The most underrated PS2 games will take you back to the golden era of gaming on Sony’s ambitious console.
The PlayStation 2 remains one of the most iconic gaming consoles in history. It was home to some of the most brilliant games that defined a generation of games and gamers. That’s why, more than 20 years after its launch, we cherish our gaming sessions on PlayStation 2.
Its massive lineup was filled with brilliant games that created the tenets of genres today. It’s worth noting that the games today still carry the marks of the most underrated PS2 games. These are hidden gems that flew under the radar and still deserve a ton of love 20 years after their debut on PlayStation 2. They can also be some of the best nostalgic games to play this year.
5. Okami
Although not as overlooked as the others on the list, Okami is still one of the most underrated PS2 games. It offers a stunning action-adventure experience where you take control of Amaterasu, a powerful wolf goddess in Japanese mythology.
Your quest is to restore colour and bring life to a world that’s consumed by darkness. To tell this story, Okami adopted a distinctive cel-shaded art style that looked amazing on old CRT TVs. It was reminiscent of traditional Japanese ink-wash paintings as well.
From its brilliant story to mesmerising visuals, Okami is easily one of the most underrated PS2 games of all time.
4. Red Dead Revolver
Only the true fans of the Red Dead series would remember this one among the underrated PS2 games. Developed by Rockstar San Diego, Red Dead Revolver never had the love and recognition it rightfully deserved. Although people forgot the game soon after its launch, its arcade-style, fast-paced approach to the Western shooter genre still delivers today.
Of course, it didn’t feature a sprawling open world in a Western setting. It also didn’t have complex characters with well-developed motives. But it laid the groundwork for its successors to flourish. As it can still yield a fun experience, Red Dead Revolver is one of the most underrated PS2 games.
3. Armored Core 3
Armored Core 3 isn’t only one of the most overlooked PlayStation 2 games, but it’s also one of the best instalments in its series. FromSoftware’s critically acclaimed title never received the widespread recognition it deserved. Although it’s a game of a niche genre, the combat formula of Armored Core 3 could make any gamer a fan.
As the third mainline entry in the series, Armored Core 3 offers pretty much everything you would want to see in a solid PlayStation 2 game. Those include great visuals, innovative gameplay mechanics, button-mashing, and brilliant mecha action. Even for those who don’t fancy the genre, Armored Core 3 offers a delightful experience. With its detailed combat and intricate customisation systems, it is one of the most underrated PS2 games ever.
2. God Hand
Another hidden game among the most underrated PS2 games is God Hand. Developed by Clover Studio, this great beat ’em up game comes with a blend of quirky narrative and addictive combat mechanics.
You control Gene, a martial artist armed with the legendary Godhand Hand and battle through hordes of enemies in a comedic fashion. This over-the-top adventure was definitely underrated after its release. That’s understandable, considering the game’s steep difficulty curve. Still, its deep customisation options and weird humour have stood against the test of time, making God Hand one of the most underrated PS2 games.
1. Black
One of the most underrated PS2 games was Black, an actual first-person shooter game released back in 2006. Coming from the developers of Need for Speed, Black is the epitome of intense first-person shooter action.
Black puts you in the boots of Sergeant First Class Jack Keller, a black ops soldier tasked with thwarting a dangerous terrorist threat. Although its story sounds a bit generic, Black is easily one of the best games ever launched on PlayStation 2.
What sets it apart from many other PS2 hidden gems is its immersive gunplay and cinematic presentation. Even though the PS2 era was filled with gaming wonders, only a small number of games could offer a cinematic experience like Black.
Final Thoughts
PlayStation 2 had a colossal lineup of games that could easily beat today’s consoles. Despite lacking next-gen video game technologies, titles like the most underrated PS2 games offered wonders for many.
You might be a seasoned PS2 enthusiast or a newcomer eager to explore its hidden treasures. Regardless, these five games are a testament to the diverse and enduring legacy of Sony’s iconic gaming console. Indeed, they might not be the best-selling PlayStation exclusives, but the experience they offered was truly one of a kind.
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- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.
