PS2
Here we have all the games in the PS2 Section.
PS2
Sports
Gekitou Pennant Race is a fine baseball game taking a realistic approach to the sport with superb looking graphics and scintillating sounds. All that’s missing is the smell of hot dogs. Or perhaps tako yaki being distinctly set in Japan. Enix has its own distinctive approach to the sport which feels fresh next to the usual big hitters. Prefixed in Japanese by ‘Ore ga Kantoku da.’ Or ‘I am the coach.’
PS2
RPG
Pushing the PS2 to the limits of graphical splendour with painstaking attention to small detail wherever you may wander in the Phantasy Star Universe. Combat is not as drawn out as previous incarnations and the controls are very intuitive aiding enjoyment no end. As you’d expect from such a weighty series the presentation is lavish with immaculate cut scenes preparing players for the quest ahead. Enjoy the ride.
PS2
RPG
Whilst it definitely dances to its own strategy system, those adventurous grey importers will find plenty to celebrate here with its dramatic story and colourful characters.
PS2
RPG
Whilst it definitely dances to its own strategy system, those adventurous grey importers will find plenty to celebrate here with its dramatic story and colourful characters.
PS2
Rhythm
The classic rhythm action series hits a real epoch setting height on the PS2 with street savvy graphics and some cracking tunes to send tingles along the spine. Plenty will ascertain these are the definitive versions and much desired on the system. Genkis secret pleasure is to work on the anime versions of DragonBall Z and Crayon Shinchan for the karaoke. But perhaps that would be better kept in house.
PS2
RPG
Delightful, child-like look to the rounded graphics, matched by xylophone like music and fine use of light and dark. The look is distinctive and the evidence of the hard yards Sony has invested is plain to see with responsive camera angles.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
Tough guy fight title that uses elbows, knees and no holds barred as pugilists become wrestlers when bouts crumble to the floor with a submission as good as a knock out. The legendary Brazilian Gracie features alongside Japanese wrestler Sakuraba with a lot of work having gone into making a great resemblance only for players to bash away at their chiselled features. But its not just the players features that have been carefully mapped out: each individuals moves add a lot of depth and make for a very well rounded fight fest.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
Mixed martial arts groups are very popular and Pride is the appropriately named leader of the pack. Plenty of footage to get you in the mood with the music and announcer cranking up the tension, pugilists stroll out as player characters as they would in a real bout. A wealth of camera angles ensures not a single feint is missed with intelligent switching as the action progresses and you land on your opponent with a sharp knee. Brutal but mightily impressive and essential for fans of the movement.
PS2
A Bit Special
Music clip game from the smash anime series with mini games and plenty of original scenes unavailable elsewhere including the characters singing.
PS2
A Bit Special
Music clip game from the smash anime series with mini games and plenty of original scenes unavailable elsewhere including the characters singing.
PS2
Sports
Great use of motion capture and fine attention to detail and the uniforms of Japans premium baseball teams. Hanshin Tigers, Hiroshima Carp, Fukuoka Hawks and the appropriately named Yakult Swallows all vry for attention amongst the twelve teams. Konamis talent for sports titles is in fine fettle.
PS2
Shoot Em Up
Combines two releases together of Psyvariar Medium Unit and Psyvariar Revision on this bumper disk. The original conversion of Medium Unit was most welcomed by shooter starved PS2 gamers. Introduced the much vaunted ‘buzz’ system where bullets can be deflected away by the ships wings to boost scoring and powering up the ship. As such it is only the core element of the ship which can be destroyed encouraging you to dice a little more. Revision mproves on the prequels visuals crisping them up as well as adding the multiple buzz system where bullets can be deflected more than once to power up more quickly. With the danger area on your ship that needs protecting smaller than in previous incarnations you can take greater chances and really get involved in some serious projectile patterns. Such ferocious volleys of bullets cause some psychedelic patterns looking great with the lights down low and the stereo rigged up to the trancey soundtrack.
PS2
Shoot Em Up
Final finale for Irem’s vintage R-Type series with its distinctive projectile orb that can project the ship or be fired out to get amongst the enemy drone waves. The colour coded power ups are intact as is the tough nut challenge even with a fleet of nippy vessels to unlock and pick from. Keeping to its 2D principles the action twists and turns viciously at times to keep you firmly hovering over the fire button with such devious variations in scroll direction. Graphically gorgeous and a fitting tribute.
PS2
Action
Sony shows its understanding of the 3D action genre with simple lines in its space theme and good character sizing and camera angles to be able to judge jumps, rather than rely on leaps of faith. The Iron Man mecha level is great fun as players don the Tetsujin 28 suit to wrestle the Ninja Robot.
PS2
RPG
Superb and memorable battles as the developers are able to throw off the cloak of Final Fantasy and cut loose in terms of gaming style without the pressure of an expectant audience and sequel syndrome. Bringing down the off shore giant particularly sticks in the memory and the combat is quick and intuitive. A superb story backs up the hard work that has gone into its core engine and the presentation is impeccable.
