The Best PS2 Hack-And-Slash Games

Key Takeaways

Devil May Cry
redefined and popularized the hack-and-slash genre, forever revolutionizing combat systems.
Onimusha: Warlords
and
God of War
offered unique combat systems and fascinating mythological adventures.
Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening
revitalized the franchise following a critical flop, introducing dynamic combat and engaging storytelling.

As someone who grew up with a PlayStation 2 controller in my hands and a love for action games pumping through my veins, let me tell you, the PS2 was the golden age of hack-and-slash gaming. I remember countless nights spent battling hordes of enemies, perfecting combos, and taking down legendary bosses. The games on this list were the cream of the crop, the crème de la crème, if you will. They defined the genre, pushing its boundaries and setting new standards for what an action game could be.

The origins of the hack-and-slash game genre can be traced back somewhat vaguely, yet it’s clear that the PlayStation 2, Sony’s second home console, significantly boosted its popularity. This is because many iconic intellectual properties in this category were introduced on this platform, such as Devil May Cry, Onimusha, and God of War, to name a few.

Fans of hack-and-slash games had an abundance (and still do) of top-notch PlayStation 2 titles to select from, as the console’s advanced sixth-generation technology enabled developers to construct intricate combat systems, spectacular action scenes, and iconic boss fights. Although there are numerous excellent hack-and-slash games on the PlayStation 2, the following ten stand out as the cream of the crop.

10 Shinobi

Sega’s Iconic Ninja Made The Jump To 3D

System: PlayStation 2
Released: November 12, 2002
Developer: Overworks
Genre: Hack-and-slash, Action-adventure

Back in the 90s, Sega put out a thrilling series of 2D side-scrolling action games called Shinobi for arcades and consoles. Fast forward to 2002, and the beloved ninja character stepped into the three-dimensional world on the PlayStation 2. Notably, they chose the hack-and-slash genre as the perfect fit for this pivotal transition.

Under the moniker Shinobi, this 3D action-adventure game turned out to be one of the PlayStation 2’s unsung treasures, boasting lightning-fast, brutal combat, robust boss battles, and exceptional scarf dynamics. Despite occasional criticism for being somewhat generic and short, it more than compensates with its challenging difficulty level.

9 Devil May Cry

The Game That Redefined The Entire Genre

In essence, while it’s true that the hack-and-slash style might have emerged prior to “Devil May Cry,” there’s no denying this Capcom game from 2001 significantly transformed and brought mainstream attention to the genre. It’s fascinating to consider that a game originally conceived as “Resident Evil 4” would eventually hold such significance.

The game Devil May Cry offers a brooding ambiance, challenging boss battles, relentless adversaries, a captivating lead character named Dante, and notably, an engaging and versatile combat system that appreciates skillful play. Although Devil May Cry may not have aged gracefully compared to its successors, these qualities contributed significantly to its influence within the gaming industry and solidified it as one of the PlayStation 2’s top-selling titles.

8 Onimusha: Warlords

Capcom’s Other Classic Hack-And-Slash Release

In the months leading up to Devil May Cry, Capcom introduced another significant hack-and-slash game that, despite being frequently overlooked, plays a crucial role in the genre’s history – Onimusha: Warlords. Initially envisioned as a Resident Evil spin-off, this game eventually evolved into a distinct action-adventure title, focusing on samurai themes and set during Japan’s Sengoku Period.

The gameplay of “Onimusha: Warlords” is more leisurely compared to other games of its era, yet its combat system remains engaging, particularly during its impressive boss fights. Additionally, its unique alternate weapons and ominous ambiance made it distinctive. Interestingly, Hideki Kamiya disclosed that a glitch in the combat of “Onimusha: Warlords” served as the inspiration for the combat mechanics in “Devil May Cry.

7 Zone Of The Enders 2: The 2nd Runner

Konami’s Crazy Mecha Adventure

In the year 2001, Konami introduced an engaging game called “Zone of the Enders,” developed by Hideo Kojima. This game stood out by merging aspects of space shooting and hack-and-slash games. Yet, it wasn’t without its imperfections. But its sequel, titled “Zone of the Enders 2: The 2nd Runner,” made significant improvements to refine the IP into something truly exceptional.

The action in this game unfolds incredibly quickly due to the agility provided by the fast-moving mecha (known as Jehuty). Plus, the combat in this sequel offers a delightful blend of intense melee fights and diverse ranged sub-weapons, showcased brilliantly during its thrilling boss fights. Although the narrative may be complex at times, it compensates with its captivating delivery and stunning animated scenes.

6 Dynasty Warriors 4

The Best Musou Game On The PlayStation 2

Musou games could be classified as a subset within the broader hack-and-slash category, with Koei Tecmo’s Dynasty Warriors being one of the most well-known Musou series across the gaming industry. The Dynasty Warriors series found great success on the PS2 and played a significant role in the rise of the Musou genre, although some may argue that certain games within the series are quite similar to each other. However, many fans believe that the fourth installment stands out as the best in the series.

