best import only ps2 games

[lol monster]

i think i might finally get a japanese ps2,maybe the ffxii version.

so what are some good japan only games for the system?i am looking for weird and crazy games over anything else.also does an american memory card work with the japanese system?

thanks!

oh and i am in the right forum now,so cool!

[GaijinPunch]

Your memory card should be fine.

Gekisha Boy is a pretty wild one that's import only.
ESPGaluda has definitely gotten the most play time from me (way more than any RPG) and is an all around solid product.

[DTJAAAAMJSLM]

If you like games similar to Super Smash Brothers, I'd recommend DreamMix TV: World Fighters. It features classic stars like Solid Snake, Simon Belmont, Bomberman, Optimus Prime, and Master Higgins.

[heyricochet]

Guitar Freaks/Drummania. Duh. Oh and I'm pretty sure you can use any memory card for either a japanese or US PS2. I have a modded Jap ps2 that I picked up in Hong Kong and I've never had any problems moving memory cards between my jap and friends US consoles.

[klausien]

Gotta throw my endorsement behind Initial D: Special Stage. It was a crime that it was left in Japan considering how popular drift racing has become, how hard it is to get some time on it in the few arcades we have left, and how frickin' great it is. Not a huge fan of the Manga, but I love the game.

[lol monster]

come on there have to be more games!

[klausien]

You might be better off with a US PS2 with a chip than a Japanese one. I was firmly in your shoes, but then I got a solderless chip. Need to have an old-style, large PS2 and some serious patience, but it works beautifully.

Honestly, not to break board rules but, the best reason to throw a chip in a PS2 is the ability to play burned PS1 & PS2 games as well as all region DVDs. It is nice to have the ability to try some imports before you plop fown $60+ and also have the ability to play backups of those you do make the investment in.

As for more legit suggestions, all the Cave games are worth a buy. Dodonpachi Daioujou, ESPGaluda and Mushihimesama are all great. The Psikyo packs are also nice, not perfect, but nice. Gigawing Generations, Psyvariar Complete and Raiden III are also decent 2.5D shmups. The PS2 is a shmuppers' paradise in Japan. Too bad SCEA sucks.

[Aussie2B]

You can't get much more weird and crazy on PS2 than Cho Aniki. :) Fun game too.

And I'll second Raiden III as a pretty good shmup.

Oh, and if you're up for Japanese RPGs and enjoyed the US version, the original Star Ocean 3 is worth playing just to see all the changes they made to the Director's Cut (AKA the US version). There are ton of differences in the gameplay, among other things, so it can be an entirely different experience in how you battle. It's pretty cheap too.

[davidbrit2]

Gotta throw my endorsement behind Initial D: Special Stage. It was a crime that it was left in Japan considering how popular drift racing has become, how hard it is to get some time on it in the few arcades we have left, and how frickin' great it is. Not a huge fan of the Manga, but I love the game.

Fuckin' signed. I'd probably fall asleep during an episode of the anime, but I'm still addicted to the game. A PSP version is due out in Japan this February, and I've got my copy preordered. Whoo.

Battle Gear 3 is also loads of fun. It's much, much shallower than Initial D, but the control is absolute sex with the Logitech wheels, the graphics are fantastic, and the cars actually have modeled interiors.

And of course there are loads of music games like Beatmania IIDX, Pop'n Music, etc.

[lol monster]

can i get a list of the best of the best shooters?2D or 2.5D of course.

[Cryomancer]

Simple 2000 series is your friend for random ps2 amusement.

[Dimitri]

If you like games similar to Super Smash Brothers, I'd recommend DreamMix TV: World Fighters. It features classic stars like Solid Snake, Simon Belmont, Bomberman, Optimus Prime, and Master Higgins.
I've got the Gamecube version and, frankly, I think it's awful. Awkward controls, strangely animated attacks, and the whole having a lifebar thing make it feel very much like a poor man's SSB. I've played it maybe two or three times and put it on the shelf...

[lol monster]

alright now as far as music games go what are the best games that arn't in america/don't have a chance of coming here?

[SaturnFan]

Berserk 2

[The S]

For the fighting game fan, I suggest Dream TV, and any SNK games that Sony won't allow over here (SVC Chaos, KoF Neowave, Neo Geo Battle Coliseum, KoF '94 Rebout, Mark of the Wolves, et cetera).

[Mark III]

Yeah there's lots of great shooters and Fighting games for the Japanese system. Or if your looking for something weird/different try Space Fishermen, it definately fits the bill.

[layzee]

If you're looking for "weird and crazy", then "Hanjuku Eiyuu Tai 3D" and "Hanjuku Hero IV" might fit the bill.

Note that both games are made by Square-Enix.

[delafro]

Hmm, you can always try good old shmups.com for lots of good shooter info...

More specifically, this page should help you with your search, as least as far as shooters are concerned...

http://www.classicgaming.com/shmups/xenocidefiles/ps2.html