What do I do now?

All right folks, heres the situation. Over the last year, my interest in next-gen gaming has been dying little by little. I just can't seem to get into the newer games at all. They just seem so long and tedious that they feel more like a chore for me to play than actual fun.

It also doesn't help that I've never been a fan of games like Zelda, Metroid, Panzer Dragoon, GTA, etc. I've always enjoyed quick pick up and play games, but their longevity leaves a lot to be desired and that's finally taking a toll on me.

I just don't know what to do and the feeling isn't going away. Are there any long next-gen games that are fun to play and don't require a 150 page strategy guide to complete?

<small>[ January 27, 2003, 02:23 PM: Message edited by: Earthquake ]</small>

Are you a shooter fanatic? If so, try getting into the import Saturn scene. There's loads of arcade style action to be had there.

I don't know, personally I enjoy a good long game. You spend good hard earned money on a game, why not get the full enjoyment from it? Take for example Metroid Prime. I've had this game since it's November release and I have not defeated it yet. Though I can only play an hour here or there, it's a game I'm glad I got my money's worth from.

Maybe it's me, but the shorter the game, the more I end up regretting it because of how much it costs and how fast I conquered it.

Right now, my two main systems are XBOX and Neo Geo.

Sometimes I'll go a few weeks where I don't want to play the newer stuff. That's when I turn to my Neo and it's 2D fighting goodness. The point is, don't lock yourself into only 1 system...keep several around and make sure you have some of the older platforms around like PC Engine, Atari and Genesis.

There are days when I either don't feel like or have the time to invest in the latest and greatest next-gen system adventure. That's when I turn to some of the older stuff for a much-needed change of pace and quick adrenaline rush.

Yeah dude, play inport Saturn and Neo Geo-

Pure arcade joy

All the fun any respectable arcade freak can handle.

I suggest:

NEO:
Ninja Masters
SamSho 1-3
Pulstar
Viewpoint
Breakers
KOF98

Saturn:
Battle Garegga
D&D Collection
Shienryu
Virtua Fighter 2
Street Fighter Zero 2
Cyberbots
Vampire Hunter

Fun Fun Fun
Classic Classic Classic

contra SS: the more you play, the more you learn and the more you enjoy

need for speed HP 2: good arcade type. pick an event, finish it and gain your reward

winning eleven 6 and fighting games : that's if you can find someone to play with. if you do, these games will afford you long time of enjoyment

I think what you need to do is MASTER some games. Pick a shooter or something you like and try to master it. Try a one credit win. Something like that. That always makes those old games last a long time.

Get Shenmue II on DC or Xbox

as well as getting a supreme adventure games, you get the 'shit me this is hard' ports of outrun, hang on (i still have never finished!) Afterburner II and Spce Harrier!

Plisken:
Get Shenmue II on DC or Xbox

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Yeah but the main game is the ultimate in tedium. I'm not saying it's not good, but this is not the right suggestion for a man who's tired of the length of say, Metroid Prime.


I agree with Dolphin Lord, there's so many great import saturn shooters, its like a whole new world. like that song, from the lion king.

Try something like Toejam And Earl III Then.

It's very similar to the original mega drive game.

Definetely a quick pick up and play game, and it'l make you laugh as well tickled buttrock

Plisken:
Try something like Toejam And Earl III Then.

It's very similar to the original mega drive game.

Definetely a quick pick up and play game, and it'l make you laugh as well tickled buttrock

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TJ and Earl is pretty fun. It got pretty bad reviews, but they're not justified; people are just jaded.

I have somewhat i have the sameproblem, the new games on the next-gen consoles just dont seem to caputre the magic like the older games did. Yes i did have some fun with my dreamcast, partly because i was huge sega fan-boy before converting to neo. But my ps2 just sits there unplayed, hell i played deeper into ffvii then i did x, mgs2 was entertaining for a day, same with gta3. The gamecube is probably the next-gen system that gets the most play at my home, there is just something about mario sunshine, and most of the the other first-party games that still peak my intrest. Maybe its because nintendo still knows how to make a game that pulls you in at first and doesnt let you go, be that without great story, insane platforming, or just flat out fun. I dont know but i think it's just going to be a problem that gets worse, next-gen games arent really overcomplicated, its just that its there fun wears thin and all you are left with are a bunch of pretty polygons flying around the screen. And one more thing with my rant, the gba is a great system, but what is with all the snes re-hashes?? An orginal zelda game would be nice, hell the Zelda for the gb was and is one of the most enjoyable titles i've ever played in my life. Arggg i know nintendo that your new gba user base probably missed out on all the classic snes titles, but what about those that didnt?

