Best PS2 RPGs With Open-World Elements

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Summary

  • PS2 RPGs like .hack//Infection and Dragon Quest 8 laid the foundation for open-world ideas.
  • Final Fantasy 12 on PS2 showcased larger, open zones with seamless transitions in the game world.
  • Wild Arms 3 introduced a unique world map system with a radar that required exploration to discover towns and dungeons.

It wasn’t until the Xbox 360 and PS3 era that open-world games truly flourished. With their powerful processors, they were capable of creating vast, continuous environments for players to wander through. A prime example of this is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

Before Bethesda’s breakthrough with their massive open-world game, such games weren’t non-existent. Instead, it’s important to note that games underwent significant evolution during the Xbox 360 and PS3 generations. Although the PS2 had some RPGs that weren’t fully open-world, they did feature world maps or zones offering ample opportunities. Let’s delve into some notable RPGs on the PS2 to trace back the origins of the open-world concept.

.hack//Infection

Logging In

The initial installment of a four-part series of action role-playing games, titled .hack//Infection, was developed by CyberConnect2 for the PlayStation 2. Despite its risky nature, it was enthusiastically accepted by fans. This game revolves around a fictional MMO, The World, featuring various cities such as Mac Anu as its hub towns.

Every settlement boasts a Chaos Portal, and inputting specific phrases such as “Hidden Forbidden Sacred Territory” transports players to various locations, frequently complete with concealed dungeons. Although the transition between zones isn’t smooth, these areas provide ample spaces for adventurers to discover.

Dragon Quest 8: Journey Of The Cursed King

A Giant Leap Ahead Of Seven

The game “Dragon Quest 8: Journey of the Cursed King” is often considered a prime example of a PlayStation 2 title that emulates an open-world experience. Compared to its predecessor on the PlayStation 1, which relied on sprites, this sequel stands out with its 3D environment beautifully modeled using cel-shaded techniques.

Instead of the conventional global map found in classic RPGs, this game features vast regions surrounding towns and dungeons, reminiscent of a PS2 title’s scale. The protagonist remains silent, but is joined by a vibrant ensemble of companions. Interestingly, it was the first mainline installment to incorporate voice acting, thereby fostering a stronger bond between players and their party members.

Final Fantasy 12

Bigger Zones

The final mainline installment on the PlayStation 2, Final Fantasy 12, is an impressive role-playing game. Unlike traditional RPGs, it lacked an overworld map, instead offering players the ability to traverse large zones, each separated by smaller sections. These zones, ranging from beaches to plains to deserts, teemed with various enemies that players could battle using a blend of turn-based and real-time combat systems.

In simpler terms, players could opt for pre-set attacks using Gambits or they could issue commands directly for their characters. Since there were no distinct battle scenes and the environment was vast, Ivalice in Final Fantasy 12 appeared larger than its real size due to the openness of the areas.

MS Saga: A New Dawn

A Unique Gundam Game

In contrast to many Gundam games that remain unavailable in the Western world, fortunately, MS Saga: A New Dawn made its way over. The game kicks off dramatically as an orphanage unexpectedly blows up, with an orphan named Tristan finding a Mobile Suit nearby.

Tristan and his companions have the ability to personalize their mechs and progressively enhance their combat skills in a turn-based setting. The Mobile Suits adopt a more compact, adorable design, creating an unexpectedly cute aesthetic despite the story’s serious tone. A vast world map awaits exploration, linking towns and dungeons while offering numerous side quests to delve into as well.

Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando

Intergalactic Planetary

The Ratchet & Clank series typically isn’t categorized alongside other role-playing games (RPGs) on PlayStation 2. However, the sequel, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando, introduced a significant improvement by incorporating RPG aspects into its gameplay mechanics.

As a devoted fan, I’d share this: In the thrilling world of Ratchet and Clank, I can boost my health by clobbering foes, which also paves the way for my weapons to upgrade. Across multiple planets, we embark on a journey filled with primary and additional missions. Often, these objectives can be tackled in a flexible order, adding to the game’s nonlinear charm. Although these planets might not be as expansive as later instalments, exploration remains a cornerstone of the experience.

Tales Of The Abyss

A Classic World Map

In simpler terms, the “Tales of” series featured two games for PlayStation 2 in the Western market, with “Tales of the Abyss” being considered the superior one. Much like other games in this genre, players can venture through dungeons and travel across a map linking towns, similar to various titles. Monsters on the world map appear as blobs, and combat shifts from the map into action-based gameplay once engaged.

As an enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that in Tales of the Abyss, all party members are ready and waiting to join me in action-packed battles! What’s more, these battles can be enjoyed cooperatively. For those who appreciate immersive open-world games with a culinary twist, rest assured, cooking is a significant aspect in this game, serving as a key feature for healing.

Wild Arms 3

Discovering The Old JRPG West

In contrast to numerous JRPGs, where a world map is often present, Wild Arms 3 offers an unique twist that would captivate enthusiasts of open-world games. Unlike games such as Tales of the Abyss or MS Saga: A New Dawn, players in this game do not have the freedom to roam freely between towns and dungeons at will.

Instead, they must rely on radar to find these areas, and interacting with non-player characters (NPCs) can sometimes yield fascinating findings. While the system isn’t flawless – finding locations can be challenging at times – it adds an element of uniqueness to this Wild West-themed JRPG. The turn-based gameplay also has a distinct cowboy feel, as both enemies and characters move around during turns, creating an illusion of a grand shootout.

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2025-08-11 09:35