PS2
Here we have all the games in the PS2 Section.
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.
PS2
Simulation
With similarities in gameplay to the Final Fantasy tactics series, Sangokushi embarks on a sweeping crusade to build up the biggest army in ancient China through conquering all others. Some epic battles all very nicely realised and true to the period costumes and weaponry, even if the specials touch more on fantasy. Playing like a game of military chess but alot more exciting than that may sound. Known as Dynasty Tactics in the West.
PS2
A Bit Special
The superbly drawn anime story zips along and players must choose from phrases to shape the direction of the story. Careful choices are required to not become the headline scandal yourself.
PS2
Simulation
An upbeat style to this dating sim featuring good old joystick waggling to power up the angry meter in chit-chat. Has its won humour too as players interact with the ladies across suburban Japan.
PS2
Action
Uber slick blend of the immense Gundam universe (and seemingly all its inhabitants) and lush production values as a thousand speed lines and jagged fringed avatars are spliced with intense battle pyrotechnics burning a hole in the TV screen. A superb culmination of the series and a fine title in its own rights, not just for fans.
PS2
Simulation
A bit like looking after a fish with a human face and that evolves quickly to learn new tricks. An intriguing game that thinks well outside the pond.
PS2
Action
Cruise the highways on a CHIPS style police bike protecting VIP’s in their cars from terrorists. The players guns are auto fire and its possible to take a hail of bullets on behalf of the presidents as its only their health that depletes. More fun than a can of spray cheese.
PS2
Sports
Puritans will head straight for the Arcade mode with its accurate and unforgiving top down conversion of the vintage coin op. Those less familiar with the original will find much fun and frolics wading around in the Grand Prix mode which features the ability to power up to a massive mobile, or to increase jump potential. Ambulances smash their way through the drivers to get to stricken drivers and there are more on screen calamities than Wacky Races. A fine claret that has matured to near arcade perfection.
PS2
A Bit Special
Based on the Japanese TV show, you must play a mysterious super hero whose identity remains a secret and battle aliens in a manner that keeps the shows ratings on the up. Fun and fresh with plenty of lycra and some very imaginative scenarios around town.
PS2
Action
Set in the warring period in Japan’s history, this title involves plenty of action in the battlefield with a bit of tactical nous needed every now and then to help your quest. Take on rival clans in fully pitched battles to become the ultimate Daimyo, but be warned desire can never be quenched; so choose your battles carefully so as not to stretch your resources too thinly on the ground. Known as Samurai Warriors in the West.
PS2
Action
From the SNK break-away, crack unit that also produced Inuyasha on the PSX comes a 3D extravaganza on the PS2 where despite having sword based battles a degree of artistic license has been granted to bring pyrotechnic explosions to the stand offs. Based on the seminal Kurosawa film ‘The Seven Samurai’ with opening and ending theme songs from the untouchable Ryuichi Sakamoto; gameplay is strictly slice and dice with some light RPG elements as the loveable rogues get a futuristic interpretation.
PS2
Action
Few games capture the heat and sheer scale of the battlefield like the Koei series of Dynasty Wars and its off shoots. Strategists will relish the planning and formulate there pincer movements to ensnare the opposition, but leaping from your horse and laying waste to the enemy hordes (easily identified in their plain uniforms and lack of elaborate facial hair) brings great satisfaction.
PS2
Action
Captures the heat of being involved in a huge battle with the player fulfilling vital missions utilising a spear in the true martial tradition. Atmospheric lighting as laterns burn brightly to illuminate the enemy hideout. Perfecting the ability to sweep away the army of ten thousand is a must.
PS2
Shoot Em Up
Competent conversion of the until now Dreamcast exclusive that keeps its arcade roots in the high adrenalin, verticle on screen action. Whilst still lacking the wow factor in terms of visual impact, gameplay has clearly been made the all important goal of the developers for which praise is deserved. Besides you’re not given much chance to admire the scenery as you need your eyes to work independently to avoid the on screen onslaught. Also includes five mini bonus games not found on the DC where you must shoot the right balloons for example with more precision shooting required as well as evasive skills. A sort of training for the main event with high scoring being the goal.
