The PlayStation 2 era was a golden time for Sony. Many of the greatest hits in gaming were either born or continued their legacy on the console. Some of the big series that had massive titles on the platform includeMetal Gear Solid,God of War,andTony Hawk’s Pro Skater.
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Because of the incredible number of games that had a profound impact on PS2 fans, some flew a little under-the-radar at the time of their launch. Even today, some fantastic games aren’t as respected among the PlayStation 2 classics. But it’s time to look back at the deep catalog and give some underrated gems their due.
10Dog’s Life
Most playable characters in video games are human, so why nottry a dogout for once? Despite its score of 64 on Metacritic,Dog’s Lifeis a rather fun adventure game for those who enjoy exploring and collecting things. In this case, players take on the role of Jake who must rescue his potential girlfriend Daisy from dog catchers. Jake must collect bones that not only make him stronger but help him advance to other areas. The game also has a Guinness world record for most video game voiceovers by one individual (Kerry Shale) with the number set at 32.
9Disaster Report
For those who like survival games, the firstDisaster Reporthad a unique take on the genre that is mostly filled withzombie-centric installments. As Keith Helm, players must deal with staying alive post-earthquake, dealing with after-shocks while trying to escape the area. Along the way, Keith meets multiple characters with different storylines that the player can choose to tag along with throughout the game. The player’s choices play a vital role in how the game progresses as there are seven different endings the player can get to.
8Spongebob Squarepants: Battle For Bikini Bottom
The cult classic that was recently remade for current-generation consoles,Spongebob Squarepants: Battle for Bikini Bottomremains one of the best games based in the show’s universe. The plot revolves around Plankton creating robots that don’t obey him and wreaking havoc on the town.
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Players will play as Spongebob, Patrick, and Sandy in this 3D-platformer that recreates famous Bikini Bottom landmarks to make players feel like they are a part of the cartoon. Those who enjoy the vibe ofBanjo-KazooieandSuper Mario 64will definitely enjoy this game.
7Hot Shots Golf Fore
TheHot Shots Golfseries reached its peak during thePS2 erawith back-to-back hits inHot Shots Golf 3andHot Shots Golf Fore. The fourth one stands out amongst the rest as it serves as an expansion of its predecessor while adding more characters, courses, clubs, and more. Among the characters added are PlayStation icons like Ratchet fromRatchet & Clankand Jak fromJak and Daxter. Clank and Daxter also got roles in this game as caddies. On top of all of that, the game even added a few mini-golf courses for players to enjoy a more relaxed version of the game.
6Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves
TheSly Cooperseries is often overlooked among early-2000splatformers. Even games within the series are not as loved as others, withSly 3: Honor Among Thievesbeing the most underrated of the bunch. The game takes place six years after the events of the second installment, a continuation of adventures involving Sly, Bentley, Murray, and more. The game is known for including 3D-elements in which players could put on 3D-glasses to see their effect. Pickpocketing was also a major element of the game that was added in this installment.
5Jak 3
Speaking of a third installment in a series,Jak 3is also underrated compared to the multiple Jak games that hit the PS2. In terms of gameplay, it is similar toJak IIin that it focuses on platforming, driving, and gun-shooting mechanics. The game improves on a lot of things the predecessor did well while also creating a new experience by changing the environment that Jak and Daxter are used to in Haven City. The game is aesthetically beautiful as well, which is great for a game that allows players to explore the world.
4The Warriors
Rockstar’s games always tend to have a huge following with immense popularity, but their 2005 beat-‘em-upThe Warriorsdidn’t receive as much love as their more hallmark franchises. Based on the 1975 film with the same name,The Warriorsfollows the story of a New York City gang that was wrongfully accused of murder and must make their way home as other gangs come after them.
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This action-adventure game has players in the roles of multiple members of the gang as they try to survive each mission.
3Beyond Good And Evil
AlthoughBeyond Good and Evilis not a PS2-exclusive like a few other games listed, it is worth adding to the list as it remains one of the most underrated games of all-time on any console. Another great action-adventure game, the story follows Jade, a reporter and martial artist, as she joins a movement to reveal analien conspiracyon the planet. The game combines elements of stealth and puzzle-solving to help Jade find clues to the mysteries in front of her. Players are not only able to control her, but are also able to direct computer-controlled allies to help.
2Ico
There are few video games that are as visually-stunning asIco, and that is high praise for aPS2 gamethat came out in the early 2000s. The game revolves around a boy named Ico who was born with horns and shunned by his village. After being locked in an abandoned fortress, Ico meets Yorda, the daughter of the Queen of the fortress. The goal of the game is for Ico to find a way to escape the fortress as the Queen, who is attempting to use her daughter’s body as a way to extend her life. The game uses minimal dialogue to tell its story, which was an innovation at the time.
1Okami
A commercial failure at launch,Okamihas since become not only a cult classic but one of the most critically-acclaimed games of all-time. It’s because the sales didn’t reflect the love from fans and reviewers alike that this game sits on top of this list.Okamiis an action-adventure game that uses Japanese folklore to tell the story of how Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess who takes the form of a white wolf, saved the land from darkness. The stunning visuals and the mix of action, platforming, and puzzle experiences make this game a delight.
