posted
I am hoping that some of you are video game players and can give me some advice. My husband and I are both video game illiterate, but we have a nine-year old son who is not. We are thinking of getting a system for Christmas. (I'm still not totally convinced that this is a good idea, but I am hoping for the best.)
Anyway, what I need to know is if one system is better than another. Is there a good reason for Game Cube to be $100.00 less than the other two? We have seen it for $99.00 and PS2 and X-box for between $179.00 and $220. PS2 and X-box come in some sort of a bundle or package, but I'm not sure about the Game Cube. If I get that do I have to get a bunch of accessories that end up costing as much as the other ones bundled? Is there any advantage to PS2 or X-box? Do they require accessories as well, or is everything ready to go in a bundle?
We will probably pick one out on Saturday. Anyone?
posted
I also hesitate to get a system for our older son. Right now he is playing games on the computer. The advantage to getting a gaming system is to free up the computer .
I think one of the differences is that Xbox and Playstation double as DVD players and have online capabilities. If I were to get a system I think I would get the Cube because the two differences don't make any difference to me. Game selection may be something to consider which someone else will have to answer. Playstation 2 may have more games available than the Cube but there appears to be a good selection for the Cube in the stores.
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PS2 has the most games nad is considered by many to have the "coolest" games as a result. It's also an older system, though, so it might be considered "obsolete" pretty soon.
Gamecube is widely considered to be dying out. Several game companies refuse to make games for Nintende anymore because it took them so long to switch from cartridges to disks, so the selection is more limited. Still, it's Nintendo, so it tends to be a bit less violent and a bit more family-oriented. And my cousin loves his.
Xbox is, well Xbox. It's Microsoft, so they got a lot of game makers to sign on, and the gmes are mostly highly regarded and have good graphics and such. It's the most powerful machine still, and they've started putting large hard drives in them. Basically they're mini-PC's made solely to play games. Microsoft actually sells them at a loss and makes it up in game sales. They tend to have the more violent games, but there are quite a few for it as well that are family oriented or non-violent. We actually have an Xbox here at work, with the rule being that all games must be T rated or lower and multiplayer. One of the favotires is a surfing game. Racing games are also well liked.
And the Xbox can run Knights of the Old Republic and Morrowind. . . . (I *love* Morrowind. Haven't played KOTOR yet, but am getting it for my PC for Christmas. . . .) A word of warning -- I'm aware of a volleyball game and a motocross racing game for it with pornographic content in the game already. Also, Xbox games can be "modded" if the person knows what they're doing, and Morrowind (did I mention that I love this game?) does have "nude mods" available for it. I'm sure other games have such mods out for them as well, so that's also something to consider: How much computer knowledge does you son have and how much will he be likely to have in the next few years?
Personally, I like the Xbox best. PS2 graphics are good, but not as good, and I honestly have never cared for any of the Nintendo products. Loved Sega, but they're out of the console business now. Oh well. And I play Xbox at work and enjoy it a lot, so I lean toward Xbox anyway.
So take my suggestions with my biases in mind, and keep in mind what enterprising youngster can do with an Xbox and its hard drive. . .
Posts: 1331 | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
First of all, none of those games come with pornographic content already in it, but there are mods available. That is, shall we say, an urban legend. Anyway, I have access to all three systems (we have an xbox and my best friend has a game cube AND a ps2. I don't actually know how he gets anything done) and I would have to say that the xbox has the best controller, and game cube is the msot nintendo friendly. By which I mean, if you like Mario and Legend of Zelda and Mario kart, etc. My friend told me point blank he only bought a gamecube because of the new Zelda game but we play the new MarioKart and the Mario Party games more than anything else. Those are definitely games for the whole family. I think most game distributors are starting to offer everything in both xbox and ps2, as well as pc. Very few have exclusive licences anymore.
As for gameplay, that really depends on the games you're playing, doesn't it? But to elaborate on my earlier controller comment, the main xbox buttons are labeled with letters, and the ps2 are the symbols X, square, circle, and triangle, and if you're fairly new to a game or even a little ditzy, it is easier to remember letters and where they are and what they do, than symbols. but that's just my take.
can you tell I like to play video games?
Posts: 2993 | Registered: Jun 2003
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posted
I bought a PS2 several years ago (it's the oldest system of the three) and have enjoyed it very much. We use it as our DVD player and it works great.
As has been said, Nintendo seems to be aimed at the under 12 crowd these days, so if you want the system to last for more than 2-3 years, I'd go with either PS2 or X-box.