Well as far as recomendations go I say just stick with a dreamcast. :shrug:

Either that or a Gamecube/Xbox.

GC has great games that take up alot of my time, but also have a lot of replay value. Like for Example Super Monkey ball 1/2 I love the little bastards in their balls!!!! There is a long main game, and also other ways to play the main game (timed, credit limits, multi) and tons of mini games. This is a game that I play by myself then when a friend comes over we spend hours on the mini games. Also don't forget that the GBA Player will be coming for the GC so you can have your old school goodness on the big screen again!

For the Xbox there are some great Sega games that have loads of replay Value (Gunvalkarie, PDO, JSRF). Also there are some great other games for it like Morrowind (Huge RPG, I never had the book for it and I played more than 200 hours of it, but I did need to go online to get a few hints) where you can just go around and do fun/stupid shit (like collect all the pillows in the game and stack them in the shape of a castle by droping them while levetating.) You also have Halo, but I have beat that on every mode except legengdary (Damn that is tough!) so I am not just waiting Halo 2. Also Xbox usually gets the the best game when it comes out for more than one console.

But I own more Dreamcast games than anyother next-gen colsole. And my PS2 sits around collecting dust (well actully my wife uses it for harvest moon on weekends.)

Well that probably diden't help you. I say build an arcade cabinet and start collecting your favorites for it. You get the gaming satisfaction and a side hobby

I'd recommend some decent platformers like Ratchet and Clank, Jack and Daxter and Mario Sunshine.
Not exacttly dripping with maturitry and testosterone, but past the bright, chipper graphics are some decent (fairly) long games.

You could also try Burnout 2 - lots of replay value there even after you do finish it.

You could Give Kingdom Hearts a try as well. Again its verry 'kiddie' but it lasts a good 30+ hours and there is verry little to learn by way of item-management. its all verry simple and straightforward.

Also there are the MegaMan games, which are consistantly hard as hell (or mabye I just suck at Megaman). Megaman X6 on PSX is fairly solid stuff, as is GBA Megaman Zero, and I think Megaman X7 is due out soon on PS2.

toy_brain:
I'd recommend some decent platformers like Ratchet and Clank, Jack and Daxter and Mario Sunshine.
Not exacttly dripping with maturitry and testosterone, but past the bright, chipper graphics are some decent (fairly) long games.

You could also try Burnout 2 - lots of replay value there even after you do finish it.

You could Give Kingdom Hearts a try as well. Again its verry 'kiddie' but it lasts a good 30+ hours and there is verry little to learn by way of item-management. its all verry simple and straightforward.

Also there are the MegaMan games, which are consistantly hard as hell (or mabye I just suck at Megaman). Megaman X6 on PSX is fairly solid stuff, as is GBA Megaman Zero, and I think Megaman X7 is due out soon on PS2.

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You've got good taste
And I've got a MINT ratchet and clank sitting in the selling forums

plug plug plug,
ray

i know how you kinda feel earthquake.
i do like some of the newer titles of remakes to come out
but i think i ve been spending alot of my time with
my gba. i m very getting ready for the gc adapter
i m stocking up on gba and even older bw games.

I was pretty jaded about this generation of gaming system until I got my hands on Steel Battalion. That's just an unbelievable gaming experience, granted, it isn't a pickup and play game...

Of course, Splinter Cell is one of the best games too. The atmosphere is top-notch and you get so immersed in the game. Maybe not an arcade experience but it is fun, and it isn't too long. I finished it in about 2 weeks on normal difficulty.

But as far as older arcade shooters and what not, your best bet would be a PS2, short of getting a Saturn/Turbo Duo.

heck .. get animal crossing (if you do not have it)

That will keep you addicted for a couple months.

†B†V†

Kid Aphex:
You've got good taste
And I've got a MINT ratchet and clank sitting in the selling forums

plug plug plug,
ray

Click to expand...

Heh, cheers man.
I only wish I could have added Sly Racoon to that list, that game was really well produced (loved the style) but it was so easy - it only took me 2 days of play to have it done and dusted.

