Import ps2 titles? Recommendations?

[RadiantSvgun]

I am going to buy a Japanese ps2 soon. I know plenty of shooters and 2d fighters I already want, but anyone have any recommendations for other good games? Ones that are English-friendly or semi-English friendly?

[Wolf]

Well there is plenty of japan only titles out there which are english friendly, even some rpg's.

I bought my j ps2 for shmups, fighters and rpg's which don't make it here or differences in j vs na versions.

Just browse through play asia's ps2 genre sections should help you decide or find some obscure titles even if they are not in stock there.

[RadiantSvgun]

Thanks. One other question that I have, and a lot of people have, is in the US, do I need a step-down converter for the ps2? Or as soon as I get it, can I just plug it up and get to playing?

[TurboGenesis]

No need for any converters. Just plug and play.

[RadiantSvgun]

Turbo, you are a lifesaver, I was wondering about this for awhile.

[Drag0nsfyre]

Turbo, you are a lifesaver, I was wondering about this for awhile.

I'll 2'nd that! :D since I've been wondering myself.
Thanks!

[Aussie2B]

I use my PS2 without a converter too, and I haven't had any problems so no worries.

If you're up for some retro gaming, you may want to look into the Sega Ages line since there are plenty that didn't get released in the US. The recent Monster World Collection is really cool, and it's worth it just for Monster World IV alone since that's a pretty expensive Mega Drive cart. Plus the sheer number of different versions of the other games that you can play is crazy (for one game, you can have arcade, Master System, Mega Drive, Game Gear, etc. AND you get all the regional versions so you can play in English). The only downside is that you only get the Sega versions so no PC Engine ports available, but that isn't a huge biggie.

[Tron 2.0]

Shmups look at any one from cave.

Then you will be asking your self why SCEA shun these titles....

Hmm also if like you 2d fighters try KOF XI,SS Tenka,FOTNS or NGBC.

[RadiantSvgun]

Shmups look at any one from cave.

Then you will be asking your self why SCEA shun these titles....

Hmm also if like you 2d fighters try KOF XI,SS Tenka,FOTNS or NGBC.

I've already ordered FOTNS, Espgaluda, and Ibara. I forgot about the other atomiswave titles....

[8Ways2Tuesday]

I've already ordered FOTNS, Espgaluda, and Ibara. I forgot about the other atomiswave titles....

Oh good, I was going to mention Espgaluda. The nearest import shop has a copy sitting there, hopefully waiting for me until they get sick of it and mark it down (though I've been waiting for their copy of Chaos Legion for years now - it is not worth $60!).

[TurboGenesis]

@ Drag0nsfyre & RadiantSvgun, glad I can help. Japan PS2 opens gateway to many great games(many which I not know about) for both PlayStation and PS2!



I've already ordered FOTNS, Espgaluda, and Ibara. I forgot about the other atomiswave titles....

ESPGaluda is typical Cave fare, but FYI, Ibara plays more like Raizing game, namely Battle Garegga. It employs the infamous rank system, has bullets that are hard to see, and also has the medal collecting gig going on. Some like that kind of thing, others slam it.

If you are having strong liking for Cave score 'em ups, you may look into DoDonPachi Dai Ou Jou. For more shoot them up gameplay, I like Mushihimesama, but Cave fans don't like it like other Cave score 'em ups. Maybe that why I like Mushi the best from Cave.

[RadiantSvgun]

@ Drag0nsfyre & RadiantSvgun, glad I can help. Japan PS2 opens gateway to many great games(many which I not know about) for both PlayStation and PS2!




ESPGaluda is typical Cave fare, but FYI, Ibara plays more like Raizing game, namely Battle Garegga. It employs the infamous rank system, has bullets that are hard to see, and also has the medal collecting gig going on. Some like that kind of thing, others slam it.

If you are having strong liking for Cave score 'em ups, you may look into DoDonPachi Dai Ou Jou. For more shoot them up gameplay, I like Mushihimesama, but Cave fans don't like it like other Cave score 'em ups. Maybe that why I like Mushi the best from Cave.

Your and everyone's help has been great and I appreicate it. I was wondering about the Shooting Love: Trizeal. I never got to play it on Dreamcast.

Actually, with all the games I purchased, I went overbudget and have to wait till around the 20th to get the ps2! hahaa..

It's not really the score that gets me, I just love dodging a screen full of bullets! It's why ESP RA.DE. is one of my favorites. Is Dodonpachi for ps2 more bullet-hell like than the Saturn one?

