JohnnyRock

OK, I haven't had a game console in years and years. Finally decided to get back on the wagon now that my house has a space just for me--my own personal Mantown!

Question is, which system to buy? I am not overly interested in online gaming. I play mostly sports game with some action/fantasy games as well...

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

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Lasereth

If you have to choose only one system, and you like sports games, then PS2 fits the description perfectly. It's *expected* to fall in price this month, so I would hold out for a week or two before buying one.

-Lasereth

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Moonduck

Yup, PS2, as Lasereth said and for the reasons he mentioned.

JohnnyRock

Thanks!

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Mikado

I'm going to go against the norm and say the Xbox. I'm not fanboy either, in fact I own all three systems, however if you're just going to be playing mostly sports titles then I'd go with the Xbox. There aren't any sports titles exclusive to PS-2, that I know of, and it's been my experience that most games look and play smoother than the PS-2 counterpart. Images and textures are sharper, framerates are smoother, and I personally feel the controls are more responsive. You'll get all the sports games PS-2 has, plus Microsoft's own first party titles.

I know you're not interested in online play, but I feel it's best to at least purchase something that will satisfy that need if you decide to go that route in the future. Xbox has a much better online function than PS-2 at the moment, and it's got HDTV output if you ever decide to upgrade your TV. So to me it would make more sense, if you're going to spend the money, to buy something that has more flexibility for the long run. Especially considering that you probably won't want to buy another console anytime soon.

However, the PS-2 is dropping in price this fall for the holiday sales. I believe it will be $99 just like the Cube. Xbox is also dropping it's price as well, though we haven't been given a final quote. Even still, I think the Xbox is well worth the price of admission.

Stare At The Sun

I'd go with an Xbox too, if you like sports games, it has some damn good ones, just go to IGN.com and check it out.

Also, if you are a music fan, you can rip entire cd's to the xbox's hard drive, i have 60 cd's on there now, with plenty of rrom left. Xbox is quite worth the price of admission, Halo is one godly game and it has all the sports titles PS2 has, not to mention its got a lot of damn good action games.

Just my .02

Lasereth

I checked IGN, and the PS2 has about 10 exclusive sports games that the XBox doesn't have.

I checked out IGN (I go there all the time) and every single XBox sports game that came out has the same review as the PS2 version or worse.

Yes, XBox does have Halo, and Halo is an amazing game, but it's not worth buying an XBox over if you only have one system choice (I buy every system that comes out to solve this problem ). PS2 is the king of action games, even though XBox does have its fair share of them. I'm just saying from experience that the PS2 has the best library of games, and that's what a system decision should be made on.

Of course, it's entirely up to you. XBox is a great system as well as Gamecube. I would hate making the decision of choosing one system, but it would have to be PS2. Any system you buy will serve you well as long as you play the good games on it. This sounds overly obvious, but it's not -- most of the people that hate this console or that console hate it because they've played all of the shitty games for it. Buy either one of the three and play games that IGN gives 8.5 or above and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

-Lasereth

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"A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

JohnnyRock

I wish I could own them all...unfortunately being married with a kid puts a damper on my fun...I appreciate all the info.

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Ganguro

As much as i want to personally sell you a gamecube, I would avoid that console if you are just looking to mainly play online and sports titles. Id seriously look into a ps2 as well. The xbox is nice and all (when it works) but the quality of titles offered and actual feeling of dedication from 3rd party developers is not worth the hassle and price of admission that SONY offers. Now if you are into console hacking... that's another issue.. but for regular old playing.. most people are perfectly happy with a ps2.

junglistic

Lay down another check beside the xbox. You ask why? Cuz its f'n awesome. Its the first system ive ever had that no matter how many times i go back to it, i still have a smile on my face and think, wow, it can do that too.

Now, im not endorsing pirating at all, But the first step would be getting a mod chip. Then, upgrade the hd. 160gig sounds nice. Then, network that sucker to your PC. Now you can load in all the latest and greatest xbox software. All the games you *own*, can also be copied to the HD of the xbox. Each game consumes about 700mb-3gig. So you can hold quite a few games, and be ready to see those load times you've remebered from N64. It doesnt end there, got movies on your computer or dvds or mp3's you like to backup? Throw them on there too, this is a full entertainment system.

Not to mention emulators, they have xbox emu's for just about every pre-dreamcast system out there, PS1, snes, genesis, mame, sega master system, etc etc etc. And you can easily get roms (for games you own) off the net.

Here's a quick price break down as well. (in canadian funds, hit www.xe.com to change to us or whatever)

xbox - $239.99
160gigHD - $139-159
Modchip + install - $50-70
Grand total = ~430bucks

In my mind, the only thing PS2 is holding onto is gran turismo 4.

