Complete RPG List for the PS2 - Updated 2017

[lendelin]

xxxxx

[lendelin]

no content

[Sylentwulf]

Tagging this for future reference.

[tylerwillis]

Drakengard is probably borderline.
IGN claims that Future Tactics: The Uprising is a SRPG.

Both listed on RPGamer:
Dark Angel: Vampire Apocalypse
Magic Pengel: The Quest for Color.

[Trebuken]

Monster Hunter?

Maybe...

Later,
Trebuken

[lendelin]

Tylerwillis and Trebuken, great checking! Thanks a lot.

I updated the list. Future Tactics, Magic Pengel, Dark Angel, and Monster Hunter are added, and I put Drakengard in the Borderline category.

I missed these games indeed, but one game was unknown to me and I had to look it up: Dark Angel Vampire Apocalypse. One of the early RPGs I completely overlooked.

At the end of its lifecycle, the PS2 will have more RPGs than the PS1, probably 100 to 110 which is pretty amazing. (around 80 PS2 exclusives) I never thought the number of RPGs for the PS1 would be topped.

[Trebuken]

EB/Gamestop are having their Buy 2 Get 1 sale this weekend so I went RPG hunting (your fault for giving me the idea). Came across one more (yes I bought it), that isn't on the list...
It's borderline...though I might lean toward putting it in an action category, I think it could work as an RPG.

Devil Kings.

Though I think if this were included you'd then have to look at the Castlevania Games, and maybe even Dynasty Warriors...and then Devil May Cry....

Maybe someone who had played it can be more definitive about it.

Later,
Trebuken

[stressboy]

Thanks for this. I have been looking for a good RPG list.

[lendelin]

Devil Kings.

Though I think if this were included you'd then have to look at the Castlevania Games, and maybe even Dynasty Warriors...and then Devil May Cry....

Maybe someone who had played it can be more definitive about it.

Later,
Trebuken

Devil Kings is a straightforward Dynasty Warriors clone, it is as clonelike as it can get. If included you'll end up with all Dynasty Warriors as a 'RPG,' and then there is indeed no line anymore for Onimusha and Devil May Cry and possibly even Madden NFL.

I'll buy Devil Kings as well. :)

I added the two RPG Makers (II and 3). A tough call as well, but if you can 'design' your own RPG and play around with it, it is a RPG. If it looks, walks, and quacks like a duck, it should be probably on a duck list.

[lendelin]

Added Gladius as a Strategy RPG.

[shoes23]

I was under the impression that Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone was an action game. I think that it needs to be removed.

[swlovinist]

Excellent list for people. I had a question, where to the Romance Games, PTO IV, and Naval Ops Warship Gunner and Commander fit?

[sisko]

I highly disagree with Future Tactics.

It's more of a Worms clone than anything. In fact, it doesn't really have ANY RPG elements what so ever. If it simply MUST be in the list, put it in the borderline section.

Also, some fancy highlighting might be nice (eg red for bad games, green for good ones)

[lendelin]

I highly disagree with Future Tactics.

It's more of a Worms clone than anything. In fact, it doesn't really have ANY RPG elements what so ever. If it simply MUST be in the list, put it in the borderline section.

Also, some fancy highlighting might be nice (eg red for bad games, green for good ones)

Future Tactics is certainly a unique blend of RPG-strategy elements and action lacking 'traditional' subtle and sophisticated movement calculation, but it is still more on the strategy side: a turn-based battle system and limited movement justifies to put it in the strategy genre albeit it is a new take on it.

About indicating bad and good games: I'm not going there due to unavoidable BIG discussions. :) Someones FF X is someones Orphen. The intent was just to deliver a nice, ready to go cut-and-paste list, and then everyone is free to pick and or to delete. It isn't a popal, ultimate list by any means, just complete and inclusionary as possible. Borderline cases and very thin lines between genres are a given.

[lendelin]

I was under the impression that Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone was an action game. I think that it needs to be removed.

Thanks guy. You're right. I put it in the borderline category. I have the game, read previews and reviews, but never played it; I put it just from a feeling level and past misperceptions on the list, but checking reviews again it is certainly not a RPG; otherwise Devil May Cry and the two Lord of the Rings by EA should be included as well.

You could even argue it shouldn't be in the borderline category, but well, let the feelings dominate if in doubt. :)

[sisko]

I highly disagree with Future Tactics.

