PS2
Here we have all the games in the PS2 Section.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
Konami goes head to head against Capcoms Pride series and can stand toe to toe with just as much pride in its mixed martial arts fight fest. The fighters are solid, the glitz OTT as you might hope and it captures the adrenalin of a K1 bout. Fighters are realistically represented right down to moles on the skin and the action is relentless as the soundtracks beat.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
Mixed martial arts mayhem in the form of the K1 world in which knock downs play a huge part with the commentators excitement reaching crescendo as the camera zooms in on the befallen fighter. Button hammering is a must to get them back up, but its much more tactical as the different body parts can be targeted to get a quicker knock down. But theres emphasis on defense to avoid button mashing.
PS2
Action
Its no use being all fingers and thumbs when the rapid combination button presses are required in order to unleash the latex clad special moves from our masked hero. A superb license that savours Japans great super hero tradition and the lashing of action have translated across well to the PS2.
PS2
Rhythm
Winter theme to this instalment of the chance to shine like the Christmas star of wonder (or finally make the neighbours move out.) Plethora of 90’s J-Pop with Chemistry, Globe, Dreams Come True, Kiroro and X Japan amongst others.
PS2
A Bit Special
Title translates as ‘Lump Spirits’. Play as a pile of rubbish that builds up as you roll around the screen. As your proportion grows so does your potential to swallow up people, animals, buildings… Converserly the gaming area seems to shrink. Shamefully over looked for a Western release. Clinically insane, but in a good way.
PS2
Action
Traditional sword fighting in the ancient Japanese way with tactics required to live to tell the tale. Highly atmospheric with tatami mats and sweeping temple roofs.
PS2
Action
Fine sequel to the popular traditional sword fighting game in the ancient Japanese way with tactics required to live to tell the tale. Highly atmospheric with tatami mats and sweeping temple roofs.
PS2
RPG
A dream collaboration between Squaresoft and Disney as Goofy, Donald Duck et al enter the Final Fantasy style world with production values worthy of Disney’s highest standards.
PS2
RPG
A smashing series that shows that big budget collaborations can bare succulently sweet fruit when in the right hands with a dream collaboration between Square Enix and Disney. Succinct gameplay and scintillating visuals with delicately balanced mechanics.
PS2
RPG
A smashing series that shows that big budget collaborations can bare succulently sweet fruit when in the right hands with a dream collaboration between Square Enix and Disney. Succinct gameplay and scintillating visuals with delicately balanced mechanics.
PS2
Action
An update of Kingdom Hearts II with extra battles, maps and events re-released in Japan for the English voice actors it features along with Japanese subtitles. Comes as a two disk set with the second disk featuring a remake of the GBA title Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories with again a few unexpected extras over the original in the cut scenes and voice acting. A smashing series that shows that big budget collaborations can bare succulently sweet fruit when in the right hands.
PS2
RPG
An update of Kingdom Hearts II with extra battles, maps and events re-released in Japan for the English voice actors it features along with Japanese subtitles. Comes as a two disk set with the second disk featuring a remake of the GBA title Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories with again a few unexpected extras over the original in the cut scenes and voice acting. A smashing series that shows that big budget collaborations can bare succulent sweet fruit when in the right hands.
PS2
RPG
An update of Kingdom Hearts II with extra battles, maps and events re-released in Japan for the English voice actors it features along with Japanese subtitles. Comes as a two disk set with the second disk featuring a remake of the GBA title Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories with again a few unexpected extras over the original in the cut scenes and voice acting. A smashing series that shows that big budget collaborations can bare succulently sweet fruit when in the right hands.
PS2
A Bit Special
Players trace patterns to launch attacks. The more elaborate the pattern, the more powerful the move, like a fighter. Full title: Bakufuu Slash Kizna Arashi.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
3D incarnation of the much loved SNK treasure with evasive moves, ‘kick me when I’m down’ brutality and fast footed gameplay firmly on the offensive. Includes a mission mode for collecting various outfits and other unlockables. The church stage with stained glass windows looks stunning; indeed lighting on the whole has been cunningly employed. Also known as King of Fighters Maximum Impact.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
3D incarnation of the much loved SNK treasure with evasive moves, ‘kick me when I’m down’ brutality and fast footed gameplay firmly on the offensive. Includes a mission mode for collecting various outfits and other unlockables. The church stage with stained glass windows looks stunning; indeed lighting on the whole has been cunningly employed. Also known as King of Fighters Maximum Impact.
