Picture the Scene; the latest Harry Potter book: The Goblet Of Fire is released, Tiger Woods becomes the youngest player to win a grand slam in golf, Billy Elliot races to the stage, and oh yea, the PS2 is released! Guess we might be talking about the year 2000?
For those who remember the launch of the PS2, it was a doozy, bringing some cool new era into the technology world, which just happened to deliver an array of games you’ll never forget. I’ve put together a list of some of the games, which left an imprint in my memory.
1. The Bouncer
Probably one of the best beat em ups since Streets Of Rage on the Sega Megadrive. The way the game was structured was a little different to others, and progressed as a playable movie with the story unfolding differently depending on which of the three bouncers are chosen.
2. Timesplitters
Did you love Perfect Dark? You must of played Goldeneye? If either of these were yes, then you’d be matched with Timesplitters. A first person shooter with a co-op or complete alone story mode, customizable maps and an arcade multiplayer option, all spanning 100 years of time travel. The best and most quirky PS2 FPS.
3. Kingdom Hearts 2
Who’d of thought mixing Disney with Final Fantasy would ever have been a winner; well this one wears the crown. It was fair to say the storyline began a little confusing, but once it settled it’s enticing gameplay kept us entertained for hours.
4. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
The team at Konami took Metal Gear to the next level, sending solid Snake into the jungle to tackle some memorable boss battles. This title sees Snake catching animals for food to survive, and the first in the franchise where healing broken bones and wounds is a must.
5. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Set in a 1990 San Andreas city, this was one GTA to remember. With a host of new features including a ‘you are what you eat’ gameplay, where your appearance changes based on food and physical input. Property purchases to build an empire, new guns, and vehicles were also introduced. Definitely in everyone’s top 5 PS2 games.
6. Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening
As a prologue to the first devil May Cry, Dante is back with a full array of new guns and swords, along with giving players the option to customise their character to a personalised action style. this platform carries on the challenging missions that the original Devil May Cry had to offer.
7. EyeToy
Ok this is more hardware than a game, but still an exclusive. EyeToy saw players on camera looking like absolute numpties, washing windows, plate spinning, playing with fireworks and all sorts of craziness. This was one took player interaction to a new level.
8. Ratchet and Clank: up Your Arsenal
This series just kept getting better, with a new release year on year this title packed in the features, a big attraction being the intro of online mode. In addition, you could now upgrade weapons four times instead of one, a new robot enemy, and a massive universe to navigate.
9. Bully
Those who were bullied in their years at school had the chance to swap roles and become the bully. Although missions were pretty straightforward, there was a lot of fun to be had tormenting others with stink bombs and similar schoolboy pranks. One of the best most memorable PS2 games for both pupils and teachers.
What was your favourite game on the PS2 let us know in the comments…