It's more of a Worms clone than anything. In fact, it doesn't really have ANY RPG elements what so ever. If it simply MUST be in the list, put it in the borderline section.

Also, some fancy highlighting might be nice (eg red for bad games, green for good ones)

Future Tactics is certainly a unique blend of RPG-strategy elements and action lacking 'traditional' subtle and sophisticated movement calculation, but it is still more on the strategy side: a turn-based battle system and limited movement justifies to put it in the strategy genre albeit it is a new take on it.

Then by that logic, Worms 3D definitely needs to be added to the list, and likely Worms Forts (haven't played the latter).

[Biff_McFresh]

Good list.

*Tagged for future reference*

[yok-dfa]

Excellent list for people. I had a question, where to the Romance Games, PTO IV, and Naval Ops Warship Gunner and Commander fit?

If Naval Ops Warship gunner makes it to the list, then Seek & Destroy should be added too. That is much more like an RPG than the former...

[Oobgarm]

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

[drummy]

This thread is awesome. I've been looking for some real-time RPGs. Thanks.

[lendelin]

Oobgarm, great list ---about Fullmetal Alchemist: I'd leave them in there.

There are two games I overlooked which are in your list --- Virtua Quest and Legion: The Legend of Excalibur. I have to look them up and then decide if they should be included or not.

RPGs are hard to define nowadays, and the lines to adventure and action adventure games are awfully thin sometimes.

[lendelin]

I highly disagree with Future Tactics.

It's more of a Worms clone than anything. In fact, it doesn't really have ANY RPG elements what so ever. If it simply MUST be in the list, put it in the borderline section.

Also, some fancy highlighting might be nice (eg red for bad games, green for good ones)

Future Tactics is certainly a unique blend of RPG-strategy elements and action lacking 'traditional' subtle and sophisticated movement calculation, but it is still more on the strategy side: a turn-based battle system and limited movement justifies to put it in the strategy genre albeit it is a new take on it.

Then by that logic, Worms 3D definitely needs to be added to the list, and likely Worms Forts (haven't played the latter).

I never played Worms 3D (puts his head down in shame) -- but then I have around 70% of the games on the RPG list and played only about 20% as well (puts his head up again). :)

Future Tactics is certainly a down-toned RPG startegy game, but still the turn based strategy battle system and the limited strategic movement of the characters with the overall elusive 'RPG-feel' justifies that it is on the list, I think.

[lendelin]

I added Legion Legend of Excalibur and Virtua Qest, and removed the trial version of Everquest Online Adventures (thanks Oobgarm!, btw, the only game missing in your list is Front Mission 4).

Since I made a list for me anyways which games I have and for which games I have or miss a strategy guide, I put an asterisk behind the games which I believe never saw a published guide. (for the titles marked as having a guide I own the guide or checked if there was a guide published)

Please correct the titles marked as haven't a published guide if you know better!

It is amazing, btw, how many of the Atlus published titles don't have a guide: Wizardry, Dual Hearts, Stella Deus, Tsugunai Atonement, the two Shin Megami Tensei Devil Sagas, and the new Magna Carta.

[Oobgarm]

Your assessment of RPGs strat guides is spot-on.

Thanks for pointing out Front Mission 4; I'll have to check my guide file and find out why it wasn't on the list.

[MightySlacker]

I don't think Drakan and Demon stone should be borderline - they are action/rpg's in the baldur's gate style.

Also, what about the 2 Dynasty Tactics games? They are strat RPGs kinda like the style of Front Mission 4

I would also vote for Might and Magic as a strategy RPG, but I can see how its borderline.

Also, what about Graffiti Kingdom? isn't it a magic Pengal sequel?

Dave

[shoes23]

I don't think Drakan and Demon stone should be borderline - they are action/rpg's in the baldur's gate style.
Dave

Demon Stone is not an RPG. It is straight up a hack n' slash game in the shadow of Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers or King Arthur. It is simply an action game in the Forgotton Realms universe.

[blissfulnoise]

Graffiti Kingdom came out a month or so ago. It's the sequel to Magic Pengel.

However, i'm not so sure those should be RPGs. If they are, better open the door to stuff like Monster Rancher.

