PS2
Here we have all the games in the PS2 Section.
PS2
Sports
Japan exclusive title with realistic graphics produced using motion capture technology. Includes the twelve top Japanese Professional teams with their full squads: even down to the mascots so players can savour Giants vs Tigers match ups. Some hyped up commentary helps to crank up the pressure with bases loaded and Konami’s experience in the genre with the Powerful Pro Yakyuu series shines through.
PS2
RPG
The Bishojo of the title translates as beautiful girl and the lead characters are all female in this solid action RPG. The player has plenty of story freedom to explore in the popular D3 series.
PS2
Action
Thankfully not a doorman simulator, but there are a few cauliflower ears dished out as you grapple various assailants all gorgeously rendered in a Square stylie. Also in another Square trait you can teach comrades various fighting moves in a trade off for hard earned experience points gained through giving out fat lips.
PS2
Sports
Not your average dodgeball or kingy title as players travel not only the world, but also through time to sample the dodgeballing skills of Socrates, Bach and Nobunaga. Plenty of over the top specials to dazzle opponents with and frustrate them by not revealing how they are unleashed. Subtitled World Champion Dodge Baller.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
SNK once again reinvents its long running scrapping series and manages to invigorate the genre at the same time with fine backgrounds including a luscious aquarium. Intelligent use of the ‘striker’ character is essential to progress and there are plenty of potential candidates who rush on launching a scathing attack, then disappear after a bit of taunting. With thirty-five slickly animated playable characters to choose from matched by the same number of strikers there’s plenty to get your teeth (and fists) into. Just try and resist the urge to unleash the desperation move until the time is right.
PS2
Sports
Martial arts mayhem unleashed with this cross style face-off involving boxers, kick boxers, karate experts, wrestlers, judo masters and a host of other fighting disciplines amongst the ten selectable characters. Special moves can be unleashed when the spirit meter is sufficiently charged. Bouts can be won with a submission besides a knock out depending on your sportsmanfs skills and ability to thrash the PS2 buttons with sufficient vigour – a sight to behold in multiplayer match ups. And in a nod to the dangers of the sport limbs can be broken by repeatedly targeting the same area. Definitely influenced by the famous gatherings such as K1 and Pride but thatfs no bad thing. gSeconds awaych Known as eThe Ishu Kakutougif in Japanese.
PS2
RPG
Fabulous action RPG that uses the confines of the towers dungeon like levels well with beautiful lighting (as well as possibly getting round any hardware limitations, but Genki wouldnt be so cynical.) The isometric look leaves plenty of creative freedom to the developers and they have risen to the challenge with aplomb. The action is well suited too to the clear layout and escaping the underground caverns does feel like a breath of fresh air, such is the effectiveness of the underground atmosphere.
PS2
Action
Played as a young yakuza wanabee getting to rough up citizens on your territory for cash to spend on items such as the defensive leather jacket or the pretty mean sword. Whilst not the longest title, its a very fun, budget ride through the underworld while it lasts.
PS2
A Bit Special
Very cute and cuddly version of Sega’s Crazy Taxi with players ferrying around the good folk of the metropolis in this more Japanese themed edition. Great variety in the punters wanting a ride from old to young but the common thread of almost all being in a hurry to get where they want to be.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
Plenty of lycra on show in this Japanese monster and hero themed martial mash up with a bloke in rubber suit B movie feel. The bosses take some beating, but the reward of fresh costumes, mega moves and more weapons is sufficient motivation for the latex loving monster fan.
PS2
Sports
Captures the dynamism of the sport with lightening claps of special moves. Yet at the same time realises that the 2D perspective is the way forward for the sport. Plays a very GG.
PS2
Simulation
Lots of elevator style music, plenty of shots of blue skies and super sweet voice acting as D3 shows its form in the dating sim arena. Subtitled Sayonara no Mukoukawa.
PS2
Shooter
Popular first person perspective shooter with a tactical element such as being able to use security cameras and their attachment guns to take down opponents lured out of position. Some terrifying bosses to battle too such as the multi-limbed robot with each hand a saw.
PS2
Simulation
Live the dream: drive your bus around the big T not forgetting to announce the stops and shut the door before departure. Oh and buses run on time in Japan. White drivers gloves not supplied. Conversion of the much loved Dreamcast classic.
