Among the hollowed eras of console gaming, the PlayStation 2 is considered one of the greatest. It brought us so many acclaimed titles in series like Metal Gear Solid and Grand Theft Auto. The list goes on. However, several other titles, some underrated and others outright ignored, deserve to be remembered. It could be a port of a PC title or that one legendary movie tie-in that no one else remembers. Let’s dive into them and explore these forgotten gems of the PlayStation 2 era.
In this article, we will explore underrated PlayStation 2 games that may have slipped under the radar of many gamers. These hidden gems, often overshadowed by blockbuster titles, offered distinct gameplay experiences and showcased the creativity and talent of their developers. From the tense atmosphere of “The Thing” to the immersive conspiracy of “Deus Ex,” we will journey through a diverse range of genres and uncover the brilliance that lies within these lesser-known titles.
The Thing: Challenging the Survival Horror Genre
The Thing was trying to make an impact in the survival horror genre, especially with juggernauts like Silent Hill and Resident Evil around. It was no easy task. Nevertheless, The Thing had interesting hooks like the Fear Trust system. If an NPC believed you were the thing, they could attack. Even if unsure, they would remain distrustful and ignore orders. They could also become scared, lash out, commit suicide, or die from heart attacks. It wasn’t perfect, but The Thing presented a tense atmosphere with strong environmental variety.
Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution: Taking the Fighting Franchise to New Heights
Virtua Fighter finally made its long-awaited return with Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution, proving that Sega’s 3D fighting franchise could go toe to toe with Tekken. Evolution was even better, improving the visuals, adding more features to the Quest mode, introducing new gameplay modes, and introducing two new characters. All that aside, the mechanics, including the new Saku character, provided a variety of fighting styles and ensured a stellar competitive fighting experience with stunning fidelity.
Deus Ex: Uncovering Intricate Conspiracies
Deus Ex: The Conspiracy, Human Revolution, and Mankind Divided are more contemporary titles, but for many, their descent into immersive sims began with the first Deus Ex. In 2052, players went up against the NSF at the behest of UNATCO but slowly uncovered a web of intricate conspiracies. The mission design and depth of the role-playing systems allowed players to take any approach they liked, whether it was sneaking, combat, hacking, or talking their way through. The replay value was immense, offering multiple paths and outcomes.
Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly – A Resurgence of Psychological Horror
Fatal Frame is seeing a resurgence these days with titles like “Maiden of Black Water” and “Mask of the Lunar Eclipse” receiving modern re-releases. However, it’s easy to forget the title that earned the series its universal acclaim – Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly. The psychological horror and emotional storytelling, coupled with the unique gameplay mechanics of using a camera obscure to capture ghosts, made it stand out. One can’t help but wonder when this gem will receive the contemporary spotlight it deserves.
Twisted Metal Black: Perfecting Demolition Derby Car Combat
Twisted Metal is one of Sony’s many first-party IPs that desperately needs a revival. And no, the TV show doesn’t count. While a reboot is rumored to be in the works, it’s nice to look back on Twisted Metal Black and appreciate how much it got right. The demolition derby-style car combat was incredible, and having separate stories for each character to go with the darker narrative felt great. It could be difficult, but unlocking new weapons and learning the ropes was still fun.
ICO: A Masterpiece of Visual Storytelling and Puzzle Design
ICO is a game that truly exemplifies the phrase “less is more.” It’s an incredible mix of visual storytelling, aesthetics, puzzle design, and atmosphere. As players explored a seemingly abandoned castle and attempted to save Yorda, who was held captive by the Queen, the narrative was conveyed without words and achieved a certain magic missing in many games. ICO was a mesmerizing experience that left a lasting impression on those who played it.
Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy – A Unique Psychic Adventure
Before Remedy’s “Control” gave you telepathy to throw objects and hover around, Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy had out-of-body experiences, setting enemies on fire, and much more. Playing as the amnesiac Nick Scryer, players wreaked havoc against Psi-Ops operatives using a combination of firearms and psychic powers. It was a super enjoyable experience that offered not only thrilling gameplay but also a strong narrative and memorable characters.
Transformers: A Decent Third-Person Shooter Experience
Thankfully, this isn’t the terrible 2007 movie tie-in or “Revenge of the Fallen.” Transformers, developed by Atari, was a third-person shooter that allowed players to step into the shoes of iconic Autobots like Optimus Prime, Red Alert, and Hot Shot. The game involved collecting mini-cons for different upgrades, battling Decepticons, and exploring some hefty levels. While lacking in several ways, it was one of the better Transformers games out there at the time.