[MightySlacker]

I don't think Drakan and Demon stone should be borderline - they are action/rpg's in the baldur's gate style.
Dave

Demon Stone is not an RPG. It is straight up a hack n' slash game in the shadow of Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers or King Arthur. It is simply an action game in the Forgotton Realms universe.

Ah - guess I was misinformed/thinking of something else. I'd also say that Drakan compares a lot better to the Summoner games.

Borderline adds: Goblin Commander/Alien vs Predator Extinction. unless RTS can't be strategy rpg's.

Also, this list is gonna get huge next year. I can think of 10-15 RPGs I'm actively anticipating, which doesnt includes games I don't know about/crappy ones tha twill also be released.

Dave

[xmagxus]

Are you sure dark angel is an RPG ( i dont mean dark angel the tv show game)

But I mean EBGAMES had it listed as an RPG a long time ago when they sold it and I saw it in the store once and almost bought it for 10 dollars but it really doesnt look like an RPG it sounded more like an adventure game or something.

If it is a real RPG then it seems I dont have a complete current gen RPG collection afterall, so I kinda hope it isnt lol >.>

[MightySlacker]

Also, what makes Duel Masters different than say Yu-Gi-Oh type games? Sorry if that's an ignorant question, but I've never played any of them

Dave

[Howie6925]

* = no published strategy guide
King’s Field: The Ancient City*
*

:hmm:
:?
I have the strategy guide for this game

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b226/Howie6925/Picture029.jpg

[MightySlacker]

You can now officially add Wild Arms 4 to the list

Dave

[djbeatmongrel]

what about Culdcept?

[lendelin]

Howie, thanks for the information, I appreciate it! I corrected the King's Field guide listing.

I added Wild Arms 4.

Does anyone know if Unlimited Saga got a guide?

[lendelin]

what about Culdcept?

Nah, it is more of a board/puzzle game with a RPG touch, I think.

[MightySlacker]

I posted this a little while ago, but what about Dynasty Tactics 1 and 2? I dont see how you could consider them different strat RPGs than say a front mission 4.

Dave

[xmagxus]

I still am wondering - is dark angel REALLY an rpg? EBgames had it listed as one awhile ago and a lot of people seemed to have gone off that but to anyone who has played the game is it REALLY an rpg and not just some action/adventure game?

[Lemmy Kilmister]

How 'bout the Dynasty Tactics games? They're both strategy RPGs, and damn good ones at that.

[Sylentwulf]

Grandia 3, and shin megami tensei lucifers call can be added.

[Oobgarm]

Grandia 3, and shin megami tensei lucifers call can be added.

Lucifer's Call was released in the US as SMT: Nocturne.

[hezeuschrist]

Tales of Legendia comes out in a week or so, and Grandia III comes out on valentines day. Suikoden V is also scheduled for this spring as well... I hope they don't jack that one like they did IV :(

And yes, Unlimited Saga got a guide.

EDIT: Holy crap, I knew spring was going to be worse than I thought.

Tales of Legendia - Feb. 7
Grandia III - Feb. 14
Drakengard 2 - Feb 14
MS Saga: A New Dawn - Feb 21
Shadow Hearts: From the New World - Mar. 7
Suikoden V - Mar 28
Kingdom Hearts II - Mar. 30
Atilier Iris: Eternal Mana 2 - Apr. 25 (That can't be right, the JP release is in May)

Then there is the ever looming Final Fantasy XII, Xenosaga III, Valkyrie Profile: Silmeria, and Phantasy Star Universe. And I thought I was catching up :(

[lendelin]

Updates: Grandia III and Tales of Legendia are added, and the guide status of Unlimited Saga was changed (thanks, hezeuschrist)

Yep, the RPGs for the PS2 are like mail: it keeps coming and coming with no end in sight, it could drive a sane man crazy. The PS2 will have the most extensive RPG library of all consoles.

[MightySlacker]

Atilier Iris: Eternal Mana 2 - Apr. 25 (That can't be right, the JP release is in May)
(

Actually, I think the japanese release was last may - I'm almost certain its out. I've had the soundtrack for about 6 months now :-)

And did the 2 Dynasty Tactics games get added?

Dave

[lendelin]

Added:

MS Saga*
Shadow Hearts FTNW
Drakengard 2
Kingdom Hearts 2
Atelier Iris 2
Steambot Chronicles*

If someone knows if there is a published guide for MS Saga and for Steambot Chronicles, please post and let us know.

