Awesome PS2 Open-World Games That Have Been Forgotten

by

Summary

  • Some forgotten or lesser-known open-world games on PS2 are worth revisiting for their unique gameplay mechanics and compelling stories.
  • Open-world games thrived on PS2, offering unprecedented levels of graphical quality, gameplay mechanics, and world-building.
  • PS2 featured unique games like Steambot Chronicles and Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction for varied gaming experiences.

Twenty-five years ago, the PlayStation 2 first appeared, leaving an indelible impact on the gaming world and eventually setting a sales record as the best-selling console ever, a title it has maintained up until now. Many captivating stories, advanced gameplay features, and cutting-edge graphics from that era can be experienced through this console, which was the successor to Sony’s first hardware entry.

Open-world games flourished on the PS2, with series such as Grand Theft Auto and Yakuza finding a strong foothold on this exceptional console. However, not every open-world game from that era has managed to endure through time. Instead, many of these games have faded into relative obscurity in the years since their release, despite being quite remarkable. If you have an old copy lying around, it’s definitely worth revisiting these games for another playthrough.

8. Lego Racers 2

Freely Explore Different Worlds And Participate In Races

Among numerous overlooked LEGO games, LEGO Racers 2 stands out by building upon its original version with increased player autonomy and a greater variety of bricks. The game offers five vast worlds, each unique in its environment, allowing you to traverse through various galaxies – from the frigid Arctic and sunny Sandy Bay to Dino Island, Mars, and Xalax, a mysterious planet. Each world hides collectibles waiting to be found and multiple races to join, ensuring endless exploration and competition.

In every world, there’s a formidable final opponent, Rocket Racer, the presently reigning galactic racing champion, who is armed in a uniquely designed vehicle tailored for the terrain. The objective is to outsmart and conquer this speedster. Contestants should monitor the condition of their vehicles closely, or opt to dash to the nearest pitstop on foot if they wish.

7. Total Overdose: A Gunslinger’s Tale In Mexico

Pull Off Incredible Kills In Slow Motion

In the gritty criminal underbelly of Mexico, the action-packed third-person shooter titled “Total Overdose” unfolds. Initially, players assume the role of Ernesto Cruz in 1989 while on a mission deep within the Mayan jungle. Subsequently, they control his son, Tommy, and later his brother, Ramiro, while working undercover in a drug cartel throughout the remainder of the game.

Despite encountering some criticism for its narrative and slightly outdated graphics at the time, the game’s gameplay is what truly shines. The thrill of executing impressive combos is hard to beat! Spanning across 18 distinct locations – from a bustling red-light district to a barren Mexican desert – players have the opportunity to perform daring stunts and take down enemies in slow motion using their extensive arsenal of weapons.

6. Steambot Chronicles

Unique And Complex RPG That Is Unparalleled

A game titled Steambot Chronicles offers a one-of-a-kind adventure that’s tough to categorize. The main character, a man named Vanilla who’s dealing with amnesia, can be molded into either a hero or a villain based on the player’s decisions. Alongside him is a musical group called the Garland Globetrotters. This game features mechs, rhythm mini-games, and a working economic system.

In Steambot Chronicles, you’re given ample room to roam and discover the world. A key part of this journey is the Trotmobiles, colossal bipedal mechs that can be tailored to your liking, useful not just for combat and trade but also for traversing the terrain. The controls may pose a challenge initially, but once mastered, you’ll appreciate all that Steambot Chronicles has to offer – from its enchanting soundtrack to its eccentric storyline.

5. The Getaway

London-Based Action Game That Feels Like A Movie

Frequently mischaracterized as a duplicate of “Grand Theft Auto”, “The Getaway” primarily revolves around two characters in an intricate re-creation of certain areas within London. Launched exclusively for the PS2, it has endured as a beloved cult favorite among many, despite initial criticisms from some reviewers regarding its script and resemblance to Rockstar’s celebrated franchise.

The narrative unfolds around an ex-bank robber and a police officer, spanning just one day. With minimal heads-up display, it creates a more cinematic atmosphere. Players can traverse authentic UK capital locations and operate numerous licensed vehicles as they were used back then. It’s a fascinating snapshot of the past.

4. Gun

The Brutal And Lawless Wild West

In a different phrasing: The same team behind the renowned Tony Hawk skateboarding game series also produced Gun, an action-packed Old West game that unfolds from Dodge City, Kansas, to various frontier landscapes such as canyons, mountains, and settlements in 1880. Known for its gritty realism, Gun was a significant shooter game of its time. It boasts well-known voice actors and follows the story of an Apache character whose single motivation is seeking revenge.

In this virtual realm, there’s an abundance of tasks for players to engage in, including secondary missions that boost character abilities and mini-games such as poker for additional earnings. As the title implies, gunplay is a key feature, offering a wide array of realistic weapons to use against bandits, unscrupulous law enforcement, and other unsavory characters you may encounter during your perilous journeys.

3. Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition

High-Octane Racing In An Open-World

Among numerous outstanding open-world racing games on the PlayStation 2, the title “Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition” offers players a chance to traverse and compete in replicas of cities like San Diego, Atlanta, Detroit, and Tokyo (in the Remix edition). For the first time in the series, the vehicles in this game are officially licensed and can be tailored not only in terms of appearance but also performance.

In the game Midnight Club, achieving realism isn’t always the priority; instead, it focuses on high speeds, exaggerated action, and occasional vehicular combat in specific game modes. Some players might not find the arcade-like style appealing, but there’s a captivating photo mode for preserving remarkable moments, including thrilling crashes.

2. Scarface: The World Is Yours

Build A Drug Empire In 1980s Miami

In a different storyline from the original Scarface movie, the game “Scarface: The World Is Yours” unfolds a year later. Here, Tony Montana lives on, planning his vengeance against those who betrayed him while climbing back up the ladder in Miami’s criminal empire. Gameplay resembles that of “Mafia 3,” as Tony gains control over businesses and uses them to mask his illegal operations, increasing his power within the city.

In the game, Al Pacino’s appearance is featured, but not his voice, with actors from the original film reprising their roles. Despite being a success and garnering mostly favorable reviews, Scarface: The World Is Yours has been outshone by the 3D Grand Theft Auto series, and the proposed sequels never materialized.

1. Mercenaries: Playground Of Destruction

No Limits In North Korea

One fascinatingly titled game, Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction, is based in North Korea, providing a spacious play area where players enjoy immense freedom. They can roam around freely across the map and, should they choose, bring about total destruction since everything within it is completely destructible.

As a mercenary, you’ll find yourself caught in the middle of five rival factions, some friends, others enemies. Your tasks can range from stealing goods, delivering messages, assassinating targets, or causing destruction, all leading up to the ultimate objective: ousting the secluded government of the country. Its sequel is well-loved, but so far, no other games in the series have been produced since then.

Read More

2025-07-30 14:17