But anyways, i think i could jammer on about how great xbox is for years.

For more resources on modding xbox's check out
www.xbox-scene.com

spived2

damn junglistic thanks for the info. Didn't know you could do all that with an xbox

I own an xbox and recommend it as well. It's got some very good games and the quality is much better then the ps2 (most of the time)

Also, if you buy an xbox now and wait a little bit, you might have some extra cash and be able to pickup a ps2 pretty cheap.

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"This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is it vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished, as the once vital voice of the verisimilitude now venerates what they once vilified. However, this valorous visitation of a by-gone vexation, stands vivified, and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin vanguarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition. The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous. Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose vis-à-vis an introduction, and so it is my very good honor to meet you and you may call me V." - V

JohnnyRock

Thanks...

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Lasereth

If you go to IGN, you'll find that none of the games that came out on XBox got better reviews than their PS2 version. As a matter of fact, most of them got lower than the PS2 versions, showing that the PS2 actually has a better quality game. Recent examples are SSX3, Tony Hawk Underground, the GTA Double Pack, Tiger Woods PGA Tour, and various other games. I'm not saying that XBox sucks...there's games out there that have did better on XBox (Soul Calibur 2), but not "most."

If you can compare the same game on both systems and the PS2 version is better most of the time, then saying that XBox has better quality than PS2 doesn't make sense.

Both systems are great, but the PS2 simply has a better library for the average user. If you want to do the "OS installation" and "music ripping," then XBox is it, but the average player doesn't want to do that. They want a huge selection of games that are as good if not better than the same game on other systems, and the PS2 has that over the other two systems.

As I said in a previous post, this can all be solved by simply playing the good games on whichever system you buy. But you gave what you wanted in a system, and the PS2 simply fits it.

-Lasereth

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"A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

Dibbler

IGN.com is the most biased site on the web! I can't believe you guys go there? At least go to some place that has multiple opinions like metacritic.com. IGN's reviews are based solely on who has the most money to give them.

Jesus Pimp

I own all three consoles and have to say get an Xbox. Besides getting it modded, there are more and more good games coming out for it as time goes on. PS2 has a shitload of games but most of them suck. There are a few good exclusives though.

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junglistic

Lasereth, opinions taken from IGN are not valid here. They are very one sided.

Sit down for an hour with the same game for either system. The first thing people dislike about the xbox is the controller. But after a while you'll be loving it (im talking about the type s contoller not the old school spaceship one).

Graphically, the xbox wins hands down. Ive never seen a game that looks better on ps2 then xbox. It wont happen. Comparing the specs of each system basically proves xbox's technological superiority over ps2.

I'll be blatantly honest, i think the people who are so PRO ps2, are only lying to themselfs because they own one and they want to beleive they own the best system. There are just so many positive aspects of the xbox, including so many great games, most of which are on ps2, but some are not.

In turn, there have and will be some great games which are ps2 only, but you cant have anything. So you kinda gotta do a toss up.

In my opinion, xbox is just the superior system when all angles have been look at.

Lasereth

I own all three systems. I waited at midnight on the day of release in crowds of a hundred people to get it for every console back to the PS1. I'm a hardcore gamer. I own at least 200 videogames and have played most of them thoroughly...hence me not being biased. My opinion might not matter...I'm just stating the facts.

I'm not saying PS2 is better because of the controller, either. I don't mind the XBox controller, and I have two of the spaceship ones. They're fine to me.

XBox may have better graphics, but that doesn't mean it's a better choice. Graphics are only icing on the cake...gameplay and control has to be established first. PS2 won't be able to reproduced something like Halo's graphics, but that doesn't mean it's inferior.

IGN's opinions are just as valid as anyone elses, especially considering they're a group of professional reviewers that base a game on a standard set of criteria without bias. You won't find that from most reader reviews. That's why I stay away from jumbled review sites like Metacritic.

There are still more good games on PS2, though. Having a larger library simply presents the issue of having more games to fuck up. More games that are better wins over having less games that suck.

What do you base this on? They've never been biased in the four years I've been visiting the site. I don't like how only one reviewer reviews the games, but it's usually a good inclination of how good a game is. That's why I have a subscription to Electronic Gaming Monthly, which has three reviewers for every game.

I hate to argue so much, but I'm a dork. Sorry. I'll also reinforce my statement in earlier posts: no matter which system you buy, if you play the good games on it, you won't be disappointed. I love my XBox and GC as much as my PS2, mainly because I buy the good games that come out for it. Knights of the Old Republic and Halo haven't been reproduced on any other system, Metroid Prime hasn't been challenged on any other system, and the world still hasn't seen a racing game to challenge Gran Turismo 3. That's why I buy all systems that come out...to get the best of games.

