The Best PS2 Games With Widescreen Support

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Summary

  • PS2 supported Widescreen & 480p, making games look decent years later.
  • Early PS2 games like Jak and Daxter utilized hardware for crisp visuals in Widescreen.
  • Games like God of War & Final Fantasy 12 were optimized for cinematic experience on PS

As someone who grew up playing games on the iconic PlayStation 2, I can confidently say that the experiences offered by this remarkable console are etched into my gaming memories forever. The sheer variety and quality of games available for the PS2 is astounding, and it’s a challenge to narrow down the list of great titles to just a few.

The PlayStation 2 (PS2) was quite progressive in numerous aspects. One of its unique features was that it came equipped with a built-in DVD player, making it one of the most affordable ways to own a DVD player during that time. Later on, it enabled internet connectivity and adaptable hard drives for memory storage. Additionally, many of its games, even those released early in its lifespan, were compatible with Widescreen.

Some games even supported 480p projections, making them still look decent even decades later. It would be better if many of these games were remastered or at least received ports to modern consoles to enjoy something more than Widescreen support but that’s a topic for another day. Let’s rank these games based on how cinematic they still feel on the PS2 with Widescreen adjustments.

8. Jak And Daxter

Naughty Dog’s New Trilogy Begins

Jak and Daxter was among the initial platform games on the PlayStation 2, and Naughty Dog skillfully leveraged the system’s capabilities. Players could savor smooth platforming action in widescreen on their brand-new console. This facilitated seamless upscaling for various high-definition collections, including a native upgrade on the PS5 hardware more recently.

On the PlayStation 2, every installment in the series offered Widescreen compatibility along with potential 480p enhancements. It’s surprising to think that Naughty Dog initially created platform games rather than the dramatic action titles like “Uncharted” and “The Last of Us”. The game “Jak and Daxter” serves as a great throwback to the studio’s humble beginnings.

7. Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando

A Platformer With RPG Elements

Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando is another great platformer on the PS2 and the second in the Ratchet & Clank series. This sequel included a lot of visual and gameplay enhancements over its predecessor. On the visual side, it looked better graphically, plus it supported Widescreen and 480p options on TVs.

In this game, for the first time, RPG elements were introduced, enabling players to boost Ratchet’s health and enhance his weaponry. Regardless of whether you play it in Widescreen or not, it remains an enjoyable experience to dive into, and subsequent games on the PS2 provided additional video support as well.

6. Dragon Quest 8: Journey Of The Cursed King

A Cel-Shaded Masterpiece

The eighth installment of the Dragon Quest series, titled “Dragon Quest 8: Journey of the Cursed King“, marked a significant improvement over its predecessor in terms of graphics. Unlike the earlier game on PlayStation 1, which employed basic visuals, this sequel introduced voice acting for the first time and crafted an enchanting world populated by beautifully designed cel-shaded characters.

One reason this game continues to appear visually appealing even on the PS2 is its native compatibility, and the addition of Widescreen support certainly enhances that. Factors like its turn-based gameplay, captivating storyline, expansive open world, intricate alchemy system, and more are likely why fans rate it so highly, and perhaps why it was eventually adapted for the 3DS as well.

5. God Of War

A Father Grieves With Blood

God of War, initially released toward the end of PS2’s lifespan, allowed Sony Santa Monica studio to maximize the console’s capabilities. It boasts Widescreen and 480p resolution for enhanced visuals. This action-packed title is renowned for its immersive storyline and intense gameplay, requiring top-notch performance to fully appreciate its gripping narrative and violent scenes.

Kratos is a man deeply wronged by the gods, choosing vengeance over mourning his losses. The PlayStation 2 edition of God of War, while serviceable, isn’t the optimal way to immerse yourself in the game. However, even on the PS2, it manages to maintain an impressive visual appeal, with the remastered version for the PS3 offering an even more polished experience.

4. Final Fantasy 12

Square Enix’s PS2 Swan Song

In North America, Final Fantasy 12 was one of the last games on the PlayStation 2 (PS2) to be released, which gave it an edge due to its advanced visuals. Interestingly, it came out only weeks before the PS3 hit the market, meaning its graphics were relatively outdated compared to the new console. Yet, with its superior sound system and wide-screen adaptation, Final Fantasy 12 served as a fitting farewell to Square Enix’s PS2 era, despite being technically behind the times.

The acclaim for Final Fantasy 10 didn’t quite match that of Final Fantasy 12 because its MMO-like combat and association with Ivalice made it seem peculiar compared to the norm. However, it’s still worth playing, especially since it has received an HD remaster on the PS2, offering a second opportunity for those who didn’t experience it initially.

3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Immerse Yourself In The Streets

Final Fantasy 12‘s music is excellent and the PlayStation 2 does a fine job with it. Nevertheless, when it comes to gaming soundtracks on the PlayStation 2, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas outshines all other games. Its blend of ’90s Hip-Hop and Pop tunes is outstanding, and they are well-reproduced both within the game and through the PlayStation 2.

Apart from its impressive sound quality, the game also offered a Widescreen display, enhancing the immersion for those yearning for a 90s street adventure. The HD remaster, while not meeting the initial expectations of PS2 enthusiasts at first, eventually delivered through multiple updates.

2. Resident Evil 4

Leon’s New Mission

As a film enthusiast, I must confess that Resident Evil 4 doesn’t boast an outstanding soundtrack compared to some of its contemporaries. However, when it comes to sound design in horror games on the PS2, it truly sets the bar high. The chilling moans of every zombified villager were made all the more unsettling, creating a horrifying symphony that still echoes in my memory. To top it off, the game’s gritty aesthetic was enhanced by both its Widescreen and 480p support, immersing players like me in a world where survival is a constant struggle.

The gunfire from Leon’s weapons echoed strongly against the walls, particularly for those who had high-quality sound systems connected to their PlayStation 2. The game, Resident Evil 4, had a grainy texture that made it seem like a 70s movie, and although it received a stunning update on current gaming platforms, many still favor the original appearance on the PS2 or even the GameCube.

1. Shadow Of The Colossus

A Cinematic Experience Through And Through

Shadow of the Colossus stands out as one of the most cinematic games on the PS2, and arguably on any PlayStation console, with its simplicity in gameplay yet deep emotional impact. The narrative is minimal, focusing primarily on a task: slay colossal beings to bring back the one you cherish. These confrontations dwarfed any previous boss fights in terms of scale and significance.

3 monitors. When people talk about video games as experiences, this is exactly what they refer to. In essence, Shadow of the Colossus is synonymous with “experience” in the gaming lexicon, despite its imperfections.

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2024-12-20 18:34