allow using items for puzzle solving and there's Growlanser Generations and Heritage of war

[Vkmies]

Thanks for your suggestions. Kings Field IV looks great but i wasnt able to find a copy inside Finland. Wizardry: Tale of the Forsaken Land looks really interesting, altough its turn-based, but , the stupid man i am, i couldnt find that one either. But i will certainlly keep the names of those 2 games on my mind, the next time i go shopping.

[yok-dfa]

Thanks for your suggestions. Kings Field IV looks great but i wasnt able to find a copy inside Finland. Wizardry: Tale of the Forsaken Land looks really interesting, altough its turn-based, but , the stupid man i am, i couldnt find that one either. But i will certainlly keep the names of those 2 games on my mind, the next time i go shopping.

Kings Field is being sold here: http://www.puolenkuunpelit.com/kauppa/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=7&products_id=2887 if you insist on buying it in Finland, however it comes at quite a steep price. I suggest you look at either huuto.net or ebay.co.uk to find a cheaper copy.

(Edit: here you go: http://www.huuto.net/fi/showitem.php3?itemid=106915543 )

Wizardry might be a bit trickier to find. I guess ebay would be your best shot...

[Vkmies]

Kings Field is being sold here: http://www.puolenkuunpelit.com/kauppa/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=7&products_id=2887 if you insist on buying it in Finland, however it comes at quite a steep price. I suggest you look at either huuto.net or ebay.co.uk to find a cheaper copy.

(Edit: here you go: http://www.huuto.net/fi/showitem.php3?itemid=106915543 )

Wizardry might be a bit trickier to find. I guess ebay would be your best shot...

oh, thanks a lot! Its not that important to find it in finland, but it would be nice to avoid those annoying postal fees and stuff. Puolenkuun pelit has always been really expensive shop... -.-

[bcks007]

lendelin, time for a update dude. :)

[TonyTheTiger]

So I just got my copy of Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy from RosenQueen and something interesting to note. The Alchemic Art Collection might qualify as a separate SKU from the normal retail release.

Unlike the first Mana Khemia where the extra figure came in its own box wholly separate from the game ala a preorder bonus, what I have here is a large shrinkwrapped box about the height of a 3DO game but wider and thicker. It has the RosenQueen logo in the upper right hand corner and it's own box art. There's no UPC code anywhere but the back of the box details the contents like a normal collector's edition would. Inside is the standard retail package along with an artbook. I don't have the means to get a picture up at the moment but it's an especially nice package all in all.

EDIT:

Crappy cell phone picture.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/KI3/ManaKhemia2.jpg

[Daria]

So I just got my copy of Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy from RosenQueen and something interesting to note. The Alchemic Art Collection might qualify as a separate SKU from the normal retail release.

Unlike the first Mana Khemia where the extra figure came in its own box wholly separate from the game ala a preorder bonus, what I have here is a large shrinkwrapped box about the height of a 3DO game but wider and thicker. It has the RosenQueen logo in the upper right hand corner and it's own box art. There's no UPC code anywhere but the back of the box details the contents like a normal collector's edition would. Inside is the standard retail package along with an artbook. I don't have the means to get a picture up at the moment but it's an especially nice package all in all.

EDIT:

Crappy cell phone picture.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/KI3/ManaKhemia2.jpg

Ooooh. I might have to order that online afterall.

[TonyTheTiger]

Here's a crappy picture of the back of the box.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/KI3/ManaKhemia2back.jpg

I might order a second one to keep sealed. I'm guessing that the retail release will be inside and with its own shrinkwrap. This box is more or less just there to keep the game and the bonus artbook together. And since it doesn't have a UPC it clearly was never meant to be sold at retail. So what do you guys think? Is this a separate SKU?

[Bojay1997]

Here's a crappy picture of the back of the box.

I might order a second one to keep sealed. I'm guessing that the retail release will be inside and with its own shrinkwrap. This box is more or less just there to keep the game and the bonus artbook together. And since it doesn't have a UPC it clearly was never meant to be sold at retail. So what do you guys think? Is this a separate SKU?

I would have to go with yes on this one. It's actually a US specific box and it was produced and sold by the US division of NIS, so for once I think Rosenqueen actually released a real collector's edition.

[TonyTheTiger]

So...with 2,000 being sold and presumably no more being made...does that make this a "rare" game?

[Bojay1997]

So...with 2,000 being sold and presumably no more being made...does that make this a "rare" game?

Well, they have to sell out of them first, but I would think that 2,000 units, even for an obscure JRPG could be considered rare. Still, a box and a flimsy art book is not interesting enough to convince me to spend the extra $26 it will cost to get this at Rosenqueen vs. Amazon, so I think I will just let others enjoy this "rarity".

[TonyTheTiger]

Yeah, that's why I put rare in quotes. I've grown sick of the word since it appears to have lost most of its meaning. I do like the collection, though. If only because the box is unusually shaped for a PS2 collector's edition.