Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
90 of 90 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An honest opinion on a good value, June 27, 2004
Personally, I'm not a fan of the Playstation 2 system. As a games retailer, I have long felt that Sony exploits gamers with their market dominance and incessant, unceasing add-ons. The PS2 system lags far behind both the Gamecube and the XBox when it comes to graphics and gameplay. Sony's philosophy for the longest time seemed to be that if you threw enough games onto the shelves--regardless of how lousy they were--you'll continue your dominance of the market. (Thankfully, they seem to have dropped that philosophy in light of greater competition from their rivals). In my store, PS2 games take up more shelf space than XBox and Gamecube combined, yet quality games--those worth buying at full-price, with excellent replay value--would only occupy a few shelves. True, they have exclusive rights to SOCOM, Ratchet and Clank, The Getaway (a poor man's Vice City), and a handful of other popular titles. Yet one of their trump cards in their war with the other systems--XBox in particular--has been their exclusive rights to EA Sports' online gaming world. That has changed since XBox now has rights to EA online, as well. The Playstation's seemingly endless array of required add-on accessories sometimes feels like exploitation. Even the recent Final Fantasy XI/HDD (hard-drive) bundle follows this pattern. Rather than finally following XBox's lead and adding a hard-drive for game saves, the HDD will only allow you to save the FFXI games (and a few others in development), so you'll still need memory cards (although you can transfer your memory card saves to the HDD--you just can't save or load directly to or from it).(Trust me, I'm getting to the point). Yet, in spite of its flaws, the PS2 continues to dominate the market, outselling the other systems combined. Why? Because Sony was shrewd enough to build a system and develop games that have a broader appeal than XBox (geared towards teens and adults) and Gamecube (mostly kid-oriented). Sony's wide array of titles give a fair amount of gaming choice, and even though there are a higher number of lousy titles by percentage for the PS2 than other systems, the large game choice means that every genre is well-covered with quality games and there's something to appeal to nearly everyone. Plus, there's backwards compatibility with PSOne games (though not with many of its accessories). Sony's decision to drop the price on not only its standard game system but also on its Online Bundle (formerly $30 more expensive) has led me to reassess the PS2.
Why? Because for the same purchase price as the standard PS2, you also get seventy dollars' worth of extras: The network adapter ($40 sold separately, required for online gameplay) and a decent game, ATV Offroad Fury 2 ($30). Just in case you were wondering, there are no differences between the systems in these separate packages: Both come with a single controller, an A/V (RCA) hookup for the TV, do not include any memory cards, and are progressive-scan DVD players. The game systems in the boxes are exactly the same; the only difference is that this bundle includes two quality extras. The network adapter allows one to hook up to the PS2 online gaming world using either a dial-up or high-speed connection. (A hint: If using high-speed, get a router and split the signal between your PC and PS2; this is the connection option with the fewest issues). Most online games are free at this time; there is a charge, however, for Everquest and for FFXI. Even if you don't need the network adapter, it's there if you ever want to go online. (Better to take it free now than have to pay $40 for it later). ATV Offraod Fury 2 is a decent title and probably was chosen because it is a respectable offline and online game. Now, I still have some issues with the PS2. But I have to respect Sony for taking the hit on this system in order to pass a good value on to its customers. Suggested accessories (when possible, buy the Sony brand. They're the best when it comes to quality and reliability): Memory cards (required for game saves; available singly for around $25, though you can buy a double pack and save some money long-term), extra controllers (about $25; the system comes with a single black controller; they're also available in green, blue, and grey); if you want wireless controllers I STRONGLY suggest the Logitech brand; Pelican also makes a decent wireless controller; for DVD playback I recommend the DVD remote kit (about $15) which greatly simplifies DVD playback; racing wheels are an excellent choice if playing any of the Need For Speed, Midnight Club, Gran Turismo, or NASCAR games; once again, I recommend the Logitech brand; if your TV does not have A/V jacks (red, yellow, and white) on its front or back, then you'll need an RF adapter (about $15); if you have S-Video or Component jacks on your TV, you might want to upgrade your cables--both Sony and Monster Cable offer solutions; finally, if traveling with the system, I recommend the Intec 5.4" gamescreen. (Sorry this was so long) --Christian Wheeler
|
|
|
29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Deal -Beware of your model #s, May 15, 2004
By A Customer
Watch your model numbers people, as there are several different PS2's out there. My review is for a newer model 97014/SCPH-50001. You can find this one by looking for the yellow "plus" sign in the corner of the box. Anyways, this model has some updated features compared to previous PS2 models such as a built-in IR receiver(for the DVD remote), DVD Progressive scan w/ DVD-/+RW capability and lower noise operation. I'm unsure if amazon offers the 97014 model or not. Sony finally reduced their prices to 149.99, thanks Sony...it's about time :) I'm so happy I waited and didn't spend 300$ for it when it first was released. I got a great deal on mine, I got this online pack which includes the on-line adapter(40$ value) built into the back of the machine and also the ATV offroad fury 2 game(40$ value), a 2 year warranty, and a Sony DVD remote for under 170$. Keep in mind this pack just recently was 200$ alone. Also, another word of warning...there are at least 2 different versions of the Sony PS2 DVD remote out there that I know of. Read your PS2 package(back) and make sure you get the one that is compatible. I'd also suggest you invest in a Monster Cable GameLink 300 S-Video cable, they are a little pricey but well worth it. Happy Gaming.
|
|
|
43 of 55 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Great system... wait a muinite... whats wrong with it?, June 27, 2004
The Playstation 2. GREAT system. Wonderful games, 100's of developers, 2 different models, one BIG problem. Before i say anything else i wish to mention one thing. I am a true gamer. I am not biased against any system or genre. i pretty much love everything there is about games but this thing is like an obsessed girlfriend. as much as you love her, shes just a (...) to have around.This system breaks people. i have had three and they have all stopped working eventually. the only thing I can say to whoever buys this system is to follow my homemade guideline. 1. unplug the system whenever its not in use. 2. if you have a playstation 1, use that system to play your old games and not the ps2 3. if you have another DVD player, use that to watch the movies and not the ps2. 4. If you have other systems, wich share titles with the system, buy the titles for the other system.(they don't break, and they look better to) 5. Last but not least, get the best warrenty you can for this thing. you'll be glad you did. and keep it standing on its side. thats the way they wanted it and it usually works better that way.
Other than sony's poor craftsmenship, the system is a home for some of the best exclusives you can get. Final Fantasy 10-11, ATV series, Metal gear solid 2, Virtua fighter 4 and many many others. but if your looking for a stable system, with the best craftsmenship and also great games, get an XBOX. That system wins this current console generation in MY opinion.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
