Purchasing a Gaming System

[Wolfbelly]

Okay, I believe that you're all savvy with regard to games, console and otherwise, and all this talk of the wonderful products of E3 have made me think seriously hard about purchasing something for fun and entertainment. The fact that my computer's internet died, and all the games I ever play are outdated by at least 3 years (maximum at least 10) has nothing to do with this decision at all. Nosiree, nope.

So what do you all recommend? I'm slightly more interested in portable than full-on console, because going for a full-on console would require me purchasing a full-on TV. And a full-on TV is expensive ... and a bitch to move. <p></p>

[Capntastic]

Get a Gameboy SP (The one with the nice backlight and clamshell design)- so you can play a host of swell GBA games, as well as classic Gameboy games.

If I had the knowledge I have now (The DS can't play Gameboy games, and is a general hassle to lug around, as it only fits in your pocket if you're huge.) I would not have gotten a DS.

[Besyanteo]

It seems like everyone's going after the Nintendo DS recently. I don't have one myself, but the games I've played on it just borrowing one from a friend have been fairly fun. And it appeals to me that it'll also play gaems from the Game Boy Advance, much like the GBA appeals to me because that will play games for the original Game Boy. ... Though I heard that the DS doesn't play those.

I've yet to hear a good thing about the PSP, including from people who actually own one. Then again, I've met two people who own one.

And... that's about as much as I can offer. I only started looking at hand held systems recently myself. <p>

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<div style="text-align:center"></div></p>Edited by: Besyanteo&nbsp; at: 5/24/06 20:37

[Ganonfro]

SP definitely seems to be a good choice, but lacks in games besides RPGs and Side scrollers like Metroid and Castlevanit. Seeing how it's here, on an RPing site, I'd likely say that it'd be the key. It's also what... 59 dollars now?

DS on the other hand can play all those games, plus the niffty new 3D games... Though there have been few I've heard are good. Metroid Prime: Hunters isn't what it was cracked up to be, the sequel to Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow rocks, and plays just like any other Castlevania in recent history, and Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time is equally as fun as the Superstar Saga. Not to mention the new Mario Bros, which everyone was raving about.

Can't really say much about PSP, though from what I've seen of it, it's the awesome multipurpous tool as well as portable console.

So in all:
GBA SP = 59$ + nifty games + nifty old games.
DS = SP + nifty new games - nifty old games + 70 more dollars.
PSP = Console + MP3 player + movie player.

I personally own a SP and DS. They have both served me well, though my SP's R button is dying, so I need to open the thing up and replace/clean the node. I've owned the SP since it came out in Blue, and that was what... 3-4 years ago? The DS is fun to use, though MP:H sucks to play multiplayer and the game is just... boring. Seriously, there are no action packed revelations of Samus... Or even engaging enemies. The other games I mentioned were great. Also, the DS's screen resolution is much clearer. The SP kind of looks like you're looking through a thin fog. Tolerable, just...odd.

My opinion is buy the SP used. If you like the games, and the classic ones, keep it. If you want more upgraded games, Buy the DS when the price lowers a bit, or trade the SP in to cut the DS's price down a little. There are too many good games for GBA, and DS has a small chache of really good ones. THE CHOICE, IS YOURS.

[Wolfbelly]

As pretty much anyone who knows me can guess, I'd recommend the Nintendo DS. Tons of fun games already out, and more on the way, and if you're willing to wait until June 11, then you'll be able to pick up the DS Lite, which is apparently smaller (and thus easier to carry around), and has brighter screens.

It even plays GBA games. Not original GB games, but DVD players don't play VHS tapes, CD-ROM drives won't take floppies, and that doesn't seem to hurt their awesome factor. In that light, it's pretty good that the DS plays GBA games.

And if you really, really want to play some old GB game, I'll lend you my Advance.

Seriously, go with the DS.

edit: Dammit Lloyd. Log the fuck out before you leave.

Edit2: Fuck YOU! *points fingers* <p></p>Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=wolfbelly>Wolfbelly</A] at: 5/25/06 0:45

[PriamNevhausten]

I'ma second Doc's post. If I were to get a portable system right now, it would be a DS, no question about it. <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;">"It's in the air, in the headlines in the newspapers, in the blurry images on television. It is a secret you have yet to grasp, although the first syllable has been spoken in a dream you cannot quite recall." --Unknown Armies</span></p>

[Animala]

I suggest the DS, myself; good games when we got it, good games have been released since we picked it up, and I'm looking forward to some of the newer titles. I like seeing how game developers have chosen to use different features of the DS in their games, and how well it's been done.