Silent Hill 4: The Room – A Departure from the Usual Formula
Everyone praises Silent Hill 2 and 3 as the peak titles in the franchise, but Silent Hill 4: The Room lies by the wayside. The departure in setting as protagonist Henry Townshend traversed different worlds from mysterious holes appearing in his apartment set it apart from previous titles. The lack of puzzles, increased combat, and general premise earned it mixed reactions, but it was still a compelling journey with terrifying monsters and surreal environments.
Red Dead Revolver: The Birth of an Acclaimed Western Franchise
In 2004, Midnight Club developer Rockstar San Diego released something out of left field – a Wild West action-adventure title called Red Dead Revolver. It mixed third-person shooting with the Dead Eye system, allowing players to gun down multiple enemies in slow-motion. Although the campaign was solid yet unspectacular, it led to the critically acclaimed Red Dead Redemption series, establishing a beloved franchise in the process.
War of the Monsters: Kaiju Battles and Mass Destruction
After Incognito Entertainment released the best car combat title of the PS2 era, they went ahead with one of the best kaiju fighting games – War of the Monsters. Assisted by Santa Monica Studio, which knows a thing or two about giants from their work on “God of War,” players controlled giant monsters and heroes, battling it out across cityscapes while causing mass destruction. The story-focused adventure mode and local multiplayer added depth and replayability to this unorthodox yet enjoyable fighting experience.
XIII: A Cult Classic First-Person Shooter
XIII is a cult classic first-person shooter that gained attention for its unique art style, inspired by a graphic novel series. Players stepped into the shoes of an amnesiac protagonist named XIII, caught up in a massive conspiracy. Stealth and guns were the usual tools for navigating the 13-chapter-long campaign, but players could also use their sixth sense to detect enemies. Despite being criticized for its general unevenness, XIII’sstunning atmosphere, story, and presentation drew fans in and made it a cult classic in its own right.
Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction – A Sandbox of Destruction
In a time when open-world games could feel bloated, it was refreshing to have a sandbox where you could wreak havoc. Mercenaries, developed by Pandemic Studios, delivered this experience in spades. Players had the freedom to destroy buildings, complete missions, and curry favor or distrust with different factions. The game offered compelling combat and a sense of freedom that felt novel for open-world games at the time.
The Warriors: A Unique Beat ‘Em Up Experience
The Warriors, a 3D beat ’em up based on the classic 1979 film of the same name, published by Rockstar Games, stood out as a unique game during the PS2 era. It combined a compelling story, engaging missions, and various activities that allowed players to train or take on side missions. The combat system was deep, featuring combos, counters, and a wide range of weapons. The game even included features like mugging people and indulging in street art. With voice acting from the original actors and a stellar soundtrack, The Warriors became an instant classic for fans of beat ’em ups and the movie itself.
Bully: A Memorable Open World Setting in a School Environment
The sheer number of Rockstar IPs that lay dormant is astounding, and Bully is one of the more significant ones. Known for the creativity of its setting, Rockstar Vancouver employed an open-world formula for Bulworth Academy, a school environment. Players experienced different clicks, attended classes for multiple subjects, each providing different bonuses, and explored the school grounds using bicycles, skateboards, and more. The story centered around Jimmy Hopkins’ rise from delinquent to school hero, and it was a memorable journey filled with unique characters and situations. While it may never get a sequel, Bully’s strong writing and immersive world continue to be remembered as part of gaming history.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 2 era was not only defined by its blockbuster titles but also by the hidden gems that showcased innovation, creativity, and unique gameplay experiences. These underrated games, such as The Thing, Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution, Deus Ex, Fatal Frame II, and many others, deserve recognition for their contributions to the gaming industry.
While they may have been overshadowed at the time, their impact on players and the industry should not be forgotten. So, if you’re looking for something new to explore or want to revisit the past, give these underrated gems a chance. You might just discover a whole new world of gaming excellence.
FAQs
- Q: Are these games still available to play on modern gaming platforms? A: Some of these games have received re-releases or are compatible with newer consoles, allowing players to enjoy them on modern platforms.
- Q: Why do you think these games were underrated despite their quality? A: The reasons for a game’s underrated status can vary. Factors such as poor marketing, overshadowing by popular titles, or limited exposure to a wider audience could contribute to their underappreciation.
- Q: Are there any plans for sequels or remakes of these underrated games? A: While some games on this list have seen sequels or remakes, others remain dormant in terms of new installments or remasters. However, the gaming industry is full of surprises, and fans can always hope for a revival in the future.
- Q: Are these games worth playing even after all these years? A: Absolutely! These games offer unique experiences and stand the test of time. Their innovative gameplay, engaging narratives, and memorable characters make them worth exploring, even in the present day.
- Q: Are there any other underrated PlayStation 2 games you would recommend? A: The PlayStation 2 library is vast, and there are many more underrated gems worth exploring. Some honorable mentions include “Okami,” “Beyond Good & Evil,” “Shadow of Memories,” and “Zone of the Enders.”
