2003 Fall System buyers guide thread
 

Basically, I have a feeling we'll see a rash of "which system should I buy" or "Should I buy ____" console coming up soon with the big game releases this fall, the GC price drop, and the possibility of drops for the other two (being denied at the moment, but who knows).

So, I figured I'd start this thread as basically a chance for an updated version of the "pros and cons of each console" thread we had a year or so ago to head off these threads.

Rules:

1. No console bashing. Obviously you can post negatives in the cons section (that's the whole point), but don't thread crap to just say "____blank console sucks" or whatever. If you don't have the time to intelligently write out what you like and dislike about the systems you own, don't bother.

2. Only post about consoles you own. People looking for advice will be better helped by this as they will be getting more informed opinions that are less likely to be biased.

3. Do not reply to other posts! This is not a thread to argue about opinions, it is for people wanting info on systems to have several opinions to peruse. Just offer your personal pros and cons, and go on. If you see a thread crap or whatever, use the "report this post to a moderator" link rather than replying to it and drawing the thread off topic with a flame war.


With these rules clearly in place, I'll report any violations to the moderators, and hopefully they'll come down more harshly than normal as everyone has been forewarned of what is appropriate for this thread.

Post format

Very basic.

First list which system you would chose if you could only have one and why.

Second, list the pros, followed by the cons, for each system you own followed by your top 5 games for each.

If I could only have one system, I'd have to go with the gamecube simply because Nintendo's first party games are the reason I still play games. Great exclusive games like Rogue Squadron and Eternal Darkness from Factor 5 and Silicon Knights are killer as well

Gamecube

Pros:

-Cheapest system.
-First party games are great.
-RE series is exclusive
-Wavebird is my all-time favorite controller.
-Small size makes it easy to fit pretty much anywhere
-GB player (sold seperately at the moment) adds 100's of great games to the system's library.

Cons:

-smallest game library
-fairly poor third party support
-some think the controller is too small
-doesn't play dvds
-memory cards hold little data compared to the PS2
-no online gaming if you're into that


Top 5 games:

1. Metroid Prime
2. Zelda: The Wind Waker
3. Eternal Darkness
4. Rogue Sqaudron 2: Rogue Leader
5. Super Mario Sunshine

Playstation 2

Pros:

-largest game library, all genres well represented
-best third party support
-lots of highly rated exlusives like the GTA and Final Fantasy series among others
-free online gaming for many games (only place to play EA sports games online)
-backwards compatible with PSone games, adds 100s of titles to the library
-most consider the dual shock to be the best of the three controllers
-relatively small, easy to fit in hometheater, looks nice with other components
-DVD playback with no extra purchase. A new model coming out soon will offer progressive scan as well.

Cons:

-Least powerful of the three systems, thus graphics not as good in general
-Longest load times in general of the three systems
-seems to break more than the other two systems

Top 5 Games:

1. Final Fantasy 10
2. Gran Tursimo 3
3. LOTR: TTT (not exclusive but plays the best with the Dual Shock)
4. Jak and Daxter
5. Rygar

X-box

Pros:

-best hardware. Best graphics, best support for HDTV's and Dolby Digital
-Type S controller is very nice
-HD is great as it eliminates the need for a MEM card. Especially great for sports games
-some strong exclusives like Halo and KOTOR
-due to better hardware, most multi-platform games are best on the x-box

Cons:

-smallest library of highly rated exclusives. Just check reviews and see how many games you want as this is totally subjective.
-biggest and heaviest of the three systems. May give some problems squeezing it into already crowed home theater set ups.

Top 5 games:

1. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
2. Madden 2004 (best version of best football game ever IMO.

that's all for now, only had the system a month, will update when I play more games.

Minor change, if anyone decides to bother with this, list your top 5 games for each system as well as the pros and cons.

I'll humor you for a second, but all I have is a GameCube.