[Daria]

Ugh... I am not looking forward to cracking down on my PS2 collection.

And small point but it's Romancing SaGa with a capital G.

For my own personal list I included Culcept, ICO, and Shadow of the Colossus under borderline. But then maybe I just needed an excuse to have them. >.>

[tylerwillis]

Don't forget Metal Saga (http://www.tylerwillis.com/2006/04/25/metal-saga/) - came out at the same time as Atelier Iris 2.

[lendelin]

Don't forget Metal Saga (http://www.tylerwillis.com/2006/04/25/metal-saga/) - came out at the same time as Atelier Iris 2.

Done. Thanks guy. I also added Suikoden V. I think that's it for last month. 99 and counting...:) (I listed Metal Saga as not having received a guide...at least I couldn't find one or an anouncement for one)

[lendelin]

Ugh... I am not looking forward to cracking down on my PS2 collection.


That's why I started earliy. I have around 70 of them, hardly one which was released in the last year or so. I never buy them for more than $20.

This RPG library will be much more extensive than the one for the PS1....and around 70% of the games got a guide, too.


A small point but it's Romancing SaGa with a capital G.

Thanks, I corrected it. I'm very sticklish when it comes to little things like that, so I really appreciate it.


For my own personal list I included Culcept, ICO, and Shadow of the Colossus under borderline. But then maybe I just needed an excuse to have them. >.>

We all make up excuses to buy more games. RIGHT??? :) To be a game fanatic is tough. People think it is fun and one long vacation, but we know it's not all smile and sunshine. :)

[PapaStu]

I was on top of PS2 RPG's (even though I wasn't playing them) for years... I've not bought one except Kingdom Hearts 2 in about a year and a half. I'm SO not looking forward to filling the gaps once i'm that solvent again to just buy games.

[Raedon]

Added to my DP RPG blog.. great topic.

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/weblog.php?w=220

[Daria]

Ugh... I am not looking forward to cracking down on my PS2 collection.


That's why I started earliy. I have around 70 of them, hardly one which was released in the last year or so. I never buy them for more than $20.

This RPG library will be much more extensive than the one for the PS1....and around 70% of the games got a guide, too.


Well I've got 50 of 'em. At least I'm at the halfway point, and luckily I've virtually no intrest in game guides. I do buy the double jump ones because they're so nicely done though.

I too snatch up 20 dollar games with a few "gotta play right now" exceptions.

[tylerwillis]

Intriguing, I'm at 51, although in addition I have a number of titles that are GC/XB versions. Looks like I have a ways to go.

[lendelin]

I added "Final Fantasy XI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan" to the list. As far as I kmnow, there was no guide released for it.

Thank goodness the RPG flood came to a stop in the last two, three months. A break to catch up with buys during summer sales time.

[aaronpetrosky]

I was just looking for a list of RPGS for ps2 thanks. Great work. This made my day.

[unwinddesign]

You could put Deus Ex: the Conspiracy in the "borderline" section. It has a lot of RPG elements, mixed with traditional shooting.

I'm sure anyone else who's played the game would agree with me on that. It's certainly close to being an RPG, although not 100% full blown.

[lendelin]

I added Disgaea 2 and Xenosaga III, and didn't put Dirge of Cerberus in the Borderline category despite its strong RPG background.

Both added games saw a guide...and in case you missed it, yep, what a monster of a 600-page-guide Disgaea 2 got from Doublejump. :)

[Audigy]

As far as I know, Unlimited SaGa didn' get a strategy guide. *tosses an asterisk to the OP* :)

[lendelin]

NOTE: This new system is really nice! It looks great and works great (MUCH faster than the old one). To everyone involved in this laborous process: THANKS!

I updated the list:

Added were
Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria
.hack GU (also available in Deluxe Pack)
Tales of the Abyss
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner
Final Fantasy XII (also available in Deluxe Pack)
Phantasy Star Universe

which brings the total number to 108.

All of the recently released games have guides; two of them (FF XII and .hack GU) are also available in deluxe packs.

I corrected an information about Unlimited Saga. To my knowledge there was no guide published in the US for this game. If you know better please let me know (best with a pic).