It doesn't matter which system you buy, just make sure to buy the good games for it. All three systems are equally as entertaining, each offering exclusive titles that must be played. I'm just basing my "buy the PS2" statement off of his requirements for a system:

The XBox has the best online gaming, which he isn't interested in. He wants a big selection of sports games, in which the PS2 is the winner. PS2 also has plenty of action and fantasy games, moreso than the XBox and GC especially in the fantasy area.

Remember: I'm not saying that the PS2 is the best system, I'm simply saying it's the one that he should buy. If he want sports games AND online support but no fantasy games, then XBox would be the obvious choice.

-Lasereth

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floonine

Xbox Live is the best best best. For anything, the Xbox should be noted as a console that comes with its own hard drive, cd ripper, dvd player, and ethernet cable. And, its big and it can kill you.

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Mr.Deflok

Lasereth, you spend far too much time at IGN! I hope you're paying them extra for the IGN Insider 'cause I'm sure you're ripping their bandwidth up pretty madly.

However IGN does rule.

Lasereth

Don't worry, I do have an Insider account.

-Lasereth

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"A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

theburner

I like the banter, but I am throwing my backing behind the Xbox with Live. AI in sports games only takes you so far. They are predictable after awhile and the game gets old. However, sports games on Live are ANYTHING but predictable, and keep football and other games fresh. If you like FPS games, Xbox rules all others. Ghost Recon, Ghost Recon IT, Rainbow6, Counter Strike, Desert Storm 1 & 2, HUGE HARD DRIVE, wireless cables and headsets... Xbox is the bomb.
And no, I don't work for Xbox or any of their game studio's.

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bundy

mate, i´ve got an Xbox and a PS2... and i´d have to recommend the Xbox.
i just find it better quality... i can´t tell you why exactly with heaps of numbers or mods, all i can say is, its better.
imo, the only thing that ps2 had over xbox was grand theft auto, but now i´ve just heard that its out for xbox and pc...

please tell us which one you decide on though.

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sTghezzo

I've played on all 3 gamecube, xbox, and ps2, and i own the ps2. Probably have to go with Xbox as long as keep comin out with some kickass games

-z3r0-

Go with Xbox . Ive mod mines to 200 gig hd and have about 20 games stored on it and a couple of emu, its great.

SSJwrestler

PS2 is my personal fave, great games and graphics

burgerdog

I have all three systems, and love them all in their own way. But I reccomend PS2 over the others to people who don't have a current console. It gets all the cross platform stuff and has the largest library of everything.

there are a lot of great games on all systems, but I feel if you get a PS2 you will definitely find what you like, whereas the other two have holes in their libraries. (good luck finding a solid platformer on Xbox or a nice RPG on the cube)

Sunrise

I'd go with an XBOX because basically it can make such a great entertainment unit. I don't have one at the moment, but once I get a job, I might get one. It's damn great and is a generation ahead of the other consoles. Don't forget doom 3 is supposed to be coming for it too.

JohnnyRock

well, I'm off to best buy to hack around on all three and make my wish list for Santa...I'll let u know the verdict...and thanks for all the input!

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strife

I must agree with Lasereth. the PS2 would definatly be the best choice for what he wanted.

Xbox live isn't a factor, becuase:

For the minor increase in the sharpness of graphics, and a quicker loading time is 3 whole seconds really that big of a plus?

Don't get me wrong, I like my XBOX, and I like my PS2, and I like my GC. But seeing as how this is a "Given these criteria, which console will suit me best" - type threads, I really have to agree with Lasereth and say the PS2. The quality between the two are negligable, PS2 has a much larger game library, and if it so happens that you find a game on PSX that you just happen to love, you can play it on the PS2 as well. I am not saying that any of these systems are bad, or that the PS2 is better than the XBOX, I just think the PS2 will just fit the shoe a little nicer.

Lasereth definatly said it the best.

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strife

docbungle

You can't really ask people for unbiassed opinions on this subject. It's like arguing atheism with a christian. The different sides will never agree on anything.

All the consoles kick ass. Test them out and buy what YOU like best.

My choice is PS2, because I am biassed and like it better. That is all.

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sblime42

Also, as to Lasereth's comment on GTA3 xbox getting a lower rating than GTA3 on the ps2, they clearly stated in the review that everything about the game was better, just that the graphics were a bit outdated and the game was ultimately the same as the one they had played on the PS2. Lasereth is obviously more than a little biased.

