The PlayStation 2 is one of the most well-regarded consoles of all time. This piece of hardware is so beloved by fans for a myriad of reasons. Its success is honestly due to a perfect storm of many reasons. Sony was just coming off of a huge success with the PlayStation 1, and used all their momentum to continue that dynasty they were building.
It was also the turn of the millennium in 2000. Everyone was very excited to see the new influx of technology with the coming of the new year, so hype and anticipation were at an all-time high. The hype for the games was high as well. The library of PlayStation 2 games is colossal and full of great games. For this list, the games featured will be games that have both innovative gameplay, as well as a compelling story. Only PS2 exclusive-released games will count, so sadly, no Resident Evil 4.
Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening
Devil May Cry is a humble action series that started on the PlayStation 2 back in 2001. These games are known for having immaculately designed combat with some fun, goofy characters, and a story that’s pretty much secondary or even tertiary to the gameplay in terms of importance. Devil May Cry 3 bucked that misconception about the series’ storytelling.
Not only does DMC3 have the best combat of the original trilogy, it easily has the best story of the entire franchise. DMC3’s plot is great due to its simplicity; it only has about four main characters in its story outside of bosses, but this simplicity leads to some deeply emotional and complex writing. DMC3 at its heart is a coming-of-age story about how family can shape someone, and the tale here is one for the PlayStation 2 ages.
Final Fantasy X
Speaking of games with emotional and great stories, next up is Final Fantasy X. I was torn between this game and the twelfth installment, but when it comes to the PlayStation 2, FFX is too famous to not mention. This game is legendary. It was the first main series of Final Fantasy to have voice acting. It pushed the boundaries for the franchise’s music and combat, with elements never before seen until this game’s arrival.
For a game that came out in the first year of the console’s release, it had so many innovative factors. Real-time facial animations, active-party switching in combat, and a cast of characters that players still love to this day all debuted here. FFX came out in 2001, and there are still spin-offs and theories of sequels emerging to this day. A respected game like that doesn’t come every generation.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Lastly, this one should come as no surprise. Metal Gear is one of those game series that just makes you think of video games. It wears its heart on its sleeve. Snake Eater is a unique entry for the series. It’s a prequel and the first one that was developed. Before the series got enraptured in nanomachines and split personalities, in simpler times. It was still pretty crazy. This game is as memorable as a game can be.
Movie-like cutscenes, A-list voice acting, survival, and sneaking-based gameplay, this game has it all. It sums up why this generation and console was so incredible. Every game felt like an event. They all felt larger than life and were so wonderfully created. It felt like the games in this generation were made because the artists wanted to express themselves, and not because the corporation above wanted money. What a wonderfully creative time for the industry.
About The Author
Nicolas Scagnelli is a young and ambitious writer. He graduated with a degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing at Binghamton University. As an undergrad, he published over 60 op-eds for the campus newspaper, Pipe Dream. Nicolas has his own personal blog, Lunch with Nick, where he posts daily about various topics ranging from entertainment to music to mental health. Other than writing, Nicolas loves to spend time in the gym, reading, listening to music, and hanging out with family and friends.
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