The Best PS2 Games With Child Protagonists

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Summary

  • The PS2 had great games due to strong protagonists like child characters in RPGs and survival horror.
  • Clock Tower 3 offered a unique horror experience with a non-combat protagonist.
  • Tales of Symphonia introduced the compelling hero Lloyd, surrounded by young child protagonists in a top JRPG.

After spending countless hours immersed in the captivating world of the PlayStation 2, I can confidently say that this console was home to some truly extraordinary games. Amongst these gems, there are five titles that stand out as the cream of the crop, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

The PlayStation 2’s immense collection of exceptional software has been a significant factor in it maintaining the title of the best-selling video game console ever made. One of the primary reasons for the software’s quality could be attributed to its compelling protagonists. With an impressive array of RPGs, survival horror adventures, racing games, and action-adventure titles, the system is teeming with memorable main characters.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at some of the exceptional child characters that graced the PlayStation 2 (PS2). From battling for survival in its horror games or embarking on epic journeys in role-playing games (JRPGs), these young PS2 protagonists stood shoulder to shoulder with the console’s greatest heroes. They were a captivating blend of resilient survivors and spirited adventurers, headlining what many still regard as some of the finest titles on the PlayStation 2.

7. Clock Tower 3

Spine-Chilling Survival Horror Game Focuses On Avoiding Combat

Among the genres that truly flourished on the PlayStation 2 was survival horror, with the console housing some of the genre’s finest titles. However, one survival horror game from the PS2 that often gets overshadowed is “Clock Tower 3“. This game puts players in the shoes of Alyssa Hamilton, a schoolgirl who finds herself fleeing not just her mysterious past, but also terrifying monsters.

In contrast to the initial Clock Tower games, Clock Tower 3 significantly departs but this transformation proves beneficial, capitalizing on the capabilities of the PS2 hardware. It shares similarities with Capcom’s Haunting Ground, emphasizing evasion rather than confrontation, featuring a non-combative protagonist. The 3D environments are commendable, and Alyssa’s quest to uncover her lineage gives Clock Tower 3 an old-school horror vibe, as if you’re playing a horror movie in video game format.

6. Tales Of Symphonia

One Of The Greatest JRPGs Ever Made

By the time PlayStation 2 arrived, the Tales series had already released three games. Eager to leverage the new hardware for the next phase of the franchise, Bandai Namco introduced us to Lloyd Irving as the protagonist in Tales of Symphonia, a sequel to Tales of Destiny 2 on PS2. The outcome was an unforgettable hero in the genre and one of the finest JRPGs ever produced – a creation I had the pleasure of following along with.

In the realm of Sylvarant, where magic is fading away, we find Lloyd embarking on a journey alongside his friend Colette for a pilgrimage. Lloyd serves as an engaging protagonist, and he’s joined by other youthful characters, creating one of the most impressive party lineups in the JRPG genre. The game, Tales of Symphonia, can still be enjoyed on contemporary devices due to its outstanding 2023 remaster.

5. Jak And Daxter

Excellent 3D Platformer Is One Of The Console’s Best Games

Prior to developing the cinematic realms of The Last of Us and Uncharted, the developer Naughty Dog was heavily immersed in the realm of 3D platform games. Leveraging knowledge from three Crash Bandicoot games on the PS1, Naughty Dog created a fresh intellectual property for the PS2, leading to Jak and Daxter – an exceptional 3D platformer featuring a vibrant, imaginative world.

This exceptional game, titled “Jak and Daxter,” showcases a beautifully crafted world along with spot-on platforming mechanics. The dynamic duo, Jak and his companion Daxter, are fascinating characters. While Jak portrays a somber, brooding demeanor, Daxter’s bubbly, frenetic personality serves as a delightful contrast. Although Sony and Naughty Dog have distanced themselves from the franchise in recent times, the original “Jak and Daxter” remains one of the PS2’s finest games and can be easily accessed on the PS5 today.

