Strengths:Huge game library; a hardcore RPGamer's dream, great prices on games and hardware, good graphics
Weaknesses:all the extra add-ons (network adapter, multiplayer adapter, memory cards, etc.)
Posted Apr 19, 2004 - For the average gamer (casual to hardcore), the PS2 is the way to go. People are gonna buy what they like, but when you compare the overall qualities of all the machines, the PS2 is the BEST out of them because:
1. Price of the system. I think its about the same as Xbox is now. GC is the cheapest, but of course it would be because it has less to offer. At the average $179.99 its not bad for a CD/DVD player/128-bit gaming system.
2. The HUGE gaming selection. Ok so PS2 has a lotta crappy games. DONT buy them; buy the good games. Rachet and Clank, Jax and Dexter, the GTA series, and ALL the Square Enix rpgs are great games. I'll admit, Xbox's Halo is a very fun game and superior in graphics to any of these games and I've committed a lotta hours (probably days) to playing it. But the XBox's game selection leaves a little to be desired (for me). Same for GC; sometimes "kiddy games" are fun, but gimme a little more variety, please.
3. Easy to handle/ adapt to controllers. Man those Xbox controllers are HUGE and HEAVY! The S-controller is better, but still heavy. When playing Halo and DOA3, I'd always make a mistake and hit the B button instead of the X button; they're too freakin close together, man! GC's controller is a little better, but what's up with that big freakin' red button?!?!?!? And that yellow "D" pad is cumbersome. PS controllers have stayed the same and for good reason. The most comfortable design and grip, light-weight, and button layout. Same design as PS1; why change what's already perfect?
4. Backwards compatibility. NO other system can brag this one. I can play my PSone games on my PS2 with no problems. Xbox is new, I know, but Nintendo dissappoints me every year. I mean, what is their problem? First its the cartridges (which for some games costed $70.00), and now its these... minidisk things. Um, Nintendo? This is the 21st century, ok? Make a system based on CD/DVD rom and stop worrying about people copying your precious little games! (personally I think Nintendo woulda died with Sega if it wasnt for Pokemon.) You can buy PS1 games for $15 and less bucks nowadays, so u cant beat that.
5. Greatest Hits games. This is how you can tell a great PS2 game from a not-so-great one. And they're ONLY $20 DOLLARS!!! Heck, I'm a penny-pincher; I don't buy a game for $49.99 when it comes out; I wait 5+ months and get it for 20 bucks (and cheaper if it's used). I've gotten Rachet and Clank, FFX, and most of my PS1 games like that. Do Xbox and GC do that? Well actually I think they both do, but they aint as cheap as 20 dollars. Halo sells for $40 dollars in most places (maybe $30 in others) but that's as low as u are gonna find ANY XBox game. Same for GC games. So basically, u get good PS2 games PLUS the old PS1 games for next to nothing, and the other systems can't compete with that. Sure, the addons for the PS2 probably offset it a little, but not much depending on how many games you get.
6. ALL the RPG games are on it. If you are an RPG nut like me, there's no reason to get the other systems. PERIOD. And most of them are at least descent, if not good.
7. Plays DVDs. I've never had any big problem with my DVD player; as a matter of fact, it'll play DVDs better than the two on my 633 Mhz computer! GC doesnt have this, and u gotta buy a remote to use Xbox's DVD player (which is more than PS2's remote, and u dont even need it!).
Well there u have it, folks. Seven good reasons PS2 is a step ahead of the competition. If you like Xbox, get an Xbox, but if u gotta descent PC, just get all the games for it on PC and save ur $200.00. If you are 16 and down, get a Gamecube. The system is cheaper, but PS2's games are cheaper. AND more diverse. AND more plentiful. PS2's graphics are probably the worst of the 3, but that dont matter to me. It's the fun factor, the wide selection of games, and the less strain on my wallet that draws me in.
GET YOURS RITE NOW!!!!!
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