Best current PS2 RPG?

[infoghost]

I've been away from the PS2 for a bit, but I've just purchased one of the new slim ones.

I want to get me some RPG goodness. What's the best current one available? Shadow Hearts Covenant looks tasty. I am looking for the typical Japanese turn based/FF-like RPG. I've played FFX, but not FFX-2. Didn't really have much appeal to me, but I supposed I can be talked into it if it's really good.

[Dreamshadow]

Dark Cloud 2 is a really good RPG.  It's style keeps calling me back in.

Also, keep your eyes open for Tales of Symphonia for the PS2.  Hopefully it hits shores here.

[Rob_Merritt]

I wonder if there are any "pc" style rpgs on any of the consoles?

[warning]

I wonder if there are any "pc" style rpgs on any of the consoles?

Probably more ports: Morrowind and Arx Fatalis come to mind.

I'd stay away from Final Fantasy X-2.  I hear it's teh suxxors.

I'd let a copy of Wild Arms 3 go real cheap.  

[Knightshade Dragon]

Dark Cloud 2 is a really good RPG.

That is a matter of opinion.  I didn't like it at all.  Rob, if you are interested in it, you let me know...maybe we can work a trade.

[Knightshade Dragon]

Wild Arms 3

Tim tells me that WA3 was a great game.  I never picked it up myself...

[Qbe]

Shadow Hearts Covenant is $19.95 at Toys R Us.

Get warning's Wild Arms 3 for some fun RPG action.  It's a good way to go until Alter Code F comes out in a few months.

You might check out the first Xenosaga game.  It's pretty cheap nowadays too.

[infoghost]

Shadow Hearts Covenant is $19.95 at Toys R Us.

20? It's 50 everywhere else, I may need to swing by on the way home tonight...

Thanks for the advice. I am also looking into shin megami tensei, based on some recommendations.

[semiconscious]

I am also looking into shin megami tensei, based on some recommendations.

gets my nod...

[infoghost]

Hey Qbe - do you know if that was a one-time sale, or TRU perm price on Shadow Hearts?

[Qbe]

That's the new TRU price.  Due to the new price, however, it may be getting difficult to find.  EB does have it for $30.

[Gratch]

Shadow Hearts Covenant looks tasty. I am looking for the typical Japanese turn based/FF-like RPG.

SH:  C would be my first recommendation.  I liked it quite a bit better than Shin Megami Tensai, but that's more just personal preference.  If you're more into story and character development, SH:  C is the way to go.  If you're into a unique battle system and power-levelling, you'll probably enjoy SMT more.  Can't really go wrong with either, honestly.

I've played FFX, but not FFX-2. Didn't really have much appeal to me, but I supposed I can be talked into it if it's really good.

FFX-2 is one of the most horrid pieces of crap I've ever played.  If you enjoy giggly, angsty, teenage, Britney Spears wanna-be's then you'll love it.  Otherwise, I'd steer clear.

[Destructor]

Wild Arms 3

Tim tells me that WA3 was a great game.  I never picked it up myself...

Yes, it was a fun title. There's not only a Wild Arms 4 due out soon too, but a remake of the original Wild Arms as well.

[Calvin]

Wild Arms 3

Tim tells me that WA3 was a great game.  I never picked it up myself...

Yes, it was a fun title. There's not only a Wild Arms 4 due out soon too, but a remake of the original Wild Arms as well.

I have a long post about helping me find an RPG sittnig on my computer at home for me to finish up, so while I have nothing to contribute now, be ready to help out again people

My suggestion until I find something better is to go replay FFX. The pinnacle of the systems RPGs.

[Devil]

Ys

(OK - It's not turn based)

[-Lord Ebonstone-]

FF-esque RPGs are a rare find nowadays on the PS2, largely because, well, no one wants to compete with Final Fantasy.

That being said, here are all the FF-esque (turn based combat, party system) games for the PS2 that come to mind (and are of at least mediocre quality):

-Shadow Hearts
-Grandia II
-Grandia XTreme
-Legaia 2: Duel Saga
-Wild Arms 3
-Suikoden III
-Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter*
-Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits*
-Xenosaga 1
-Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne
-Shadow Hearts: Covenant
-Lord of the Rings: The Third Age
-Suikoden IV

*These two are party-based but have very different combat systems than the Final Fantasies.  BoF is also an extremely non-traditional RPG, while Arc is pretty predictable.

[RamPanther]

FFX-2 is one of the most horrid pieces of crap I've ever played. If you enjoy giggly, angsty, teenage, Britney Spears wanna-be's then you'll love it.

Mmmmm....do they bounce up and down?

[depward]

The closest KIND of game like FFX game is definately Shadow Hearts Covenant.  Being a long time fan of RPGs (been an all generation gamer) my favorites are traditionally FFVI, FFIV, and Chrono Trigger.  Shadow Hearts Covenant ranks right up there with the best for me.  Simply just an awesome game!

Some people have noted that they didn't like the sillyness that's present in the game.  There is some of that, and some pretty weird stuff (the cards you get for different Cornelia dresses are . . . weird   ), but I really liked how they added that in there with the story.

And I might be in the minority, but I really enjoyed the story.  And I REALLY liked the cast of characters.  Music is very good too, seeing as how I had to get the official game soundtrack.

And you might possibly enjoy Xenosaga I . . . if you like watching cutscenes that is - and I enjoy cutscenes a lot so this one is right up my alley.  But yeah, I would say a definate Shadow Hearts Covenant purchase is highly recommended  

[EddieA]

IMO, FFX is still the best RPG on the PS2, but I'd put Star Ocean : Til the End of Time second (although it's action and not turn-based), and Shadow Hearts : Covenant third.

[infoghost]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I grabbed SH:C for 20$ at TRU.