Forgotten PS2 Multiplayer Games That Deserve Remakes

Forgotten PS2 Multiplayer Games That Deserve Remakes

As a kid who grew up in the golden age of arcade gaming, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia when I think about games like Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter. The precision in its storytelling and the thrill of its evolving dogfighting controls were unmatched among its peers in the Star Wars universe. The split-screen co-op mode was the cherry on top, allowing my friends and I to embark on a shared space combat adventure.


The PlayStation 2 boasted a vast collection of multiplayer games that continue to hold their classic status. Even today, both seasoned and novice gamers discover methods to engage in PS2 multiplayer, either using official channels or emulation. Notably, there are several overlooked PS2 multiplayer games that warrant remakes.

Some video game series failed to continue, even though they had dedicated fanbases and rich lore to build upon, or exciting multiplayer features. A fortunate few managed to move beyond the PlayStation 2, either through direct sequels or re-releases, but ultimately stalled. Regardless of their fate, these PlayStation 2 multiplayer games have enough engaging content that a remake could potentially be very successful.

9 Crash of the Titans

An Underrated Crash Bandicoot Classic Packed With Co-Op Fun And Nostalgia

Forgotten PS2 Multiplayer Games That Deserve Remakes

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the tales of friends and family exchanging turns to conquer levels in good old _Crash Bandicoot_. However, with the advent of _Crash of the Titans_, this longstanding issue found a clever resolution – players were now able to collaborate, controlling the titular beasts together. Cooperative play not only streamlines the process of collecting Mojo, it expedites the defeat of Titans, and makes navigating challenging segments a less daunting task.

Unfortunately, it appears that a new “Crash” video game is not currently being developed, and an earlier concept for “Crash Bandicoot 5” featuring a crossover with “Spyro” has been scrapped. At present, it seems the enthusiasm for Crash’s adventures may be waning, leaving little hope for future projects, particularly those focused on his lesser-known titles. Introducing online cooperative gameplay could make these games more accessible, allowing distant friends and family members to join in the fun together.

8 Project Eden

Team-Based Shooter Peppered With Puzzles

Forgotten PS2 Multiplayer Games That Deserve Remakes

The team responsible for ‘Tomb Raider 2’ employed their expertise in level design on a project named ‘Project Eden’. This 2001 multiplayer game for PS2 offers drop-in/drop-out cooperative play, where up to four players collaborate on puzzle solving and tactical gunfights. Each player possesses unique abilities essential for overcoming these puzzles, similar to ‘Tomb Raider’, where problem-solving takes priority over combat.

The thrilling narrative of Project Eden, filled with elements of sci-fi and body horror, aligns with the current era, often referred to as the new 20s. Unlike Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, which fits the mold of puzzle-centric, multiplayer games for four players, the puzzles in Project Eden offer a more gratifying experience when solved. A revamped version of Project Eden could serve as an engaging weekend pastime for groups of friends who enjoy debating over puzzles and discussing the unsettling aspects of lab-grown meat.

7 Warriors Orochi

ROTK & Japanese Historical Figures Meet In Musou Combat

Forgotten PS2 Multiplayer Games That Deserve Remakes
Release Date
  • September 18, 2007 (Warriors Orochi)
  • October 16, 2018 (Warriors Orochi 4)
DevelopersKoie, Omega Force
How Long To Beat It149.5 hours (Cumulative)
Multiplayer Mode
  • Two player co-op
  • 3v3 competitive multiplayer
Systems
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PlayStation 2
  • PlayStation 3
  • PlayStation 4
  • PlayStation Portable
  • Xbox 360
  • Xbox One

Warriors Orochi is an imaginative blend of Chinese and Japanese historical and mythological figures, a crossover that Musou enthusiasts continue to reminisce about affectionately. It’s also a PlayStation 2 game, and even when placed alongside later series, it still holds up visually.

A remake might capitalize on advanced consoles to accommodate bigger enemy groups without compromising speed. The three-character setup in Warriors Orochi, similar to Marvel vs. Capcom, could potentially offer complex combos that were too demanding for older systems. Koei-Tecmo might additionally incorporate fresh multiplayer modes and features from its more recent titles into a remake.

6 Gladius

Gladiatorial Action RPG With Surprising Depth

Forgotten PS2 Multiplayer Games That Deserve Remakes

As a gamer diving into Gladius by LucasArts, I must say that this isn’t your typical Roman Empire action game. Instead, it’s a Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TBTRPG) with elements of simulation and magic! You can even team up with two friends on the PS2 to conquer the fairly extensive campaign. What’s surprising is how engaging and fantastical this game turns out to be, making for an exciting adventure in the Roman Empire.