GameCube

Pros:
- It's Nintendo
- Best Wireless Controller
- Game Boy Player
- I doesn't play DVDs
- Brilliant platform games
- Good Price (best bang for your buck)

Cons:
- It's Nintendo
- Games with hype don't live up to it (more oft than not)
- You need to get a few Memory cards

Top 5 Games:

1. Luigi's Mansion
2. Super Monkey Ball Series (1 & 2)
3. Mario Party 4 (installment 5 coming in November)
4. Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
5. Animal Crossing

Runner(s)-Up: Cel Damage and the Gameboy Player

I have all four.

GBA

TOP FIVE:
1. Advance Wars 2
2. Final Fantasy Tactics
3. Golden Sun 1
4. Super Mario World (Super Mario Advance 2)
5. Haven't played it but most people say Zelda: A Link to the Past

Pros:
- Portable
- Great 2D gaming
- TONS of RPGs
- New releases are $29.99 MSRP most of the time
- with the GBA Player you can play them on the big screen if you have a GC
- If you have a GC you can unlock different things in different games (two games necessary sometimes)
- 10 hour battery life
- Has been getting some GREAT tactical games

Cons:
- Graphics
- Mostly 2D
- Not known for its sound capabilities
- Can cause hand cramping
- Small screen


GameCube

TOP FIVE:
- Soul Calibur II
- Animal Crossing
- Eternal Darkness
- Mario Party 4
- Mario Golf

Pros:
- Fast load times
- Small
- Great first party games
- Multiplayer heaven

Cons:
- Not a lot of third party support
- Not good with sport games
- XBOX has better graphics


PlayStation

TOP FIVE:
- Kingdom Hearts
- Final Fantasy X
- Grand Theft Auto III/Vice City
- Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
- Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution

Pros:
- RPG heaven
- Biggest library
- Big name exclusives: Grand Theft Auto, Kingdom Hearts, most of Final Fantasy
- Free online gaming for most games

Cons:
- Worst graphics of the three consoles
- Some games have long loading times


XBOX

TOP FIVE:
- Halo (don't own)
- Splinter Cell (don't own)
- KOTOR
- Morrowind
- And here lies one of its cons... small game library. Can't think of a fifth

Pros:
- Best graphics
- Hard drive
- Built in online adapter
- Is getting some great exclusives: BC, Fable, Jade Empire, along with the oldies but goodies Halo and KOTOR
- Witht he XBOX music mixer you'll be able to share media with a home network

Cons:
- Slow loading times
- Personal grudge - no Action Replay since MS is very touchy about its code :mad:

I'm not in the camp that thinks the lack of DVD playback is necessarily a drawback, but how is it a pro?

Hey now, your a mod, and you still ignored my don't reply to other opinions rule. :D

I'll break it too as this isn't a flame war type of questiong of opinon. ;) I could see it as a pro as DVD play back can add to the cost of the console as the maker has to pay a licensing fee to the DVD consortium for every console made. MS circumvented this by requiring the remote for playback, thus consumers pay the DVD licensing fee when buying the remote rather than the system.

I have all four as well so I basically copied GatorDeb's list.

1. Gamecube

TOP FIVE:
- Zelda: Wind Waker
- Metroid Prime
- Eternal Darkness
- Mario Sunshine
- Animal Crossing

Pros:
- Fast load times
- Small
- Great first party games
- Multiplayer heaven
- Good graphics
- Wavebird
- Great price

Cons:
- Not a lot of third party exclusives
- Not good with sport games
- 3rd party games often look bad



2. GBA

TOP FIVE:
1. Tactics Ogre
2. Golden Sun 1+2
3. Advance Wars 1+2
4. Metroid Fusion
5. Mario Kart
6. All the classics that have been re-released

Pros:
- Portable
- Great 2D gaming
- TONS of RPGs
- New releases are $29.99 MSRP most of the time
- with the GBA Player you can play them on the big screen if you have a GC
- If you have a GC you can unlock different things in different games (two games necessary sometimes)
- 12-15 hour battery life
- Has been getting some GREAT tactical games

