Picking up a PS2 today, which games to start with?

[Navin_Johnson]

Along with many already mentioned, I'd add Okami - it's is pretty good. God Hand is a lot of fun too -- I'd say it's more a beat 'em up than a fighter so you might like it.

[ott0bot]

I highly recomend getting Okami. Such an amazing and fun game.

Another great action/rpg is Tales of the Abyss. It's got traditional jrpg elements, but the battles are really fun 3d beat em ups (you can even have a 2nd player fight in the battles). Such and great game, totally worth the 90 hours I put into it.

The Red Star is a pretty awesome beat em up/shooter hybrid. It borders on the shmup category on some parts so that may no be your cup of tea.

Metal Gear Solid 2 & 3 are good choices. Even though you'll find quite a few opinions I think they are both worth playing.

The Sega Genesis Collection has a some great classic titles as do the Capcom Collections.

Odin Sphere is a cool game, but can be very frustating at times. It looks amazing and has some great ideas...but the execution isn't perfect. You may want to give it a try though, I don't regret buying it.

I'd also agree that Shadow of Colossus and Ico are great choices.

[DuManchu]

Holy cow!

I knew the PS2 was a popular platform but I didn't expect so many quality titles.

I think I'll add Silent Hill 2 to the list as well, and perhaps Okami.

Bottom line is, I'll be busy for a while. Good thing GameStop is pretty much liquidating their PS2 inventory at the stores around here, I could probably spend $50 and come away with 7-10 quality titles no problem.

Is there ANYTHING remotely similar to Return Fire available for the PS2? I will eventually get the PS1 version, but I'm always looking for games in this vein.

Thanks for the suggestions, keep em coming!

[PGchris]

I don't know if your interested in making any trades but I have Devil May Cry, and Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3 which are all excellent games up for trade along with a couple others. check it out...

http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... =22&t=9748

[jonathang]

grand theft auto games, god of war, metal gear soild , getaway.mercenaries,

[Scooter]

I highly recommend ICO and Shadow of the Colossus. Drakan isn't a bad choice either.

[maiku]

I know it's already on your list but I'll throw out another vote for Psychonauts. Excellent platformer.

Katamari Damacy is quirky fun. It's actually cheaper new at Amazon ($11) than used at EB/GS.

Also, I didn't see the Sly series mentioned. It still sits untouched on my 'to play' shelf but I've heard good things.

[the7k]

http://kotaku.com/5126059/a-buyers-guid ... ation-past

Just figured I'd throw that up there.

As far as RPGs are concerned, go for Growlanser Generations, Disgaea 1 & 2, Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne, SMT: Digital Devil Saga 1 & 2, Persona 3 & 4, and Rogue Galaxy.

With fighters, I can't see you going wrong with King of Fighters XI, King of Fighters: Orochi Collection, Street Fighter Anniversary Collection, Street Fighter Alpha Anthology, Soul Calibur 2 & 3, Guilty Gear X & XX, and Capcom vs SNK 2.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistance is worth getting if you have the money/get lucky, A lot of people love Marvel vs Capcom 2, but I feel it is far too unbalanced to be worth around $100. Still, it's good for parties. It goes against my soul to recommend any Square/Enix title after the PS1 era, but I suppose you could do a lot worse than Kingdom Hearts and Dragon Quest VIII. Devil May Cry, and its proper follow up Devil May Cry 3, have to be experienced. GTA3 is a great game for its time, but beware of the buggy Vice City and "tries to do everything" San Andreas. They're still fun, but I just felt GTA3 had a smoother experience. Katamari Damacy and I Love Katamari are quirky fun games that I loved to death. For the best in Action/Adventure, look no further than Beyond Good and Evil and Psychonauts.

I can't recommend Okami, Shadows of the Colossus or Ico personally, because I haven't properly experienced them. Based on word of mouth, however, they should definitely be picked up if you come across them.

[countcowden]

my choices

GT4
GTA San Andreas if you like rap or GTA Vice City if you like the eighties, both if you like mindless violence.
Killzone
GOW 1/2
Timesplitters 2
Burnout 3 takedown
Colin Mcrae Rally 4 (might be europe only)
Bully
Ratchet and Clank
Tekken 5

[thejamessea]

Yakuza 1 and 2.