Unforgettable PS2 Open-World Games with Epic Stories You Must Experience!

Summary

The PS2 era introduced improved hardware for open-world games, enabling more detailed characters and immersive storytelling.
Bully, Shadow of the Colossus, and Grand Theft Auto 3 are prime examples of the PS2’s impact on open-world game storytelling.
Yakuza on the PS2 laid the foundation for a celebrated franchise with engaging storytelling and an impressive world structure.

During the fifth generation of gaming consoles, open-world games started gaining popularity with some notable releases on the PS1 and N64. However, it wasn’t until the powerful hardware of next-generation systems, particularly the PlayStation 2, that this genre truly took off and grew into the massive influence we see today. The enhanced capabilities provided by the PS2 allowed open-world games to significantly advance from their predecessors, with a strong emphasis on storytelling.

In this period, developers had the capacity to create intricate characters, invest time in superior voice acting and soundtracks, and significantly enhance 3D graphics, which allowed for the telling of a variety of stories. Whether it was a grand tale with the cosmos at stake or a personal narrative, open-world games from this era greatly profited from the capabilities of the PS2. These games were evaluated based on their narrative, characters, and world design, as they all seamlessly combined these elements effectively.

7. Bully

Small Yet Highly Detailed Open-World Tells The Tale Of Jimmy Hopkins

Rockstar Games has often found itself at the center of debates, especially concerning the portrayal of violence in video games for many years. Notably, the game titled Bully, which was anticipated with much controversy due to concerns about its violent content and potential influence on young players, stood out among PS2 releases. However, upon its release in October 2006, it became evident that Bully wasn’t the provocative game many had expected.

Instead of promoting violence and harassment, Bully was a story that emphasized standing up for those who are overlooked in society. Jimmy Hopkins, our protagonist, finds himself right in the middle of the action at Bullworth Academy. With an outstanding script and exceptional voice acting, this game is tailored to its compact open world of Bullworth, which pales in comparison to Rockstar’s other expansive creations. However, the limited size of Bully’s open world enhances the experience as it becomes easier to get acquainted with the school environment, making the entire adventure feel more authentic and immersive.

6. Shadow Of The Colossus

Traverse The Forbidden Lands To Save A Loved One

After wrapping up work on Ico, Fumito Ueda gathered his team once more, aiming to craft a unique and immersive tale. This new creation drew inspiration from The Legend of Zelda and old-school monster films. The culmination of this effort was the somber narrative titled Shadow of the Colossus, exploring just how far one might journey for someone deeply cherished. Set within the desolate expanse called the Forbidden Lands, Shadow of the Colossus follows a protagonist named Wander, who encounters colossal monsters in his quest to rescue Mono, a woman he holds dear.

The identity of Mono and her connection with Wander may be open to individual interpretation, yet this ambiguity is what makes the tale of Shadow of the Colossus so captivating. It’s a narrative that revolves around feelings, intuition, and unspoken dread, as Wander’s efforts to save Mono lead him to inadvertently kill harmless creatures. The Colossi bear no malice towards Wander and pose no threat, leaving the player in an uncomfortable predicament throughout the game. Shadow of the Colossus remains one of the most emotionally resonant and visually unique games ever created, and was skillfully reimagined by Bluepoint Studios in 2018.

5. Grand Theft Auto 3

Satirical Crime Thriller Broke New Ground On PS2

The initial two installments in Rockstar’s open-world criminal epic were relatively light on narrative, with most of it being delivered through phone calls and on-screen text. However, Grand Theft Auto 3 marked a significant departure for the series when it moved from 2D to 3D. One standout aspect of GTA 3 is its captivating storyline, centered around a character named Claude, who finds himself embroiled in a gripping crime saga shortly after being released from prison.

