#10 most underrated PS2 video games

Despite the fact that the PlayStation 2 assortment is taken into account one of many best of all time, many hidden gems slipped by means of the cracks. Some titles didn’t fairly get the eye they deserved, whether or not because of an overshadowing of an enormous hit launch or a easy overglance. It’s time to provide them their time within the highlight with our 10 most underrated PS2 video games.

GUN

If you consider Western-styled video games, the Crimson Lifeless Redemption collection might be the primary one which involves thoughts. However earlier than this franchise took off, PlayStation 2 had titles like Crimson Lifeless Revolver and GUN. Whereas Crimson Lifeless Revolver might be seen as a hidden gem, GUN is unquestionably the extra underrated one.

It’s curious to me why GUN fell off the radar, particularly because it truly feels much more like Crimson Lifeless Redemption than Crimson Lifeless Revolver. The title got here with loads of open-world adventures, together with aspect missions and using horseback round its intensive map. GUN’s storyline was memorable, too, as you observe the retaliatory journey of Colton, a gunslinger who needs to take out those that did him improper. Its action-packed opener alone reels you in, however there are actually different stimulating moments which can be simply nearly as good, if not higher.

Indigo Prophecy/Fahrenheit

Indigo Prophecy /Fahrenheit is without doubt one of the most underrated Quantic Dream titles that didn’t get a lot reputation within the PS2 days. I didn’t even find out about it when it was first launched till I found it in my late teenagers. It was one thing I used to be at all times searching for that mixes homicide thriller, life simulation, and considerably impactful decisions.

Enjoying the function of a assassin and having a cop chase you was one of many stand-out options I want we had extra of in video games. I usually questioned myself on whether or not I ought to transfer the investigation additional alongside or enable a killer to slide by means of the cracks. It’s an intriguing conundrum that instilled extra replayability simply to see what different shenanigans you may get into. Although, I’ll say that Indigo Prophecy has some weird lore that isn’t too logical. The Quantic Dream title remains to be an underrated gem, nonetheless, particularly with the extreme first half of the sport.

The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

Yearly, I discover myself nostalgically hoping for a remake or remaster of The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. Among the many trilogy assortment, the third installment stands out as the perfect, with its charming fight and distinctive components that diverge from the movie. It’s a sport that I can solely maintain onto with my reminiscences since you’ll be able to’t actually play it anyplace else moreover the PlayStation 2.

Everybody you like from the collection is of their prime, taking you on three distinct storyline paths: the Wizard, King, and Hobbits. Having so many characters, together with Frodo, Aragorn, and Gandalf, makes the sport really feel extra distinguished, even in case you can play the title in just some quick hours. The co-op options have been additionally a pleasant contact that made the lengthy trek to Mordor all of the extra price it. In any case, who wouldn’t wish to struggle aspect by aspect with a pal?

As a Lord of the Rings fan, residing by means of the occasions of the heroic Fellowship of the Ring members was a dream come true as a child. What’s extra, I liked seeing the all-new elements that weren’t current within the movie, together with an excellent battle between Gandalf and hordes of orcs. I simply want the PS2 Return of the King received extra consideration to lastly greenlight the remaster it deserves.

The Sims Bustin’ Out

Virtually each Simmer I do know started their life-simming journey on PC, primarily due to mods and easy-to-use mechanics. For me, it began with The Sims Bustin’ Out on PlayStation 2, an extremely underrated sport that I imagine is the perfect of all of them. Sure, the Sims franchise has heavy hitters just like the fan-favorite Sims 2 and the extra trendy fourth installment. However Bustin’ Out continues to be on the prime of my listing.

The Sims Bustin’ Out shines a highlight on a function that doesn’t seem too usually within the franchise: a linear storyline. There are occasions once I don’t wish to embark on the advanced journey of making a household legacy, and I crave a extra simple path, which this sport supplies. The journey begins at your mother’s home and unfolds as you climb the profession ladder, unlocking new areas with every important promotion. It feels far more attention-grabbing this manner because you by no means know what kind of home you’ll stay in subsequent.

The targets of every family are additionally enjoyable to clear, offering new social interactions and gadgets in Construct Mode. They added extra character to traditional Sims characters with goals themed after their personalities. You might flip off Dudley Landgraab to match his careless trailer life or unlock break-dancing by turning into mates with the Membership Rubb worker. There have been simply far more alternatives to get to know these NPCs, which hasn’t been that prevalent within the Sims’ latest iterations.

Okami

The Okami sequel reveal through the Sport Awards 2024 was one of the vital stunning components of the present, given how the sport flew below the radar initially. Again when it was launched in 2006, the PlayStation 3 was on its approach to launch, inflicting many gamers to overlook out on this grand journey. Regardless, it nonetheless garnered many constructive evaluations regardless of not being commercially profitable.  

The majestic quest of Amaterasu, the Japanese solar goddess who takes on the type of a white wolf, is in contrast to something I’ve skilled earlier than. Not solely does it immerse you in Japanese myths and folklore, but it surely additionally offers you the distinct energy to finish enemies with a stroke of a paintbrush. Or, on this case, a wolf’s tail. Virtually something you’ll be able to think about could be drawn by Amaterasu’s Celestial Brush methods, resembling Cherry Bombs, a remedy from cursed crops, and water lilies to stroll throughout water.