PS2
Action
With a full complement of the series totalling twenty characters, Bandai has pushed the boat out to bring the full on anime to life. Plenty of fisticuffs as fans would expect when such a spontaneously combustible crowd are confined together. Controls are simplistic making this one not only for the joypad dexterous. Initial story mode play is required to unlock a lot of the many stages with frequent special requirements to complete a story mode level, such as within the time limit. Mini games are fun to enjoy too with challenges such as sneaking into a building unnoticed or collecting stolen sweets plus multiplayer varieties aswell. Also known as Zatch Bell Mamodo Fury.
PS2
Action
Beautiful combination of the skills of the anime artists to draw cel shaded sprites with dynamic effects and intriguing locales to really bring the animated series to life. The tag option works well and adds much depth and fun to the frolics.
PS2
Sports
Old school nostalgia in this Japanese anime charting the story of young Hoshi as he battles through gruelling training and beatings from his strict father to become a pitcher for the Tokyo Giants. The game involves mini games that must be successfully completed to unlock the hidden episode with plenty of rewards along the way.
PS2
Rhythm
Refreshingly original title playing most like a rhythm action titles except this time players take the role of an orchestral conductor to try and save the concert hall from closing down. As in a rhythm action title such as Samba De Amigo, the backgrounds shift according to player performance so the conductor soon knows if they are hitting the right notes. Rather than simple button presses though, the degree of pressure applied is the important factor in keeping the orchestra together. Bravo indeed. Known as Mad Maestro in the West.
PS2
Sports
Soccer management sim testing all areas of your knowledge of the game. Luckily Wayne Rooney style Anglo-Saxon language isn’t a part of the game in Japan making your job that little bit easier. No wonder golden boy Gary Lineker was so popular. Known in Japan as ‘Sakatsuku 2002’.
PS2
Action
A fine stealth title as Lupin once again goes after the loot and Fujiko uses her booty. Creeping past infra red beams and sneaking by guards is the order of the day as whilst it is possible to fight, its best not to draw too much attention. A delightful series and worthy gaming translation. Just try not humming the theme tune.
PS2
Action
Loveable rogue Lupin on the run again avoiding the authorities by dishing out some rough justice with a frying pan in true comic style. Lupin also stays under the noses of the incompetent police by pinching uniforms to aid his escape. A fine 3D action adventure with the classical musical score adding to its cut-above feel. Also known as Lupin III Majutsu-Ou no Isan.
PS2
RPG
Not quite the charter granted by King John to acknowledge rights and roles, yet it does get a mention as the power that can overcome all others in this fantasy RPG. Players roam the lands with female characters taking a strong lead as the in game artists show us their fair hand with some beautiful work.
PS2
Action
D3 Simple games are true to the name in having a simple premise: fun. Often feeling like playing a game using improper gameplay ie doing not what your meant to be doing, such a driving a tank down downtown New York with turrets blazing.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
Based on the anime exploits of a school student who visits a wonderful land in his sleep whilst spending his days playing RPG games when not at school. (Marchen is German for ‘fairy tale.’) Yet in this enchanted land our young protege finds his strength massively increased – a good job considering this is a fight fest. Graphics are beautifully cel shaded and the gameplay reaches the mighty plateau you’d expect from high riding Konami.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
Plenty of characters to choose from the rich source material of the Marvel Comics and Capcom back closets. The sequel was no slouch, yet Capcom improves and finely hones with its expert hand. But despite the presence of Jill from Biohazard and Sakura from Street Fighter, Genki remains resolutely a Spidey fan. A very rare find on the PS2 as one of the platforms (possibly any platforms) finest 2D titles. Comes with added gallery. Subtitled New Age of Heroes.
PS2
A Bit Special
A promotional disk only available from McDonalds Japan. Demo versions of Parappa The Rapper 2 and Pipo Monkey are the suspiciously hamburger orientated titles.
PS2
Simulation
The second instalment of the popular Memories Off doesn’t disappoint, capturing the raw emotions of the game in beautiful visuals and striking orchestral score.
PS2
Simulation
A dating game with roster of ladies to cater for all tastes, for want of a better term. With the girl next door to the feisty foreigner personality, players should find fun and frivolity here. A bizarre ‘osu’ or ‘push’ game sees players having to hit targets rhythm action style to clock up a big score.