Need some input: Playstation 2 vs. Xbox (1 Viewer)

[John Besse]

I just got my Xbox and I love it dearly!!! But there is no Final Fantasy X for the box :frowning:

 

[Romier S]

I haven't played SH2:RD for X-Box, but a lot of the reviews of it said there were problems with the controls and a little bit with the graphics (though I haven't played it, so someone else could confirm or deny this?

I can confirm (as written in my review on the forum) that SH2 Restless Dreams graphically is an improvement over the PS2 version. There are no framerate issues whatsoever. The bonus game runs absolutely perfect as does the main game (perfect meaning exactly like if not smoother than the PS2 version). There is no load time. 5.1 sound. Look up my review on the forum and you can read more in depth.
Control wise I do have a contention with the default setup. It is very difficult to get a handle on. Changing the options to controller setup #2 alleviated most issues I had with the X-box version. I will say the PS2 dual shock is more comfortable to play the game with by a small margin but the graphical upgrade and the bonus scenario makes the X-box version the definitive version of the game.
Now I didn't want to derail the discussion but I wanted to go ahead and clear that up.
As for the subject at hand the PS2 has the games plain and simple. Anyone that says the X-box has the kind of library to contend with PS2's is delusional.
The funny thing is that I see about 2-3 of these threads going on debating which system is better from people who are trying to make a purchase and at the end of the day the answer is always the same. PS2 has the games NOW. If you want instant gratification and a stellar lineup of titles go with Sony's PS2.
If you want a good solid lineup of launch titles (with the killer app Halo) along with top notch tech specs, 5.1 sound, and all around HT support go with the X-box. The X-box has bright future and you would be making a good investment as allot exceptional games are coming along for the system.
Both systems have there pluses right now but really this whole discussion is something that should be done a year from now when the X-box and the PS2 are on even ground. Both systems will be pumping out software and thats when the real comparisons can be made. For crying out loud the X-box just launched!
If you are unsure of what system you want....wait. Go see what games are coming out for both in the future and see what gets you all riled up. If 15+ plus years of gaming has taught me anything...hardware doesn't mean anything without good games. Buy whichever system has the games that appeal to you. Everything else is a perk.
PS. The other alternative is to buy the Dreamcast. For 50 bucks its a steal and I swear you wont find a more complete lineup of games on any other console (including the vaunted PS2!) Hows that for a bold statement!!

 

[Iain Lambert]

Finding Dreamcast games is becoming a nightmare, but it does have to be said that for $50 its probably worth it right now. As long as you find them, there is easily a big enough pile of decent games (mostly cheap as well) to keep you busy until later in the year, when (a) PS2 prices should drop in the US, and (b) the success or otherwise of the X-Box and Gamecube can be more realistically judged.

For what its worth though, the PS2 has already shipped so many units that its not going away in a hurry, even if the so-called 'hardcore' have to buy another console as well to get the absolute best in quality graphics.

 

[Peter Rohlfs]

Look at what games you like to play and see if the system supports them.

For one on one fighting games (my personal fave) the PS2 is the clear choice since X-Box only one, DOA3. PS2 has an abundance, i.e. Tekken Tag, SF EX(3?), Knockout Kings, Kengo, Guilty Gear, DOA2 HC.

X-box will be more intresting if Capcom and Namco start supporting them with fighters.

Peter

 

[Lou Sytsma]

I'll rephrase what I said earlier.

If you are looking from now to the next 6 months the PS2 will ably fill your needs.

After that the XBox will have a sufficient library of games that the PS2 will become a doorstop for most.

 

[Ryan Peter]

I'd say that the Xbox will be almost caught up to the PS2 in terms of library quality by March. Once Shenmue 2 and MGS-X come out, the libraries will be even.

 

[Kip]

I'd say that the Xbox will be almost caught up to the PS2 in terms of library quality by March. Once Shenmue 2 and MGS-X come out, the libraries will be even.

Sure. A port of a Dreamcast game and a PS2 game ought to even things right up.

Kip

 

[Romier S]

Sure. A port of a Dreamcast game and a PS2 game ought to even things right up.

No, but a port of one of the most wanted Dreamcast games that was never widely released in America (Shenmue 2) along with:
Project Ego
Brute Force
Gunvalkyrie
Panzer Dragoon
Jet Set Radio Future
Hunter the Reckoning
Elder Scrolls 3 Morrowind
Enclave
Duality
....and a good load more that I haven't even mention will. I do see what your saying though Kip. Theres no way 2 games are going to even things on the software front
Also lets not forget about Nintendo:
Super Mario Sunshine
Legend of Zelda
Metroid Prime
Mario Kart Gamecube
Perfect Dark Zero
Donkey Kong Racing
Dinosaur Planet Starfox adventures
...and more from the house of the Big N. Looking at that list you start seeing how things start to level out a good bit more. Add in the fact that allot of the big name PS2 games are getting ports to one or both of these systems and you can see how, put very simply, proclaiming a system to the best at least at this point is useless.

