Returning to the World of Console Gaming

Philotix

As my first post on the Penny Arcades forum, I thought it only appropriate that it be about gaming.

For the last 15 years (at least) I've been almost entirely a computer gamer. Playing ports from other game systems (specifically survival horror games), "God" games (Black and White, the Sims, etc.), the MMO City of Heroes, and once in a while an FPS or two.

The last game console that I have ever owned was a Sega Genesis. Sure, I've played a game here and there on other people's systems, but never really felt the pull of the console. That is, until the computer gaming world started falling more and more into specific categories of games that I couldn't care less about (i.e. Strategy games, Fantasy games, etc.).

It used to be that some of the most innovative stuff was coming out on computer, and then being ported over to the consoles later. Not anymore, I don't think.

So I'm making the switch back. I had saved up enough points through my corporate employer's "reward" program, and I now have a PS3 system on its way to my house as we speak.

I already went out to a used game store and bought copies of all the games that I KNOW that I'll like (namely the ones I already played on computer) and I'm all ready, rarin' and itching to restart my life in the console world.

Any game suggestions for me? Anything that I might have passed up in the last 15 years that I really should know about that might have been exclusive to consoles?

Just so that you all know, I specifically ordered the PS3 that is backwards compatible with PS2 and PS1 games, I made sure of that.

So, what do you have for me?

Just to help you out, here are some of my favorite games that I have played on the PC:

• Silent Hill series,
• Resident Evil Series,
• Parasite Eve series,
• Legacy of Kain series,
• God of War series,
• Dino Crisis series,
• Bioshock,
• all of the old Sierra adventure games (Leisure Suit Larry, King's Quest, etc.)

ChewyWaffles

Well for starters - get Condemned and Condemned 2.

Philotix

This page says that I can't get the original Condemned, because it only came out for the Xbox360. I don't think my aging PC could play the game, but I could try.

I'll probably pick up the sequel as long as I won't be missing too much plot. I hate missing plot, so I usually avoid playing sequels first.

GreasyKidsStuff

Can't go wrong with the Metal Gear Solid series IMO.

ChewyWaffles

Philotix wrote: »

This page says that I can't get the original Condemned, because it only came out for the Xbox360. I don't think my aging PC could play the game, but I could try.

I'll probably pick up the sequel as long as I won't be missing too much plot. I hate missing plot, so I usually avoid playing sequels first.

Eh, my bad. I forgot it was 360/PC only. Well in that case at least get Condemned 2. I dunno. There are so many good games on consoles in the last 15 years I wouldn't know where to begin

guar

Start with that.

minigunwielder

Disgaea.

Persona 4.

Also, in between NIS releases play Gearhead, opting not to buy the latest console until a TRULY MAGNIFICENT game comes out.

Call in sick, because otherwise you will cheapen the experience.

Philotix

No way man about the Katamari. I've heard it's crazy addictive, and I don't want to get into that. Besides, I like games with a real story and plot. Look at my previous favorites, almost all of them share the same theme of "playing through a movie".

That's the kind of thing I like the most.

Disgaea

Ironically enough, I actually got Disgaea 3 for free with the game system. Would it be bad to start with #3, will I be missing anything, or is it safe to play on its own?

BTP

Last 15 years? So.....1993 and up? "Like games with a real story and plot"?

Right off the top of my head......

Final Fantasy 3 (SNES, 1994)
Super Mario 64 (N64, 1996)
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64, 1998)
Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (N64, 2000)

This probably doesn't help since you're looking for stuff that can be used on your PS3, but damnit, don't deny yourself THESE!

You won't care about the plot in Mario 64 because you'll be having too much fun.

Glenn565

Philotix wrote: »

Ironically enough, I actually got Disgaea 3 for free with the game system. Would it be bad to start with #3, will I be missing anything, or is it safe to play on its own?

There's little to no plot continuity to previous games in the main story. There are some returning characters in the post game you won't recognize, but that's it I believe.

Speed Racer

LittleBigPlanet.

LittleBigPlanet.