PS2
RPG
3D RPG allowing you to draw your own characters to play with in game and as such limited only in the scope of your imagination. An innocent theme and colourful, vibrant graphics with some light RPG elements. Also known as Magic Pengel, prequel to Graffiti Kingdom.
PS2
A Bit Special
3D platformer allowing you to draw your own characters to play with in game. Improved visuals in an innocent and colourful theme with some light RPG elements and card collecting. Also known as Graffiti Kingdom, sequel to Magic Pengel.
PS2
Rhythm
Konami’s initial RPG for the PS2 sees you playing as young vagabond called Mouse. The story begins with Mouse, having composed music for a royal wedding, being inruiged as to why the bride looks so glum. Compatible with the ‘Guitar Freaks’ guitar (not supplied.)
PS2
Side Scrolling Beat Em Up
So many games owe so much to Renegade, yet Kunio is held with the respect he deserves in Japan, despite being a ‘yankee’ style high school scrapper. True to the original arcade co-op all the way, even down to the pulverising sound effects and tough nut difficulty. Still sitting on your adversaries whilst giving them a good biffing helps relieve some of the tension. Proper Japanese title: Nekketsu Kouha Kunio Kun. Part of the ‘Ore Tachi Gamesen Zoku’ series (We are the game centre gang – sounds tougher in Japanese!)
PS2
Sports
Fits into the under populated water sports genre featuring dinghy and kayak rides through Canada, France, New Zealand… The water physics are incredible and the unique control method of rotating the dual shocks works a treat. The translucent water effect looks amazing and the bird song and scenery mean all that’s missing is the spray in the face. Known in the West as Wild Water Adrenaline.
PS2
Platform
Drags Mega Man kicking and screaming into the 3D world in this first release on the PS2 and sends the 2D purists into a bit of a tizzy. Despite the smooth 3D sections the core gamplay is essentially 2D however with the camera switching to an isometric perspective. Coupled to that you have lavish anime sequences and lush cel shaded graphics to whet the palette. Stomping around in a 3D mecha sequence is certainly great fun.
PS2
Rhythm
Enjoy some J Pop rock classics in this rhythm action game complete with foot controller to control the drummer of the band. Although they are cover versions the game features an impressive list of bands: ZARD, B’z, Ayumi Hamasaki, Aiko, Globe, Hide, and Mai Kuraki amongst other equally illustrious artists. Fun and full of funky toe tapping tunes.
PS2
RPG
With characters looking like they were inspired by George Lucas blended with a few He Man extras up against the worms from the film Dune, Rogue Galaxy certainly has plenty to offer. The action is very hands on with the space age setting refreshing and adding an element of the unknown to the RPG-esque action.
PS2
Action
The spiritual successor to Shenmue started here amongst the flotsam on the streets of Tokyo. The neon looks the same, but there is a gritty side to the streets and our hero is never too far from getting his tattoos out and more than a generous amount of fisticuffs.
PS2
Action
Mean, moody underworld of the Yakuza that sees you scurrying around neon cities carrying out quests, meeting informants and sometimes even night club hostesses. The complex web builds up slowly and the police, or a certain police lady, soon get involved. Its never certain to say if they will be friend or foe, loyalty is a prized asset in this underworld. Plenty of fisticuffs with the odds stacked against our man, but fortune favours the just.
PS2
Simulation
Plenty of gents with high cheek bones to chat to in this dating simulation. A great language tool as the written and spoken language appear in sync.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
Based on the anime series with loose connections to Greek mythology, this plays a very solid battle with some sparkling visual effects worthy of the over the top specials. Destructable backgrounds add to the manga mayhem too. The Japanese version contains the original soundtrack and a few excellent, high tempo tracks which were sadly remixed for the European version due to copyright reasons. It also has more in game speech and katakana sound effects just like a manga book.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
Translating as ‘Bloke’s Training School’ there are plenty of tough fights ahead complete with vicious weaponry and even sharper tongues as insults are traded. Takes its inspiration from the Fist of the North Star series in terms of graphical appearance of the cel shaded protagonists capable of launching immense martial manoeuvres. Little known title but worthy of much more with such intensive styling and bold graphics.
PS2
Simulation
Subtitled ‘Boiling blood’ (atsuki chishioni), a hybrid version of the original given a complete graphical overhaul and new speech to introduce the Sega series to the platform. Crazed mix of steam powered mech strategy battles and delicate as a cherry blossom romance.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
A host of crazy characters, almost as many as there are in game modes and health bars to keep track of your layers well being, temperament, weapon etc. Samurai Spirits Zero is not shy on a drop or two of claret either – all in the proper red colour unlike the Western versions of some SNK titles. But unfortunately SS Rei never made it out of Japan. Extra pugilists have been entered over the arcade versions and there’s a practise mode too to help hone that samurai like timing. A superbly solid scrap and slicer.