PS2
Here we have all the games in the PS2 Section.
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
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
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
Simulation
Showcasing all that is popular in these sim games: love interest, beautiful graphics and of course a few fights along the way. Considered actions are the order of the way as the interactions with other characters effect the overall endings in a form of gaming karma. A huge Sega title for the discerning otaku with a huge thank you from Sega in the form of this lovely limited edition.
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
A dream marriage of Capcom’s action credentials and the warring period of Japan. Full of brash colours and a fabulous array of weaponry.
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
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
Simulation
A Ring style visual novel that works the urban legend spooky story to its limit with some very bizarre going on to become a bit of a cult classic.
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
Action
All out sword slicing action with some sublime combos for the joypad dexterous. Sega have a superb heritage in sword play and action and this lesser-known, all-out action title deserves a second look. Just maybe not in the eye or risk a swishing blade in your direction.
PS2
Action
Sega delivers an arcade experience with all the thrills and gut spills an adrenalin soaked ninja with a very sharp katana can deliver. Super fast, Shinobi zips around on screen slicing through opponents with special gratification to be gained from the combo’s. But it takes all the zen patience of a Buddhist monk to beat this baby.