It’s disheartening that the tactical game Gladius, which allows players to train gladiators, compete in tournaments, and advance the main story cooperatively with friends, hasn’t had a chance for an update or remake considering other LucasArts properties are getting such treatments. With games like Baldur’s Gate 3 now available, there seems to be a greater demand for this kind of experience today.

5 The Adventures of Cookie & Cream

Before Dark Souls, There Was Cookie & Cream

Forgotten PS2 Multiplayer Games That Deserve Remakes

FromSoftware is an intriguing gaming company, known for creating games that lean towards challenging, dark, and captivating themes. However, the exception to this rule is their unique intellectual property, “The Adventures of Cookie & Cream“, which stands out as adorably sweet. Despite its charming appearance, it still bears the hallmarks of a FromSoftware game, showcasing challenging puzzles, a disconcerting-looking moon, and a bittersweet conclusion.

Despite the reputation FromSoftware currently holds for creating challenging games, revisiting their earlier title, “Cookie & Cream“, might not be unwelcome. In fact, it could serve as a rare exception like their more recent games such as “Déraciné” and “Monster Hunter Diary“.

4 Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven

Stealth Co-Op As Fun As Versus Mode

Forgotten PS2 Multiplayer Games That Deserve Remakes
Release DateMarch 3, 2003
DevelopersK2
How Long To Beat It
  • 8 hours
  • 16 hours (100%)
Multiplayer ModeTwo player co-op
Systems
  • PlayStation 2
  • Xbox
  • Mobile
  • PlayStation Portable

The Tenchu series is a franchise that has been largely neglected, yet it offers an exceptional gaming experience. Particularly noteworthy is the game Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven, which featured an exhilarating multiplayer mode. The diverse cast of characters and their unique abilities created intense battles, often leading to damaged controllers thanks to Chibot and Tesshu.

Additionally, although Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven appears quite serious, it’s actually full of campy charm and fun. It was a significant stealth game back then, one of the few enjoyable ones for the PS2, offering players the chance to finish the campaign and challenge friends. With FromSoftware now owning the rights to this title, a remake featuring tough gameplay and multiplayer options would be simply outstanding.

3 Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter

3D Space Simulation Action With Force Powers

Forgotten PS2 Multiplayer Games That Deserve Remakes
Release DateMarch 11, 2002
DevelopersLucasfilm Games LLC
How Long To Beat It
  • 5.5 hours
  • 9.5 hours (100%)
Multiplayer ModeTwo player co-op
Systems
  • PlayStation 2
  • Xbox

Among all the Star Wars space combat games I’ve played, what sets Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter apart is its immersive storytelling and progressively improving dogfighting mechanics. Its split-screen cooperative play allows friends to share the same engaging story campaign, with one person flying as a co-pilot or manning the ship’s turret.

The Jedi Starfighter is considered a timeless classic and can be seen as a successor, in a sense, to the X-Wing and Rebel Assault series. Alongside Rogue Squadron, it was a spaceflight simulator that thrived during the early 2000s. With no sign of a sequel for Squadron, a remake of Jedi Starfighter seems like an appropriate decision.

2 Mercenaries 2: World in Flames

Team Up With Friends As Mercenaries In Multi-Genre Multiplayer

Forgotten PS2 Multiplayer Games That Deserve Remakes

In Mercenaries 2: World in Flames, stealth is certainly an aspect, but it truly excels when it gives players the freedom to wreak havoc. Any structure can be demolished, resulting in a drop in reputation among Mercenary’s five factions. Compared to its predecessor, Playground of Destruction, Mercenaries 2 stood out with a cooperative mode that kept players engaged for several years.

Despite Electronic Arts (EA) primarily focusing on live-service games at the moment, it doesn’t rule out the possibility for a successful remake of the game “Mercenaries”. In today’s EA structure, a “Mercenaries” remake could allow players to create their own groups of mercenaries, embarking on campaigns and engaging in an online multiplayer squad-based battle arena mode.

1 Time Crisis 3

Classic Light Gun Game Made Accessible On The PS2

Forgotten PS2 Multiplayer Games That Deserve Remakes

Veteran gamers are unlikely to have forgotten the thrill of Time Crisis 3 or the entire Time Crisis series for that matter. In contrast, newer players might not be familiar with it, perhaps considering it an arcade game. However, Time Crisis 3 was exceptionally ported to the PS2 and offers some fantastic alternative play modes.

Cooperative players can experience an expanded arcade mode in the PS2 version. Additionally, the exclusive extra campaign is tougher, but it’s rewarding to complete as it unlocks powerful features. A revamped series release for PC and Nintendo Switch with these features would likely be popular, especially considering the abundance of light gun options currently available.

Read More

2024-10-01 21:07