[lendelin]

As far as I know, Unlimited SaGa didn' get a strategy guide. *tosses an asterisk to the OP* :)

Thanks, Audigy, you were right! :)

[lendelin]

I added 'River King: A Wonderful Journey' because it is essentially the same game as the Harvest Moon games just centered around fishing instead of farming.

Also added:

-Justice League Heroes, an action-RPG in the same vein as Baldur’s Gate and Champions of Norrath, which has the same developer (Snowblind Studios);

-Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, an action-RPG, a straightforward beat-em-up and dungeon crawler in the same vein as the two X-Men Legends games from the same developer (Raven).

River King didn't see a published guide.

This brings the total number of games up to 111.

[lendelin]

I aded Graffiti Kingdom to the list since Magic Pengel is also already listed. (Tough case, I know)

In the borderline category I added the so-called breeding RPGs Monster Rancher 3 and 4 and EVO.

The only game for which a guide was published is Monster Rancher 3 to my knowledge. If you know better, PLEASE post and let us know.

[lendelin]

I added Ar Tonelico and Rogue Galaxy. I didn't see a published guide offered for Ar Tolenico, so...if you know better let us know.

Question: I removed the deluxe pack-note from Dot Hack GU. I remember to have read something about a deluxe pack for this game and made even a note, but can't find a thing about a deluxe set offering now. Maybe it was a cancelled EB/GS offering? Let us know if you have any information on this.

I included a listing of the games available in a deluxe box set with the extra content at the end of the list. If you find mistakes or left-outs or have suggestions for more useful descriptions, please shout and scream!

On a sidenote, what is exactly the deal with the cooperation between Prima and Doublejump? When I bought some time ago the guide for SMT Devil Summoner I noticed that the alleged Doublejump book was published by Prima although this publisher wasn't on the cover. Same goes now for the new Rogue Galaxy guide, in both cases the copyright is with Prima. The Devil Summoner guide was never offered on the Doublejumb website, however, Rogue Galaxy is.

The guides seem to be great efforts; my Q: is Prima using the fantastic image of Doublejump among RPG-players to sell guides? Are the authors of the guides still slected and hired by Doublejump or Prima? Who is in charge for the content of guides, Doublejump or Prima?

[heybtbm]

On a sidenote, what is exactly the deal with the cooperation between Prima and Doublejump? When I bought some time ago the guide for SMT Devil Summoner I noticed that the alleged Doublejump book was published by Prima although this publisher wasn't on the cover. Same goes now for the new Rogue Galaxy guide, in both cases the copyright is with Prima. The Devil Summoner guide was never offered on the Doublejumb website, however, Rogue Galaxy is.

The guides seem to be great efforts; my Q: is Prima using the fantastic image of Doublejump among RPG-players to sell guides? Are the authors of the guides still slected and hired by Doublejump or Prima? Who is in charge for the content of guides, Doublejump or Prima?

According to the Doublejump website (forums):

The staff at Doublejump write the guides and Prima publishes them. Also of note is that Sony now requires Doublejump to publish their guides in the standard 8 1/2" x 11" format. No more fat, little guides for DJ (which is a good thing IMO).

I just picked up the Rogue Galaxy guide (and game of course) this afternoon and it comes in at a hefty 384 pages. If this guide would have been made in the smaller format, it easily would be their largest one to date. The amount of information contained is amazing. I think all RPG fans should buy Doublejump guides if for nothing else than to support a company that is full of people who love the genre...even if you don't usually do the "guide thing".

[eternalblue81]

Question: I removed the deluxe pack-note from Dot Hack GU. I remember to have read something about a deluxe pack for this game and made even a note, but can't find a thing about a deluxe set offering now. Maybe it was a cancelled EB/GS offering? Let us know if you have any information on this.

Yes, there is a special edition version of .hack//GU that I believe was a GS/EB exclusive. It comes in a larger cardboard box that includes the game, a figurine of the character Haseo, and Terminal Disc, which has a video digest of the prevous .hack games.

[Daria]

According to the Doublejump website (forums):

The staff at Doublejump write the guides and Prima publishes them. Also of note is that Sony now requires Doublejump to publish their guides in the standard 8 1/2" x 11" format. No more fat, little guides for DJ (which is a good thing IMO).