As Claude advances in his career, his tale takes on a different shape with new characters entering the scene, leaving him betrayed multiple times. Drawing significantly from classic mafia movies, Grand Theft Auto 3 skillfully blends its open-world environment with a well-crafted script and exceptional voice acting, showcasing talents like Joe Pantoliano, Debi Mazar, and Kyle MacLachlan. To this day, GTA 3 remains one of the most impactful games of its era and is definitely worth revisiting.

4. Yakuza

The Debut Of One Of The Industry’s Most Celebrated Franchises

Currently, the “Like A Dragon” series is among the most favored in the market, but it didn’t gain such popularity overnight. Initially introduced in the US as “Yakuza” for the PS2, this open-world game set in the gangster world kickstarted the continuing story of Kazuma Kiryu, a quiet fighter who has proven himself to be one of gaming’s top protagonists.

The tale of Kiryu, famously known as the Dragon of Dojima, is an enthralling, well-crafted narrative set within the criminal underworld that stands out among console stories. Roaming the open cityscape of Kamurocho is a defining aspect of the series, yet it started modestly on the PS2. Through this open-world brawler, Kiryu’s reputation was cemented, and the game remains relevant today due to its compelling narrative, nuanced voice acting, and remarkable world design. The game was reimagined in 2016 as Yakuza Kiwami, but the original PS2 version continues to impress with its writing, acting, and world structure.

3. Ultimate Spider-Man

Compelling Superhero Narrative Mixed With Addictive Open-World Design

Spider-Man’s video game journey began in the 1980s and has extended to Insomniac’s latest releases featuring the wall-crawler. However, it was towards the end of the 90s that his video game adventures truly shone, as they successfully embodied the wit and allure of the wisecracking superhero. One standout title from this period is undoubtedly Ultimate Spider-Man.

Drawing inspiration from its namesake comic book, “Ultimate Spider-Man” delivers an exhilarating superhero adventure that closely mirrors the original storyline until Insomniac’s rendition of the character. Boasting stylish scenes reminiscent of comics, this game masterfully blends humor, drama, and action – a signature trait of the superhero genre, expertly executed here. The world within is equally captivating, embodying the essence of a comic book brought to life with a fitting cel-shaded visual style.

2. The Getaway

Engaging Revenge Story Influenced By British Gangster Movies

Utilizing cinematic influences such as “The Italian Job” and “Snatch”, “The Getaway” was designed to maximize the capabilities of the PlayStation 2 and deliver an immersive, realistic gangster movie experience. The game is set in bustling London and follows the story of a man named Mark Hammond, who is compelled to collaborate with a menacing mob boss named Charlie Jolson to retrieve his kidnapped son. In parallel, a detective named Frank Carter’s tale unfolds throughout the same time frame.

By employing cutting-edge motion capture and facial recognition technology, The Getaway dedicated significant resources to accurately depict nuanced human emotions, resulting in an impressive display. The interwoven narratives of characters Mark and Frank are commendable, as the exceptional voice performances and facial expressions lend authenticity to the overall experience. Remarkably realistic, The Getaway offers one of the most immersive open-world adventures on the PS2. A possible remake or upgrade for the PS5 would be highly appealing.

1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Iconic PS2 Game Tells A Tale Of Friendship And Betrayal

Following two highly acclaimed “Grand Theft Auto” games for the PS2 within just two years, Rockstar opted to spend some time on the next edition and dedicated all their energy towards creating one of the console’s most iconic releases. In “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas”, Rockstar centers around the narrative of CJ, a young man returning home to Los Santos after his mother passes away, only to find himself embroiled in a complex web of corruption and deceit.

San Andreas skillfully blends elements of fiction and reality, drawing inspiration from 90s gangster rap films and the incidents that shaped them. The protagonist, CJ, faces off against a corrupt cop named Tenpenny, superbly voiced by Samuel L. Jackson, while also grappling with betrayal within his own family. The dialogue and acting are exceptional, and this open-world epic, renowned for its quality, can now be enjoyed on contemporary systems due to recent remasters for PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

2025-01-28 07:07