The fourth installment of the Dynasty Warriors series, Dynasty Warriors 4, was warmly embraced due to its balance between being beginner-friendly while maintaining the elements that made these games entertaining initially. Even though Musou enthusiasts might be accustomed to vanquishing numerous adversaries using an engaging combat system on modern platforms, managing this feat on the PlayStation 2 was truly impressive at the time. Dynasty Warriors 4 pushed the console to its utmost capabilities, yielding remarkable outcomes. This title was so strong that it spawned several expansions and remastered re-releases.

5 Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny

An Outstanding Sequel That Became The Best Game In Its Franchise

In a more casual and readable version, it could be said that “Onimusha: Legends” was generally well-liked, but diehard series enthusiasts often argue that its successor, “Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny“, stands out not just as a superior game, but also as the top entry in the entire series. It seems these fans may have a point, as this sequel built upon everything that made the original great and took it to even higher levels of quality.

The surge in popularity of both the Onimusha IP and the Devil May Cry series has significantly boosted the gameplay experience of Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny. The combat is now faster and more reactive, the addition of a parry system adds strategic depth, it boasts a wider array of enemies and bosses, and it offers a much better balance in difficulty. It’s little wonder that fans are clamoring for a remastered version of this game, following in the footsteps of the 2019 remaster of Onimusha: Warlords.

4 God Of War

A Violent Mythological Adventure That Made A Huge Impact

For quite a while, hack-and-slash games were predominantly developed by Japanese studios. However, in 2005, Santa Monica Studio entered the fray with their release of God of War. It’s no surprise that they were highly successful, as it became one of the top-selling PS2 games and eventually God of War became a widely recognized intellectual property (IP) within the PlayStation brand.

The remarkable achievement of this game, both critically and financially, can be attributed to various aspects such as its grandiose setting based on Greek mythology and a storyline inspired by it, or its intense levels of brutality and gore. However, what truly set God of War apart was Kratos’ Blades of Chaos, offering players an unprecedented degree of mobility and crowd management unparalleled in the hack-and-slash genre. The potency of this weapon is showcased during epic confrontations against colossal bosses that essentially reshaped the very idea of boss battles.

3 Kingdom Hearts 2

A Mind-Blowing Hybrid Between An RPG And A Hack-And-Slash Game

In the year 2002, Square Enix and Disney debuted Kingdom Hearts, an enchanting action Role-Playing Game (RPG) featuring a comparatively gradual battle system. Despite its expected success, this launch spurred the creation of a subsequent installment that hit shelves in 2005. Known as Kingdom Hearts 2, this version significantly downplayed its RPG elements and instead emphasized its thrilling, lightning-fast combat, which could outmatch the original Devil May Cry in speed.

Using Donald and Goofy as allies, Sora possesses a wide array of skills, powers, and magical spells capable of defeating any Heartless or Nobody he encounters, including formidable foes from Organization XIII known for their challenging boss battles in gaming. Moreover, Kingdom Hearts 2 features the epic Battle of the 1000 Heartless, a thrilling sequence that mirrors the gameplay style of popular Dynasty Warriors titles.

2 God Of War 2

Kratos’ Incredible Second Adventure Arrived During The Console’s Final Years

Initially, the groundbreaking God of War might have revolutionized the hack-and-slash genre. However, its successor, God of War 2, took things to an entirely new dimension. It’s fascinating that this game was launched in 2007, even though the PlayStation 3 had been released earlier. Remarkably, it demonstrated that there were still many outstanding gaming experiences to be had on the PlayStation 2, well into its later years.

In essence, God of War 2 stands out as an exceptional sequel that refines and enhances nearly every aspect of its predecessor. The fight sequences flow more seamlessly, a broader assortment of weapons and abilities are up for grabs, the titanic battles are larger and more intense, and this time, we see more deities from the Greek Pantheon becoming intertwined in Kratos’ narrative. Despite the series evolving further with its third installment on PS4, the second game remains highly regarded as one of the greatest action games ever created.

1 Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening

A Perfect Hack-And-Slash Masterpiece

Devil May Cry, while credited for shaping and boosting the hack-and-slash genre’s popularity, can’t hold a candle to the stellar Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening. This comeback was essential due to the disappointing critical and commercial performance of Devil May Cry 2, which almost spelled doom for the franchise. Fortunately, the third installment was so remarkable that it breathed new life into the series, with its success hinging on a harmonious blend of various elements working seamlessly together.

The tale is captivating and evocative; Dante seems more charming this time, and the visuals are astounding, featuring some of the finest art direction and graphics on the PlayStation 2. Yet, it was mainly the gameplay in Devil May Cry 3 that rescued the franchise’s reputation. The fundamental combat is far more fluid and less cumbersome than the initial Devil May Cry, and Dante’s flexible new Styles enable the player to adapt to each situation appropriately. It goes without saying that this exceptional combat system truly excels when confronting the game’s legendary collection of diverse bosses, particularly against Vergil. Ultimately, these aspects solidify Devil May Cry 3 as one of the finest hack-and-slash games ever created.

2024-11-15 14:34