Cons:
- Can cause hand cramping and headaches (solution = GBA Player for GC)



3. Xbox

TOP FIVE:
- SW: KOTOR
- Project Gotham Racing
- Rallisport Challenge

Pros:
- Best graphics
- Hard drive
- Has some good exlusives
- Good price

Cons:
- Slow loading times
- Unreliable - Dirty Disc Errors and such
- Gigantic
- Terrible controller



4. Playstation 2

TOP FIVE:
- GT3
- GTA3
- GTA: VC

Pros:
- Biggest library
- Big name exclusives

Cons:
- Worst graphics of the three consoles
- All games have excruciatingly long loading times

1 console? definitely the xbox...

2 words: xbox live

This really isn't my thing but...

Gamecube:

Pros:

-The best exclusives of any system including Nintendo Franchise characters, and don't underestimate strong second and third party support as well
-Best controller out of the 3 - the most ergonomic, sturdily built, responsive, well-designed, and suited for the majority of exclusive games available for Gamecube
-The cheapest system out of the three
-Fastest load times
-Most dependable system

Cons:

-Upcoming games focus primarily on GBA-GC connectivity
-Library outside of top-tier games rather bare
-New releases are slow to come out
-It only plays games
-Controller not suited for sports/fighting games

Top Five:

1. Eternal Darkness
2. Metroid Prime
3. Zelda: The Wind Waker
4. F-zero X
5. Resident Evil

Gameboy Advance/Sp:

Pros:

-The largest, most diverse library of games of any system including a hefty amount of superb exclusive games from Nintendo and many third parties
-Portability
-The most amount of consistently good releases every month
-No regional lock-out means instant access to many cool imports
-Built-in rechargeable battery

Cons:

-Technical and fundamental limitations of the GBA design itself
-The PSP makes buying a GBA now a dubious idea
-Many Nintendo games are overpriced half-assed re-releases.
-Multiplayer in many games are wasted
-GBA-GC connectivity is disappointing, gimmicky, and fundamentally flawed

Top Five:

1. Metroid Fusion
2. Castlevania series
3. Super Mario Advance series
4. Advance Wars series
5. Wario Ware

Why do you say that? At the moment, I think the one that demonstrates the best usage of the GBA-GC link is Zelda, with a real time map display.

I'd say that the link hasn't been used to it's full potential yet, in any game. Zelda and Animal Crossing showcase what's possible, but that's all.

I have three of the four systems (no PS2 for me) and I'm just going to comment on the Gamecube because it's been my favorite of the systems for a while now.

Pros
- It's Nintendo. The first party games are the best
- $99 is the right price for any system!
- Drops in the game prices from $19.99 to $29.95
- Best wireless controller out there
- Multiplayer games - Mario Kart, Bomberman Generation, SSB: Melee, NBA Street 2, etc.

Cons
- Not exactly the biggest third party game library (but its enough)
- It takes a while for big name games to come out from the announcemen to the release

I've had an XBox since launch:
Pros:
-Excellent HDTV/16:9 EDTV support. Don't know how the other consoles compare, but the XBox does high-def flawlessly
-HD- adds tremendous flexibility and storage space. It hasn't really been used to its potental yet because I suspect developers aren't as creative as they should be. If you buy a GC, for example, don't forget to tack on 20 bucks for the (pathetically small) memory card.
- Best multi-platform games. Whenever any game comes out on more than one system, the XBox version invariably has the best graphics and sound and more features.
- XBOx live, I don't have it myself but I have never met anyone who has it that hates it. Seems like a good, solid online platform.
-M$- yeah say what you want about Microsoft's legalized monopoly. The fact is that they've got much deeper pockets than either Sony or Nintendo (check out MS' market cap some time). They've shown real commitment to the XBox, it's only going to get better with future versions (that will hopefully be backwards compatible). Don't be surprised if XBox 2 is a real homerun, might as well start getting a game library together now.
Cons:
-Small user base- this leads to fewer exclusive games, less stuff being developed in Japan etc.
-Smallish game library. PS2 blows it out of the water in terms of sheer quantity. I'd argue that there's less crap on the XBox, but the fact of the matter is that if you want variety, PS2 is really the best bet.
- Terrible standard controller- it's just too damn big. The "S" is great, however.
-DVD drive was poor quality on early versions. I had 2 fail on me in a matter of weeks, I've had my current XBox for two years now with no problems. They've probably fixed this problem by now, I dunno.

