Although there were many PlayStation 2 games that struck a chord with players, some unsung ones slipped through the cracks of history. These gems are definitely worthy of recognition for their unique game-play and contribution to games. Let’s take a look at these hidden gems that made an era!
Under the Skin: Capcom’s Wacky Prank Adventure
Capcom’s title Under the Skin shows the company at their more experimental side. While it is a strange and playful oddity, modern Capcom seem less likely to create something like this despite the success of the more creative Kitsugami. In this cell-shaded game, players control Cosmi, an alien shapeshifter who plays pranks on humans using Home Alone-style traps.
Under the Skin is basically a stealth game with an added twist of comedy. It features the alien mischief like Destroy All Humans but takes on an experimental sandbox approach like Hitman. Though the camera can be an issue and some mechanics feel unpolished, the fresh environments and concepts make it fully a PS2 game so worth trying.
Ring of Red: Alternate History Strategy Masterpiece
The 82 score on Metacritic, Ring of Red has arguably the most positive feedback among the forgotten PS2 titles. This strategy game is published by Konami. The game offers an alternate history after WWII. It shows how Japan got divided into North and South. The Allied invasion of Japan happened in the game. Moreover, the invasion happens without nuclear weapons.
The game combines turn based tactics and real time mech combat in a diesel-punk game. Players control units across a grid map to capture cities while managing day and night systems, plus weather systems. Though Ring of Red might look complicated and sometimes feels a bit messy, it’s surprisingly easy to play. It is a brilliant tactical experience that you can enjoy today for a fee that is not too expensive.
Run Like Hell: Space Horror With Personality
Even though it’s not a technical great game, Run Like Hell serves as a cool time capsule for the early 2000s! You take control of Nicholas Connor (voiced by sci-fi legend Lance Henriksen) aboard a space station overrun by aliens. Clancy Brown, Michael Ironside, and other fine actors comprise the voice cast.
After spending five years in and out of development, Run Like Hell finally arrived with infinite ammunition, various quick-time event infused chase sequences reminiscent of Resident Evil 4, and a sponsorship by Mountain Dew. The jewel is a video game with a notoriously lavish soundtrack by anything but brush Benjamin, some soon characters. It would probably get a C in today’s market.
Suikoden: Atonement – Spiritual Possession RPG
Coming out under the shadow of Final Fantasy X, Suikoden: Atonement (by Cattle Call) has an interesting premise which went unnoticed by RPG fans. Players take control of Rize, a mercenary whose spirit is godly punishment separated from his body. To make up for it, he has to embody various villagers to solve their problems.
In addition to its unique possession mechanic, the game has a good turn-based combat system with single-character parties. Suikoden: Atonement may have lesser finesse than the likes of Final Fantasy and Persona. However, one could note how the title has an evolving village in the hub. Moreover, there are interesting characters to possess. On top of that, the music is composed by Yasunori Mitsuda from Chrono Trigger.
Rygar: The Legendary Adventure – Proto-God of War
Rygar: The Legendary Adventure launched in 2002, was possibly ahead of its time. In the wake of the protagonist’s divine mission to save a princess from Titans, the game is centered around character action combat styles using Rygar’s disc armor shield.
Rygar is a Devil May Cry knock-off with combos, platforming, fixed-camera perspective, light puzzles, and bosses. Many of the qualities that would later make up God of War, including glowing things you can interact with and throwable weapons, seem to have originated here. Rygar: The Legendary Adventure is a game whose design echoes the classics, despite being somewhat rough around the edges today.
Shinobido: Way of the Ninja – Superior Tenchu Experience
Made by Acquire (the Tenchu people), you take on the role of an amnesiac ninja who must side with one of three warring factions in the land to get your memories and your soul back.
The difference of Shinobido is that mission are non-linear. Players can select objectives from the warlords as the missions are of various types. How you choose to approach your work, whether loyal assassin to one faction or secretly working for all as a master ninja, can affect your life as a master ninja Shinobido is a very tough game that will satisfy stealth fans.
Evil Dead: Regeneration – Groovy B-Movie Action
Among the Evil Dead games to release over the years, Evil Dead: Regeneration does best at capturing the franchise’s B-movie charm. The events of Evil Dead 2 (disregarding Army of Darkness). Ash is trapped in an asylum where the doctor uses the evil book for more than a little bit of evil.
While playing as Ash you’ll carve your way through deadites with the help of Sam, a half-deadite ally voiced by Ted Raimi (Sam Raimi’s brother). Evil Dead: Regeneration may not be the most well-polished game, and Sam can be annoying at times, but it delivers some great Bruce Campbell one-liners and fun combat that fans will enjoy.
Shox: Rally Reinvented – Arcade Racing Gem
Shox is a racing video game produced by EA Sports Big. While other rally games such as V-Rally 3 and Colin McRae Rally were dominating the console generation, Shox went unnoticed. This rally racer was arcade-style, and it featured over 20 licensed vehicles from Subaru, Ford, and Mitsubishi.
The game featured “Shox Zones,” which were mini-time-trial sections of races. You could earn cash for your performance, with a gold finish in all 3 zones triggering a “Shox Wave” for an even bigger payout. The Shox branding may seem excessive, but the down-to-earth, fun-oriented racing experience remains great.
Alter Echo: Shape-Shifting Action
Alter Echo is an action platformer from Outrage Games that is forgotten in time and features arguably the most 2003 cover art. In a far-off future filled with psychics called Shapers who can manipulate a material called Plast, the player’s ship gets shot down by the villain Paavo who has created a better Echo Plast.
Altering Echo give players the choice of three different forms- a sword, a gun and a stealth suit. Even when the environments repeat, the battles will keep players absorbed during this PS2 experience.
Summoner 2: Fantasy Action RPG
Volition, responsible for Saints Row, The Punisher, and Red Faction, is also behind the underestimated Summoner RPG series. Although the first game was a decent PS2 launch game, Summoner 2 is a more polished experience where you take control of Maya a reborn goddess who can shift pig and owl forms.
Summoner 2 moves away from the hybrid combat system of its predecessor. The title takes on a more action-based approach. Also, important decisions made by players will influence the game’s kingdom development. The game offers different choices that lead to different endings, encouraging you to replay the game many times. It is an amazing RPG title for fans who are tired of playing triple-A RPG games like Final Fantasy.
Total Overdose: Mexican Bullet Time Mayhem
Although Total Overdose may be the most brazen mash-up of well-known gaming formulas, its silly charm, fun gameplay accompanied by an excellent soundtrack make it a PS2 title worth playing.
The player assumes the role of Ramiro, who probes the gangs on the US-Mexico border for clues.
Total Overdose is a bold, over-the-top title which clearly takes inspiration from GTA – complete with open world – as well as Max Payne – with huge doses of bullet-time. It is fantastic to switch off your brain and have some pure action fun.