In The Market For A Playstation 2

[EvilDaifu]

Hi Guys,

Yeah, I know, I'm a bit behind the times, but I'm finally going to get a Playstation 2 (it's actually a reward gift for my son)! Not really interested in spending on PS3 or Xbox360 at the moment for the reason that is a gift and sort of like the idea that other games are reasonably priced on eBay for PS2.

Just wondering if there is something I should beware of when buying a PS2 console, accessories and games.

Thanks in advance.

Edited 24/05/07 10:44 AM by EvilDaifu

[aiboart]

You will need a memory card and another controller to really get going.

Buy a new model PS2 at K-Mart. The new models are tiny and have built in IR receiver.

If you have a LCD or a plasma or a even later model CRT get the S-Video connector - this makes an amazing difference to picture quality. I understand that there is also now a component connector available which should be better still.

There is a IR remote available for the PS2 which is really handy, but not required, for Playing DVD's. The PS2 is a excellent DVD player. The remote also doubles as a controller for a very limited number of games.

If you have a wide screen TV, as per above, turn on the PS2 and get into the settings menu. Set the screen setting to 16:9. This will force most games into wide screen mode without having to set individual options for each game.

Whilst you are in settings, you can also set the disc speed to high. And play around with the sharpness setting.

If you are running a LCD or plasma, go into the picture processing options and play around to see what is the best combination of options. This will depend on the type of TV and the type of connection you are using.

Games are cheap, the 'Platinum' Range pricing structure ensures that the big hits, brilliant games are also the cheapest. Stick to the Platinum range and you will end up with the best titles on the PS2. There are about 2,000 titles for the PS2, however, even a single killer title will more than justify your purchase.

Buy GT4, this is The car simulator. This is The killer ap for the PS2. There is also a 900 degree force feedback steering wheel available.

Suggest you get a fighting game, such as Tekken (version unimportant). The fighting games are exceedingly inclusive. The are essentially pick up and play, so everyone gets involved, the game acting simply as a medium for player interaction.

Games are not just games, often the interfaces, such as mic's, cameras, steering wheels and dance mats define the experience - as the new Wii has just so elegantly demonstrated.

Play the games with your son and with the whole family. Even the single player games become huge family adventures or common tasks. The games have become the kind of common moment defining cultural form that pop songs were in the 1950's to 1990's.

These game platforms can either act as a powerful centre of family fun, entertainment, interaction and even learning, or, they can create the kind of video game stereotype kid we are all know about.

Regards,

aa

Edited 25/05/07 01:03 AM by Dagabond

[AceofSpades]

The only other things I can add are:

The excsessive amount of time you will loose with this device

and the arguments over who plays wat ( dad vs jnr )

My boys love it ( 5 &3 ) . they love my involvement too so surprisingly, its a family activity.

Have Fun

[Cro]

Make me an offer for mine, only been used for 2 hours before I got sick of it... hehe

[EvilDaifu]

Hi Guys,

Picked one up off eBay yesterday. Placed an order for a Mem card on eBay as well.

Thanks for your comprehensive newbie guide to PS2 aiboart Planning to get some of those Plantinum series games for sure - especially GT4.

And thansk also AceofSpades :tosser:

Would have Cro if I wasn't such an impulsive buyer But you'd better keep yours for Little Lady going by the posts above

[EvilDaifu]

Looking for advice - would anybody like to recommended where I can buy cheap PS2 games in Melbourne? Does not matter if they are pre-owned if I can get them locally (at least then I can go see the store if I have problem with the game). Also happy to consider any on-line stores other than eBay.

Been looking at eBay and think they are not much better than the bricks'n'mortar stores once you take into account postage and handling (and there's even the risk of the goods not arriving with eBay).

Plan to buy PS2 Gran Turismo 4 tomorrow from Dick Smith Electronics. They have it for $27 at the moment whereas many eBay has it around $23 including postage and handling for pre-owned copies. Brand new is more on eBay. I'd rather have a brand new one which I can conveniently return to Dick Smith Electronics if I have a problem with it.

By the way, KMart has PS2 Cars (you know the Disney Pixar collaboration) for $40. Saw copies of it on eBay for $50!

[AceofSpades]

Electronics Botique is good for pre-owned games.

[245T]

I bought a pair of wireless controllers on ebay. They make it great.

[EvilDaifu]

  AceofSpades said:

Electronics Botique is good for pre-owned games.

Thanks AceofSpades, will look them up

By the way, bought Cars from KMart today and already the neigbour's kids are here. I've been enjoying it too Couldn't find GT4 at DSE Powerhouse Carnegie

[EvilDaifu]

  245T said:

I bought a pair of wireless controllers on ebay. They make it great.

Thanks for that suggestion 245T. I got two DualShock controllers with the console off eBay so I'm pretty right for controllers for awhile.

Just talking to the general populace, if anyone's in the market for PS2 Gran Turismo 4, Dick Smith Electronics have it for $26.76 You just have to check their website for which stores have it in stock - look for DSE part no. YG3204 Picked up my copy today from DSE Southland VIC. I have not tried it yet but I see it has our favourite cars in it - FPV Typhoon pic on the back cover I think.

I also picked up PS2 Crash Tag Team Racing for $30 from DSE Southland VIC today. DSE part no. YG3422. I've seen it on the web for $49+ so I thought it was a bit of a bargain (my son wanted it in particular but I'm saving it as his next reward in possibly 2 weeks time).

So, I may slow down a bit now on aquisitions and try to get some PS2 track time in

Edited 28/05/07 01:54 PM by EvilDaifu