Best exclusive games I own:
-Halo- I like it a lot. I think that most people who don't like it have never played it on the higher difficulty settings. It's a completely different game when the Elites don't just stand there and take it anymore...
-KOTOR- believe the hype, this is an amazing game
-JSRF- this game was a blast to play and looks great to this day, I don't know why it got such mixed reviews.
-Splinter Cell- yeah it was on other platforms, but the XBox version is so superior, there's no comparison. This game was the most involving I've ever played but damn was it a pain in the ass.
- Rallisport Challenge- I didn't like PGR but RC is insanely good. Drift-based rally racing has never been better than this.

Just to clarify for anyone considering buying an X-box, the systems now all come with a Type S (unless you find a real old one that's been sitting on the shelf for months), so this isn't an issue anymore. Just make sure it says "includes controller type S" somewhere on the box. Should be a little picture with the text on the most recent packaging.

..another heads-up for those that prefer the old design (yes, shocking, there are people that do, I even know one!).. you can still buy them seperate. Nice to have excellent 1st party controller choices if I do say so.

I own Xbox, PS2, GCN, and GBA SP. Some other advantages of the systems that haven't been mentioned yet:

PS2 has the most and best peripheral support.
-- the best steering wheel by far with the Logitech Driving Force
-- the best support for light gun games (GCN has none, XBox only has 1 light gun game)
-- the only console that supports Dance Dance Revolution and the dancing pads
-- if you buy a controller for PS2, there are adapters that allow you to use them for GCN or Xbox, but not the other way around.

XBox is the best system for people with a nice home theater
-- the ONLY system to support high definition videogames
-- almost all games are at least 480p enhanced definition
-- the ONLY system to support true 5.1 digital surround sound (the GCN does ProLogic2 and PS2 does ProLogic2 and 4-channel DTS)
-- the only system with an active MOD scene. You can modify the Xbox to do any number of useful things, if you are the tinkering type

I can't think of anything great hardware-wise for the GCN. Except for the wireless controller. But there are great wireless controllers for PS2 (Fountech Airstyle) & Xbox (Logitech wireless) as well. The GCN is only for people who really love the Nintendo first party games (which can be a huge factor, of course)

If I could only own one system, it would be the PS2, no question. Driving games are mad fun with a good steering wheel, DDR rocks, light gun games are great stress relievers. I loved the GTA series and couldn't imagine life without Final Fantasy. PS2 also has the best exclusive fighting games in Tekken and Virtua Fighter.

The top 5 games (IMO) I own for each system:
GBA SP: Advance Wars 1 & 2, Zelda: Link to Past, Golden Sun, Sega Arcade Gallery
GCN: Metroid Prime, Zelda: Wind Waker, Star Wars Rogue Leader, Mario Sunshine, Wave Race
PS2: Gran Turismo 3, Final Fantasy X, Grand Theft Auto3, Tekken Tag Tournament, Metal Gear Solid2
Xbox: Halo, DeadOrAlive3, Project Gotham Racing, Morrowind, Splinter Cell

Also XBOX and PS2 have a plethora of games at or under $20 which makes it much easier to build a game collection from scratch. GC player's choice games are $30.

ps. Where can you buy the Fountech Airstyle anyway?

They just dropped several to $20. Basically the ones that were $30 prior, are now $20 and the ones they just added to the player's choice line are $30.

Great point by you though, especially for the PS2. The PS2 is my "cheap games" system. Their are so many good games available for $20 or less.