Still, there is always Ape Escape 2 to look forward to, I played the demo and it seemed fairly promising. Only concern is the slightly naff voices for Spike and the young girl (same voices as Ape Escape 1 I think).

I dunno what it is, but I just love a really good, well made platform game.

I'd like to second toy brains Rec for Burnout 2. This game is so amazingly good and has such a huge replay value...it's really hard to imagine until you try it. Give it a go earthquake

Kid Aphex:
I'd like to second toy brains Rec for Burnout 2. This game is so amazingly good and has such a huge replay value...it's really hard to imagine until you try it. Give it a go earthquake

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same here. I think this game will be a good choice ...... I'm playing it now and it has many nice gameplay elements.

as I said before, don't miss contra: SS and need for speed HP 2 and if you want a little bit older games, Mega Man X 5 & 6 would be fine

EDIT: how can I forget Castlevania: Symphony of the Night ....... my best game ever glee

<small>[ January 28, 2003, 01:01 PM: Message edited by: k'_127 ]</small>

I really appreciate all the advice you guys have given me! I'm gonna be honest with you though. I'm not the most devoted game player in the world when it comes to large/difficult games. Usually, if I can't beat a game in a day, I don't want anything to do with it.

But I'm hoping that will change starting now. I've never played a Contra game before, so I'm thinking about giving the new PS2 title SS a shot. How is the AI? Is it challenging but fun or overly cheap and poorly developed like a lot of the games out today?

<small>[ January 28, 2003, 09:58 PM: Message edited by: Earthquake ]</small>

in Contra SS, there are easy things you can do which grant you to stay alive. for example, if you fought a very difficult Boss which seems that you can't dodge his attacks, there should be an easy way to do it like going to the far left of the screen and ducking or staying somewhere and jump in certain times.

I managed to learn all these tricks in the game by myself. never used a FAQ except for the last bosses. I could reach the sixth stage with 1 live and it was really fun. I know the game very well so if you need help, just open a thread here about the game and I'm ready to help with everything

good luck

Thanks k'_127, I'll keep that in mind when I rent it tomorrow.

Well that probably diden't help you. I say build an arcade cabinet and start collecting your favorites for it. You get the gaming satisfaction and a side hobby

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Shapermc, I've been wanting to get an arcade cabinet for a very long time, but the possibility of something going wrong with it scares the hell out of me. Especially with all the topics in the Tech Support forum about monitors acting up and power supplys being fried.

What exactly are the possibilities of something bad happening to a cab if I were to buy one in fairly good condition? I would honestly love to just leap right into the hobby, but I don't know a thing about power supplys, soldering, monitors, or even what the word grounded means.

<small>[ January 29, 2003, 05:27 PM: Message edited by: Earthquake ]</small>

Earthquake:
What exactly are the possibilities of something bad happening to a cab if I were to buy one in fairly good condition? I would honestly love to just leap right into the hobby, but I don't know a thing about power supplys, soldering, monitors, or even what the word grounded means.

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endless possibilities wink

But seriously I actually built mine from a hollow old cab. If something breaks (aside from a circuit board) I can go in and have it fixed in about 15 min or less. Now as far as monitors breaking and what not that happens, just like a TV. What I recomend is just finding a empty cabinet being sold in your area or try to find a really cheap one. Then gut it out. EVERYTHING. Buy a new monitor with a warrenty and a Jamma harnes and a cheap $10 Jamma board off ebay that is in working condition. Get the buttons while your at it wink . Then just figure it out. It is like hooking up a really complicated videogame system at this point then all plug and play. Instead of just pullging in a controller you have to plug in each button individually. Then you have to connect it to the Monitor. Then you just plug the Jamma harnes on to the Jamma game and go. I recomend looking here (http://www.arcadecontrols.com/arcade.htm) to get an idea of what to do in their examples section.

It took me about 3 months to referbish a beat to hell old ass gutted out cab and put in all the parts. I tried to go the cheap route and get a used monitor that worked. After 6 monitors I finally got one (and I spent as much in gas and shipping as it would have cost to get a new one). I love the thing to death and some of my friends would stab me in the back to get it wink Loads of fun and it kept me bust for about 2 years getting all the perfect parts marquees and stickers for it. Have fun!