Ordered 8 PS2 Essentials

[dsheinem]

No one could reasonably argue that GOW can hold a candle to DMC in pure gameplay, but the stories, settings, gore, graphics and polish are worth experiencing. I don't mind the easiness of the series, as there's something to be said for its sublime mindlessness. That said, if you want some challenge, the systems in GOW 2 and GOW 3 are more complex than the original and in the arena/challenge/whatever they call it mode there's death aplenty to be found.

[MrEco]

I honestly can't tell if I like the God of War games or not.

On the one hand, the combat is rather satisfying. While it may be easy, it always feels good to hit an enemy in a GoW game. There's a real weight and heft behind every swing of your weapons in those games, and I really enjoy that. It certainly doesn't hurt that there is a suitable amount of gore and very well done animations that helps bring together the experience.

Also I really like the scale of the GoW games. Many of the enemies and levels are big and, dare I over use and already cliche compliment, I think they feel really epic. It all ties in very well with the Greek mythology theme and I love that. It really feels, not all the time of course but enough times, like you're in the middle of playing a big adventure in a fantastical world.


Then the down side... oh boy where can I begin.

The combat, despite all the praise I gave it just above, can get boring. Usually for me it's not until the end of the game, but still. It can feel very repetitive as most fights can be won by pressing square a lot and dodging at the right times.

The platforming is just as terrible in GoW as it is in DMC, and I really wish action game dev's would stop forcing platforming segments into their games.

The story, which was actually pretty good in the first game, immediately turned to crap in the second game. And it only got worse with each entry.

Kratos is one of the absolute most unlikable characters in gaming. I hate him and his stupid generic face and his terrible motivations and his whole attitude and disregard for human life, especially when the games always tries to paint him as the victim and hero.

I could probably list more, but that's all I can think of at the moment.

[Jagosaurus]

Out of the titles I listed GoW is the only one I've spent any time with in the past. When it first came out, I'd just sit & watch one of my buddies play it & occasionally got sessions in as well. I was genuinely impressed & liked the Greek mythos tie in.

I really dug what I played. Sometimes after hours of RPGs, punishing old school platformers, & thought provoking titles... I don't mind picking up a mindless game like a FPS, beat em up, or a game like GoW. Looking forward to revisiting it!

Also, appreciate the insight into the others. I'm most anticipating SotC out of the lot.

[Ack]

You know what? Considering we've all played it and have an opinion on it, I'd say God of War definitely defined the PS2 and should be picked up, even if not all of us like it.

Anyway, I agree with your decisions to pick up Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, Yakuza, and Kingdom Hearts. Okami and Beyond Good and Evil are also wonderful, and I prefer them on PS2. Castlevania: Curse of Darkness however...I own it, I've beaten it, and I just don't know if I can consider it essential. It's not bad, but in my opinion Lament of Innocence is a much better choice. That said, it's still a worthy pursuit for a Castlevania fan, and I am glad to have it in my collection.

[GSZX1337]

The story, which was actually pretty good in the first game, immediately turned to crap in the second game. And it only got worse with each entry.

Kratos is one of the absolute most unlikable characters in gaming. I hate him and his stupid generic face and his terrible motivations and his whole attitude and disregard for human life, especially when the games always tries to paint him as the victim and hero.

I agree with ya here. When I played GoW2, I knew I wasn't playing the hero and I got tired of the attempts to convince me otherwise.

...picking up a mindless game like a FPS...

I don't think that's fair.

[brunoafh]

...picking up a mindless game like a FPS...

I don't think that's fair.

As in calling some FPS games mindless, or comparing mindless FPS to God of War? Because FPS games made to be mindless certainly exist, and God of War is basically the mindless version of its genre.

But, I would not say FPS is mindless by default. In which case I agree with you.

[GSZX1337]

...picking up a mindless game like a FPS...

I don't think that's fair.

But, I would not say FPS is mindless by default. In which case I agree with you.

You got it with this one.

[prfsnl_gmr]

Well, I missed out on much of the PS2 library and I've decided to get the game I really want to play while they're cheaper.

Welcome to the last generation! The PS2 is a great system with an incredible library. Although I have 250+ PS2 games, and I am always discovering new games that I want to add to my collection.

1. Castlevania Curse of Darkness

Castlevania: Curse of Darkness is better than Castlevania: Lament of Innocence IMO. The characters are interesting, the combat is fun, there is a lot of exploration, and the graphics are great. The music is terrible, however, and the game - like all other 3D Castlevania games - does not approach the greatness of the 2D entries. (Also IMO - and although I have not played Lord of Shadows - Pandora's Tower (Wii) is the best 3d Castlevania game.)

2. Yakuza

I own this game, but I have not played it. I have heard good things about it, however, and I really need to dive into the series.

3. ICO
4. Shadow of the Colossus

These games are great...super great...like, two of the best games ever made. I love them to death, and I hope that you do too.

5. God of War

This is a fantastic action game with one of the most unlikable main character of all time. The gore and sex are incredibly juvenile, and like MrEco, I cannot stand Kratos. I respect the design immensely, however, and I really had a lot of fun playing through it.

6. Beyond Good and Evil
7. Okami

These are two of the best 3D Zelda games ever made, and Okami is one of the best games ever made for any system. Again, I hope that you enjoy these as much as I did.

8. Kingdom Hearts

This is another fun game with an annoying main character. (This game is not quite as juvenile as Go of War, but unlike God of War, the camera in this game is absolutely terrible.) I enjoyed it, but I will not replay it any time soon and have not sought out the sequels.

I'm gonna beat prfsnl_gmr to the punch and tell you that Okami and Beyond Good & Evil are two of the best Zelda games ever made.

Damn it!

[Weekend_Warrior]

Red Faction

[Ack]

Red Faction

Whoa, when did we start discussing PC games?