Since today marks the 15 anniversary of the PlayStation 2 launching in North America, some of the contributors here at oprainfall thought we would share some of our favorite games on the system with you. Here is a list of 5 of my favorite games for the console, in no particular order, since it would be really hard to pick favorites from these.
Ar Tonelico 2
Not only does this one have one the best stories of any RPG found on the PlayStation 2 console, it also has one of the best and most unique combat systems. It is also the first game I played that had a bit of a dating sim in it, and I really enjoyed getting close to all the gals and learning more about them. Throw in one of the best soundtracks in gaming history and you’re in for one hell of ride.
Mark of Kri
This action game has everything you’ll ever need. Great gameplay, large weapons to cut your enemies to pieces, and some of the best stealth kills ever. It doesn’t hurt that it still looks fantastic even today. I always called this “a Disney cartoon from Hell.”
Shadow Hearts (series): Set in real world Europe with a ton of supernatural events, this RPG is very different than most RPGs on the PlayStation 2. In this case, different is a very good thing, since the first two games of the series make up one of the best stories in gaming history, in my opinion. Filled with a cast of off-beat and colorful characters, and a ring based combat system that is just plain fun, this is one the best series you will find on any console period, not just the PS2.
Tales of Legendia
Yea, I’m going to catch flack for this one, but this is my favorite Tales game on the PlayStation 2. Here is why: I loved the characters and story in this game. Each character is fleshed out and, as the story progresses, you get to know them and even care about them. This is what good RPGs do. The combat may be lackluster, but story makes up for it 10 fold.
Persona 3 FES
I always liked Persona 3’s cast just a little better than Persona 4’s. I guess because the story itself is a bit dark and grittier they just had more of an impact on me. I mean, do you fight the battle you cannot win or just die peacefully? That is one hell of a question. It made me think what I would do in that situation, and I guess that feeling just kinda stuck with me.
Want to check out what other contributors think? Click here for the rest of the lists.
