I just got Time Crisis 2 for the PS2. It was $5, so I thought what the hell. Anyway, besides the game looking great and playing just like the arcade (as nearly as I could tell, seeing as I don't have a GunCon 2) I noticed a couple things right away: 1) the menus are really poorly done and 2) the music is different from the arcade version. The menus obviously aren't a big deal, but the music is kind of distracting, and I think it kind of takes away from the action a bit. Overall, I think I prefer the original arcade music. So, I was wondering, is the Japanese version the same? Does it have the original arcade music or the remade version? It's not a major problem, but it's significant enough that I might get the Japanese version if it has the original arcade music.
It's been awhile since I played it but did you check the menus and see if it's one of those games that has 2 soundtracks? One "remixed" and one arcade original?
