If I see one more “Underrated PS2 Games” list that features ICO or Fahrenheit I’m going to scream. Those are both amazing games, but they get enough recognition. Head on over to the PS Store now and you can buy them digitally. Clearly, somebody hasn’t forgotten about them.
Underrated PS2 Games – Spoilt for Choice
There was a gargantuan amount of games released for the Sony PlayStation 2. Some games were so great, I never want to forget them! Others were so bad, I’m trying desperately to forget them (thanks for the mental anguish Phoenix Games).
This list of underrated PS2 games isn’t in any particular order. They’re just a bunch of great games that I recommend you try.
Dragon Quest VIII – Journey of the Cursed King
I debated putting this on a list of underrated PS2 games, seeing as it had a Nintendo 3DS re-release. I’m honestly glad it finally got a bit more recognition. Having re-released on the 3DS, some may not even realise that this stunning game was a PS2 title first. As such, I convinced myself to include it. In my honest opinion, it’s better enjoyed on the big screen.
A gorgeous art-style, engrossing story and endless hours of gameplay make this one of my favourites. The number of hours I spent gambling in casinos and battling arena monsters is obscene! Oh! And those were just side activities.
Devil Kings
Devil Kings (known as Sengoku Basara in Japan) was Capcom’s answer to Dynasty Warriors. It pretty much is Dynasty Warriors, to tell the truth. None the less, it’s a solid game that deserves more recognition. For the most part, the Dynasty Warriors formula works.
There’s something very satisfying about being overpowered and smashing your way through hordes of enemies. If you like your hack n’ slash games and Samurais, you’ll probably like Devil Kings. Pick it up and see for yourself.
The Bard’s Tale
The Bard’s Tale takes a satire approach to your classic RPG Dungeon Crawler. Its humour is what makes it great and it’s bound to put a smile on your face. It pokes fun at the genre and does it well, while all the while making a decent contribution.
The Bard’s Tale has a decent combat system along with leveling and looting. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a game like this. If you enjoy games like Baldur’s Gate and feel like laughing you’ll enjoy The Bard’s Tale. Also, if you do pick it up, be sure to read the message on the front of the game disc.
Gun
Through all the hype of Red Dead Redemption, we sometimes forget that games set in the Wild West did exist before. Activision’s Gun was my first taste of the Wild West in a sandbox environment. I originally purchased it on a whim and rapidly fell in love with it.
It’s my honest belief that it was Gun which helped steer the Red Dead franchise in the right direction. If you’ve ever played Red Dead Revolver, you’ll notice a striking difference in gameplay between that and Red Dead Redemption. In fact, Gun is much more like Red Dead Redemption than Revolver is. Pair that with the fact that Gun released in between those two other games and it does begin to seem likely. If you love Red Dead Redemption, you must play Gun. You almost owe it to the developers.
Rygar – The Legendary Adventure
Rygar – The Legendary Adventures takes the third place on Retro Reviews Underrated PS2 Games list. Why does nobody ever talk about Rygar – The Legendary Adventure? It’s a great game that deserves a hell of a lot more recognition than it ever got.
Published and developed by Tecmo, if you’re into your NES you may remember the original. It was a solid game then and it’s a solid game here. Some people go as far as to call this game the original God of War. If you fancy playing God of War’s Daddy, give Rygar a shot; one of the truly great underrated PS2 games.
Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie
I think this one didn’t get enough recognition purely because of the stupidly long name! It takes up two full lines running down the spine of the game case. That aside, this is a surprisingly great movie adaption (which makes a change). It well and truly belongs alongside other underrated PS2 Games.
I never thought that King Kong on the PS2 would be among my list of favourite PS2 games ever. I’m pretty sure I originally picked it up on clearance for next to nothing. I didn’t expect much from it but was surprisingly taken aback. You predominantly play as Jack Driscoll throughout, however, there are moments when you get to play as the King himself. You haven’t lived until you’ve broken the jaw of a T-Rex with giant gorilla hands.
Scarface: The World is Yours
This game is loved by plenty and may not necessarily be underrated. However, it’s impossibly hard to play unless you own an original copy and a PS2. In fact, I own a backward-compatible PS3 and an original copy of the game runs atrociously on it. Scarface: The World is Yours may not be underrated by the general public, but it’s certainly been neglected by the games industry.
Guiding Tony Montana through his journey to the top has to be one of my most favourite PS2 memories. First, you get the money, then you get the power, then you get the women. You also get a giant mansion, plenty of upgrades, cars, and a tiger. If you’ve not played Scarface: The World is Yours yet find a way to do so. Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done.
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