Ov3rKiLL

dude i say go for xbox. i have an xbox myself and this christmas theres this new game coming out called "fable" and its going to be fucking sweet.

Lasereth

You have a good point. The XBox version is the same as the PS2 version with a few minor enhancements. Sorry for the misinformation. It still doesn't change the fact that the PS2 version is just as good as the XBox version...no plusses for the XBox here! Everyone keeps mentioning that the XBox is the obvious solution, and then mentioning the hard drives, XBox Live, and mods/emulations on it. I based my PS2 choice on Johnny's criteria, which is none of those. He doesn't want online gaming. He wants sports and action games, both of which the PS2 excel in.

-Lasereth

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niccoli

I have one of all 3, sports games the PS2 currently offers more games, the xbox is catching up and I think that it seems to have better graphics. The Gamecube is great for drunken college party games, mario party 4, although Metroid Prime is a sweet game.

twister002

I just bought an XBox on Saturday for Doom3 and Half-Life 2. I've got an 850 Duron w/ 256 MB of RAM and a GeForce 400MX card in it. I was looking at around $300-$350 to make it Doom3 ready

OR

I could spend $180 on an Xbox and not have to worry about upgrading my PC anymore.

I got a Gamecube first and I LOVE it, I even like the games like Medal of Honor and Baldurs Gate on it. My favorites are Eternal Darkness, Metroid Prime and Animal crossing.

My advice, if you're only going to play it every so often, and you just want sports games see if the GC sports games suit you. If you don't think you'll ever want the XBox live feature (not enough time or not enoug broadband) then you might like the GC sports games well enough to justify spending $100 on one.

If not, I'd probably go with an XBox. It seems to have a lot more to offer than the PS/2 right now and in the future

Lasereth

Back up your reasonings, twister! Ya gotta prove reasons why he should get an XBox over a PS2 or GC. Saying it has more to offer isn't true unless ya explain it!

-Lasereth

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"A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

BigGov

Xbox

The graphics are better. Period.

The games basically balance out. Xbox has great RPG's, (SW:KOTOR, and Bioware's next offering coming out next christmas that's supposed to be even better) along with the best graphical versions of the multiplatform games.

The ONE thing that the PS2 had on the Xbox was the GTA series. Now, an improved version is out on the Xbox.

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hulk

Heh. Seriously, I have only seen one semi-intelligent console debate in all my years of gaming. This is not it =D

Anyways, to add my part to the Melee:

Sports games leave you pretty much with the PS2. All 3 consoles have excellent action games. If you're not into online play that much, you might want to look at the GameCube. X-Box live has a lot of users comparitively, but most of them haven't dropped their balls yet. Seriously, every voice message that comes through sounds 11 years old. Add a yearly fee on top of that and it's not looking that appealing. The GC has a free online service. Free. Nothing. Nada (apart from the modem). The online games are just coming through now, which is good.

Graphically, the GC is about on par with the X-Box in pretty much all the first- and second-party games. Naturally, games ported from the PS2 look a little worse. The X-Box often has small graphical advantages, like spunky light mapping, but honestly, who's looking for it? The best looking game that I've seen on a console is Star Fox Adventures. The gameplay was kinda shallow (probably because Rare were going AWOL) but the graphics are _stunning_. Fur textured grass everywhere, and the insane gamecube water system looks leet. The music is also very memorable.

Of course, it is up to the buyer to decide, but $99 for a 'cube can't set you wrong. Look at the PS2 is sports or RPG's are your thing. X-Box for the occasional good game (the good-to-crap ratio is about that of the N64) and PC games. But only if you like HUEG stuff (Sorry, couldn't resist =D)

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Lasereth

Graphics aren't everything! He doesn't want the console with the best graphics, he wants the console with the most/best sports games and action/RPGs.

Yes, XBox has a few good RPGs, but the PS2 simply takes the cake in this category. XBox has KOTOR (which is worth buying the system for, but he can't do that) and the upcoming BioWare game...but not much else in the fantasy department. PS2 has the Breath of Fire games, Dragon Quest series, Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy X-2, FFXII in a year or two, Grandia II, Shadow Hearts, Skies of Arcadia (soon enough), Suikoden 3, Suikoden 4 (soon enough), Xenosaga, and a bunch of other great RPGs. On top of that...the PS2 plays every single RPG that game out for PS1. I won't go into the massive amount of RPGs that came out on PS1, but they are available with a PS2.

XBox may have better graphics, but the controls tend to suffer in most games that are also on the other two systems. I'd take controls and gameplay over graphics any day.

-Lasereth

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marz

XBOX is the way to go.