Best RPGs Only Available On The PS2, Ranked

Summary

Some PS2 RPGs remain exclusive due to a lack of re-releases, providing unique experiences.
RPGs like Legaia 2 and Valkyrie Profile 2 offer distinct gameplay and narratives worth exploring.
Some PS2 RPGs, such as .Hack and Wild Arms, remain unportable, causing them to be stuck on the console.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of video games since the early days of pixelated graphics and simple gameplay mechanics, I must say that these remakes and reimaginings of classic titles have become a bit of a double-edged sword for me. On one hand, it’s wonderful to see my favorite franchises get a fresh coat of paint and new life breathed into them, allowing me to return to beloved worlds and characters with updated visuals and gameplay.

However, as someone who has played the original versions of many of these games multiple times, I can’t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia for the simpler times when these titles were new and exciting, and the thrill of discovery was still fresh. That being said, it’s always a treat to see how creators have evolved and improved upon their ideas over time, and the added content and features in these remakes often provide new ways to explore and appreciate these classic games.

As for my personal favorite from this list, I must give the top spot to Wild Arms Alter Code F. As a long-time fan of the series, it was a joy to see the game’s world and characters given a fresh coat of paint, and the added content and gameplay mechanics were a welcome addition. Plus, who can resist the charm of a remake that adds new playable characters and expands the story?

And on a lighter note, isn’t it funny how sometimes the things we hold dear from our childhoods seem so much better in our memories than they actually were? I mean, I’m sure my old NES cartridges weren’t as pristine and perfect as I remember them being, but that doesn’t stop me from cherishing them!

The PlayStation 2 by Sony is brimming with iconic Role-Playing Games (RPGs). Many of these games have been moved to other consoles or upgraded for contemporary systems, making them more accessible for newer players. Yet, some RPGs continue to be exclusive to the PS2. It seems as though they may remain there indefinitely.

It’s a pity to overlook items or experiences that may still hold value, despite their outdated workings. After all, some classic role-playing games from earlier eras have been remastered and re-released fairly recently.

7. Legaia 2: Duel Saga

Use Combos Instead Of Single Attacks

Legend of Legaia was an exceptional role-playing game towards the end of the PlayStation 1’s lifespan. Despite its relatively obscure popularity, it spawned a sequel titled Legaia 2: Duel Saga a few years later. The game maintains a battle system characterized by combos instead of individual attacks. However, unlike the original, it features a fresh mythology to replace ideas such as the Mist and Seru.

In the tradition of role-playing games, this could be a common occurrence, but it may fall short for fans who loved the original game. What’s peculiar is that several characters seem to resemble the main characters from the first installment. For instance, Lang appears to share characteristics with Vahn, and Kazan seems like an older version of Gala.

6. Xenosaga Episode 3: Also Sprach Zarathustra

A Science-Fiction Trilogy Comes To Its Conclusion

Released: July 6, 2006 (Japan)
Developer: Monolith Soft

In most role-playing games (RPGs), their size is such that only the most devoted players will manage to complete them in full. Picture a series of three interconnected games, each contributing to one grand narrative – this is what the Xenosaga trilogy accomplishes. What’s even more surprising is the initial concept behind it: the story was originally intended to span across six games!

In comparison to other JRPGs from the same era, the gameplay follows a straight path, but this simplicity contributes to an incredibly stunning visual presentation. The story skillfully blends hard science fiction with a distinctly anime-influenced flavor. The second installment of the trilogy experimented with a more realistic graphic style, which was later abandoned in favor of the original aesthetic in the third game.

Originally, Xenosaga Episodes One and Two were reimagined for the Nintendo DS. But their revised graphics and gameplay are so distinct that they might as well be entirely new games. Regrettably, this transformation affects their eligibility for comparison, but it’s worth noting that the third game can still only be found on the PS2.

