PS2’s Top 5 Action JRPGs

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Summary

  • PS2 enhanced RPG experience with diverse titles like Persona 4 and .hack//Infection.
  • Action titles like Devil Summoner and Dirge of Cerberus added variety to the PS2 library.
  • The PS2’s power and capabilities, like online play, contributed to its dominance in the console market.

The PlayStation 2 marked a significant advancement for the brand, enhancing power and virtually every other feature. It had internet connectivity, expanded memory capacity, the ability to play DVDs, and numerous other improvements. During this console generation, it ruled the market, and one possible reason for its success was its impact on the role-playing game genre.

Enthusiasts of strategy-focused role-playing games (JRPGs) on PlayStation 2 had a veritable feast with offerings like Final Fantasy X, Persona 4, Shadow Hearts: Covenant, and Wild Arms 3, among many others. Several standouts have been preserved for future generations through ports or enhanced versions. We’ll also take a look at the top action titles, rank them according to their overall quality.

8. Dirge Of Cerberus: Final Fantasy 7

Vincent Gets A Spinoff

In the current reboot trilogy, excluding instances involving time travel or moving between worlds, “Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy 7” remains the game with the latest chronology within the series. The character Vincent is given a mission to eliminate Deepground, an enigmatic organization that sprung from the ruins of Shinra. Throughout the game, players navigate through sequential levels, blasting away at soldiers and monsters as they appear.

In this game, players can outfit Vincent with various items and adjust his main weapon, known as Cerberus, to tailor their gaming experience. Although it’s not the most complex action RPG on the PlayStation 2, fans cherish its captivating narrative. Here’s hoping it receives an HD upgrade similar to Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 in the future.

7. Samurai Warriors 2

A Musou In Japan

In 2004, the game titled “Samurai Warriors” debuted on the PlayStation 2, which was a spin-off from “Dynasty Warriors.” Instead of China, it established the Musou genre in Japan. Unsurprisingly, it became a massive success, leading to the release of an even more popular sequel, “Samurai Warriors 2,” a few years later.

As a devoted gamer, I’d have to say that one of the standout features of this game on the PS2 was the engaging mini-game called Sugoroku. This wasn’t just your ordinary board game; it had elements reminiscent of Monopoly, where players moved around a board, bought properties, and earned gold. But It offered a delightful blend of strategy and action that made it an enjoyable multiplayer diversion. However, let’s not forget that the main gameplay was robust and satisfying too.

6. .hack//Infection

Jumping Into A Digital World

.hack//Infection stood out as one of the PS2’s most daring titles. Within approximately a year, Bandai put out four games as part of this series known as a quadrilogy. These games were interconnected through shared save data, offering players a unique experience where they solved data errors within an MMO called The World, effectively playing a game inside a game.

Players can explore the game’s backstory more by using message boards and emails, in addition to traditional hack-and-slash gameplay within dungeons. Additionally, beyond these four games, there were various novels, comics, and anime series that expanded the universe, leading to a sequel trilogy on the PlayStation 2 as well.

5. Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha Vs. The Soulless Army

Fight Demons In 1930s Tokyo

Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army” is a game from the Shin Megami Tensei series that was played on the PS2. It’s less well-known than the Persona games, which is unfortunate because it experimented with many unique ideas. The player assumes the role of Raidou, an officer responsible for defeating demons in 1930s Tokyo.

Together with a detective, players embark on serialized story arcs similar to an anime. Encounters with adversaries are often spontaneous and numerous, yet when battle ensues, gameplay becomes action-oriented. Players can either slash or shoot foes, while allies summoned by Raidou join the fight. While it may not be as polished as other games in the series, its unique setting makes it an engaging playthrough.

4. Tales Of The Abyss

Lost In Thought

As a gamer, I’d say among the Tales series games that made it to the Western market, Tales of the Abyss stands out as my favorite. While there were many more titles in Japan, this one really grabbed my attention. The game follows a protagonist named Luke, who is your typical trope hero dealing with amnesia. Along his journey across the world, he and his companions aim to uncover his forgotten past.

In essence, the storyline might seem predictable at times, but Luke’s companions effectively balance out his somewhat moody disposition. The game allows players to travel across a world map or delve into dungeons, where encounters with enemies are frequent and then transform into fast-paced combat sequences. Similar to previous installments, battles can be played cooperatively as well.

3. Odin Sphere

Story Time

  • Developer: Vanillaware
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Released: May 22, 2007 (NA)
  • Platform: PS2

The final game Vanillaware released for the PS2 was titled Odin Sphere. This game blended various mythologies, ranging from folklore to Norse, creating a unique tapestry of stories. Players had the opportunity to control multiple characters, their paths intersecting to weave a shared narrative. The gameplay resembled that of Metroidvania, with its connected maps and action-based gameplay.

In this game, characters advance by consuming food derived from plants in progressive stages. Despite its age, the graphics on PlayStation 2 are still appealing; however, potential players should consider exploring the remastered version, Odin Sphere Leifthrasir, as it addresses many of the game’s quirks and alters the overall gameplay significantly.

2. Dark Cloud 2

Two Characters, One Fate

Level-5 initially made a name for themselves with a trio of outstanding action RPGs on the PS2, paving the way for larger ventures. Out of these games, Dark Cloud 2 is their most notable creation. In this game, players guided Max and Monica as they traversed different time periods, restoring worlds using mechanics akin to simulations. Players could gather materials in dungeon explorations, which featured randomized layouts.

In this game, every character had unique abilities and could be quickly substituted. Monica, for instance, employed magic, swords, and transformation into monstrous forms, whereas Max relied on a wrench, gun, and summoned mechs. Mechanically, it was richly developed like a classic JRPG, while its cel-shaded graphics have kept it looking fresh even over time.

1. Kingdom Hearts 2

A Slow Start To Brilliance

In the sequel of Kingdom Hearts 2, several concerns expressed by critics and players regarding the original game, particularly the camera issues, were addressed and improved. The narrative became more intricate, leaning more on its self-created characters such as Mulan and The Beast, although Disney characters like them remained plentiful. Sora’s battle abilities were expanded, granting him a wider range of moves and spells during combat. Additionally, he could temporarily transform into various costumes for power-ups. The game’s only significant flaw was its slow start, but over time, fans have grown to appreciate it more, especially with the enhancements made in the HD version.

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2025-03-26 01:38