^ yes!

there is a tedium in rogue galaxy unexplored in any rpg previously.

the story is bland and the gameplay gets old about halfway through. even the side quests are extremely long for an rpg, excrutiatingly long.

there are still a few 2d publishers out there. check out nippon ichi for some good ole 2d SRPG's and if you're looking for side-scrolling shooters check out Alien Homonid or Odin Sphere.

the major enemy of 2d is the heavy push towards ultra-realismfor the next gen systems but that will probably slow in the next couple of years.

shame, i'd actually recommend the original Valkyrie Profile (PS) insteadof VP2.

VP2 felt like a watered down graphics update. they removed almost all of the interesting side scrolling puzzle solving elements from the first game and then dumbed it down with the "orb system". the battle system was also dismantled. it's similar to the first but they removed all of the joy of setting up over the top combos and high-level magics.

they did, however,fix a few problems inissuing a sequel(there was actually an end of days element where they counted down the number of in game days until ragnarok [when you had to face the final boss], it really limited exploration. the bonus stage before the final boss was also a "once entered you cannot leave back to the story" decision which was unfortunate) .the positive is that they removed those elements that hurt the game, the negative is that they also removed the ones that made it enjoyable.

if money is no object i'd certainly search for the rare original, maybe there's even a rom somewhere.

let us know what you decide maybe i can help ya,

matt

on that ledge, as you look across to the other ledge, (with the giant double doors on your left side) you should see the hook icon. you're going to have to jump across the gap and then throw the hook in mid-air. if it's not connecting then i think you might be throwing it too soon or too late. in many cases the hook icon will grow larger as an indication that it's okay to throw the grapple (sometimes it won't be visible if it's out of frame). you then run against the wall and rock the analog stick until you're at the apex of your swing and jump off onto the other side.

hang in there the game is good.

hope this helps,

matt

telling this guy "both" isn't helpful! he's already narrowed it down to two great games, i'm sure he's aware of their quality. imagine that he's on a budget.

Shadow of the Colossus is a great puzzle solver. it is unique in the shear scope of the visuals. the colossi not just look large but feel large. the game itself is quite short however, you could finish it in a day. there is a bit of replay but the higher difficulty just adds more work and not different ways to down the colossus. the controls are also really sluggish and non-responsive. for a game where precision jumping and grabbing are needed it can take several repeated tries just to get up a leg.

Okami is just gorgeous, there isn't any game close to it's visual style. it's like running through a painting. it's much longer than colossus but it is very easy to beat as most of the challenges aren't that difficult. it also has little replay value eventhough there is a new game+, maybe it's because the length or the grand resolution that leaves you fulfilled.

i own both but i would go with okami for a single purchase. it's just so unique in it's presentation and is an incredibly fun game to play with many sidequests too. here's also hoping to a sequel despite the dissolution of clover studios and the stubourness of capcom and their sequels.

hope this helps,

matt