I don't have the problem with it not fitting into my pockets, but then, I'm a large person and I make sure to get pants with deep pockets at any rate. I do have an issue with the original Nintendo stylus being too pliable a plastic and coming out of the holder easily (especially when chewed upon :[ ), but a MadCatz stylus replacement stays in place much better.

--Dia--


[edit] Not sure about used, but the DS at EB is now $130. When we bought it, back in the day, it was still $150, or whatever, and $110 used. It sure didn't -look- used, and functione beautifully--obviously I'd suggest buying it preowned. <p><hr />to make the pain go away
i cut the universe
with ribbons
because that makes perfect sense.</p>Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=whiteknightdelta>White]&nbsp; at: 5/24/06 23:31

[BrainWalker]

If the Cap'n's pockets are too small to house a DS, he should stop wearing toddler clothes and upgrade to adult-sized pants like the rest of us :/ I could fit a DS and a half in my pockets, but then again I am laden with the fatness. Not sure that that actually effects pocket size, though.

Also, I am curious as to how Ganonfro arrived at the conclusion that Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow sucks, since he is the only person I have heard utter such sentiments.

Anyway, everyone's saying that the DS is awesome, and that's good because it's the truth. The GBA is also a good choice if you'd prefer to be more frugal and you've got some old Gameboy/Gameboy Color games you want to play. <p><div style="text-align:center"></div></p>

[Choark]

I don't like the DS at all...

...but apprently I sold my soul to Sony when I started working for them so don't listen to me at all.

Seriously though, I don't like it.

GBASP is pretty cool for SNES type games and PSP if ya got the money and don't mind a 4 hour battery life. <p><div style="text-align:center"> </div>
<div style="text-align:center"> </div>
<div style="text-align:center"> <span style="font-family:century gothic;font-size:x-small;">HEROES DON'T NEED PANTS</span> </div></p>

[Nick Shogun]

I don't know how many people I speak for when I recommend the DS, but there is a downside... if you play it for too long, your hands will start to go numb. The device is heavier than an SP. Wouldn't be surprised if the DS lands some people with arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome later in life.

On the upside, Super Paper Mario! <p><div style="text-align:center">

www.livejournal.com/users/jankenpo/
Jan-Ken-Po, an Online Webcomic. Hasn't been Updated in Months!
</div></p>

[Dr Ninja PhD]

I've played my DS for hours on end with no problems, and I have a bad left wrist. It's not really that heavy, and if it is, it's easy to play while resting your hands on something.

[Ganonfro]

Same here. I don't know why anyone is complaining about their "hands hurting" because of the DS. My hands hurt more from playing a FPS on PC than doing anything on DS.

[Animala]

Well, I always make sure to rest the DS itself against something--my lap or such whatnot. It's certainly heavier than a GBA/SP, so might as well compare the two while you've the chance. It'd be a good time to see which button setup feels more comfortable--which is more important to me. The GBASP's buttons looks squashed together closely. <p><hr />to make the pain go away
i cut the universe
with ribbons
because that makes perfect sense.</p>

[KingOfDoma]

Half decent televisions can be acquired for cheap.

I'll even find you one.

Uh...


Here.

Ninety bucks? And it's TWENTY inches. That'll do ya just fine, kiddo.

And heck, that was me not lowering my standards. I've got something similar to that. PLUS, with a cheap RF Modulator, you can use an OLD TV (with the coaxial cable hookup and no red/white/yellow plugs) to play on a current console. It's really not that bad.

Now, on to what you should buy!

Since you RP, I would assume RPGs would be something you'd prioritize, in which case, get the PS2 (slimline, preferably). It's got a lot of great RPGs (like, prolific) and the rest of the lineup's solid too.

... BUY A TV. <p><hr />
<div style="text-align:center"></div></p>

[Animala]

I've seen small (10-13") TV/VCR combinations for 50-80 (us$) during various sales; still, that's 50-80$ more, plus the system (memory cards, and games; new systems may come bundled with games). There's also mobility and space.

You do get more out of a TV, on the other hand. And a DVD player out of a PS2, if you want one.

Used PSX's were $15 last I checked--over a year ago--though EB Games won't be taking them in as trade-ins anymore, so picking up those games may become harder.