4. Bully

Controversial Rockstar Game Casts Players As A Bullworth Academy Student

Moving forward with their interest in tackling debatable subjects, Rockstar opted to craft something fresh following the release of GTA: San Andreas. In a fictional setting, Bullworth Academy serves as the backdrop for this new game, titled Bully. Players take on the role of Jimmy Hopkins, a recent arrival who stirs up trouble among the school’s most disrespectful students. As is Rockstar’s style, there’s more to the story than meets the eye.

In the PlayStation 2 game known as “Bully,” the character you play as, Jimmy, isn’t there to be a bully himself, but rather to mete out punishment to those who are. The focus of this game is on seeking revenge against the snobbish preppies, the muscular jocks, and all the unsavory characters at Bullworth Academy, even some members of staff. Jimmy serves as a typical Rockstar protagonist, thrust into a perilous situation, but instead of organized crime, he’s dealing with everyday school life. “Bully” remains accessible on modern gaming systems, making Jimmy’s adventure a journey worth experiencing today.

3. Dark Cloud 2

Innovative JRPG Set In A Steampunk Fantasy World

In 2001, the game “Dark Cloud” was one of the pioneers on the PlayStation 2, introducing a distinctive town-building feature called Georama by its creators, Level-5. Fast forward two years, and they released the sequel, titled “Dark Cloud 2“, which took place in an entirely different universe. The main characters were Maximillian and Monica, with their adventures unfolding a century apart from each other. An engaging time travel narrative connects their stories, as “Dark Cloud 2” boasts a variety of enjoyable fantasy elements skillfully woven into its storyline, complete with the signature Level-5 charm.

In the sequel of the initial game, the Georama system makes a comeback, boasting even more enhancements! By venturing into dungeons, gamers collect Geostones that are employed in Georama mode to add structures and inhabited areas to towns. This engaging feature remains captivating, and revisiting it with contemporary technology is an enticing prospect. This exceptional JRPG continues to be one of the top choices on the console, and its compatibility with modern hardware allows players to effortlessly return to this delightful adventure.

2. Zone Of The Enders

Mech-Combat Game By Metal Gear Creator Hideo Kojima

Regardless, it’s worth noting that while Zone of the Enders is primarily recognized for its demo featuring Hideo Kojima’s acclaimed Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, this game stands out as one of the finest mech combat titles ever developed and was among the most daring projects during the PlayStation 2 era. In this game, players assume the role of Leo Stenbuck, embarking on an epic journey that depicts humanity’s colonization of space and a looming conflict between Bahram’s militaristic forces and Orbital Frames, colossal mechs controlled by civilians.

Leo’s thrilling voyage through the game “Zone of the Enders” brims with action, pain, and exploration, making it one of the most creative and enjoyable war-themed stories on the PlayStation 2. To this day, the mech battles in the game remain as swift and precise as ever, with the sensation of flying an Orbital Frame being unparalleled even among modern games within the genre due to its unique sense of speed. “Zone of the Enders” is a highly captivating experience that was later remastered for the PlayStation 3 in 2012.

1. Ico

Atmospheric Adventure Game That Features A Boy Meets Girl Story

In 1997, with a daring imagination and unwavering artistic authenticity, Fumito Ueda envisioned what would later be known as Ico. He drew inspiration from cinematic platformers such as Prince of Persia and Another World. This groundbreaking title remains one of the PS2’s most remarkable games. It follows the story of a young boy named Ico, who endeavors to save a lost princess named Yorda. The connection between them seems genuine and authentic, as their perilous journey to evade a horde of terrifying shadow beings is the heart of this exceptional game.

Ico emphasizes its mood, feelings, and discovery, along with the significance of relationships. The sensation of holding Yorda’s hand seems genuine, and the fear of her being taken away by the ominous shadow beings becomes palpable when they appear. With exceptional animation, imaginative world creation, and stunning visual direction, Ico remains one of the most remarkable games from the sixth-generation consoles. Although Team ICO’s subsequent game, Shadow of the Colossus, received a modernized version by Bluepoint in 2020, this extraordinary title remains trapped on the PS2. Playing it today might be difficult, but experiencing Ico and Yorda’s heroic adventure is undeniably worth the effort.

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2024-12-22 04:37