Best PS2 RPGs With Voice Acting

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The PlayStation 2 (PS2) represented a significant advancement over its predecessor, the PlayStation 1 (PS1). One of its key features was an integrated DVD player, which was one of the most cost-effective on the market in various aspects, and it continued to support CDs as well. The graphics saw a substantial improvement, while games increasingly incorporated voice acting due to discs’ increased capacity for data storage.

Many PlayStation 2 RPG games featured voice acting, which greatly enhanced the immersive storytelling experience. Let’s examine these RPGs with the most extensive use of voiceovers and evaluate them based on both their performance quality and the overall quality of the game itself.

This paraphrased version maintains the original meaning while using more natural language and a conversational tone. It also adds some additional details to make it easier for readers to follow along.

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance

A Fun Marvel Crossover

Prior to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), comic book enthusiasts had the opportunity to enjoy “Marvel: Ultimate Alliance”. This game served as an epic crossover, bringing together various Avengers teams and solo heroes within the Marvel universe, such as Captain America and The Thing. All characters were given voice acting. Although the dialogue didn’t come with elaborate cutscenes, not even in its next-generation versions, it was immaterial. It remained one of the finest methods, apart from animated series, to hear these legendary heroes and villains spoken aloud. Gameplay resembled a “Diablo” game, featuring hack-and-slash mechanics viewed from an overhead perspective.

Disgaea: Hour Of Darkness

A Silly But Engaging Story

Disgaea: Hour of Darkness

Description: This game is a tactical Role-Playing Game (RPG) that takes place in the underworld following the demise of its benevolent ruler, The Overlord. His son, Laharl, inherits the throne but shows no interest in it, causing unrest among the citizens of the underworld who disapprove of his rule. Consequently, a rebellion breaks out. With the assistance of a faithful servant, Laharl will strive to demonstrate his worthiness for the title Overlord, proving it not only to his late father but also to the rest of the underworld. The narrative is grandiose, delivered primarily through text dialogues, yet remains highly engaging. Fans of Power Rangers might recognize Laharl’s voice, as he is portrayed by Barbara Goodson, who played Rita Repulsa in English.

Front Mission 4

A Global Affair

In the strategy role-playing game series centered around mechs, Front Mission 4 marked an update by incorporating voiceovers for the first time in the primary installments. The setting of this game is a future where factions, once representing individual countries, now form part of a global coalition reminiscent of the United Nations.

As a globe-trotting gamer, I can tell you that this game’s characters hail from various corners of the world, and their voices reflect that diversity. While some may slip into stereotypes, they are all skillfully voiced. The cutscenes often consist of dialogue in text boxes, but every now and then, you’ll find yourself immersed in in-game actions starring the iconic Wanzers mechs.

.hack//Infection

Part One In A Quadrilogy

The PS2 game series known as .hack//Infection, which started it all, revolved around a fictional MMO named The World. In this game, Kite’s friend Orca falls into a coma after an in-game incident. Determined to uncover the truth, Kite embarks on a journey. This project was an expansive multimedia endeavor that included anime and manga, enriching the immersive world of .hack. Although the plot could be complex at times, the voice acting showcased some of the finest performances in anime during the 2000s.

Final Fantasy 10

The Laugh Is Still Funny

The release of Final Fantasy 10 was met with a significant impact among fans, partly due to its introduction of voice acting – a feature that, despite occasional humor like the iconic laughing scene between Tidus and Yuna, generally outshone the vocal performances of most PS2 RPGs. Auron’s voice is intense and solemn, Rikku exudes enthusiasm, while Wakka combines playfulness with gravity. The game also introduced a turn-based battle system that enabled players to change party members during combat, as well as the Sphere Grid leveling system.

Persona 4

High School Detective Club

Persona 4 came out late on the PS2, but it was worth the wait as it offered a wealth of content in 2008. The gameplay is much like its predecessor, featuring turn-based combat structured around randomly generated dungeons and spending time with friends when not battling.

In this new installment, the voice acting matches that of its predecessor, and the narrative holds a greater allure. Teenagers from a quaint town embark on an investigation into mysterious murders. Additionally, they possess the unique ability to leap into television screens, thereby exploring alternate realms.

Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille Zur Macht

Certainly, The MOST Voice Acting

Games created by Hideo Kojima, such as Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, often receive criticism for featuring excessively lengthy cutscenes compared to extended gameplay segments. It’s likely that those who share this viewpoint haven’t experienced the Xenosaga trilogy yet, as these games contain extended cinematics, and their dialogue is quite dramatic. Some of these cinematics are so lengthy that players can save their progress during them. While this might seem like a drawback to some, fans of anime, robots, and religious artifacts in role-playing games will undoubtedly appreciate the outlandish narrative of Xenosaga, particularly in the first installment.

Kingdom Hearts

Hail To The Mouse Chief

The unique blend of Disney and Final Fantasy elements in Kingdom Hearts was an unexpected delight. The exceptional voice acting elevated the game on PlayStation 2, with veterans like Bill Farmer reprising his role as Goofy and Gilbert Gottfried returning to voice Iago from Aladdin. Notable celebrities lent their talents to both original and existing characters, and even Lance Bass, who played Sephiroth from Final Fantasy 7, delivered a commendable performance. Despite the seemingly unlikely combination of action RPG elements, Kingdom Hearts managed to succeed due to its engaging gameplay, compelling narrative that spans multiple worlds, and the high-quality voice performances throughout.

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2025-08-10 02:19