 

[Ricky Hustle]

Once I discovered the superior video and audio of the X-Box, I sold my PS2...

I can see his thinking. I can really only afford one system, and I chose not to purchase the PS2 and wait for the Xbox. Maybe that's his issue also.

I've always been a one console guy, maybe because my PC has always been my second console.

 

[Ryan Peter]

Kip, I was refering to the "must-have" MSG that everyone always counters the Xbox with when its library is discussed. Shenmue = the answer to Final Fantasy. GTA3 is coming out in March (I expect to to be improved like all the other ports have been thus far) along with TH3 (again, improved). Then the Jet Grind Radio exclusive. We get UFC exclusive for a while (the latest videos at IGN look awesome). Then there's Wreckless, Raw is War, Outlaw Golf, The Matrix, Project EGO and a bunch of other awesome looking titles (Romier hit a bunch too). By Q3, Xbox will have a very impressive library of titles.

 

[Eric Alderson]

I don't want to come off sounding like a fanboy, but where was everyone when "Jet Set Radio" and "Shenmue" came out on dreamcast. I own these games and I think they are great. But they were not enough to "save" the DC. Now all I hear is that Jet Set Radio Future and Shenmue is going to be "great" and "awesome". I'm sure they will sell due to the X-box's limited library (I know that will change), but these are sequels to games that probably sold poorly. As for picking the system, go where the games are.

 

[Iain Lambert]

Eric is correct - Jet Set Radio performed rather disappointingly on the Dreamcast in terms of sales. At the time, I guess, people didn't want an inline skating, spray tagging game for some reason. Its a pity - those that didn't get it really missed out.

 

[Romier S]

where was everyone when "Jet Set Radio" and "Shenmue" came out on dreamcast

Buying both games silly. At least I was. In fact I just recently rebought Shenmue and I still have my original copy of JSR.
Actually the answer to your question is "Buying the PS2". At that point Sony had mindwiped everyone into believing that that the PS2 was the second coming and everyone bought into it. Leaving the Dreamcast (and those those games you mentioned) to fail miserably in Japan and eventually die despite decent sales in the US. Is that Sony's fault? Not really. You can't blame them for hyping thier machine to the limit and it paid off. But I think every Sega fan secretly holds a little grudge in thier heart
On a side note I'm still contemplating importing Shenmue 2. Not sure what I'm gonna do about this dilemma just yet. Get it now or wait for the X-box version........
PS: For those who want a really good Import title for the DC go out immediately and buy Headhunter! After reading the review at IGN I purchased the game at NCS (these guys are great to deal with!) and I received it today. Its an excellent title so far. Once I get further into it I will right one of my "First Impression" reviews on it for the forum.

 

[Jason Handy]

Romier,

What is NCS? Also, can you get the import hack for the US Dreamcasts on their website? Thanks

Jason

 

[Iain Lambert]

NCS = National Console Support, a company that specialises in selling import games and consoles. They also are taking preorders for the decidedly funky looking limited translucent edition of the XBox that Japan is getting for its launch (see the current front page for a screenie). Nice!

 

[Chris_Anders]

HALO.

The rest is icing on the cake.

JSRF

Brute Force (Looks Amazing)

Project Ego

Wreckless

Lord of the Rings

GTAIII (This summer)

Project Gotham

Online gaming goes up this summer.

Always IMO.

 

[Morgan Jolley]

Shenmue = the answer to Final Fantasy

I'm sorry, but I have to laugh at this. Final Fantasy has production values of a way higher scale and can display more than a few characters on screen at once, no matter what console, and is a true RPG series in the classic sense. Shenmue is more of a life simulation with a story than a classic RPG.

While Shenmue is not a bad game (though I didn't like it) it can't really be compared to the FF games.

Anyhoo, as I see it, the X-Box games are mostly OK or good, but only one or two are GREAT. Right now, the PS2 has more GREAT games, plus more on the way. The X-Box has some GREAT games on the way, but they are not all exlusive titles or are a ways down the line and will be countered by GREAT PS2 games. Up to the summer, I can see no console being better than the PS2, simply because of games.

 

[Joseph Young]

cough, cough... :rolleyes
Sometimes understanding context is key.
Ryan was not comparing the quality or style of Shenmue with the quality and style of Final Fantasy.
He was referring to an equivalent anticipation for a game that, whether you like it or not, is considered epic and groundbreaking to a lot of gamers, this one included.
A lot of people really like and appreciate Shenmue. Most of us here recognize that you do not.
Let's move on...
Peace,
Joseph

 

[Morgan Jolley]

If they were being compared by their importance to their respective consoles and the recognizability, then I would agree on the analogy, but if they are being compared as games, then I would disagree.

Sorry if I mistook what he was saying.

 

[Ryan Peter]

Welcome back Morgan. Missed you.