new member with general intro and questions

[yodapoolman]

Hey all, I just registered for these forums! I hope to get some good advice from all you experts :) I used to play pc games like Diablo or MMORPGs like Anarchy Online and World of Warcraft. I stopped playing the MMORPGs because I didn't like the monthly fee anymore so I decided to try a gaming system.

I'm a college student so I didn't have that much cash avail to spend on a new system, but I bought a PS2 refurbished from Gamestop and a few used games they had on sale. It's pretty cool and I'm having a lot of fun with games such as God of War (not the newest one) and Madden NFL 2006.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a newb when it comes to playing these console-type games. I tried to find tips and stuff but it seems like most everything is geared to the latest systems and games. I had read about people playing Madden 06 online, but I'm at a loss of how to connect my PS2 to the internet :/

So...after a long, drawn out introduction (thanks for your patience haha)...is PS2 still a good system to casually play games on? Or should I trade up at Gamestop for something else? Also, I know there's probably a great debate, but is there a "better" system as far as controls and gameplay between xbox consoles (older or newer versions), PS consoles (same), or Nintendo?

Thanks in advance for all your replies!

[Z3CH]

Of course someone will disagree, but I've played all of the Nintendos, XBoxes, and Playstations and XBox 360 is the one I've had most fun with by far. Being able to have a universal friends list, and good online support for every game is awesome. Although XBox Live has been acting funky for a while now.

[Wabba]

I just got a next gen console because my ps2 actually became obsolete. However, since the price jump is so high, and your new to console games anyway, I'd keep the ps2 if I were you till the 360 and ps3 prices drop. I recommend Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2, Blitz the League, and Spartan:Total Warrior for the ps2.

[OME6A]

The PS2 is still a great system. It's so good, that it even outsold the PS3 over the holidays with 1.3 mil to 1.2 mil. The product support is still there, so you should be in good hands for now.

If you have a slim PS2, meaning it's smaller than a phonebook, it has a built in internet adapter. If you have an old fat PS2, which is about the size of a large phone book, you have to buy a seperate adapter that clips onto its backside.

Connecting to the internet for online play is easy. All you have to do is plug an ethernet cord into it, and you can play any online capable games from there.

Since you're tight on cash, I'd recommend shopping on eBay for games and accessories. Because it's an older system, you should be able to find stuff pretty cheap.

As far as next-gen systems go...
If you like playing online with other people, but don't want to pay for it, the PS3 is what you want.

If you don't mind paying $4 and change a month for great services, Xbox 360 is what you want.

Welcome to VGF.