Help me pick a current gen system and games for the old man!

[Bratwurst]

My father is getting on in his years and recently hurt his knee so he can't move around like he used to. He's been taking it easy but the unfortunate side effect is that sitting around watching television is boring him to death, so here's the deal.

I don't follow the current gen systems very much, and he doesn't like reflex-reliant action games. He used to play Nobunaga's Ambition, Myst and 7th Saga but I don't think he's into the traditional Japanese RPGs very much. I'm thinking of the three systems the PS2 is going to have the most variety but wouldn't mind picking up a Gamecube because there's some games I've been wanting to play on it myself.

What I need to know are some game suggestions that would appeal to my father (strategy/tactical/adventure) and are fairly cheap and easy to get now, 20 dollars, on Amazon.com etc. PC games are also welcome suggestions, his machine isn't exactly top of the line though it does run WinXP.

[Vectorman0]

Is there any reason why you specifically want a current gen system? If he enjoyed those older games that you mentioned, maybe you should stick with the classsics. Although an Xbox may not be the best current gen system of choice, a modded one would certainly have plenty of games available for it. I wish I had more experience with the types of games you wanted, but it sounds like the PS2 would have the most current gen variety.

[Slate]

I think i'd go with the gamecube.

Here are some good games for it:

Mario party (Series, 4 through 7, going on 8 soon enough)
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (This one can be bought for $20 anywhere)
Sonic Mega Collection
Spyro: Enter The Dragonfly (I also suggest the other spyro games that are on the gamecube, although i haven't played them)
Starfox Adventures (This one isn't all shooting in the starship, there is on-foot action)
Super Mario Strikers
Super Mario Sunshine
Warioworld

Some of these, (Mario party games, Super mario strikers) Are not any cheaper than $20, but they're good.

[Crazycarl]

eh i say ps2...wider range of games that he might like, also really easy to find cheap games for. If you want a graphical boost go for the xbox, hell the used ones at gamestop are the same price as the used ps2's.

[Jibbajaba]

I think i'd go with the gamecube.

Here are some good games for it:

Mario party (Series, 4 through 7, going on 8 soon enough)
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (This one can be bought for $20 anywhere)
Sonic Mega Collection
Spyro: Enter The Dragonfly (I also suggest the other spyro games that are on the gamecube, although i haven't played them)
Starfox Adventures (This one isn't all shooting in the starship, there is on-foot action)
Super Mario Strikers
Super Mario Sunshine
Warioworld

Some of these, (Mario party games, Super mario strikers) Are not any cheaper than $20, but they're good.

O_O Based on the information given, I don't think these are the types of games that the guy would want to play.


Honestly, help him either upgrade his computer or buy a new one that would be capable of playing some current strategy-type games. You would definitely not need a cutting edge rig for that.

Then hook him up with a copy of Civilization 4.

Chris

[Bratwurst]

Titles, people, I want titles.

[Sanriostar]

How about Animal Crossing? Or would the cute graphics be a turn-off for your dad? (serious question)

My Mom loves the Paper Mario series, but can't fight worth a damn. I got her AC, and she now has >>4<< Memory cards so she can have 4 towns.

What about the Sims?

[SirDrexl]

O_O Based on the information given, I don't think these are the types of games that the guy would want to play.


Honestly, help him either upgrade his computer or buy a new one that would be capable of playing some current strategy-type games. You would definitely not need a cutting edge rig for that.

Then hook him up with a copy of Civilization 4.

Chris

I agree, and I would also suggest Sid Meier's Pirates!, which can now be had for around $20. A good enough video card (which may be the only thing that absolutely needs upgrading) could be had for $50-100.

Another suggestion for a system, if the small screens aren't problems, might be the DS (Lite of course). There are apparently some unique and interesting games on there.

[CosmicMonkey]

I'd recommend the Gamecube.

If he likes adventure games, I'm sure he'll be kept busy with Zelda:WW, Zelda:OoT and Zelda:MM.

[lordnikon]

Virtua Tennis (Any platform)
Cosmic Smash (Dreamcast)
Mario Tennis (GameCube)
Arnold Palmer Tournament Golf (Genesis)
Time Crisis 2/3/Zone (Platstation 2)
Katamari Damacy (Playstation 2)
4x4 Evolution (any platform)
Phantasy Star Online Episode III (GameCube)
Odama (GameCube)
Romance of the Three Kingdoms series (Playstation 2)
Culdcept (Playstation 2)
Chess Master (Playstation 2)

These are some games I recommend. Basically any offroad driving game where you can just drive around in circles is a good move. This is very easy to play and I know a lot of older people that own these games and just like turning them on for a few laughs.

Strategy games like Romance of the Three Kindoms, or PSO EP3 are a good move, because they let the user take their time and don't rely on reflexes in order to play. There are MANY Romance of the Three Kingdoms games. So if your dad really likes these, you can get him more to satisfy his thirst.

The tennis games are an obvious choice. They are simple to play and are a throw back to the original Pong. They are a no brainer.

I hope some of this list helps. I think the Playstation 2 is going to be your best bet, simply because of it's massive library of titles.

[Slate]

O_O Based on the information given, I don't think these are the types of games that the guy would want to play.

Honestly, help him either upgrade his computer or buy a new one that would be capable of playing some current strategy-type games. You would definitely not need a cutting edge rig for that.

Then hook him up with a copy of Civilization 4.

Chris

100% right, I must be as crazy as my current avatar looks, posting up a list like that.

[CosmicMonkey]

In fact, thinking about it, just get an Xbox. Get that TSOP flashed with something more useful and upgrade that HDD, if you see what I mean ;)