Best PS2 JRPGs That Are Not Part Of A Franchise

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Summary

  • The PS2 saw the birth of new franchises and classics like Final Fantasy 10.
  • Some PS2 RPGs were one-offs like The Bouncer, Okage, Radiata Stories, and Rogue Galaxy.
  • Games like Odin Sphere and Stella Deus were unique gems that didn’t get sequels but still carved their own niche fanbase.

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for Japanese RPGs, I must say that revisiting these forgotten gems of the PlayStation 2 era has been a veritable treasure trove of nostalgia and delightful surprises. Each of these games offers a unique blend of action, strategy, and storytelling that’s as captivating today as it was back then.

If Sony considered the PS1 a success, they were in for an even bigger shock with the PS2. It wasn’t just a hit, it was a cultural phenomenon that spawned fresh franchises and extended existing ones. For instance, Final Fantasy 10 significantly advanced the RPG genre by incorporating impressive art design, voice acting, a novel battle system, and innovative leveling mechanics among other things.

While not every Role Playing Game (RPG) achieved the level of popularity as a “Final Fantasy 10” sensation, leading to sustained success, there were some that emerged as unique original concepts, garnering acclaim but ultimately failing to continue. Today, we’ll shine a light on these underappreciated treasures and assess whether they warrant a sequel or not.

7. The Bouncer

A Short But Energetic Brawler

As a die-hard film enthusiast, let me share my thoughts about “The Bouncer,” a singular creation brought forth by Square Enix, back when they were still known as Squaresoft. This game was an adrenaline-pumping brawler, featuring a handful of playable characters with the main role bestowed upon Sion, who bore a striking resemblance to Squall from “Final Fantasy 8,” but with a punkish twist. The action unfolded in various settings, from nightclubs to bustling city streets, with enemies constantly in sight, true to form for brawler games.

Due to the diverse characters that could be played, it provided players with additional motivations to replay it numerous times. However, its brief length may have contributed to less-than-spectacular reviews. Regardless, it garnered loyal fans during the early years of the PS2 era and continues to be a cherished niche gem despite its flaws, even decades later.

6. Odin Sphere

A 2D Norse Gem

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

Originally, the game titled Odin Sphere was launched on the PlayStation 2. Subsequently, it underwent remastering as Odin Sphere Leifthrasir, and this version became available for play on the PS3, PS4, and PS Vita. Since then, it hasn’t been adapted for any other gaming platform, nor has a sequel been produced, which is consistent with the norm for most games developed by Vanillaware.

In this game, you’ll have the opportunity to embody multiple characters, each with their unique narratives, navigating through a sequence of Metroid-style labyrinths. These labyrinths will be populated by enemies, and combat will unfold in real-time. An unusual aspect of leveling up is that you’ll need to cultivate and consume food within the dungeons to boost your power. Overall, it’s a solid action RPG experience.

5. Okage: Shadow King

The Nightmare Before Final Fantasy 10

  • Developer: Zener Works
  • Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
  • Released: October 2, 2001 (NA, PS2 Version)
  • Platforms: PS2, PS4

As I sat down to watch “Okage: Shadow King,” it felt like stepping into a Tim Burton-esque video game world, or perhaps experiencing a darker, more sinister iteration of the beloved “Mother” series. In this captivating tale, a young protagonist named Ari forms an unusual friendship with Stan, a shadowy demon. During the course of the story, Ari and their party members harness the power of shadows, much like Stan, to engage in combat reminiscent of the strategic gameplay seen in the “Persona” series.

Despite its intrigue, the game unfortunately premiered just a couple of months prior to the North American release of Final Fantasy 10, a game that revolutionized RPGs on the system for years. Unfortunately, this didn’t keep it in the spotlight, but luckily an enhanced version of Okage: Shadow King was released on PS4 in 2016, bringing joy to all fans of the game.

4. Radiata Stories

An Action-Based Suikoden

  • Developer: tri-Ace
  • Publisher: Square Enix
  • Platform: PS2
  • Released: September 6, 2005 (NA)

In essence, “Radiata Stories” could be seen as tri-Ace’s endeavor to create a game similar to “Suikoden”. To clarify for those who may not be familiar, many “Suikoden” games allow players to amass more than one hundred party members. While “Radiata Stories” doesn’t go quite that far, the protagonist, Jack, can certainly develop friendships with a number of characters.

The gameplay resembled that found in the Star Ocean series, another creation by tri-Ace, where players would be transported into battle arenas to fight adversaries. Unlike many RPGs that follow a save-the-world, grim dark narrative, this one centered around its characters and exuded an upbeat, adventurous atmosphere. The game was a pleasant departure from the norm and remains visually appealing on the PlayStation 2, as it never received an update for other systems.

3. Ring Of Red

If The Cold War Was In Japan

The “Ring of Red” was one of the early games for the PlayStation 2, released in Japan a month before it reached North America. This game presents an unusual interpretation of history, where World War II led to Japan being divided into occupied territories, with the U.S. and Russia competing for control over the country.

Rather than traditional ground battles, most conflicts now take place using mechs known as AFWs. These mechanical behemoths resemble a fusion of tanks and link vehicles, moving at a deliberate pace. It’s intriguing that Konami hasn’t produced a sequel for this concept, given its potential for tactical gameplay and the distinctive lore it offered.

2. Rogue Galaxy

Pirates Looting Treasure In Space

In the realm of PlayStation 2 gaming, Rogue Galaxy served as the successor to Dark Cloud 2, another title from Level-5. Despite their shared origins, these games exhibit distinct differences. The main character in Rogue Galaxy is Jaster, a bounty hunter who leads a group of companions on dungeon expeditions in search of hidden riches.

In this game, you have the freedom to switch among your three characters whenever you like. Each character will be equipped with both a melee and a ranged weapon that can be improved or combined using an alchemy system. The game offers a vast universe for exploration, from planet to planet, and it primarily emphasizes action RPG combat, leaving out the simulation elements typical of games like the Dark Cloud series.

1. Stella Deus: The Gate of Eternity

Artistically Close To Persona

  • Developers: Pinegrow, Atlus
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Released: April 26, 2005 (NA)
  • Platform: PS2

Among the numerous Shin Megami Tensei series games produced by Atlus, they occasionally create standalone titles such as Stella Deus: The Gate of Eternity for the PS2. Interestingly, the visual style of this game, including its box art and character designs, bears a striking resemblance to Shin Megami Tensei games, as it was designed by Shigenori Soejima.

The narrative should also resonate with readers as it chronicles Spero’s journey through a complex web of politics and religion, involving intricate grid-style tactical conflicts. Unlike traditional mechanics where movement and attacks are separated into distinct phases, characters in this game accrue Action Points (AP) that they can utilize whenever they choose. This flexibility allows players to traverse large areas or launch multiple attacks at their discretion, which is a novel approach within the strategy genre.

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2024-12-22 18:34