PS2 Game Recommendations

[croman]

I currently own a XBox, but for Xmas I am going to buy my son (and me) a PS2.  I currently do not allow him to play with the XBox in his room since it is hooked up to the HiDef ports on the back of the big TV and figured it would be nice for him to have something in his room.

My Question is, what are some must have games for the PS2?   I especially would like to get some good RPGs since the XBox really does not have many of them (good ones anyways).  I am open for other types of games also

I am looking for recommendations that are PS2 specific (if they are on the XBox, I would just get them for that system).

Thanks

[Caine]

lets see. these are all ps2 specific, and just the most recent or well known games
rpgs
final fantasy x - big square production
final fantasy x-2 - sequel to above, a bit heavy on the songs
xenogears - cinematic intensive and story driven
shin megatami tensei:  nocturne - traditional combat, great story
star ocean 3 - non-traditional combat
shadow hearts - non traditional combat and setting
shadow hearts:  covenant - sequel to above
kingdom hearts 1 and 2 - disney meets square.  great production values
.dot net 1-4 - pseudo online experience, serial storylines
summoner 2 - u.s. rpg, action heavy
dark cloud 1, 2 - both have city building aspects, 2 has item creation.  action rpg

have you tried x-men legends?  not only is it a good rpg, but it can be played coop.  something for you and your son to play together.

action
jak 1-3 - 1 is very platform-ish, 2 and 3 more action run and gun
ratchet and clank 1-3 - all very good action games with lots to shoot
sly cooper 1 and 2 - sneaky/platforming

other
katamari damacy  - most unusual.  think snowball effect and no limts on what you can pick up in the world
r.a.d. - remote control a 100 foot robot against monsters from another dimension, set in japanese cities.

racing
gran turismo 3 and 4 - 3 has tons of vehicles and mods.  more real world racing theme than nfs underground.  4 out in january will have more.

beyond this, there are tons of other games out for the ps2 and many of them quite different from the "normal" genres.  let us know what your'e in to and we can help you

[Kevin Grey]

I second pretty much Caine's whole list (or at least those I've played which is approx 80% of them).  

In particular I have to highlight the Ratchet & Clank series- should appeal to pretty much every gamer no matter what their demographic is.  

In addition, based on my recent playthrough, I couldn't recommend Metal Gear Solid 3 more highly.  

Also- Zone of the Enders 2.  Don't bother with the first ZoE, but the second game is an absolute blast to play and one of the most amazing looking games this generation on any platform.

[Jeff]

In particular I have to highlight the Ratchet & Clank series- should appeal to pretty much every gamer no matter what their demographic is.  

Agreed. You can get R&C 1 for around $20, if not less, and it's a sheer delight to play. It's the one series I will most miss about my now sold PS2.

[Big Jake]

Dude, do you value your brain?  Avoid FFX2 like the plague.

[Caine]

Dude, do you value your brain?  Avoid FFX2 like the plague.

i would guess that you didn't like to be a pop singing britney aquilera wannabe with a sword?  

i probably should point out that i did not play that one, or a few of the others either.  i listed that and others on ps2-only basis, and in cases, on the recommendations of friends.

[warning]

In particular I have to highlight the Ratchet & Clank series- should appeal to pretty much every gamer no matter what their demographic is.  

Agreed. You can get R&C 1 for around $20, if not less, and it's a sheer delight to play. It's the one series I will most miss about my now sold PS2.

The 2nd one is $20 also.  

[croman]

Thanks Guys, I will look into some of these!

[ChrisGwinn]

Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution is pretty darn cool, and also a bargain priced title.

[Eduardo X]

Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution is pretty darn cool, and also a bargain priced title.

Yeah, that is the best fighting game I've played, though I have more fun with Soul Caliber 2.

[Zap Rowsdower]

Shadow Hearts 2
Katamari Darmacy
Disgaea