It also depends on what games you like to play. If you're a platformer - Jak and Daxter is good (though the second one is considerably darker), and the Crash or Spyro games are fun for that age with nothing objectionable. If you like the racing style games - for a 9 year old I'd look at the cart racing games. Mario Cart for Nintendo or Crash Team Racing or Crash Nitro Cart Racing for PS2 and X-box.
The kids also like the Disney games, but they've taken a downturn in quality lately. Still Toy Story 2 was very good, and although I haven't played it, neighbors have liked Finding Nemo.
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Are you upgrading from an old system? Most of our old PS games work on PS2. Like others have said, we got PS2 because we had old PS games, and PS2 is our DVD player. We bought a remote so the DVD has remote capabilities. We have had it several years and still works great. On our second set of controllers, but that is pretty normal.
Another thing to think about: Check out the video store you rent videos from and see which game system they have the largest selection for. We always try to rent games before buying them.
Posts: 11717 | Registered: Nov 2000
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My friends gave my wife and me an Xbox as a wedding present when we got married last July. They included the DVD adapter (just a plug-in for one of the control ports so you can use a remote control). They were worried about how Jen would take getting a game console as a wedding present, but we have really enjoyed it. It gets used for DVDs more than games, but we did get some racing games that we play together (we're both NASCAR fans). We also got some age-appropriate games for our nephews, who are 5 and 6. We both think the Xbox is pretty cool. It was definitely the best wedding present we got.
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Thanks for the tips. I had no idea that the game systems were also DVD players. Like I said, I am game illiterate. Platform games? Mods? I don't even know what that means.
As far as games, we looked at the rental place at what was available and PS2 and X-box both had about equal number, although the PS2 games looked a little more family friendly. Do systems come ready for two (or more) people to play at once?
Some of the games we were thinking of were a racing game of some sort (that cart one Dave mentioned sounds good) and maybe Harry Potter or some other movie-themed game and maybe a sports game? Also, this child is a dinosaur fanatic; I don't know if there are any dinosaur games.
I was really surprised at how expensive the games are ($39 and up). I was sort of thinking they would be like $15 or $20.
One reason we are even thinking about this is because, well, the neighbor kids have them. Not that we are especially interested in "keeping up" with the neighbors, but if the game system is at my house I can monitor the games more. He has come home and told us about games he's played at his friends, specifically Godzilla, Destroy all Monsters and Lord of the Rings. I was a little dismayed to find that both of these games are rated T, (the kids are nine) but since I have not seen them myself I don't know if my concern is justified. If we have a system ourselves, then we can better evaluate what we think is okay for our kids and be informed enough to talk about those other games. It may be that both those games are fine; I just don't know. It may also be that after playing those games, the games I think are okay are not going to be appealing. He really liked Godzilla. We have not let him watch the Lord of the Rings movies yet, either, so I think the game is not a good idea until he is a bit older. We are big Ring fans, books and movies, and his eleven year old sister has seen them, after reading all three books. He is currently reading the books, and will eventually get to watch the movies as well, but I want him to see them with us at first, not in bits and pieces with his friends on an x-box.
My thinking is that we are not going to be able to stop him, and probably should not even try, from playing video games at his friends houses, but we just have to know what's going on. One of my big worries is that one of the boys has the system and TV in his bedroom (he's only nine, for crying out loud) and now he's playing Godzilla, but what is he going to be playing when he's fourteen, with the door shut? If we have suitable (fun and exciting and clean) games here, maybe it won't be such a magnet to go there, like it is now.
Anyway, that is a lot more than two cents on my video game opinions, and thanks again for the info.
quote:First of all, none of those games come with pornographic content already in it
There is at least one game (BMX-XXX) for all three systems. Strangely, Nintendo didn't censor this game, but Sony did. I'm not sure about the Xbox version, but I don't think they censored it either. Not that this should be the deciding factor on what system to buy as I think it is a parents responsibility to monitor which games their children are playing.
I think that if I were to buy one of the systems for myself it would probably be the PS2, but if I were to buy it for my children (or any children under about 13) I would get the Gamecube.
Posts: 43 | Registered: Aug 2002
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quote:Do systems come ready for two (or more) people to play at once?
Most Game systems come with 1 game controller. They want to make you buy additional controllers(more $ for them).
The GameCube(Nintendo) and Xbox(Microsoft) have plugs for 4 game controllers, while the Playstation2(Sony) comes with 2 controller plugs. Four player play is still possible--you just have to buy an adapter to plug in which expands the 2 plugs to 4.
quote:I was really surprised at how expensive the games are ($39 and up). I was sort of thinking they would be like $15 or $20.
