Hidden PS2 Gems You’ve Never Heard Of

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Summary

  • The PS2 had a vast library of obscure games, including kaiju bikini battles and anthropomorphic dog performers.
  • Simple Series games offered quirky gameplay mechanics like gun-toting maids and bug-infested buildings.
  • PS2 saw unique spin-offs like mahjong with Dynasty Warriors characters, a 3D Metal Slug, and a bizarre Seaman sequel.

During the first part of the 2000s, the PlayStation 2 (PS2) gained massive popularity. This success can be attributed to Sony’s risk with the original PlayStation (PS1), which paved the way for the PS2’s triumph. The console was highly sought-after, resulting in an expansive library and a challenging collection for enthusiasts to complete.

Locating these games might not be a problem, but their prices could surprise you. This is due to most of them being exclusively sold in Japan, which has made them somewhat unfamiliar to Western audiences. Even games that were released here didn’t always receive widespread media attention. Here’s a look at some lesser-known PS2 games that could be worth revisiting.

8. Demolition Girl

Too Many Games To Name

  • Developer: Tamsoft
  • Publisher: 505 Games (EU Version)
  • Released: November 18, 2005 (EU Version)
  • Platform: PS2

The “Simple Series” originated on the PlayStation 1 and provided Japanese gamers with budget games featuring quirky features. With the arrival of the PlayStation 2, the series expanded exponentially, giving rise to numerous titles, some of which evolved into standalone franchises like “Onechanbara” and “Earth Defense Force.” These games are renowned for their unusual gameplay mechanics and concepts, such as “Simple 2000 Series Vol. 50: The Daibijin,” or its European counterpart, “Demolition Girl.

This game is similar to a kaiju game, but instead of monstrous creatures, the characters are bikini-clad models whom players must attack using military vehicles. Other games in the Simple Series include Simple 2000 Series Vol. 105: Maid Fuku to Kikanjuu, where maid characters wield guns, and Simple 2000 Series Vol. 113: Tairyou Jigoku, which involves a school girl escaping from buildings infested with bugs.

7. Dog Of Bay

Before Cats There Was

  • Developer: Cavia
  • Publisher: Marvelous Entertainment
  • Released: December 14, 2000 (Japan)
  • Platform: PS2

In 2019, the movie “Cats” was released, leaving viewers feeling so disturbed that the studio had to release an updated version with fixes in theaters. If you can imagine a game featuring anthropomorphic dog characters who are equally unappealing as the cat characters from “Cats,” then that’s essentially “Dog of Bay.

This game is a rhythm-based performance title where different characters attempt to create a show using simple interactions. Unfortunately, it can be quite challenging to both watch and play due to its character designs, unlike the PlayStation rhythm game “Parappa the Rapper,” whose anthropomorphic animal characters are more adorable and better stylized.

6. Dragon Quest 5: The Heavenly Bride

There’s A 3D Remake?!

  • Developer: ArtePiazza
  • Publisher: Square Enix
  • Released: March 25, 2004 (Japan)
  • Platform: PS2

Originally launched in Japan for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) back in 1992, “Dragon Quest 5: The Heavenly Bride” is a game that many may already be familiar with. It stood out for various reasons, one of which was its innovative feature allowing players to recruit monsters similar to Pokémon, though this functionality appeared four years prior to the release of Game Freak’s popular games in Japan. North American gamers finally got their hands on the game in 2009 when it was remade for the Nintendo DS, although visually, it was only a slight improvement over the original SNES version.

In 2004, a significant 3D remake was released on the PlayStation 2, a fact that might be unfamiliar to many. Notably, this version was exclusive to Japan, which left English-speaking fans disappointed as they were unable to experience it firsthand due to its exclusivity within the early games of the series.

5. Fengshen Yanyi 2

Mystic Hero Fans Rejoice

  • Developer: Fu-Qi
  • Publisher: Examu
  • Released: June 27, 2002
  • Platform: PS2

Although not particularly well-known, gamers who played PS2 and GameCube may recall Mystic Heroes, a game that resembled a child-friendly version of Dynasty Warriors, similar to Kingdom Hearts. Many fans of this game might have been unaware of its significance in Japan, as it was linked to several other games both directly and indirectly.

