In the early to mid-2000s, Sony Interactive Entertainment was a juggernaut, with the PlayStation 2 (PS2) being the best-selling console of all time. Despite its success, some of the PS2's hit games have fallen into obscurity, overshadowed by more popular titles. Here are five PS2 games that sold at least one million copies but are now largely forgotten, along with personal commentary and analysis on why they matter and what makes them fascinating.
Dark Cloud
One of the earliest PS2 exclusives, 'Dark Cloud' is a third-person action RPG that draws inspiration from 'The Legend of Zelda'. The game follows Toan, a fantasy hero whose kingdom is ravaged by a dark genie. Toan must delve into dungeons, recover elements known as Atla, and gradually restore the kingdom. What makes 'Dark Cloud' particularly fascinating is its procedural generation of dungeons and quick-time events during duels. In my opinion, it's a shame that 'Dark Cloud' was overlooked at launch, as it brought unique gameplay and innovations to the table. Its availability on the PlayStation 4 as part of the digital classics library is a perfect opportunity to revisit this under-appreciated action RPG.
Yu-Gi-Oh! The Duelists of the Roses
'Yu-Gi-Oh! The Duelists of the Roses' is the first game in the franchise released for the PS2, drawing inspiration from the English War of the Roses. The game features longtime rivals Yugi Mutou and Seto Kaiba facing off in a card-driven showdown on a grid map with differing terrain. What makes this game interesting is its mix of card-oriented combat and grid-based battlefields, which is a nice change from contemporaries like 'Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors'. However, the lack of re-releases on modern platforms is a bit odd, given the success of the franchise's handheld titles.
Scooby-Doo! Night of 100 Frights
'Scooby-Doo! Night of 100 Frights' is a 2002 game that follows Scooby-Doo as he searches for his friends in a haunted mansion. The game is chock full of Easter eggs and allusions to various Scooby-Doo cartoons, many of which are unlockable rewards. What makes this game particularly fascinating is its mix of action-adventure gameplay and the franchise's iconic characters. Despite its popularity, the game has fallen by the wayside over 20 years later, and a modern remaster would be well-deserved.
The Getaway
'The Getaway' is one of the PlayStation 2's hidden gems, offering an open-world twist on the 'Grand Theft Auto' formula. The game follows the dual narratives of Mark Hammond and Frank Carter as they delve into London's criminal underworld. What makes 'The Getaway' fascinating is its emphasis on cinematic presentation and narratives, which sets it apart from 'GTA'. The game's success led to a direct sequel and a spin-off, but the series has remained largely dormant for 20 years.
EyeToy: Play
'EyeToy: Play' is a game that predates the Wii and its motion-controlled games by three years. It features a set of minigames that use the EyeToy peripheral, including rhythm games, soccer ball bouncing, and boxing. What makes 'EyeToy: Play' particularly fascinating is its innovative use of motion-tracking inputs and its impact on the gaming industry. However, as Sony moved into the PlayStation 3 era, the EyeToy died with the PS2 era, and the games tied to the peripheral have similarly fallen into obscurity.
In conclusion, these five PS2 games are fascinating for their unique gameplay, innovations, and impact on the gaming industry. While they may have fallen into obscurity, they are well worth revisiting and exploring further.
