The PlayStation 2 was proof of Sony’s ability to learn from the strengths and weaknesses of the PlayStation 1 and deliver a console that catered to what players actually needed. It was an exciting time for the gaming industry as a new generation of titles and mechanics entered the scene. Gamers today will still have fond memories of PlayStation 2, and the many games it featured that have since become classics.
Not all of them hold up today, but those that do were not only well-received at the time of their release, but have matured and grown with the times. They are still compelling for contemporary audiences, with the memory of gameplay actually matching the experience itself.
The Simpsons: Hit & Run Mastered The Franchise
The 2003 classic The Simpsons: Hit & Run by Radical Entertainment has been rumored to be making a return for years. Not only because The Simpsons brand still hasn’t faded from the mainstream, but also because fans of the original title have such fond memories of being able to essentially play a Simpsons version of Grand Theft Auto.
Being able to walk around an open-world Springfield, meet all the iconic characters of the show and jump into any vehicle was a lot of fun. With a mystery narrative that devolved into an alien invasion and a script that packed plenty of jokes, this was an episode of the show turned up to eleven and it really works.
EyeToy: Play Is Still An Unmatched Experience
The EyeToy is a contraption that most won’t remember but acts somewhat as a precursor to the Nintendo Wii and the Xbox Kinect. The idea was that players would be able to interact with the console through a camera and sensor that would track their movements. There were a variety of titles on offer as part of this concept.
EyeToy: Play was one of them. Released in 2003 and developed by London Studio, the premise saw players interact with a number of minigames, where they would fight off ninjas, clean windows and even play soccer. It might not be a classic in terms of quality, but it was exactly what it needed to be and is still a fun experience today.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Brought Prestige
The Grand Theft Auto series is back with a vengeance as fans anticipate the release of Grand Theft Auto VI. However, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas still remains one of the best games featured on the PlayStation 2 and a critical part of the Rockstar Games franchise. This was a real brand-builder that lived up to its hype.
While the 2004 game might not quite hold up in terms of some of its graphics, narratively, it is still as compelling as ever. The open-world is brilliantly built and players can simply spend hours exploring those streets. Its map is larger than anything that came before, highlighting the franchise’s dedication to evolving. It might be a classic that doesn’t need a remake!
Star Wars: Battlefront Was The Game No One Could Put Down
There’s a lot of debate as to which game had the biggest impact between Star Wars: Battlefront and its sequel. However, in this case, the original 2004 title will be chosen, for the fact that it started the franchise and still features satisfying gameplay. This was a real chance for fans of the galaxy far, far away to step into the cinematic battles they’d seen.
With a great array of factions and trooper types on offer, a variety of maps to explore and a campaign mode fit for any cinema-goer, this was such a well-considered title from Pandemic Studios. Players particularly liked Galactic Conquest, where they would move from planet to planet, picking up bonuses as they sought to dominate the galaxy.
God of War Launched An Icon
God of War is finally heading back to consoles with a remake of the original series. The very first God of War game from 2005 will also be included in that run, with Santa Monica Studio revisiting its ancient history. There are two great strengths of that original title. The first is the storytelling. This was a brilliant new take on Greek mythology with an intriguing lead in Kratos.
The second is the gameplay mechanics. Players actually felt like the titular deity as they blasted through the enemy, swiping through everything that came their way. While this original game might not hit the heights of the modern equivalent, it is still a vital analysis of how far the franchise has come in a relatively short time.
Lego Batman: The Videogame Is A Standout
TT Games has mastered the way it develops its LEGO games. Not just through the storytelling and the use of classic LEGO humor, which have always helped these titles stand out. But also, through the simplicity and the accessibility of the gameplay mechanics themselves, these were always games that all ages could enjoy.
The puzzles are still great, and the cut scenes are still hilarious. But most of all, players simply love being able to return to the 2008 video game and jump into free play where they can revisit levels and switch between characters at will. That replayability is what made the series and this particular entry so special.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Is An Absolute Gem
Back to Star Wars now, and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed remains one of the most ambitious LucasArts projects that the studio ever produced. Not only does the game tell an original story of Darth Vader taking on a new mentor, but it also drastically departs from even the Expanded Universe lore with the player’s final choice.
The 2008 action-adventure title stands out because of the sheer power of the Force that is given to players to be wielded. Starkiller is one of the most powerful protagonists that the series has ever seen and the DNA of this game holds up so much that it can be seen in the likes of Jedi: Fallen Order.
Tomb Raider: Legend Modernized The Series
The Tomb Raider series is also returning with a remake of the original title, albeit one with a new narrative twist. However, when thinking of the PlayStation 2, there are two titles that come to mind. The first is the anniversary edition, which helped to preserve that original experience. The second is the much-loved Tomb Raider: Legend.
The 2006 title was released by Crystal Dynamics and represented a new generation of Tomb Raider gameplay. With improved visuals, smoother mechanics and a more charismatic Lara Croft, this was the way that the franchise modernized. The series was particularly revitalized by the character’s movements, as the games moved away from the clunkiness of earlier designs.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 Hit Pop Culture At The Right Time
There are very few titles that managed to enter the public zeitgeist quite like the Tony Hawk series. Maybe it was because of the popularity of the skateboarder himself. Maybe it’s because these games were simply so spectacular. Whatever the case, players loved what the third title in the series had to offer.
The tricks were bolder and the courses were more complex, as the PlayStation 2 was able to take the concept to new realms. The 2001 title had originally been released on the PlayStation 1, but it was NeverSoft’s ambitions to fulfill the game’s full capabilities with this next-gen technology. It still holds up today, more than that first edition.
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec Redefined Racing Titles
The Gran Turismo games are one of the most important in Sony’s history. They are staples of the PlayStation and as such, continue to evolve with each new console. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is somewhat of a breakthrough for the franchise, as it refined the controls and the style of the original games, bridging the gap between generations.
The 2001 title was far ahead of its time and although some would give more credit to Gran Turismo 4, it’s fair to say that A-Spec laid the necessary groundwork as Polyphony Digital sought to elevate the series. It was an absolute bestseller too, showing that sometimes, financial success does also equal quality.
