PS2
Here we have all the games in the PS2 Section.
PS2
RPG
Atlus has a fair hand for RPGs and reciprocates its fans love in this opus. The isometric graphics look like they are hand drawn and blend seamlessly from the sweeping opening scene. Voice acting is of a high standard as one may expect from such a pedigree publisher. Savour every XP scrap.
PS2
RPG
Lavishly illustrated avatars full of emotion (especially where Genki is concerned as we seem to keep upsetting the ladies with our choice of retorts) and detailed backgrounds. All very appropriate for the exquisite isometric perspective gameworld that will see players battling from rogue sailors on a galleon what looked like washed up ghosts from Pacman on a beach.
PS2
RPG
Fine, frantic RPG with colourful as the avatar representatives with plenty of special moves in the combat to surprise even the most seasoned of RPG veterans.
PS2
Puzzle
Taito’s trusty puzzle title remains as addictive as ever in this competent PS2 conversion. The in-game characters have been revamped making for bizarre rivals that would seem more at home in Parappa The Rapper, Vib Ribbon or Rhyme Rider Kerorican.
PS2
Simulation
This instalment of the legendary robot series led to a full animated version, such was its popularity in Japan. The battles remain immense and fully intense with anime style productions skills to hike up the tension and emotion. Ann epic battle sim and manna from heaven for Taisen devotees.
PS2
Simulation
The series that takes mecha fans into a dream stratosphere where hulking beasts of machines battle for supremacy of the skies with ginormous laser blasts leaving tracers in the darkened outer space skies and over the top emotional avatars screaming in response. Truly big in Japan.
PS2
A Bit Special
Super gal Haruhi once again stars with a voice to melt the Cadbury’s Caramel bunny in this love adventure where players also get to make their own game. Superb high standards to the figure that comes as part of the package too matching the voice acting.
PS2
Rhythm
Bash out some beats to the eternal rhythm of the Japanese festival which celebrates life itself. Coaches players gradually before letting them loose in a drum sticks frenzy.
PS2
Rhythm
The sequel to the genre defining title brings a welcomed save feature and plenty more mini game madness including a Galaga style shoot em up where tapping the drum skin fires shots (Namco not being one to forget its rich gaming roots) and drum rolling to blow up balloons – a tap on the rium when done. But the crux of the fun remains the songs – from Doraemon and Anpanman anime songs to Beethoven via J Pop from the likes on Mini Moni.
PS2
Rhythm
Feisty festival title that brings not just the sound but the heat and colour of a Japanese festival to life on the PSP. Buttons (or ideally the drum sticks) must be tapped in tune to the on screen action. Control soon become intuitive though and there is a wide spectrum of songs that are bound to raise your spirits and get you shouting Wasshoi in joy. Undeniably bizarre but when it brings the spirit of a Japanese festival into your home it can’t be bad.
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
Any game in which you can go into a bar and shout ‘Give me a whisky!’ can’t be bad. Add to that music from Every Little Thing and the game is off to a flier. Then comes the hands-on approach to combat with players controlling their boss battles rather than just selecting a magic to unleash. Its easy to see why this series flourish in a crowded genre.
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
A Bit Special
Three beautiful women to capture on film including an F1 flag girl, but clever and well taken shots are required to befriend the models before other paparazzi manage to do so.
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
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.