PS2
Simulation
Live the dream: drive your bus around the big T not forgetting to announce the stops and shut the door before departure. Oh and buses run on time in Japan. White drivers gloves not supplied. Conversion of the much loved Dreamcast classic.
PS2
RPG
Fantasy themed RPG with plenty of Sony spit and polish demonstrating the creators fine grasp of the hardware with a classical and pretty RPG look and resoundingly accomplished musical score.
PS2
Simulation
Probably not the best language tool to learn Japanese from, unless it’s a quite effeminate way of talking you are looking to master. It’s a tight-rope to walk to avoid upsetting the games mostly female protagonists and best of British with it!
PS2
A Bit Special
Blend, cut and mix cartoons together to make a coherent whole or a crazy compendium. As producer for the TV studio the choice is yours.
PS2
Shooter
Irem takes In the Hunt into the deep sea – a realm seldom used in gaming and the submarine shooting action drips atmosphere with the ping of radar detecting enemy presence. Its not all guns blazing: missions are varied, but the feel of the propulsion of the submarine and the sea setting work a treat.
PS2
A Bit Special
‘Three girls’ (should read gyaru’s) ‘And an Afro save the world.’ The ‘Afro’ is the funky Doctor Dance who teaches you the necessary moves to bop away to J Pop, hip hop, disco tunes in this worthy PS2 ‘Space Channel 5’ rival. ‘Bring back the smile by soul dancing!’
PS2
RPG
Kawazu san once again proves he’s his own man curtailing his vision for no one in making this unique RPG with striking hand painted backgrounds. Astonishing opening scene and snow effects.
PS2
RPG
Kawazu san once again proves he’s his own man curtailing his vision for no one in making this unique RPG with striking hand painted backgrounds. Astonishing opening scene and snow effects.
PS2
RPG
A high-budget update of the popular Playstation title which demonstrates Square Enixs grasp of the PS2 architecture. Rousing orchestral soundtrack and plenty of emotional thrills and spills for fans of the Square Enix stable. Subtitled Silmeria.
PS2
Action
Haunting Gothic adventure with a heavy emphasis on action and a delightfully spooky, old school feel to proceedings. Dripping with atmosphere and beautifully lit.
PS2
RPG
RPG based on the popular Atelier series with cute carrots, kawaii blobs and smiley whales to converse with in the pastel shaded, lavishly illustrated world.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
AM2’s opus given a PS2 make over. Huge expectations on this title, yet it did not disappoint. Dazzling lighting and shadow effects. The Drunken Master look a like is a firm Genki fave.
PS2
RPG
Combines the fighting prowess of Sega’s Virtua Fighter series with action RPG elements in the ultimate fan service gesture. The game is played as young Sei who can power up by gaining moves from the familiar VF characters as well as take them on. Hopefully that doesn’t include leading the lad astray with Shun’s drunken style kung fu techniques.
PS2
Shooter
PS2 update of the Sega smash from the arcades that demanded dedication to master the full destructive prowess of the mecha pugilists. Not that bouts within the confines of the ring are always toe to toe – its often best to pick off an opponent from afar with a few tactical strafes before moving in for the kill. A superb range of robots to select from and some well thought out controls in the absence of the Twin Sticks controller. Opening the Virtual On world up for all to enjoy will hopefully please even the most fiercely loyal of fans.
PS2
A Bit Special
A must have for fans of J Pop’s darling Ayumi. In the Visual mix you watch very clear footage of some fine Ayumi songs whilst being able to manipulate the camera angle, add laser effects or even falling cherry blossom. Disk two allows you to hit the studio and remix tracks to hear you favourite loops over again. Also includes an Ayu chan themed browser to complete the package.
PS2
Action
With interesting side quests such as finding all the mushrooms, players get to gallop through the wide, expansive game area on steeds in a great feel of freedom like a nomad through Outer Mongolia with the wind effect adding to the feel. Strewn throughout the world are what looks like Roman ruins. Pierced with strong shards of like amongst the atmospheric shadows, players negotiate tight crevices, Yet few will forget their first encounter with the Colossus. Up there with Ico on the system and one of the finest on any system. Beautiful, emotive, immense, Colossus. Known as the Shadow of Colossus in the West.