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PS2 Hidden gems

bomblord1

Banned
The PS2 had a massive library. That's not really arguable. But because of it's massive size for every Jak and Daxter and FFX we got there was an Ar Tonelico and Harvest Moon that slipped under the radar.

Recently (very recently) I acquired the ability to play PS2 games through PCSX2 and am ready to experience a PS2 Renaissance in HD.

So gaf what did the PS2 generation miss that needs to be played?
 
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Rule of Rose! Terrible controls, but in my opinion one of the best stories told in a horror game.

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Haunting Ground. Not everyone loves this, but a great horror game that does the whole being vulnerable and having to run and hide from a monster that might pop up thing, but does it quite well. And again, a great story to elevate the game.

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Lijik

Member
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Really fun goofy game. You run around and try your best to annoy people

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This game is like some mashup of Jak 1 and Rayman 2's sensibilities. The more involved combat system for a platformer is kind of interesting too.


Its followup Graffiti Kingdom is pretty neat as well
 

BadWolf

Member
For character action check out Chaos Legion and Sword of Etheria.

For horror Rule of Rose is a good choice. The combat is very weak but the setting, story and music are amazing.
 

Maxim726X

Member
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If you haven't played this-- Play it.

Also, it was my first foray into HoMM... So it has a special place in my heart. On that subject, what current HoMM games play most like it?:

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There are so many crazy, crazy PS2 games. It's my largest personal collection by far. I miss the days when interesting games would come to consoles.
 

RetroDLC

Foundations of Burden
It has been 13 days since I've posted about Robot Alchemic Drive.

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Enix? Now I've got too look into this.

Also, for the topic...

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You impress a female judge by pulling stunts and such. Pretty basic but fun to play in small lots.
 

jackal27

Banned

If you're into roguelikes, especially of the Mystery Dungeon or Shiren the Wanderer variety, this is a really great one. It's based on the old Tower of Druaga series that Japan loves for some reason, but plays like Shiren the Wanderer.

It was panned pretty hard when it released. Mostly because the world just hadn't gotten to a place where roguelikes were as understood and accepted as widely as they are now.

I dumped dozens of hours into this game, you should definitely give it a shot.
 

stn

Member
Gladius
Yakuza 1-2
Street Fighter Alpha Anthology
Street Fighter Anniversary Collection
Deus-Ex: The Conspiracy
Half-Life 1
Marvel Vs. Capcom 2
Mercenaries
 

maxcriden

Member
Klonoa 2 is one of the best 2D platformers of all time, and is only available on PS2.

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It controls like a dream and still looks great today.
 

superjona

Member
More stuff: You play as a samurai whose body parts were sacrificed to demons. You get them back one by one.

Brilliant game. I remember my dad thought the television broke because it was all black and white, since I didn't get the eyes back yet.

Yes, I know that doesn't make sense.
 
I can only really say Arc the Lad Twilight of the Spirits for stuff that most people haven't played.

The other lesser knowns I have played and enjoyed: Legaia 2: Duel Saga and E.O.E aren't good enough to be considered gems.
 

A Nick

Neo Member
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Don't know if it's considered hidden though.

It's almost tragic how many people overlooked this series.

Never forget - the second game spawned this amazing Penny Arcade strip:
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This game has always been on my wishlist. Still is
 

lordy88

Member
Also, it was my first foray into HoMM... So it has a special place in my heart. On that subject, what current HoMM games play most like it?:

Heroes_of_Might_and_Magic_-_Quest_for_the_Dragon_Bone_Staff_Coverart.png

I was always upset that they used the HoMM name for that game.

The precursor to the HoMM series was a game called "King's Bounty", and Quest for the Dragon Bone Staff is essentially a remastered version of that game.

Fortunately for you, King's Bounty had a revival in the past 7 years, with a trio of solid entries to satiate your taste for that style of play - King's Bounty: The Legend is the first entry and where you should start off.
 
Is Samurai Western any good? I thought it had a cool premise but never looked into it much

It depends. The gameplay itself is monotonous but it is held up well by all of the cool unlockable weapons you can get. Also an accessory dress up system, wacky storyline, etc. I absolutely love it, but I'd certainly say its not for everyone. If you like unlocking and leveling up a bunch of stuff it is awesome.
 

8bit

Knows the Score
Good, Blood Will Tell/Dororo already covered.

Shadow Of Rome then.

The stealth bits are rubbish, but the arena fighting is great.

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Dead Rising started out as a sequel to this.
 
It has been 13 days since I've posted about Robot Alchemic Drive.

I've always wanted to play this game. A bit hard to find though, and whenever I do, it's pretty dear. It's never a high enough priority to eBay though, should I change that?


I was so hyped for this game, but I can't get the gameplay :( It just feels weird, unsatisfying. The only game I've ever returned because I didn't like it.
 

Qwark

Member
I was going to post Mr. Mosquito just because of that Sumo Bike minigame, but I see that's already been covered, so here's another.

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Ribbit King, the strangest Hot Shots/Mario Golf clone that I've ever played/seen.
 

Coxy

Member
If you like Ar Tonelico then I strongly recommend also trying Mana Khemia, it's really great.

other good often overlooked RPGs are: Steambot Chronicles, Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love, Growlanser collection, Front Mision 4, Arc the Lad: Twilight of Spirits, Dual Hearts, Ys: Ark of Napishtim

oh and Yakuza 1 & 2 are well worth a play
 

Akzel

Junior Member
It was not that hidden but still during my childhood, it was an hidden gem for me and I think that game deserved to be played from those who love RPG.

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