[josekortez]

Here's the list of what I have that is easy to understand if you don't know Japanese, which, I don't:

Capcom Fighting Evolution
Darkstalkers Collection
namCollection
Sexy Mahjong Party
Taito Memories Gekan
Taito Memories Joukan

I don't know if Sexy Mahjong Party is HTF, but it's definitely something that you won't see localized and released at Toys R Us, that's for sure...

[GaijinPunch]

Shmups look at any one from cave.

No, don't do that. Definitely buy Dodonpachi DOJ and ESPGaluda, and consider Mushihime-sama & Ibara. Knowing you'll never play them otherwise, you might want them, but they are far inferior ports (and packages) to the previous two, even though good games.


I was wondering about the Shooting Love: Trizeal. I never got to play it on Dreamcast.


It's a turd...graphically anyway. Borderline doujin game.


but Cave fans don't like it like other Cave score 'em ups. Maybe that why I like Mushi the best from Cave.

??? It was their most commercially successful game in recent years. Took well over a year for the PCB to come below $1000, even w/ the PS2 port.


Dodonpachi Daioujou

If you like "getting good" at your games and feeling you've accomplished something, save this one for later. This is generally considered Cave's hardest. If you consider the scoring mechanism, it is likely the hardest game on the planet. The Super Play DVD that comes w/ it is unbelievable though.


Is Dodonpachi for ps2 more bullet-hell like than the Saturn one?

:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtFkpldJSpY

That's the last stage (stage 5, second loop) so dn't worry. You'll never ever get there unless you sell your soul to the devil.

[RadiantSvgun]

It's a turd...graphically anyway. Borderline doujin game.


Graphics aside, is it a good game? Because its like $56 bucks. Which is like you know... way to f'ing much to spend on a crappy game. I just don't want to miss out, becuase I missed out on Border Down and have to play that on a burned CD, becuase I can't find the real one, and when I do, its like $150+

[greedostick]

victorious boxers 2
y's books 1 and 2
y's 3
intelligent qube

The y's games can easily be played through with a faq, they dont rely on much text more cg scenes.

There is also a whole lot of neo geo game being released for the ps2.

art of fighting, fatal fury, kizuna encounter, samurai showdown collections

mark of the wolves, metal slug 6, samurai showdown 6 and alot more.

[RadiantSvgun]

Oh, I forgot about the YS remakes. I can play those without a FAQ though, just as much as I've played them on the Turbo CD.

[DKTheArcadeRat]

Don't pick up Garou: Mark Of The Wolves, if you have to get a home version that isn't AES or consolized MVS, get the Dreamcast Version. I played a bit of the PS2 one, it just didn't seem to flow as well. Thus hindering gameplay.

[Wolf]

DC MOTW has sound problems, it's well known...PS2 version is the best port to date next to the originals.

[klausien]

victorious boxers 2

Don't waste money on the import. This one came out in the US as a budget title. It is a great game though


For more shoot them up gameplay, I like Mushihimesama, but Cave fans don't like it like other Cave score 'em ups. Maybe that why I like Mushi the best from Cave.

Poor quality port aside, Mushihimesama has become my favorite vertical shmup. The original DDP will always be my first love (there is nothing quite so satisfying as the laser), but Mushi's combination of colorful visuals, easy to see bullets, insect theme, EXCELLENT soundtrack, and simplified gameplay system from some of the other Cave games make it well worth what they're charging for the Best Collection rerelease. I would say get this one first, followed by DDP: DOJ, but that's just my opinion.



If you're up for some retro gaming, you may want to look into the Sega Ages line since there are plenty that didn't get released in the US.

Absolutely. Monster Word Complete is incredible, as is the Treasure Box. The Space Harrier Collection also rocks.

[DKTheArcadeRat]

DC MOTW has sound problems, it's well known...PS2 version is the best port to date next to the originals.

I haven't noticed all too many sound issues. I personally love the verison, the Ps2 one is seemingly too slow or missing frames of animation. I just wasn't a fan of that port.

[Superfamifreak]

I can recommend:

Winning Eleven 9 or 10
Street Fighter Zero Fighters Generation
Fatal Fury Battle Archives 1 & 2
Art of Fighting Collection
King of Fighters Orochi
Chikyuu Boueigun 1 & 2
Onechanpuru
THE Shooting Double Shienryu
THE Zombie VS Ambulance

[RadiantSvgun]

I picked up Strikers 1945 I&II, and Gunbird 1&2.