'Fraid so. It's all about how much money they think they can get out of you. When a game is still new, It's in demand, and they can charge lots for it. Once the game becomes older there's(usually) less demand for it, and in order for it to sell, they have to reduce the price. My Tip: Don't buy games when they are still new. Excersize self control and wait till the price drops somewhat.
Another good idea is to check out credible used game stores. For example, In my area all Hollywood videoes have a Gamecrazy store attached. Such places can be a good place to find cheaper games. Also, they can be a good place to find games that arean't normally sold anymore. Even though the games are "used," they are usually still in decent-good condition. These places will aso buy back games when you grow tired of them(as you will eventually do) and you can get a new one. They also sell game systems and accesories for good prices. Look around and see what your area has. It might be worth it.
Also, the previous idea of renting games is good. You can rent a game or two for the weekend, and if you like one, rent it again some other time. If you think it's a game you might really want to own instead of rent, than you can go out and get it. If you don't think you'd want to own it, but it's fun to rent once in a while, that's often cheaper than owning it.
Anyway. I personally Own a PS2 because it's a DVD player and because it has the Final Fantasy games. Some games are only on one system or another. Take that into consideration if you decide to buy a system. Good luck!
Posts: 603 | Registered: Sep 2001
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These systems make their money from the software (games) and not the hardware (system). That's why the systems are so cheap relative to the games. (They're still not cheap BTW).
We played Harry Potter with our 8 year old and it was a good platform game. He liked it a lot, but it had some scary parts (no more so than the movie, so if he did OK there he'll be fine with the game). (Platform games mean that you can control the character and move in pretty much any direction. This is as opposed to linear games where you pretty much only go forward or back. Just FYI)
We made an "E" only rule for our kids. So far, they haven't wanted to stray from that too much. (oldest is 8.) But there are some games that I've played that are "T" that I don't think are any more objectionable than the "E" games. Sometimes the difference between an "E" and a "T" are the type of weapon used.
For example, in Crash Team Racing (a cart racing game) which is rated "E" you can collect weapons, like cartoon missiles or bombs, to shoot at opponents who are in front of you. When they hit, the cart bounces up and down, and upside down a few times (to slow them down) but nothing really explodes. However, Ratchet and Clank (one of my favorites) and Jak II give you funky cartoon guns as weapons. In both of these games, when you use these weapons on bad guys, they just disappear. But, because they give you guns, presumably that you hold in your hands, or are somewhat closer to real guns, it's rated "T". (Though for the life of me, I've never seen a real gun where you can vacuum up bad cartoon frogs and then use them as ammo against other bad frogs.)
Much like G - PG, or PG-13 - R, the rating line between these games is somewhat blurry.
Posts: 1445 | Registered: Sep 1999
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posted
Definitely check out Sam's Club or Costco if you can. They have great package deals on all three systems.
Posts: 1451 | Registered: Jul 2001
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Ah, I have seen the Sony version of BMX, and the vollyball game he is speaking of has to be modded. My bad.
Posts: 2993 | Registered: Jun 2003
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A co-worker here has the BMX game and says that he uses the "topless" version. I asked him about the volloeyball one, and apparently there was enough public outcry when it was due to be release that the "nude code" was locked, but apparently modders can crack it, "restoring it" to how it was initially intended for release.
I'm just curious -- with so much other stuff out there, why would people get excited about cartoonish looking pixel characters? Makes no sense to me.
Posts: 1331 | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
I only just noticed this thread, but I feel I have some information to add. For a while, when I couldn't find anything else, I had a job testing games. Most of what I observed has been stated by others, but I'll add a little. We had more x-boxes break on us than seems should be expected. We never had a ps-2 or gamecube break. It's an urban myth that the gamecube is on its way out. There are fewer games for it, but overall (not just in the US) its unit sales are slightly higher than x-box. They're not going away soon. We have a gamecube for our 8-year old son. Granted, we haven't bought many games for him, but the available selection is great. He's been very happy. There are even many games that I enjoy. One thing you will almost certainly have to wind up buying with either a ps-2 or a gamecube is a memory card, which is usually under $20. You will absolutely need this if your child wants to save games. Our friends had an x-box, which the husband mostly used. He bought a gamecube for his wife because it had games that were more to her liking. When kids visit (including my son) they play mostly on the gamecube. From my experience testing games, Nintendo has a very high standard for quality. The means your game will work better and crash less than even the same game on an xbox or ps-2. All of the systems are good, but each has its own strengths.
