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! 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.