Summary
It’s been a quarter of a century since thePlayStation 2made its initial mark on the video game industry, going on to become the best-selling console of all time, a record it still holds to this day. Some ofthe most compelling stories, state-of-the-art gameplay mechanics, and impressive graphics of the time can all be found on the follow-up to Sony’s hardware debut.
Open-world gamesthrived on the PS2, with series likeGrand Theft AutoandYakuzafinding their footing on the remarkable console. Not all their open-world contemporaries have stood the test of time,gradually disappearing into obscurityin the decades since, despite being awesome, and they are certainly worth dusting off old copies to experience once again.
One ofmany great but forgottenLEGOgames,LEGO Racers 2expands on its predecessor with more player freedom and more bricks. There are five open worlds with distinct environments to explore across the galaxy, ranging from the frozen Arctic and Sandy Bay to Dino Island, Mars, and the planet Xalax, each featuring hidden collectibles and multiple races to participate in.
Every world has a final boss to defeat, whose vehicle is specially designed for the terrain of the location, and the goal is to defeat Rocket Racer, the current galactic racing champion. Racers must pay close attention to the amount of damage done to their car, unless they feel like running to the nearest pitstop on foot.
A third-personshooter with some very satisfying gunplay,Total Overdosetakes place in the seedy criminal underworld of Mexico. After starting the game as Ernesto Cruz in 1989 on a mission in the heart of the Mayan jungle, players take control of his son, Tommy, and then spend the rest of the game undercover in a drug cartel, playing as his brother, Ramiro.
While the story received some criticism, as did the slightly outdated graphics for the time, gameplay is the main selling point, as pulling off impressive combos is great fun. Across the 18 diverse regions, from the red-light district to the arid Mexican desert, players can attempt outrageous stunts and blast enemies in slow motion with their vast array of weaponry.
Steambot Chronicles
An action RPG with mechs, rhythm minigames, and a functional economic system,Steambot Chroniclesis a truly unique experience that is hard to pin down. The protagonist, an amnesiac named Vanilla, can be either a hero or a villain depending on the player’s choices, and is accompanied by a band known as the Garland Globetrotters.
There is a high degree of freedom offered while exploring the world, and the fully customizable giant bipedal mechs called Trotmobiles are integral to traversing the land, as well as combat and trade. The controls can be a sticking point for some, but those who persevere will enjoy everything on offer inSteambot Chronicles, from its sublime music to its quirky premise.
Often unfairly labeled as aGrand Theft Autoclone,The Getawayfocuses on two characters in a highly detailed recreation of parts of London.Only released for the PS2, it remains a cult classic for many, despite some reviewers at the time finding flaws with the script and its similarities to Rockstar’s popular series.
Following the stories of an ex-bank robber and a police officer, the story unfolds over the course of a single day. It features minimal HUD, lending a more cinematic feel to the proceedings. Players can explore real locations in the UK capital and drive many licensed vehicles that would have driven on those streets at the time of release. It’s a captivating time capsule.
The creators of theTony Hawkseries of skateboarding games also developedGun, an Old West epic set across the frontier in 1880 from Dodge City, Kansas, to the surrounding canyons, mountains, and settlements.A brutal and realistic shooter for its time,Gunfeatures many famous voice actors and an Apache protagonist whose only goal is revenge.
The game world is full of activities to keep players occupied, with many side missions that help to upgrade stats and minigames like poker to try and win some extra money. As the name suggests, gunplay is the main selling point, and there is a plethora of authentic firearms to utilize against outlaws, corrupt lawmen, and other rogues encountered on those dangerous adventures.
One of many great open-world racing games on the PS2,Midnight Club 3: Dub Editionallows players to explore and race in recreations of San Diego, Atlanta, and Detroit, plus Tokyo in theRemixversion. Vehicles in the game are licensed for the first time in the series and can be customized in both appearance and performance.
Realism is not necessarily the goal ofMidnight Club, as speed and over-the-top action dominate, plus there are some elements of vehicular combat in certain game modes. The arcade style may not appeal to all, but there is an impressive photo mode to capture the most special moments and possibly even some spectacular crashes.
Scarface: The World Is Yoursis set one year after the events of the classic film in an alternate timeline where the titular drug lord survives the climactic assault on his compound that concluded the film. In it, Tony Montana seeks revenge against those who wronged him as he re-establishes his position atop Miami’s criminal underworld. Gameplay is similar toMafia 3, as Tonytakes control of businesses and manages themto act as fronts for his criminal activities, adding to his influence within the city.
Al Pacino’s likeness is used in the game, but not his voice, and several other actors from the film reprise their roles. Despite selling well and receiving fairly positive reviews,Scarface: The World Is Yourshas been overshadowed by the 3DGTAgames, and the many planned sequels never came to fruition.
One of the most appropriately named games in history,Mercenaries: Playground of Destructionis set in North Korea, offering a sandbox environment where players have high levels of freedom. They may travel anywhere on the map and evenraze it to the groundif they so wish, given that everything is completely destructible.
Playing as a mercenary, there are five warring factions, with which players may be on friendly terms or currently engaging in hostilities. Missions vary between theft, delivery, assassination, and destruction, with the ultimate goal being the overthrow of the isolationist government in the country. Its sequel is also highly regarded, but no other entries in the franchise have materialized in the decades since.
