Summary
Sony’s PS2 is filled with legendary RPGs. A lot of them have been ported to other consoles or remastered for modern systems to make them easier to play for younger generations. A handful of RPGs still remain stuck on the PS2, however. At this point, it feels like they might be stuck there forever.
It would be a shame since plenty still offer something of value even if they have outdated mechanics. One should never say never, though, considering there are older RPGs from prior generations with remasters and re-releases that have only just recently seen the light of day.
Legend of Legaiawas a unique RPG that came near the end of the PS1’s life. Though it remained under the radar with cult status, a sequel came a few years later withLegaia 2:Duel Saga.The game retains a similar battle system that utilizes combos instead of single attacks. However, concepts like the Mist and Seru are replaced by a new mythology.
This is typical of RPG series but it still might disappoint fans of the first game. It is especially weird since many of the characters feel based on the protagonists of the debut. Lang feels like Vahn and Kazan feels like an old version of Gala.
6Xenosaga Episode 3: Also Sprach Zarathustra
A Science-Fiction Trilogy Comes To Its Conclusion
Most RPGs are big enough that only the most dedicated gamers will see them through to the end.Now imagine a whole trilogyof connected games telling one epic story. TheXenosagatrilogy does just this. Even more shocking was the original plan to have the story span six games.
The gameplay is linear compared to other JRPGs of the time but this also helps the game look absolutely gorgeous. The narrative finely balances hard science fiction with a distinct anime-influenced style. The second game of the trilogy attempted a more realistic graphics style before the third game reverted back to the original aesthetic.
Xenosaga Episodes OneandTwowere remade for the Nintendo DS. However, they are radically different in graphics and gameplay, making them feel like different games altogether. Even if this takes away eligibility from the list, the third game still remains only available on the PS2.
JRPGs often look into the future. If they draw influence from the past, then they are usually set in a fantasy world completely different from the real world.Shadow Heartsis the rare breed of atrue alternate history JRPG. The game takes place in the early 20th century before World War 1.
The games are not grounded by any means, however. The typical monsters and omnipotent evil deities show up and become integral parts of the story. The firstShadow Heartsis already a sequel to the PS1 gameKoudelkaand it was followed by a more obvious sequel,Shadow Hearts: Covenant.
Valkyrie Profiletakes the interesting approach of restricting exploration to a 2D plane while still making the combat the traditional turn-based fare. This seems like it would go against everything essential to the openness of RPGs, butValkyrie Profile 2pulls it off wonderfully.
Adding more to the game’s unique charm is the plot device of two characters existing within one physical body.Alicia is a princesswhile Silmeria is one of the titular Valkyries who also has a brief appearance in the first game. Another thing separating it from a lot of other RPG series is the stronger narrative threads connecting the first and second games.
TheManaseries is characterized by its real-time combat.Dawn of Manaleans even further into the action side of action RPGs and further eschews the more traditional elements. Because of thisDawn of Manafeels more likeLegend of ZeldathanKingdom Hearts.
Puzzle-solving and the more interactive environments are the focus here. Characters still grow stronger, but it is not a traditional leveling system based on experience points. Ultimately,Dawn of Manais considered a low point for the series. All the same, it is still an interesting curiosity.
The.Hackseries’s main appeal is taking place within a fictional MMORPG. Because of this, the game’s atmosphere and many of its systems replicate the feel of the multiplayer genre while remaining a single-player experience. Though this novelty might not be as alluring today, the action RPG gameplay still has its charm.
Eight games in the.Hackseries came out on PS2, and the five of them have never been re-released. The fifth,.Hack: Fragment,is a multiplayer game exclusive to Japan. The latter three make up a new trilogy that was remastered for the PS4.
1Wild Arms Alter Code F
More Than Just A Graphical Facelift
Though a remake of thedebut entry in theWild Armsseries, the game is different enough graphically and narratively to be considered a separate experience. The graphics are fully redone in 3D, new playable characters are added, and the story is expanded.
These changes inflate the experience, which some might consider a negative thing. Those who love the original will just enjoy living in the world a little longer. Though the originalWild Armshad been released on the PS3, PS4, and PS5,Alter Code Fremains stuck on the PS2 with no re-release to speak of.