AJR

You might get a kick out of the Devil May Cry series and Ninja Gaiden Sigma if you like God of War. The combat is a little deeper in both and the games are quite a bit harder, but they’re both fun once you get the hang of them. I think you can get the DMC box set for like 20 bucks (which has 1-3, although the 2nd game isn’t that great).

Along those lines, God Hand might interest you. Although it’s even more brutal than the other games I’ve mentioned.

I’m tempted to just list off all my favourite PS2 games, but I honestly have no idea whether or not you’d like them.

Speed Racer

You might want to check out the Metal Gear Solid series. They released a collection of the first three for $30 earlier this year.

Philotix

BTP wrote: »

Last 15 years? So.....1993 and up? "Like games with a real story and plot"?

Right off the top of my head......

Final Fantasy 3 (SNES, 1994)
Super Mario 64 (N64, 1996)
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64, 1998)
Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (N64, 2000)

This probably doesn't help since you're looking for stuff that can be used on your PS3, but damnit, don't deny yourself THESE!

You won't care about the plot in Mario 64 because you'll be having too much fun.

Sorry buddy, I left behind Nintendo and it's "kiddy world" a long time ago and haven't looked back since. I still don't regret it.

Philotix

Glenn565 wrote: »

Philotix wrote: »

Ironically enough, I actually got Disgaea 3 for free with the game system. Would it be bad to start with #3, will I be missing anything, or is it safe to play on its own?

There's little to no plot continuity to previous games in the main story. There are some returning characters in the post game you won't recognize, but that's it I believe.

Good to know, thanks.

Philotix

Speed Racer wrote: »

You might want to check out the Metal Gear Solid series. They released a collection of the first three for $30 earlier this year.

This is the second time this series has been mentioned. Now keep in mind, I hate military games and virtually all things military, and Solid Snake looks like your typical hard-nosed special ops soldier.

Is he in fact a military soldier, and are the games basically military themed? Or are there perhaps some supernatural elements that I might enjoy?

minigunwielder

Philotix wrote: »

Glenn565 wrote: »

Philotix wrote: »

Ironically enough, I actually got Disgaea 3 for free with the game system. Would it be bad to start with #3, will I be missing anything, or is it safe to play on its own?

There's little to no plot continuity to previous games in the main story. There are some returning characters in the post game you won't recognize, but that's it I believe.

Good to know, thanks.

Yeah.

In the meantime, play Gearhead, either game.

Do it now.

minigunwielder

Uhh, there are supernatural elements, but they are either shitty emo nondenominational shit or red herrings, in fact, the entire series is a goddamn mindfuck save Snake Eater and the first disc of one.

And even then you should be prepared to don your bubble wrap suits and tin foil hats.

Philotix

minigunwielder wrote: »

Philotix wrote: »

Glenn565 wrote: »

Philotix wrote: »

Ironically enough, I actually got Disgaea 3 for free with the game system. Would it be bad to start with #3, will I be missing anything, or is it safe to play on its own?

There's little to no plot continuity to previous games in the main story. There are some returning characters in the post game you won't recognize, but that's it I believe.

Good to know, thanks.

Yeah.

In the meantime, play Gearhead, either game.

Do it now.

Gearhead?

GreasyKidsStuff

Philotix wrote: »

Speed Racer wrote: »

You might want to check out the Metal Gear Solid series. They released a collection of the first three for $30 earlier this year.

This is the second time this series has been mentioned. Now keep in mind, I hate military games and virtually all things military, and Solid Snake looks like your typical hard-nosed special ops soldier.

Is he in fact a military soldier, and are the games basically military themed? Or are there perhaps some supernatural elements that I might enjoy?

There are some supernatural elements in terms of villains (I'm using the term supernatural kind of loosely) but other than that, it is rather military focused. Most of the gameplay is focused on stealth though. You're 'playing through a movie' comment fits these games perfectly, cuz most of them feature ridiculously long cutscenes.

Philotix

MH79 wrote: »

Philotix wrote: »

Speed Racer wrote: »

You might want to check out the Metal Gear Solid series. They released a collection of the first three for $30 earlier this year.