Posts: 1677 | Registered: Nov 2002
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I asked my 18 year old son who has grown up with Nintendo and Play Station "If we were starting over, and had no games, which system would you choose?" He threw out Game Cube right away. He said the games are "lame" and not enough of them. He said between X box and PS2, it depends. X Box's biggest attraction right now is a game called Halo. (Google Halo, and you get like 3 million hits. It is very popular. I have played it at Mutual with my Priests, but it is too complicated for me to figure out in one evening.) It is a platform type game that can be linked to other players on the internet so 4 of you can play together or oppose each other. He said it is the best game around, but really, the only one he likes on X box. He said there is promise of other good games, but they are slow in coming. PS2, on the other hand has better selection of racing type games which he prefers. X box has better and faster graphics. He says push comes to shove, he would pick PS2, but that is probably because it is what he is most familiar with.
Have you thought about renting the game systems and trying them out? Our video store rents both X box and PS2 systems.
Oh, and the advice about used games was good as well. We have several used games. Make sure they come with the instruction sheets, or check and see if they can be had on the internet.
Confusing, isn't it? We had the same problem switching from Nintendo to PS when our kids reached their teens.
Posts: 11717 | Registered: Nov 2000
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As to games, they are expensive. We have adopted a "buy the obsolete one" stragety: For example, when "Tony Hawk 4" came out, we went and bought "Tony Hawk 3" for about half the price. And shop around. Toys R Us is a good place to keep an eye on for games, along with Walmart, etc type stores.
Posts: 11717 | Registered: Nov 2000
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BTW, another thing to consider is that, from a kid's point of view, the lifetime of any game console is not great. At most, new game consoles come out every 3-4 years. They make the old ones pretty obsolete (although you can still buy a playstation 1). Kids, mostly, don't like to play on obsolete equipment. The original poster said that they wanted a game console at home mainly so that they could see what their child is playing. If you try to extend the life of it from the child's current age to their teenage-almost-adult years, you'll be unsuccessful. They'll be over at their friends playing all the cool new games on (playstation 3, xbox 2, or gamecube 2). Get what most appeals to your child at this stage in their life. My advice is the gamecube, because it has a lot of strong games available for kids. My son loves it. BTW, having been one of the testers on the Godzilla: Destroy all Monsters game, I can say that it is mainly just cartoon violence. My son absolutely loves it. Plus, it's something you can play with him without learning a lot of complicated game rules. I don't know how many of the Backyard Sports games are available on console yet, but they're wonderful sports games for kids. I play Backyard Football on the Gamecube with my son. It's a good way to spend some quality time together. You don't even need to understand football too well. Another thing to consider, no matter which one you buy: if you have a Blockbuster nearby, for $30 a month you can get a Game Freedom pass. This allows you to rent as many games as you want (but you can only have one out at a time). This allows you to quickly evaluate several games without too much of a hit on the pocketbook.
Posts: 1677 | Registered: Nov 2002
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I wanted to tell you all thanks for your advice. We first decided to go PS2, and then at the store we decided to go gamecube; it's a lot cheaper, and he is young. We figured we could upgrade in a few years. Finally, right as we were about to put it in the cart, we decided to hold off. I expect we will get one eventually, but now he is playing happily with the Bionicles that he got instead, so it all turned out well. I do appreciate the info you provided. We also found a place that sells used games and hardware, and we may end up going there at some point. Thanks.
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My daughters have gone really retro! They pulled out the old Super Nintendo and bought some used games for it. They have been having a blast! They are 16 and 21 and just a bit odd!
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Ya know, I still have my old Atari 2600 down in the basement. Maybe I should pull it out. . .
I got to play the latest Mario Cart on Gamecube about a week ago. For general fun in a racing game, I still haven't played anything that is remotely close to Mario Cart.
Posts: 1331 | Registered: Mar 2001
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Magson, I can beat that: I still have a "Pong" game. The kids get it out and hook it up once in a while just to laugh aat me. The adapter that hooks it to the tv is broken, but they can work around it.
I can still beat them.
Posts: 11717 | Registered: Nov 2000
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For Christmas I gave myself (good to be the king, no?) the Atari anniversay edition CD-ROM. All the greats. Pong, Asteroids, Centipede, Missle Command and a few others. The kids, who have been clamoring for a new game system, have not been able to leave it alone.
Posts: 1003 | Registered: Nov 2002
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We still have our Nintendo 64 hooked up and sitting next to our Game Cube. I'd say it gets at least as much use as the Game Cube, maybe more, mainly from our 5 year old. In fact, he's playing Star Fox on the N64 right now with one of his friends. I'm not into video games myself, except MarioKart. I enjoy it enough that I may go out and get the GC version, just because I've pretty much mastered it on N64.
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