--Dia-- <p><hr />to make the pain go away
i cut the universe
with ribbons
because that makes perfect sense.</p>Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=whiteknightdelta>White]&nbsp; at: 5/25/06 19:32

[Wolfbelly]

PS2 would certainly be good on account of all the stealth games out there (Thief 3, Tenchu Stealth Assassins, ... Thief 3 again) as that's honestly the type of game that I REALLY go for. Outside of that, I'm more a fan of strategy games than RPGs because I find that sometimes RPGs sacrifice gameplay for story (example: FF8). And if that story doesn't agree with me, then I'm SOL.

On the other hand, Nintendo DS! I've been fiddling with one lately, and I'm impressed and pleased with the style of gameplay. Using a stylus? That's rad! And maybe, just maybe, I'll snag the new DS lite or whatever it is when it comes out. Wait for the PS3 to be released a few months from now, and all PS2s to suddenly devalue and drop in price on both the new and used market.

Going on a tanget, do any of you people know of any good stealth games out there? You know, where it's "sneak sneak" *look around* "sneak sneak" *stabbity* "sneak sneak" sort of gameplay? Games and systems, please. Thank you. <p></p>

[PriamNevhausten]

Not sure why Cha is advertising the slimline, because everything I've heard about those is, so to speak, "bad."

For stealth games you're looking at Metal Gear Solid series (PS2), and Splinter Cell series (Largely on the Xbox, if memory serves).

Also, to clarify, Mr. Fro never said that Dawn of Sorrow sucks. <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;">"It's in the air, in the headlines in the newspapers, in the blurry images on television. It is a secret you have yet to grasp, although the first syllable has been spoken in a dream you cannot quite recall." --Unknown Armies</span></p>Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=priamnevhausten>PriamNevhausten</A]&nbsp; at: 5/26/06 4:07

[Molokidan]

So...let me get this straight...the DS doesn't play Game Boy/GBC games? But it does play GBA games?

This is an interesting turn of events.

I think I'm still going to hook myself a DS Lite when it comes out, though. <p>--------
"Well slap a dead fish on me and call me Molokidan!"</p>

[KingOfDoma]

I advertise the slimline for I own one and am yet to encounter a problem. I even see certain advantages (just bigger than the cases the games they play come in, network adaptability right out of the box, faster load times) over the traditional versions.

Anyone got any counter-arguments? I'm glad to hear 'em, due to the fact I've never HEARD any. <p><hr />
<div style="text-align:center"></div></p>

[Ganonfro]

Priam has the right of it. I never claimed the game sucked. In fact I said "the sequel to Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow rocks" Bad BW. Bad. *Bops him on the nose with a rolled up newspaper*

My only complaint with the DS so far is that I haven't seen any games that have been "Must have" games. They're all just ports or sequels to other game series. I haven't really heard of any horribly great games that are original to the DS. I guess that's why I'm interested in FF3 so much, since it's being remade and finally released here, and only on the DS.

[Animala]

• Molo: According to wikipedia, the original Gameboy was "built around a Zilog Z80 processor" and it's the ommission of this in the DS which makes the older games unplayable. Speculatively, this also keeps the cost of the DS down, which is nice, because a $200 handheld is kinda silly.

I wonder what will be done with the huge library of Gameboy games Nintendo--and some gamers--have. Another gameboy player device, attachment, adaptor? Or will we find these games added into the Virtual Console post-launch?


• Ganon: I'm rather addicted to Brain Age, personally. I find myself attached to Meteos and especially the New SMB, and quite fond of Super Princess Peach. Mike seems to like Metroid Pinball, though I haven't had a go at it yet. I'm waiting for the right moment with which to strike.


• RE PS2s: Well, as for fat versus slimline, you can get the fat version more cheaply. At Ebgames.com It's listed as $99 used (with one of various used games), with the used slimline at $120. I haven't heard anything about one being better or worse than the other, so much as a general moan and groan for the Playstations' ability/lack of ability to function--and continue to function--the way they're supposed to, for a long, healthy console lifespan.

But, most places you buy from will let you return within 30 days or so if it turns out to be a piece of shit. My PS2 had troubles with both DVDs and compilation/ROM transfer games (the FF4/FF5 bundle and F6/Chrono Trigger...19 out of 20 times, the disc wouldn't load), so you may want to check those two abilities out if they're important to you; though some employees at stores have hinted at the idea that the PS2's ability to play DVDs just dies over time.

--Dia-- <p><hr />to make the pain go away
i cut the universe
with ribbons
because that makes perfect sense.</p>

[KingOfDoma]

Oh. Yes. Stealth games.

