Summary
After the incredible launch of thePlayStation, Sony needed to hit the ground running with a successor to this legendary console that would bring gaming to a new era. This was achieved withthe launch of the PlayStation 2, which featured a wealth of amazing games and stricter restrictions for third-party games, which was an issue on the PS1. The end result is one of the greatest consoles ever made with impressively high sales.
The sheer number of quality games on this console boggles the mind, and it’s easy to see why so many beloved PlayStation franchises originate from this console. Players love the varied library of this console, although there are times when some of the heroes from their respective games don’t get the credit they deserve. With the passage of time, some of these figures have become obsolete, which irks fans to no end.
Shadow Heartsis one of the most underrated games on the PlayStation 2 by a country mile. This gothic, Lovecraftian RPG managed to weave an epic tale without lasting for hundreds of hours like most JRPGs at the time. The protagonist of the tale seemed unlikable at first, but it takes a while for players to get into his character and why he harbors such an antagonistic personality.
Controlling his transformative powers in battle to whoop enemies to kingdom come is a blast, and players love how naturally his character evolved throughout the game’s narrative. He also plays a major role in the second game, and it’s sad that the legacy of Yuri Hyuga ended in the PlayStation 2’s lifespan itself.
God Handwas ripped apart by critics who never understood how the game worked. The battles in this title were tough to get through, but players who decided to play byGod Hand’s rules and slowly understand how the game worked were rewarded with a tight, satisfying, smooth, and engaging combat system that was intensely rewarding for players.
At the heart of the game’s wacky and bizarre story is Gene, a charismatic main character who breathes life into every scene he’s featured him. Watching him interact with the game’s many bosses is a treat, and it’s a shame that this game was such a commercial flop that Gene’s legacy started and ended with one game,albeit a rare one.
Most players haven’t had a chance to playRed Dead Revolveryet, assuming that the title must’ve done something special forRockstar Games to snap up the IPand turn it into one of the biggest and most beloved open-world franchises of all time. The action gameplay ofRed Dead Revolveris pretty decent, even if the gameplay hasn’t aged all that well.
However, it’s surprising that most people haven’t lauded the narrative ofRed Dead Revolver, which is pretty impressive for its time. The tale of revenge is executed pretty well, and players become quite invested in the story of Red Harlow as his gunslinging allows him to take revenge for the death of his parents.
Okamiis easilyone of the most underrated action-adventure games ever made, featuring a unique art style and gameplay loop which was pretty risky. While this ultimately didn’t pay off,Okamibecame a cult classic that players loved for its amazing visuals, unique mechanics, and endearing protagonist who helped fans connect with the central narrative despite not even speaking a single line of dialogue.
A legendary being from Japanese folklore, the allure of Amaterasu is truly fascinating. Her actions better the world and her mannerisms make her emotions clear for everyone to see. There aren’t too many examples of silent protagonists who still resonate with players on an emotional level, but Amaterasu is a rare example of the same who wasn’t too popular simply because ofOkami’s lack of popularity.
Final Fantasy 10is certainly one of the greatest video games ever made, so it’s a shame that Tidus elicits such a mixed reception from audiences. His charming, bubbly nature should’ve been endearing, but it seems that most fans were tired of seeing such a one-note character in their games after a point. However, Tidus is far from a one-dimensional character, and the intricacies of his personality slowly unfurl like a budding flower as the game rolls on.
After the plot twist surrounding his existence comes to light, Tidus takes it like a champ instead of letting his melancholy weigh the group down. This leads to an emotional ending that isFinal Fantasyat its very peak, and it’s a shame that no Final Fantasy game has been able to reach the heights of this game since.