Though Okami didn’t get as a lot recognition throughout its preliminary launch and the years that adopted after, it’s beginning to make its means out of the underrated class. We’ll should see if the upcoming sequel will give it some justice, the place everybody will know of the nice Amaterasu.

Dragon Ball Z Budokai 3

You’re seemingly considering: how might a title from one of many world’s hottest anime be thought-about underrated? I used to be hesitant to place Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 on this listing, however in comparison with the recognition of the franchise’s different titles, I hardly ever hear about this gem. It normally will get overshined by Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3, which turned profitable sufficient to get the religious successor, Sparking Zero.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 gave me plenty of fond reminiscences, kicking again with my cousins and brother as we duked it out in battle. The roster felt top-tier then, bringing in over 150 characters from Dragon Ball, GT, and Z. Using their strong combos was probably the most satisfying function, and I bear in mind I used to mimic them in actual life to be simply as cool as them. Although, I did should take a break from the sport after my mother caught me repeating Vegeta’s “Drop useless!” At the least now, it’s a humorous reminiscence.

Deadly Body

The primary time I lived by means of the horrors of Deadly Body was again after they despatched out sport compilation demos within the mail. I most likely shouldn’t have been taking part in it on the ripe age of six, but it surely was nonetheless one of the vital thrilling gameplay I’ve skilled in my life. Nevertheless, regardless of my constructive but scared impressions of it, I used to be stunned that it wasn’t actually on anybody’s listing of favourite PS2 horror video games. It’s doable that it received overshadowed by the massive hits such because the Resident Evil or Silent Hill collection.

What made Deadly Body completely different from the remainder was the flexibility to eliminate ghosts by means of a digicam. Any time you’re in a room, issues might appear peaceable by means of the bare eye, however when you whip digicam mode, you begin to see the horrors hidden inside. Taking out the paranormal with a easy digicam shot differentiates from the same old guns-blazing route, including a novel twist to the horror style.

The Warriors

Throughout the golden age of the PlayStation 2, movie online game diversifications have been simply beginning to discover their footing. We’ve already seen it with the likes of LOTR: Return of the King, and now we’ll dig into one other PS2 treasure with The Warriors. Whether or not you’re a fan of the movie or not, the sport is a timeless beat ’em up, the place each battle looks like a cinematic showdown. It’s the proper sport to unwind and launch any pent-up frustration, one digital punch at a time.

The Warriors is simply plain enjoyable to play with its immersive fight system of weapons and fistful brawls. It additionally uniquely expands the movie by introducing new ideas to its lore with prequel options. I do know there’s plenty of want on the market for Rockstar Video games remakes, contemplating the obvious decisions of Bully and GTA San Andreas, however I’m nonetheless hoping that The Warriors in some way makes it in there. Perhaps then, it should get the eye it deserves.

Sly 3: Honor Amongst Thieves

Like Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3, you wouldn’t essentially classify a Sly Cooper title as underrated. The collection made an enormous identify for itself on the PlayStation 2, beginning with the hit Sly Cooper and the Thievious Racoonus. Apart from the unique, Band of Thieves is probably going the fan-favorite, however for me, Honor Amongst Thieves is Sly Cooper at its peak. In any case these years, I don’t perceive why the third installment isn’t talked about extra. It’s received probably the most energetic maps, a whimsical character ensemble, and lots of unforgettable missions.

Enjoying Honor Amongst Thieves is probably the most enjoyable I’ve skilled in a sport. There was one thing thrilling about discovering new members of the Cooper gang, wherein each chapter felt completely different from the final. Thieving is, in fact, the principle a part of the gameplay, however there are a lot of extra components to it to diversify gameplay. Someday, you’ll enter a flying competitors, whereas the subsequent, you’ll tackle the function of a pirate and embark on treasure hunts.

Honor Amongst Thieves is a heartfelt tribute to Sly Cooper followers, weaving collectively unfastened ends from its predecessors and reuniting us with beloved characters. With Sly 3’s arrival on the PlayStation Retailer, there’s hope it should acquire the popularity it ought to’ve gotten way back and even perhaps change into the subsequent fan-favorite.

Star Wars: Episode 3 – Revenge of the Sith

Relating to discussing the perfect Star Wars video games, titles like Knights of The Outdated Republic, Jedi Survivor, and The Drive Unleashed usually dominate the dialog. Nevertheless, one sport that’s usually neglected is Star Wars: Episode 3 – Revenge of the Sith. Whereas the film was an enormous success, the sport didn’t fairly obtain the identical stage of recognition.

I bear in mind selecting it up at a neighborhood Blockbuster and getting utterly hooked on it throughout the first hour. The PS2 Revenge of the Sith really made you are feeling like a Jedi, even in case you dabble within the Darkish Aspect slightly. There are some fairly cool strikes, like Drive Push and Drive Lightning, the place you don’t even want a lightsaber to remove enemies. You additionally take pleasure in legendary battles of beloved characters, resembling Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Yoda.

When you have watched the movie already, you’ll get perception into never-before-seen scenes, together with a deeper look into Anakin’s vicious Jedi Temple takeover. Plus, there’s an alternate ending that may change every little thing about Star Wars if it ever turned canon.