The journey started with “Fengshen Yanyi” on PlayStation 1, a tactical RPG that adhered to traditional grid-based gameplay. Upon transitioning to PlayStation 2, “Fengshen Yanyi 2” transformed into an action RPG. This evolution eventually gave birth to “Mystic Heroes,” the third installment. Interestingly, “Mystic Heroes” also had a version for Game Boy Advance, but like its predecessor, it remains exclusive to Japan.

4. Gekibo: Gekisha Boy 2

Look Out For Creepers

  • Developer: Tomcat System
  • Publisher: Irem
  • Released: May 31, 2001
  • Platform: PS2

Back in 1992, the game known as “Action Hero: Action Man” for the TurboGrafx-16 was launched. Later on, it was ported to PlayStation 1. This spin-off eventually led to an exclusive PlayStation 2 sequel titled “Action Hero: Action Man 2”. Interestingly, a European version of this sequel, named “Polaroid Pete”, was planned but ultimately scrapped, despite a prototype having been developed.

These two games share similarities with the 2D version of Pokemon Snap, as players take photographs of non-player characters (NPCs) who move along a predetermined path, much like on-rail shooters. Although these games are unconventional and not suitable for all audiences, they do not necessarily lack quality.

3. Jan Sangoku Musou

Put The Weapons Down For Tiles

  • Developer: Omega Force
  • Publisher: Koei
  • Released: March 23, 2006
  • Platform: PS2

Originally, “Dynasty Warriors” was a fighting game launched on the PlayStation 1. Over time, it evolved into an extensive Action Role-Playing Game (RPG) series, with numerous spinoffs like “Samurai Warriors” and “Hyrule Warriors.” However, unlike most Musou-style spinoffs that focused on action, “Jan Sangoku Musou” deviated from the norm by having characters from “Dynasty Warriors” participating in Mahjong tournaments instead.

As a devoted fan, it’s hardly shocking to me that this game hasn’t made its way beyond Japan’s borders. Mahjong isn’t as universally recognized in Western lands as it is in the East. What does surprise me, though, is its individual release, given that games similar to it have been included as bonus features in larger titles like Sugoroku within Samurai Warriors 2.

2. Metal Slug (2006)

There’s A 3D Game?

  • Developer: SNK Playmore
  • Publisher: SNK Playmore
  • Released: June 29, 2006 (Japan)
  • Platform: PS2

Just like the remake of Dragon Quest 5: The Heavenly Bride on the PS2, the Metal Slug series introduced a unique 3D entry, standing alone within the series. Interestingly, while this isn’t uncommon for Japanese exclusives, most of the game’s menus can be read in English and the voiceovers are dubbed, which is somewhat unusual.

In this time period, Metal Wolf Chaos is one of the exclusive games from Japan, specifically designed for the original Xbox console, which showcased English voice acting. Meanwhile, the 2006 game, Metal Slug, resembles its 2D predecessors in terms of gameplay mechanics, offering multiple characters and weapons to select, as well as a humorous narrative. If you have a good Japanese PlayStation 2 setup,

1. Seaman 2: The Peking Man Rearing Kit

A Hidden Sequel

  • Developer: Vivarium Inc.
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Released: October 18, 2007 (Japan)
  • Platform: PS2

One of the most unusual games for the Sega Dreamcast was titled “Seaman”. This game featured a character resembling a man with a fish’s face that players would feed and engage with. Despite its peculiar nature, it had the distinction of being narrated by Leonard Nimoy, which added an air of sophistication to the gaming experience.>

Though it was somewhat unknown, it received a less well-known sequel titled “Seaman 2: The Peking Man Rearing Kit“. This spin-off was exclusively available on the PlayStation 2 in Japan, following the PS2 port of the original game. The gameplay extended to include more simulation elements than just feeding a man-fish, but regrettably, it didn’t feature Leonard Nimoy as a voiceover.

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2025-04-30 13:45