I actually enjoy the Oretachi game centers. Akumajo Dracula and the Arcade Renegade are fun, but seem like Mame on a DVD. I still like em.

[GaijinPunch]

I don't follow 2D fighters at all, but I'm pretty sure all Garou ports have interlaced graphics... breaking them, effectively. MAME + a 15hz Moniter are your friend.

[Chris]

Chikyuu Boueigun 1 & 2


Definately, you can't afford to miss the two best Co-Op Multiplayer games the PS2 has to offer.
Those two are the only reason I still own a PS2, essential stuff indeed.

[geelw]

as superfamifreak sez, try some of D3's The Simple 2000 series of budget games. you'll find a LOT of fun action stuff from developers who know how to have fun with the ps2 hardware. sandlot as done a few fun titles with The Chikyuu Boueigun parts 1 & 2 (Vol. 31 and 81) tamsoft has their chick sword slashers like Vol. 61: the Oane Chapara and Vol. 90: The Oane Chapara 2, for starters. granted, these aren't "game of the year" material, but from a creative standpoint, there's more fun in these than in most next-gen stuff. I also recommend Ikusugami, Genki's more fantasy-themed take on the Dynasty Warriors franchise. If you want to se what up to 65,000 enemies onscreen looks like, this is worth picking up just for that eye-popping mode. steamboy is kinda cool - it's a 3D adventure/platformer based on the anime movie that's a nice surprise for a licensed title. if you don't mind playing a 3D game with NO analog control in this day and age, kaena is alright. that's the action game published by namco that's based on the CG movie kaena: the prophecy.

[DKTheArcadeRat]

How about the baby abuse game? I forget the actual name of it, but it was just a bunch of minigames (Summer/Winter) with babies as characters. And some of the games, have earned it the affectionate title in the SJ circle, of the Baby Abuse game.

[Pascal]

I can recommend:
Appleseed EX

It has not the best test results but it is really worth a look !

[fahlim003]

If Colin McRae Rally (2005) ever gets released on PS2 (Interchannel is planning a localisation but has no date) then that would a title worth picking up. I have nothing against WRC or V-Rally or any other rally game but ever since I played 3 I've felt it's one of the most competitive around and people outside PAL have been getting the PS2 end of the shaft for the CMR games.

[GaijinPunch]

I can recommend:
Appleseed EX

It has not the best test results but it is really worth a look !

I remember hearing about this before it came out, but I never got it. Can you make more specific comments? These types of games I'm usually not too fond of, but I thought the Ghost in the Shell game wasn't too bad (even though mediocre in many respects).

[Hwj_Chim]

Well I will go ahead and recommend Melty Blood and Matrimelee

[RadiantSvgun]

Is matrimelee still really pricey? I hardly see it being sold.

[Hwj_Chim]

Yes, if you find it expect to pay a lot. It normally is in the 65 to 100 dollar range.

[DKTheArcadeRat]

Gah, i remembered what it is called, its a simple 2000 game, called Come On Baby. Its pretty fun, I enjoyed it when I played it.

[Vectorman0]

Gah, i remembered what it is called, its a simple 2000 game, called Come On Baby. Its pretty fun, I enjoyed it when I played it.

This game is entertaining for five minutes, then it sucks.

EDIT - I should have added some recommendations so I'm not just being a hater. Anyway, Double Shienryu is a game I enjoyed quite a bit and I think it's fairly cheap. It has both the old and a new version. I have put much time into it, but Neo Geo Battle Colosseum is also a fun Atomiswave port. Pretty much all of the Atomiswave ports I have tried have been pretty good.

[DKTheArcadeRat]

Dude, so entertaining for like 10-15, after you play all the games however, I can see it sucking to some people. Who am I to judge games, I think I might be the only one who enjoys Action 52.


This game is entertaining for five minutes, then it sucks.

EDIT - I should have added some recommendations so I'm not just being a hater. Anyway, Double Shienryu is a game I enjoyed quite a bit and I think it's fairly cheap. It has both the old and a new version. I have put much time into it, but Neo Geo Battle Colosseum is also a fun Atomiswave port. Pretty much all of the Atomiswave ports I have tried have been pretty good.

[Drag0nsfyre]

since I finally have a japanese PS2 on the way. I ran across a game not listed yet in the recommends called Shinobido Imashime. I did some looking around on YouTube for vids looked cool) and I also saw some pretty good user scores from users at GameSpot who all seem to love it. Anyone here have it? It looks like a pretty cool stealth ninja game reminds me of Tenchu.