I just picked up the Rogue Galaxy guide (and game of course) this afternoon and it comes in at a hefty 384 pages. If this guide would have been made in the smaller format, it easily would be their largest one to date. The amount of information contained is amazing. I think all RPG fans should buy Doublejump guides if for nothing else than to support a company that is full of people who love the genre...even if you don't usually do the "guide thing".

I normally hate guides, but love what Double Jump has been putting out. However I think it really stinks that Sony's being nazi asshats over the format. It was nice having a guide that fit on a normal bookshelf.

[lendelin]

Yes, there is a special edition version of .hack//GU that I believe was a GS/EB exclusive. It comes in a larger cardboard box that includes the game, a figurine of the character Haseo, and Terminal Disc, which has a video digest of the prevous .hack games.

Thanks, guy, you were right and my dim memory correct. I added the deluxe set to the listing. Strangely, I've never seen that thing. It comes with an Haseo action figure and a "Terminal Disc." Someone who has the set might be able to clarify what is on this disc for a more accurate description in the listing?

I changed slightly the deluxe set lists at the end with more accurate and detailed content. This might be very helpful since we all know the evergreen Qs of collectors hunting after the WD sets for the PS1-RPGs like "what the hell was exactly in there?" :)

EDIT: Sorry, I overlooked in your quote about the disc the part "which has a video digest of the prevous .hack games." I edited the list accordingly. Thanks guy.

[lendelin]

I normally hate guides, but love what Double Jump has been putting out. However I think it really stinks that Sony's being nazi asshats over the format. It was nice having a guide that fit on a normal bookshelf.

Same here (not exactly, I love guides :) )...but I liked the bookformat of the recent Doublejump guides a lot (granted, very small print) like I loved the WD guides for Alundra and Lunar. I'd even opt for hardcover guidebooks like we have in Japan or had in the US from WD for Arc and Vanguard Bandits; but then, probably the market isn't lucrative enough for such elaborate guides in hardcover.

(BTW, Daria, I loved your collections in the Dragon Quest and Zelda threads! :) VERY IMPRESSIVE.)

However, I doubt what you and heybtbm said about Sony. It is probably PRIMA that insists on a magazine format for (what else?) money reasons, not Sony. Sony has no power over companies who publish guides.

[Daria]

Same here (not exactly, I love guides :) )...but I liked the bookformat of the recent Doublejump guides a lot (granted, very small print) like I loved the WD guides for Alundra and Lunar. I'd even opt for hardcover guidebooks like we have in Japan or had in the US from WD for Arc and Vanguard Bandits; but then, probably the market isn't lucrative enough for such elaborate guides in hardcover.

(BTW, Daria, I loved your collections in the Dragon Quest and Zelda threads! :) VERY IMPRESSIVE.)

However, I doubt what you and heybtbm said about Sony. It is probably PRIMA that insists on a magazine format for (what else?) money reasons, not Sony. Sony has no power over companies who publish guides.

Well whoever's decision it was. It stinks. :Þ

(thanks for the compliment though!)

[heybtbm]

However, I doubt what you and heybtbm said about Sony. It is probably PRIMA that insists on a magazine format for (what else?) money reasons, not Sony. Sony has no power over companies who publish guides.

The info on Sony making the decision comes directly from the source...the people at Doublejump...

http://www.doublejumpbooks.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=4709.0

[lendelin]

The info on Sony making the decision comes directly from the source...the people at Doublejump...

http://www.doublejumpbooks.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=4709.0

Oh geez, I forgot that Sony published the game. I think Level-5 when I think about Rogue Galaxy, not Sony at all.

You might be right. If "Sony asked for it," then the ball is in Sonys half albeit still the guide-publisher makes the final decision and has to hold grounds in the business-dealings with the game-publisher.

It might be not so clear, though, to blame Sony. Isn't it very convenient for Doubejump to say that Sony insisted on the format than to say that it was PRIMAS decision since they have a publishing cooperation with them?

Sony is a powerhouse, but so is Prima. I'd think they have enough leverage to push for a format they want...towards Sony AND Doublejump. :)

The reason I'm so mistrustful about the alleged Sony pressure is the SMT Devil Summoner guide. The game publisher changed (Atlus), but not Prima and Doublejump producing in the same new format (except for the first Disgaea guide). I don't know, but maybe Atlus pushed for the mag format as Sony did? I doubt it. Seems more likely that Prima with all its distribution power isn't a friend of the book format.

