PS2
Here we have all the games in the PS2 Section.
PS2
RPG
Supreme, pastel shaded isometric sprites with the lavish game world brought to life. Avatars announce its PS2 status and the voice acting is of a high standard to draw players in to the gaming world. Top notch.
PS2
RPG
A vast world to explore, but led gently by Namco’s fair hand with cut scenes and stirring orchestral score to crank up the tension. A JRPG series with a dedicated following.
PS2
RPG
An epic series with a monumental story – like a beautifully woven tapestry the way the threads come together. Cel-shaded sprites blur the boundaries between anime and gaming. A real pinnacle in terms of the series.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
Tekken’s success led to its big budget feel in terms of introducing the bouts and its slick presentation. The fight mechanics have been well-worked on as much as the elaborate backgrounds, be it jungle, shopping centre with excited shoppers or the urban, underground car park complete with appropriate acoustics for a concrete fight. Not forgetting the showdown in the ring too…
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
Making a very smooth transition from arcade to home format. Jaw dropping intro sets the scene and motives for another iron fisted brawl. A piece of gaming history as an early release on the PS2.
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.