This is the second time this series has been mentioned. Now keep in mind, I hate military games and virtually all things military, and Solid Snake looks like your typical hard-nosed special ops soldier.

Is he in fact a military soldier, and are the games basically military themed? Or are there perhaps some supernatural elements that I might enjoy?

There are some supernatural elements in terms of villains (I'm using the term supernatural kind of loosely) but other than that, it is rather military focused. Most of the gameplay is focused on stealth though. You're 'playing through a movie' comment fits these games perfectly, cuz most of them feature ridiculously long cutscenes.

I'd probably have to watch a few videos then before I decide if I'd buy any of them. I really hate military games, but I can make an exception to that rule for a good, well told, story.

freakish light

Philotix wrote: »

BTP wrote: »

Last 15 years? So.....1993 and up? "Like games with a real story and plot"?

Right off the top of my head......

Final Fantasy 3 (SNES, 1994)
Super Mario 64 (N64, 1996)
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64, 1998)
Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (N64, 2000)

This probably doesn't help since you're looking for stuff that can be used on your PS3, but damnit, don't deny yourself THESE!

You won't care about the plot in Mario 64 because you'll be having too much fun.

Sorry buddy, I left behind Nintendo and it's "kiddy world" a long time ago and haven't looked back since. I still don't regret it.

I know what you mean but this still hurts my soul.

[strike]Resident Evil 4? Resident Evil 4. The PS2 version is cheap and good.[/strike]

durr, reading comprehension++

I play the hell out of Fallout 3. It might be a little too addictive, actually. Umm.. Spider-Man 2. Guitar Hero. Shadow of the Colossus.

minigunwielder

No, the one with robots.

www.gearheadrpg.com

It is so fucking good.

Philotix

RE4 was brilliant though, I don't think it can be said enough. I hope the next one features more Ada though...



Mmmmmm.... Ada....

Philotix

minigunwielder wrote: »

No, the one with robots.

www.gearheadrpg.com

It is so fucking good.

Re: Returning to the World of Console Gaming

You must have missed the "console" part. :winky:

minigunwielder

A good, well told story?

Good?

Yes.

Deliciously cheesy?(see, Good, part a)

Yes.

Well-told?

It would be a blasphemy unto the very core of existence to say that.

Foefaller

Shadow of the Colossus and Ico


Really, people, I don't even own a PS2 or PS3 and I know to recommend those games to him!!

minigunwielder

Philotix wrote: »

minigunwielder wrote: »

No, the one with robots.

www.gearheadrpg.com

It is so fucking good.

Re: Returning to the World of Console Gaming

You must have missed the "console" part. :winky:

No, its just that I do not own my own site wherein I can act as a shill for delicious locational damage and fucked up spines and iron man mode and roguelikes in general.

Don't do the graphics version and don't use tank controls for ANYTHING.

Except maybe running away if you were stupid/unfortunate enough to only have a groundcar.

Philotix

He speaks a language which I do not understand....

AJR

Philotix wrote: »

MH79 wrote: »

Philotix wrote: »

Speed Racer wrote: »

You might want to check out the Metal Gear Solid series. They released a collection of the first three for $30 earlier this year.

This is the second time this series has been mentioned. Now keep in mind, I hate military games and virtually all things military, and Solid Snake looks like your typical hard-nosed special ops soldier.

Is he in fact a military soldier, and are the games basically military themed? Or are there perhaps some supernatural elements that I might enjoy?

There are some supernatural elements in terms of villains (I'm using the term supernatural kind of loosely) but other than that, it is rather military focused. Most of the gameplay is focused on stealth though. You're 'playing through a movie' comment fits these games perfectly, cuz most of them feature ridiculously long cutscenes.

I'd probably have to watch a few videos then before I decide if I'd buy any of them. I really hate military games, but I can make an exception to that rule for a good, well told, story.

I’ve always loved how a lot of the supernatural stuff in MGS is explained with bizarre and contrived science. But, I mean, if you’re looking for weird stuff the MGS series has a ton of it. The story is interesting and complex, that’s for sure.