[heybtbm]

Sony is a powerhouse, but so is Prima. I'd think they have enough leverage to push for a format they want...towards Sony AND Doublejump. :)

Sony has the ultimate (and final) say in anything related to games, guides, accessories released on any of their systems. If you want to release your PS2, PSP, or PS3 product...you have to play by their rules. I'm not offering a commentary if this is good or bad, I'm just pointing out the way this industry works.


Seems more likely that Prima with all its distribution power isn't a friend of the book format.

You're probably on to something there.

[lendelin]

Sony has the ultimate (and final) say in anything related to games, guides, accessories released on any of their systems.

Oh Lord, I won't even respond to that because it is ridiculous.

However, as a publisher for a specific game, Sony has the final word for a licensed guide. But I doubt heavily that Sony pressured for a larger guide format.

The reason: let's use some common sense. After the first Disgaea guide, DJ published six guides exclusively in book format, among them SMT Nocturne (game publisher: Atlus) and Genji (game publisher: Sony). NIS, Atlus, and Sony felt obviously very comfortable with the successful format. If I were to believe the Sony-pressure-tale, Atlus and Sony suddenly transformed into a larger format pressuring company after Prima took over distribution.

It doesn't make sense! I wouldn't be surprised if NIS transforms into a mag- format-loving company as well after giving their ok for three guides in book size; and this has nothing to do with Prima, of course.

I don't know if the guy on the DJ forum reperesents DJ or not. If he does, the statement that Sony asked for the larger format is the dumbest thing he could say. It is not only false it is dumb because it is a cheap weaseling-out-strategy in order to avoid problems with the new cooperator Prima although it is obvious what's going on. It is a Doublejump-Prima decision, nothing else. Just ask him in response if Atlus insisted on the new format, too, and if isn't a remarkable coincidence that the format-change falls together with the new cooperation with Prima.

[eternalblue81]

Thanks, guy, you were right and my dim memory correct. I added the deluxe set to the listing. Strangely, I've never seen that thing. It comes with an Haseo action figure and a "Terminal Disc."

No problem. Happy to add toward the list. I was wondering if it would be helpful if the games that were only sold in deluxe/special edition form, like Dragon Quest VII, Magna Carta, and those that had the choice between standard and deluxe like Growlanser and .hack//Gu were differently marked?

By the way, I'm a gal, not a guy. :)

[heybtbm]

Oh Lord, I won't even respond to that because it is ridiculous.

However, as a publisher for a specific game, Sony has the final word for a licensed guide. But I doubt heavily that Sony pressured for a larger guide format.

The reason: let's use some common sense. After the first Disgaea guide, DJ published six guides exclusively in book format, among them SMT Nocturne (game publisher: Atlus) and Genji (game publisher: Sony). NIS, Atlus, and Sony felt obviously very comfortable with the successful format. If I were to believe the Sony-pressure-tale, Atlus and Sony suddenly transformed into a larger format pressuring company after Prima took over distribution.

It doesn't make sense! I wouldn't be surprised if NIS transforms into a mag- format-loving company as well after giving their ok for three guides in book size; and this has nothing to do with Prima, of course.

I don't know if the guy on the DJ forum reperesents DJ or not. If he does, the statement that Sony asked for the larger format is the dumbest thing he could say. It is not only false it is dumb because it is a cheap weaseling-out-strategy in order to avoid problems with the new cooperator Prima although it is obvious what's going on. It is a Doublejump-Prima decision, nothing else. Just ask him in response if Atlus insisted on the new format, too, and if isn't a remarkable coincidence that the format-change falls together with the new cooperation with Prima.

Believe whatever you want. Doublejump books said themselves (several times on their own forums) that Sony requested the larger size. If you want to continue with this bizarre conspiracy rant...go ahead. I'm done here.

[lendelin]

Believe whatever you want. Doublejump books said themselves (several times on their own forums) that Sony requested the larger size. If you want to continue with this bizarre conspiracy rant...go ahead. I'm done here.

We have very different concepts of "bizarre" and "conspiracy"...and "rant." What I described is neither bizarre nor a conspiracy but a very normal business relationship and business deal based on realism and not naivite. The former takes business with critical rationalism, the latter takes statements at face value.