5. Shadow Hearts

An Alternate History JRPG Set In The Early 20th Century

JRPGs (Japanese Role-Playing Games) frequently explore futuristic scenarios, but when they’re inspired by history, they usually transpire in a fictional universe distinct from our own reality. However, Shadow Hearts is an exception; it’s a unique JRPG that delves into alternate history. The game unfolds during the early 20th century, prior to World War I.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I find myself drawn to the intricate and imaginative world of the Shadow Hearts series. These games are not simply games; they are immersive adventures that transport me to another realm where mythical creatures and powerful deities coexist alongside everyday humans.

The first Shadow Hearts, which serves as a sequel to the PS1 game Koudelka, was a captivating experience for me. It introduced me to a unique blend of horror, adventure, and RPG elements that I had never encountered before in a video game. The sequel, Shadow Hearts: Covenant, built upon this foundation and took the series to new heights.

In my opinion, the Shadow Hearts series is a must-play for any RPG fan looking for something fresh and engaging. These games offer an immersive storyline, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay that will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you’re seeking a gaming experience that transcends the ordinary, look no further than the Shadow Hearts series.

4. Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria

Side-Scrolling Exploration Mixed With Turn-Based Combat

As a movie enthusiast who’s also a fan of RPG games, I must admit that Valkyrie Profile took an intriguing route by limiting my exploration to a two-dimensional plane, yet maintaining the classic turn-based combat system. Initially, this seemed like it would clash with the core essence of openness in RPGs, but Valkyrie Profile 2 managed to pull off this unique approach beautifully.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the realm of role-playing games (RPGs), I find that Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World stands out from its peers due to its innovative and captivating narrative device – two characters coexisting within a single physical form. This intriguing premise, combined with the interwoven storylines connecting the first and second games, makes for an unforgettable RPG experience.

Alicia’s royal status as a princess and Silmeria’s brief appearance in the original game add depth to the characters, making them relatable and engaging. My personal life experiences have shown me that compelling narratives can transport you to another world, and Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World does just that with its richly developed storylines and immersive gameplay.

3. Dawn Of Mana

Shakes Up The Mana Series’s Formula

The Mana series is known for its real-time battle system, and Dawn of Mana emphasizes action even more within the realm of Action Role-Playing Games (ARPGs), moving away from conventional elements. As a result, Dawn of Mana has a stronger resemblance to The Legend of Zelda rather than Kingdom Hearts.

Here, the emphasis lies on problem-solving and interactive scenarios. While characters can develop their strength, this isn’t done through the typical leveling system using experience points. Often criticized as a less successful entry, Dawn of Mana, despite its flaws, remains an intriguing oddity in the series.

2. .Hack: Infection

A Game Within A Game

The primary attraction of the Hack series lies in its storyline set within a fictional Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG). This setup gives the game an authentic multiplayer vibe while maintaining a single-player experience. Although the novelty of this concept may not be as captivating nowadays, the action RPG gameplay continues to hold its appeal.

Eight games from the Hack series originally released on PS2 remain unavailable for re-release, with five of them including the fifth one, Hack: Fragment, being a multiplayer game exclusive to Japan. The last three titles form a new trilogy that was upgraded and re-released for the PS4.

1. Wild Arms Alter Code F

More Than Just A Graphical Facelift

Released: November 17, 2003 (Japan)
Developer: Media.Vision

Despite being a remake of the original installment in the Wild Arms series, this game offers a unique and distinct experience due to its graphical and narrative overhauls. The graphics have been reimagined in 3D, fresh playable characters have been introduced, and the plot has been expanded upon.

These alterations enrich the gameplay, but some may view this as a disadvantage since they prefer the classic version. For those who cherish the original “Wild Arms”, these changes allow them to spend a little more time in that world. Notably, while “Wild Arms” has been re-released on PS3, PS4, and PS5, “Alter Code F” remains exclusive to the PS2 without any plans for a re-release at this point.

2024-12-31 11:34