PS2
Simulation
Bishonen romantic game with gothic look to the locales as Interchannel recreate a Japanese interpretation of a European setting.
PS2
Shoot Em Up
High production values with fine attention to detail in the landscapes all interlaced with top draw GCI cut scenes adds up to a superlative sapping experience. A strategical element is added to the frantic, frenetic shooter action in that wing weapons must be selected in accordance with the level awaiting. Half way through the level the mother ship will drop in though for a well needed health boost and a opportunity to reconfigure for the intelligent bosses that vary their assaults. As is the way with modern shooters, dicing with death is actively encouraged as the multiplier spirals out of control by shooting the ships when they are really too close for comfort.
PS2
Sports
Sky diving on a snowboard to pull off tricks through sheer joypad dexterity. Sub game is a Pilot Wings style ‘Beat Balloon.’
PS2
Action
Sky diving on a snowboard to pull off tricks through sheer joypad dexterity. Sub game is a Pilot Wings style ‘Beat Balloon.’
PS2
Simulation
Slot machine simulator based on the emotional, epic anime full of hard love known as Kyojin no Hoshi (or Star of the Giants.) The story of the anime features young Hoshi as he battles through gruelling training and beatings from his strict father to become a pitcher for the Tokyo Giants. Its unlikely father would have approved of the fruit machine gambling exploits, but a top baseball player must squander their cash on something.
PS2
Sports
Namco felt the need to ditch the adorable sprites of earlier versions of the series to adjust the series for the PS2 crew. As such the official players of the era and the proper stadiums have been used. Yet the gameplay thankfully remains very familiar and as such it plays like a dream. Henman for champ then.
PS2
Sports
A football game which gets under the running of a club, not merely management. Dealing with flying boots can seem a lot easier than walking the tight rope of press conferences and hard to please Prima Donna strikers.
PS2
Platform
The hardware is capable of keeping up with Sonic’s speed and the game works as well in the third dimension as it does in 2D back on the Mega Drive. Fine blend of speed and action, masterfully mixed by the Sonic Team.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
Arcade port is almost perfect with stirring orchestral score and dazzling, fluid special moves and combo’s. Still remains one of the finest fighters ever to grace the console scene.
PS2
Rhythm
Gyrate to the beat with the sexy Space Channel reporter Ulala. Just don’t ask about the story! Unique feel to graphics, full of futuristic frolics.
PS2
Rhythm
Ulala once again bust’s a groove whilst looking fab in her futuristic attire in this sleek Sega production. A great addition over the prequel is the two player co-operative mode which sees control of Ulala split with one player taking the direction pad, the other the buttons and frequent off screen scraps as to who was at fault for the missed hip gyration. Look out for a guest appearance from Michael Jackson on one of the stages, but his moves suffer in comparison to our Ulala. Much more affordable than the DC release.
PS2
Shooter
Release to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Space Invader legend. Includes plenty of versions including a 3D remake. Other versions include a two player competitive version where you shoot at each other through the invaders and a two player co-operative version where you share three lives.
PS2
Simulation
Utilises Fourthview technology allowing recordings to be made in 360 degrees so they can fit in all the members of this all girl band. MM are famed for their bold costumes as much as their girly music such as ‘Love Machine’. Plenty of material of the ever shifting band.
PS2
RPG
Breath-taking graphics and around sixty hours gameplay make this one for the true RPG fan. Enix return to form with real time battles and a bravery meter which builds up through successful attacks and defences, rewarding players with bonuses if they can resist the temptation to use it on an opponent.
PS2
RPG
Breathtaking graphics and around sixty hours gameplay make this one for the true RPG fan. Enix return to form with real time battles and a bravery meter which builds up through successful attacks and defenses, rewarding players with bonuses if they can resist the temptation to use it on an opponent.
PS2
Platform
Based on the atmospheric anime from Akira creator Otomo san and set in an alternative Victorian England, Steam Boy must harness the power of the Steamball. But this only follows the latter half of the anime: an original off-shoot in the plot awaits. Fan service at its finest, this captures the feel of all those weird and wonderful steam powered contraptions along with the period setting very well.