I just want to add some Gamecube pro's. The memory card issue is arguable. I have 2 251 block cards. I use one for Gamecube exclusives and I have 25 games on it with 90 free blocks. My other has 12 games on it and it has 169 free blocks (NBA2k3 takes 49 blocks for roster and settings-not counting a season). One 251 memory card should satisfy anyone.
People also argue the GBA-GCN connectivity is gimmicky. Nope, it's practical. Animal Crossing is awesome and the e-reader adds depth. Tingle in Zelda was very innovative. I didn't use it in my own game but when I went to a friends house it helped him through many a dungeon. Metroid Prime-Metroid Fusion unlocked classic NES Metroid and the fusion suit. Sonic Adventure DX & Battle 2 made use of it and kids use it (making demon Chaos). I appreciated the connectivity in Splinter Cell. The radar helped out and the sticky bomb was FUN (x-box users missed out). Wario World and the Nintendo Preview Disc also used connectivity. Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles and Mario Golf: GBA will soon be connecting as well as a handful of EA games. Sony and their precious PSP will soon be talking about connectivity. Will people be griping then? Praise Gamecube.

Unless you are playing Sports, 1 251 card is plenty!!

The GBA link rocks too. If you have a Cube, you probably have a GBA.. you're only out an extra $10 for all kinds of cool stuff. Now if you DON'T have a GBA, it might not be worth it to get one JUST for the link stuff.. (inappropriate comment removed. watch it Pixy. -namja)

Good point regarding GBA-GCN connectivity. I hadn't thought of that when I made my hardware-benefits list. I played Zelda Wind Waker w/the Tingle Tuner and it made the game a lot more fun. Definitely a cool new experience. I'm sure the GBA-GCN connectivity would be cool in Splinter Cell as well.

As for the Fountech Airstyle, read a review of it here:
http://gear.ign.com/articles/409/409786p1.html

One of the few places you can buy this controller is online at
http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?cat...ducts_id=3222&

It is not sold in brick & mortar retail stores as far as I know.

I own all four systems and have been gaming since the Atari 2600 (still own one). My systems in order of preference:

TIE for first:

Xbox

Pros:

Best performing machine by far
Xbox Live is a fantastic deal. $50 ($25 if you can find one on clearance at Target) for a year of service, lots of downloadable content, a $30 communicator set, demos, and a full version of Tetris. We also use ours to save on our long distance phone bill by talking to our friends.
Very solid exclusive games (Halo, KOTOR)
S-controller is a comfortable controller
Excellent support for HD and Progressive Scan
DVD/CD/MP3 Player, plus you can save MP3s on the hard drive

Cons:

Smaller game library
Big console
A memory card won't even hold one save game for bigger games like KOTOR, so it's hard to travel with your games

Top Five:

Halo
KOTOR
Mechassault
Phantasy Star Online
Arctic Thunder


Gamecube

Pros:

Best 1st party games, best long-time gamer games
Best Controller
Wavebird
CHEAP
Constantly inventing a new game look
Small size

Cons:

Doesn't play DVDs
Good games are few and far between
No online multiplayer support

Top Five:

Zelda
Metriod Prime
Starfox
Mario Sunshine
Mario Party

2nd: Playstation 2

Pros:

Large game library
Plays DVDs & CDs
New progressive support

Cons:

Constantly breaking
Worst graphics
Lots of games, but very few high quality games
Worst controller
LONG load times

Top Five:

Virtua Fighter 4 (+ Evolution)
Drakan II
Kingdom Hearts
Devil May Cry
Devil May Cry 2

3rd: Gameboy Advance

Pros:
Compact size
Huge Game Library
Nostalgia factor of NES, SNES games

Cons:
$99 SP costs as much as a Gamecube

Top Five:

All the Mario games

This may have already been posted: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/news/0309/...bundle2003.htm

I'm sorry, and this comes from a Tetris lover, but Tetris is not a premium game rotfl And the Star Wars game is old.

Still, free is free.