Forgotten Heroes In Classic PlayStation 2 Games

As I delve into these tales of forgotten heroes from the golden age of gaming, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of nostalgia. These characters, once vibrant and beloved, now languish in the shadows, their stories untold to a new generation. Let us pay homage to three such heroes, who despite their current obscurity, left an indelible mark on the gaming world.

The PlayStation 2 played a significant role during gaming’s golden age, boasting some of the most remarkable games ever made and spawning numerous enduring franchises. Despite the hardware constraints shared by all consoles of its era, it managed to captivate players globally with engaging stories and gameplay that they couldn’t resist.

Instead of focusing solely on the well-known franchises that became popular after the release of the PS3, let’s shed light on the less celebrated games that were once popular during the PS2 era. These unacknowledged champions of gaming are often overlooked and have faded into obscurity over time. To bring some recognition to these unsung heroes, here are a few forgotten gems hidden in classic PS2 games.

5 Jennifer (Rule Of Rose)

A Brave Protagonist

Jennifer is brave and noble
She’s constantly punished for others’ doings

Back then when I was deeply engrossed in survival horror games, Rule of Rose stood out as a refreshing and captivating addition to my collection. This game, set in England during the 1930s, transported me to an eerie universe where young girls reigned supreme, forming a peculiar hierarchy known as the Red Crayon Aristocrats. I, as the player, found myself following Jennifer’s journey through this mysterious realm.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but admire Jennifer for her courage (which is necessary given the challenges she faces), her insatiable curiosity, and her intelligence. Her compassionate heart is evident in her selfless actions, as demonstrated when she bravely rescues the yellow Labrador from danger. In essence, it’s clear that both the captivating storyline and Jennifer’s bold spirit make Rule of Rose one of the most outstanding PS2 horror games ever created.

Initially, the game was given a Metascore of 60 because of the uproar over its violent content. But as time passed, it gradually grew on people, eventually earning the respect it deserved once the fuss died down. Regrettably, due to not having any subsequent titles or updates for almost two decades, both the game “Rule of Rose” and its protagonist Jennifer have since been largely forgotten.

4 Samanosuke Akechi (Onimusha: Warlords)

One Of The Most Famous PS2 Samurais

Samanosuke set a high standard for future samurai characters in gaming
He has an inspiring story and an unwavering will

Hailing from Japan during its tumultuous Sengoku era in 1537, Samanosuke rose through the ranks to become a loyal samurai for the Saito clan. After many years of internal strife within his clan, he chose to leave and embark on a journey as a Ronin. Throughout his travels, he encountered a ninja named Kaede, with whom he formed a deep connection that lasted over time.

In the storyline of Onimusha 2, Samanosuke and Kaede journey to Samanosuke’s home to assist his uncle. Notably, Samanosuke is among the most notable samurai heroes during the PS2 era. Regrettably, as time passed, the Onimusha series gradually lost popularity, casting Samanosuke and all other characters in that world into obscurity.

To put it simply, Onimusha: Warlords was met with mostly positive feedback when it debuted, earning a Metascore of 71. That’s quite respectable for the launch title of an unestablished series.

3 Ryudo (Grandia 2)

A Hero With Few Traits Of One

Ryudo is almost an antihero who only cares about himself
His life has been full of tragedy

Ryudo’s past is as heartbreaking as it gets. At a tender age, he lost both parents and grew up under the care of the Village of Garlan’s Chief alongside his elder brother Melfice. However, despite finding some semblance of peace, misfortune revisited him when, without any discernible motive, his brother abandoned the village following a string of brutal slayings.

In summary, Ryudo deviates from the conventional image of a hero, exhibiting traits such as pessimism, negativity, and self-centeredness. Over time, he transforms into a Geohound, essentially a job-focused mercenary who avoids getting involved in details. Ryudo appears to be uncommitted to anyone, maintaining a relatively small circle of friends, primarily his loyal falcon companion, Skye.

In the Grandia 2 game, Ryudo may not be universally recognized as a forgotten hero from the PlayStation 2 era, but it’s clear that he is compelled to take a stand for justice due to the circumstances he finds himself in, regardless of whether or not his original intention was to do so.

20 years after his last appearance as the main character, Grandia 2’s positive reception with a Metascore of 77, followed by a hiatus in new Grandia games since 2009, has effectively relegated Ryudo to obscurity—possibly for good.

2 Jade (Beyond Good & Evil)

An Interstellar Hero

Jade has street smarts and a lot of love for photography
She has the ultimate goal of ending the war and protecting her loved ones

While it’s now common to see many female heroes in games, it’s hard to ignore that this wasn’t the norm during the heyday of the PS2 in the early 2000s. Apart from Lara Croft and Jade from Beyond Good & Evil, the world of gaming was predominantly male-led at that time.

Jade narrates the tale set on planet Hillys within System 4. Raised by her uncle who regards her as his daughter, she has an intense affection for photography that she skillfully uses to run her own journalism firm. Tired of the ongoing conflict in her cosmos, she decides to join the IRIS Network under the alias “Shauni”. Her main aim and objective are to establish tranquility across Hillys to secure not only her and her uncle’s lives but also those of numerous orphans who consider her their protective older sister.

It’s puzzling that despite a debut Metascore of 86 for the original game, no sequel has been produced so far. Although a prequel is due out soon or within several years, the lack of new content surrounding Beyond Good & Evil for over two decades has left both the game and its character Jade in relative obscurity.

1 Lloyd Irving (Tales Of Symphonia)

Country Boy Turned Warrior

Lloyd is selfless and brave
During the events of the game, he’s faced with an impossible decision

Lloyd Irving initially hails from a humble background in the countryside and takes pleasure in attending school and living an ordinary life on his home world, Silvarant. Nevertheless, as the game unfolds, he, together with his comrades, is entrusted with the mission to discover a means of preventing their planet from impending destruction.

Previously overlooked hero Lloyd, who was once almost forgotten from the PS2 classic, gained renewed recognition after the remastered release of Tales of Symphonia. He rightfully earns a prominent place on this list due to his noble character and willingness to collaborate for the greater good. Moreover, he demonstrates deep concern for all life when faced with difficult choices, such as deciding whether to save his own world or Tethe’alla, another parallel planet, both of which cannot coexist simultaneously.

Following its debut, Tales of Symphonia garnered an impressive Metascore of 86, spurring developers to create additional games set within its universe over the subsequent years. However, it’s been more than a decade since Lloyd was last seen in 2008, leaving fans with only fond memories of him as time has made him increasingly distant.

2024-08-20 13:34