Which system should I start my retro collection with?

[ZeroAX]

Hey guys. So I wanted to start collecting retro games in the summer. I took my mega drive from my parents house, cleaned it up, and even bought earthworm jim for it, from a local video game store. Anyway now with exams almost over I'm going to buy a "new" old system and I was wondering which of the following should I get?

Dreamcast, PSone, SNES or N64. I love platformers, but also like RPGs, 3rd person action games and whatever game is fun in general.

Now take in mind that I live in Europe so a lot of RPGs I'd have to import them, and I don't think I'll be doing that right away.

Sooo... which system do you guys think I should get started with?

[Pingfa]

Personally, most of the popular PS1 games aren't my 'cup of tea' and the library of great games isn't up to par with the others listed here.

The N64 has some brilliant games, but, for the most part, lack lastability (replayability). Some argue that you won't bother going back to play most of the great games in its library because they've had vastly superior clones.

Dreamcast has some fantastic games, and a variety at that. Long lastability, too. However, the library of great games isn't as extensive as the Mega Drive or the SNES.

SNES, in my opinion, has the most extensive library of fantastic games. The only drawback (or otherwise, 'what ever floats your boat') is that the majority of these are RPG games. Most of the SNES games do lack replayability, unfortunately, but as the library of great games is so long, there are still quite a few gems that are made to played and played again.

So then, I'd go with the SNES. It'll keep you occupied the longest (in my opinion).

[kgcarini]

Dreamcast!

It is my all time favorate system. It has a small library, but has the most fun and unique titles of any system.

[Bootaaay]

Dreamcast: small library, lots of unique titles (but not many RPGs) - as it's the most recent, you won't be shelling out silly money (unless it's for some of the DC's sought-after SHMUPS). Very easy to play imports with (either by burning a boot-cd or by making a CD-R copy of the game)

N64: lots of platformers & 3rd person action adventures, not many RPGs. I'd say out of all 4 systems you listed, the 64 has the weakest selection of games, still worth picking up though. To play imports you'd need an adaptor, but theres not too many JP/NA exclusive N64 games worth your time (except Sin & Punishment).

PSX: so many great RPGs, action titles and undiscovered gems - the only downside, lots of the RPGs are very pricey (Valkyrie Profile for instance) and NA exclusive. Playing imports is a bit of a bitch as there are many models of PSX, newer ones will accept boot-cd's but older ones will need a mod-chip as far as I know. Your best bet is to pick up a Slimline PS2 and buy some soft-mod Magic Keys, then use the Swap Magic CD method to play imports.

SNES: the SNES is an RPG & Platforming beast - if these are the genres you're most interested in, then SNES is definetly the way to go. Bear in mind, lots of the best SNES rpgs (like Chrono Trigger) can be quite expensive if you want a complete package - also, a good few SNES games were NA exclusive, but luckily a adaptor cartridge can be bought to play imports.

[lordofduct]

Bootaay has the best information for you all right there. It's basically the same I'd say. By said information I'd personally go DC, but for you... I'd say PSX or SNES.

depending on your need for "graphics". PSX is mostly 3D, SNES is all 2D.

[ZeroAX]

God I hate you guys(jk). Now I'm going to have to buy 4 systems at once . Didn't help much. I've narrowed it down to PSX N64 and Dreamcast though. Love the SNES very much, but have most games I want for it on my Wii as VC games or for my GBA as ports. Will be buying it as well for collecting but for now I'm going for one of the other 3.

[Pingfa]

^ In that case... I think I would agree with LordofDuct that the PSX is the way to go for yourself.

Personally, I'd go with the Dreamcast - but the PSX seems more fitting based on the genres you mentioned.

[D.D.D.]

SNES, in my opinion, has the most extensive library of fantastic games. The only drawback (or otherwise, 'what ever floats your boat') is that the majority of these are RPG games. Most of the SNES games do lack replayability, unfortunately, but as the library of great games is so long, there are still quite a few gems that are made to played and played again.

So then, I'd go with the SNES. It'll keep you occupied the longest (in my opinion).

I agree that the SNES has a great or even the best library but no way... The genre majority is not RPG. Most of the RPGs on the SNES are Japan-only (but many have since been translated of course). There are lots of great action, fighters, platformers, racing, and puzzle games.

[Pingfa]

I agree that the SNES has a great or even the best library but no way... The genre majority is not RPG. Most of the RPGs on the SNES are Japan-only (but many have since been translated of course). There are lots of great action, fighters, platformers, racing, and puzzle games.

My bad. What I meant was: The majority of great games.

I agree, though. There are some great games of the aforementioned genre.

[mcfreak]

+1 for Dreamcast. You can get the console and most games pretty cheap. It has some unique titles yet still has great graphics and you can can go VGA if you want to. You can also get your game collection going quickly by visiting you local Half Price Books. We have about 6 of them in my area and I always see DC games for cheap.