Help me Pick?

Hey, I just randomly got a free Japanese PS2 (something I wasn't expecting to happen until I actually got to Japan) so now I'm at an impasse... I'm going to Japan next year (maybe, about 50-60% chance) so I don't want to spend tons of money on VNs for the PS2 buying them through something like Shopping Mall Japan. So I've been surfing normal import gamestore sites like Play-Asia and NCSXshop.com but some of the biggest names I've wanted to play for so long like Kanon, To Heart and a few others are out of stock permanently. So, I'd like some suggestions on what good PS2 VNs there are that fit the following criteria:

1. Cute characters (Examples: Kanon, Snow, To Heart, Clover Heart etc. Not necessarily loli but... not exactly not either)
2. Findable on the two sites mentioned above
3. If possible, I like the 'best' versions that cost less (IE the $35 versions over the $65)

That's basically it. I'm not even really concerned with awesome stories since I'm learning Japanese anyway so I'll be happy with any story I'm able to translate bit by tiny bit... so characters are the most important thing to me since they're my incentive for playing/translating through the thing. So far I've only found the following games to fit my desires:

Snow
Memories Off
Canvas
Canvas 2
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kakera Asobi

... and that's it. The problem is mainly I just haven't heard of other games, so any help just pointing me to some new names that I've never heard of before would be appreciated. Thanks much. Remember, PS2 games only.

Comments

by jyuichi - 10/14/2008 - 12:25am 10 dais #1

Have you played planetarian? There is a PC trial if your unsure about liking it. I thought it was the most amazing thing I've played but I like sad stories so ^^;

There is a PS2 version which features full voice acting (unlike either PC version.) http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-43-49-en-15-planetarian-70-1d0u.html

Nanatsuiro Drops is also a favorite franchise of mine (though I haven't had the funds to buy the PC game yet, I have the DS and the anime version as well as the artbook, manga and trial editions) PS2 editions features 2 extra routes, a Shana cameo, and no H. Story is very akin to shojo manga in presentation except its a obviously bishoujo game.

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-43-77-4-49-en-15-nanatsuiro+drops-70-1vsh-43-99.html

EDIT: Wow, after I posted I found the Kino no Tabi game... something I think you might like from your status ;) http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-43-49-en-70-2q5r.html

Your signature is the signature I use in Gmail XD

by Mashiroi - 10/14/2008 - 3:32pm 0 dais #2

What kind of game is Kino's Journey anyway? I've heard of it but I can't see how they'd make a game of that book/show...

Also, I've found a few more good titles such as:

Gift: Prism
Iris
Majomusume A la Mode II

Still searching, though.

by jyuichi - 10/14/2008 - 9:57pm 10 dais #3

Mashiroi;5203 wrote:

What kind of game is Kino's Journey anyway? I've heard of it but I can't see how they'd make a game of that book/show...

Also, I've found a few more good titles such as:

Gift: Prism
Iris
Majomusume A la Mode II

Still searching, though.

I have no clue how it could work as a game...I just saw the recommendation.I would love to hear a review though... It spawned a sequel and have reasonable reviews on Amazon.co.jp though

Check out Da Capo and its spin offs. Shuffle! on the Stage might hold your interest also.

Also, where do you live? Because a Japanese used chain called Book Off! has been moving in to some major cities and they have terrific prices on PS2 games. I am a regular patron at my local branch.
http://www.bookoff.co.jp/en/index.html

by Vatina - 10/15/2008 - 10:58am 5 dais #4

There is a game called Final Approach for PS2 that I tried shortly, which I think can fit what you want. Not the next greatest thing ever, but it's decent with a simple story and cute characters.

I knew of more, but of course I can't remember them right now ^^;