The standard of the day is Splinter Cell. All three games are very "sneakitty sneakitty" but only the third one, Chaos Theory, has a knife for your "stabbity stabbity". But, shooting someone in the head with a sticky shocker (it sticks, then SHOCKS) is pretty damn fun too. For all the big systems.

There's also (of course) Metal Gear Solid. The first was on PS, the next two on PS2. Much slicey madness. Go play.

And, for something more cartoony, there's the Sly Cooper series, a platformer, sure, but a "sneak up behind guys, steal their money AND valuables, then kill them... cartoonishly" one at that. PS2 exclusive.

Enjoy! <p><hr />
<div style="text-align:center"></div></p>

[Dr Ninja PhD]

My only complaint with the DS so far is that I haven't seen any games that have been "Must have" games. They're all just ports or sequels to other game series. I haven't really heard of any horribly great games that are original to the DS. I guess that's why I'm interested in FF3 so much, since it's being remade and finally released here, and only on the DS.

So you're not impressed with games that are ports (which are few, due to the dual screens) or sequels (which RPGs have based entire income streams on), but the game you're most waiting for is, at the same time, both a port and a sequel?

But if you're looking for games that are totally original, featuring never-before seen characters and what have you, then off the top of my head I can name: Ace Wright: Attorney, Under the Knife, Brain Age, Big Brain Academy (is that out yet?), Meteos, Daigasso Band Brothers (Jam With the Band -- you can import it, and you don't really need any Japanese to play it), and Electroplankton. I heard something called Nintendogs was quite fun, at least for a few weeks (which is longer than a lot of RPGs will last, mind), too.

And those are just ones that are totally new, nevermind ones that feature old characters in new ways.

[Ganonfro]

Considering I've never really played FF3, it's a new game to me, and since they're remaking it for the system, it's not a true port. Also, since Final Fantasy games don't have a continuous plot line, it's hardly a sequel to anything, and thus a new game. I anticipated Metroid Prime Hunters, different twist on the Prime series with mostly the same interface, but that turned out mediocre once I found out that the multiplayer isn't the best and the plot was nearly non-existant. And no, I didn't say I wasn't impressed with the ports or sequels. I was very impressed, I just didn't consider them "Must have".

Of those games you mentioned, I only am interested in Phoenix Wright, Brain Age, and Meteos. All of which I don't think are something I should rush out to get... Well, maybe Brain Age, since it's quite useful, having sudoku in a portable but non-paper form. Under the Knife, while is popular, doesn't appeal to me at all, nor Electroplankton. And Nintendogs is Tamagotchi by a different name. I hated it then, and I hate it now, except puppies are involved.

So, back on topic! Strategy games involving sneaking around? For DS, the only game that sounds remotely close to me is the Resident Evil 1 remake. I don't keep my eyes open for games similar, and doubt you'll see many, seeing how this is Nintendo. They doesn't usually go for espionage and spy killings, where sneaking around is key.

Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=priamnevhausten>PriamNevhausten</A]&nbsp; at: 5/27/06 23:02

[PriamNevhausten]

It bears mentioning that Capcom Vs. SNK: Cardfighters' Clash is getting a DS release. <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;">"It's in the air, in the headlines in the newspapers, in the blurry images on television. It is a secret you have yet to grasp, although the first syllable has been spoken in a dream you cannot quite recall." --Unknown Armies</span></p>

[Nakibe]

What? WOOHOO!

... wait, part 1 or 2? Because I have 1 (and a Pocket Color to play it with).

Also: The recommendations of the DS are probably the best idea. Granted, I am EXTREMELY disappointed in not being able to play older GB games, but that's mostly because I have a fair-sized library of them, some of which I personally find to be infinitely better than newer games of their type. The DS lineup has stopped boring me and started interesting me as well, so there you go. I think we can all agree on this. <p><span style="font-size:small;"><hr />
Currently idolizing - Roger Bacon, Shadow Hearts
Likes : Forbidden magics, Determined people, His teacher
Dislikes : Stupid people, Church officials, People that prey on the weak
Method of Destroying the World : Feh. God can do it for me. >:{
Becomes Super Powerful When : ... well F***. When ISN'T he?</span>

"Lunatic? The sages of EVERY age were called that! Let HISTORY decide whether my actions were good or bad. For now, we must forge ahead!"</p>

[Dr Ninja PhD]

You do know that your GBA/GBC doesn't autimatically stop working as soon as you buy a DS, right?

[Ganonfro]

...OR DOES IT?

I hear that the DS, in a 20 foot radius of a GBA/GBC triggers an explosion inside, destroying precious megabits. :(