Sparkz Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 My wife just called and said that her dad wants to buy a new console so that he and I could play video games on his new big TV when we visit for Christmas. She thinks he wants some bonding time with me. He's not sure which one to get. Since he bought a gorgeous 50 inch flat screen last year, my first thought was to say an Xbox 360, but I don't think he would have the patience to try to hunt one down. I recommended a PS2, however that was based on the fact that its the console I don't have and wanted the opportunity to play with it. So now I feel guilty. My father in law is not what you'd call a technical man. He was trouble opening up email attachments. He does have a pretty nice A/V set-up, and its all connected by a Pronto remote, so all he has to do is hit "Watch TV" or "Watch DVD" and he's good to go. Wherever he buys his equipment, he pays the guys to come and install it and also program the remote. So I am a little nervous about introducing something new to his set-up. I'm not familiar with the PS2, so now I'm having some internal conflict on whether I made the right call. Is it fairly easy to pick up and play for 60 year old? What are the high def options available (ie component or optical cables)? Are there wireless controllers? Also, what games are available for the PS2 that are multiplayer and don't have a steep learning curve? I don't think he has ever played a video game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeyN Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 Im gonna shock people with this one. I would have said go with a Gamecube if he wanted to play some multiplayer games. Its the ultimate party machine. It gets a lot of play at get togethers. Donkey Konga, Monkey ball, Smash Brothers, Mario Kart, Mario Party, Mario Tennis, Mario Golf, Godzilla: DAM and so on. All of them are great fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robot Monkey Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 I'd also suggest a GameCube -- there are a lot of great "pick-up-and-play" games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlucci Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 Coolest Father-in-law ever! Gamecube is cheapest with great games. Get a game with easy controls like one of the Frogger adventure titles or MonkeyBall. If you stick with the PS2, get Guitar Hero. He will love you like you're his flesh and blood! Carlos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Daisy Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 I can't argue with the crew here. If they have a Gameboy, then have them get Pacman Vs. That is easily the most fun multiplayer game I've played in quite some time. Now that I think about it... I think I'm going to take the Gamecube up to the in-laws for Xmas. Glen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merlot Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 Aside from the 360, nothing is going to show off that fancy new set like an Xbox. Does he have at least a 5.1 surround system as well? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkz Posted December 6, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 Now that I think about it, he doesn't have 5.1. He's got a nice Denon receiver with multi-room capabilities (other speakers are in the dining room and outside), but the living room has only two speakers. And they are in-wall, to make my mother in law happy. I've thought hard about the gamecube, and you guys almost convinced me. I'm already a proud owner, and have had great times with Monkey Ball, Pac Man Vs., and Donkey Konga. But I can't imagine him sitting down to play those. He's really in to sports, so I was thinking he'd enjoy Tiger Woods golf, and then maybe a football, baseball or hockey game, but probably ones that are more arcade like and less simulation. I haven't played any of the recent EA or 2K series of those types of games, so wasn't sure how easy they were to learn. Is there anything out there like NES Ice Hockey or Double Dribble? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTello Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 Now that I think about it, he doesn't have 5.1. He's got a nice Denon receiver with multi-room capabilities (other speakers are in the dining room and outside), but the living room has only two speakers. And they are in-wall, to make my mother in law happy. Well, looks like you know what you can get him for Christmas! Finish off that surround sound! Your mother in law will probably disown you, but he'll be smiling as she kicks you to the curb! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkz Posted December 6, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 I think my mother in law would rather have us play DOA Beach Volleyball than to have surround speakers invade her living room! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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