A Japanese PS2 tempts me

[Spoiler Duck]

Because of the NiGHTS into Dreams remake. However, one game alone cannot justify a console purchase. Can someone point me in the direction of (or provide one here) a list of must-own JP PS2 titles? Criteria:

1 - Must not have a superior port elsewhere (Rez is a good example of a common recommendation I come across when the 360 XBLA edition is just so much sweeter)
2 - Text-heavy games, like RPGs, are a no-no. My tourist level Japanese won't help me here. The story/dialogue must be unimportant to the enjoyment of the game.
3 - Not already/soon to have a Western localisation.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

how about the new thunderforce game that just came out?

[Bootaaay]

Do you like shmups? If yes, then buy, buy, buy;

DoDonPachi DaiOuJou
ESP-Galuda
Ibara
Mushihime-sama

You won't regret it

[dlmvii]

quite a few good vertical shooters if you're into that kind of game (dodonpachi daioujou, espgaluda, mushihime-sama, ibara)

edit:beat me to it, you bastard :p

also, if you're looking to actually purchase games instead of download them, keep in mind these shooters can be quite expensive (mushihimesame is 100+)

[corn619]

Demon Chaos looks sweet just to see over 65,000 enemies on screen at once on a PS2. I'm thinking about modding a PS2 just to play imports as well. Theres so much awesomeness that we miss out on.

[equalsign]

If you're into rhythm games than you could try Vib-Ribbon (PS), Mojib-Ribbon (PS2), and Vib-Ribble (PS2). There's also the Panzer Dragoon Sega Ages remake.

[t0yrobo]

There's a whole bunch of good JP ps2 games that won't likely ever get a US release. But if you have a ps2, just get swapmagic, there's no reason to throw down all the cash for a jp system unless the 30 seconds of disc swapping really bothers you that much.

[equalsign]

There's a whole bunch of good JP ps2 games that won't likely ever get a US release. But if you have a ps2, just get swapmagic, there's no reason to throw down all the cash for a jp system unless the 30 seconds of disc swapping really bothers you that much.

I agree with this guy. That way you can play PAL games too. Gregory Horror Show anyone?

[Bootaaay]

If you do get a JP unit, get one of the new SCPH-90000 models as they have a built in universal power supply and all you need is a standard uk power lead.

Also, some more games i'd reccomend;

Gradius V, Sengoku Basara 2, Last Blade 1 & 2 collection

[Spoiler Duck]

There's a whole bunch of good JP ps2 games that won't likely ever get a US release. But if you have a ps2, just get swapmagic, there's no reason to throw down all the cash for a jp system unless the 30 seconds of disc swapping really bothers you that much.

I do have a PS2, but it is the family's, so modifying hardware or potentially breaking the disc drive with a slide tool is out. Looking at Play-Asia's rates, a Japanese console works out only £20 more than a local one, so I may as well go the easy, unmodified route.