When you say you hate “military” games, what do you mean? Because, there’s military stuff in MGS, but it’s a stealth series about cloned soldiers and bionic ninjas and walking armored tanks that can launch nuclear missiles and vampires and government conspiracies and oh my god my head.

Philotix

When you say you hate “military” games, what do you mean? Because, there’s military stuff in MGS, but it’s a stealth series about cloned soldiers and bionic ninjas and walking armored tanks that can launch nuclear missiles and vampires and government conspiracies and oh my god my head.

Okay, I think you just sold me. Any game that can make your HEAD explode... must be worth checking out.

AJR

Oh, and ditto on Ico and SotC. Those games are fantastic.

Foefaller

You say you hate "military games," which I am assuming to mean First Person Shooters, so I'm a bit hesitant to recommend this, but I'd have to put my not-based-entirely-on-how-much-PAers-love-it(ie SotC and Ico) vote on Fallout 3, especially since I think you said your comp can't run current gen-ish games.

The optional Third Person perspective and the V.A.T.S. system should keep you from any FPS woes (even though, IMO, the game plays better that way) and let you enjoy a game with a good story and an awesome world to explore.

Philotix

You say you hate "military games," which I am assuming

Allow me to qualify my statement then.

Any game that says, or suggests that "military = good", Philotix says "that game = bad".

Foefaller

Philotix wrote: »

You say you hate "military games," which I am assuming

Allow me to qualify my statement then.

Any game that says, or suggests that "military = good", Philotix says "that game = bad".

Ah, so a tech cult arising from the remains of the US army that happen to be an ally of yours wouldn't be crossing that, would it?

Philotix

Fallout 3 takes place in a post-apocalyptic United States in the year 2277.

You know what? Post apocalyptic is always good in my books, because any type of "military" that's left after such an event normally doesn't have the same "feel" that the modern military does. Near future (ala Ghost Recon, etc.) is probably bad for me, but far future (ala Halo or what this appears to be) is probably okay.

Speed Racer

Philotix wrote: »

You say you hate "military games," which I am assuming

Allow me to qualify my statement then.

Any game that says, or suggests that "military = good", Philotix says "that game = bad".

That's kind of silly!

But no MGS is not pro-military. In fact all of the games are pretty anti-war.

Do yourself a favor and don't look at a single detail about MGS2, so as to get the full impact from a pretty massive twist. I mean like, don't read its Wiki, don't watch a video, don't do anything. Just look into MGS1 and see if you like it, and if you do play it and beat it, and if you want more buy MGS2 on the basis that it's the next Metal Gear game.

minigunwielder

They're a bunch of deserters who set up a dark age monastary esque thing

("There were people, who stood on the moon" was quite possibly, the saddest thing in the original Fallout, tying with the 'peaceful' resolution to the final battle, I felt pity, not for the man astounded by that, but for humanity)

after deciding that they were not going to defend the fucking biotoxin that killed eight of their men.

Also, now I am sad because Van Buren never got made and we got bethout instead.

Philotix

So is that all you've got? I figured PAers would be a little but more... opinionated on the subject...

Visti

Philotix wrote: »

So is that all you've got? I figured PAers would be a little but more... opinionated on the subject...

Third to echo Shadow of The Colossous and Ico.. I think you'd also enjoy Final Fantasy. The gameplay itself didn't appeal to me, but it certainly is cinematic in nature and lots of people swear by it.

Also.. eh.. Bioshock? Is that on PS3?


Also!


FALLOUT 3! (because seriously... fallout 3.)



Also you probably won't like Psychonauts, but this is a recommendation thread, so I'm going to recommend it out of pure principle. Psychonauts. Buy it twice.

Also.

Philotix

Also.. eh.. Bioshock? Is that on PS3?

I LOVED Bioshock on the PC, so if it's on Playstation, I'll buy it. That being said, I've never had much luck playing FPS games on a console... there's just something about the mouse that makes me feel so much more in control of where I'm aiming than a little wiggly joystick.... thing.