PlayStation 2: The Legendary Console!

For many, the PlayStation 2 was, and always will be, one of the greatest video game consoles ever. More than just a follow-up to the original PlayStation, the PlayStation 2 defined what the sixth generation of game consoles could be with its state-of-the-art hardware and legendary library of games.

For those who might not have grown up during the PS2’s heyday or have always wanted to learn a little more about Sony’s powerhouse console, this is the article for you!

What is the PlayStation 2?

The PlayStation 2 was the game console that Sony released as a successor to the original PlayStation. While the original PlayStation was a trailblazer in the realm of fully 3D gaming, the PS2 was the tangible proof that Sony was ready to blow players’ doors right off their walls with what it could produce. Released in the US on October 26^th, 2000, the PS2 began Sony’s venture into the sixth generation of gaming.

Why did Sony develop it?

The original PlayStation was a massive success, and Sony knew they had the formula to achieve even greater success with their next console. While Sega was working hard to promote its next-gen console, the Dreamcast, Sony released the PS2 one year later. In some ways, the release of the PS2 was the death knell of the Dreamcast and helped cement Sony’s standing as one of the world’s leading video game console developers.

How did it debut?

The PlayStation 2 launched in Japan in March 2000, the US in October, and the EU in November. Upon its release, the PS2 had twenty-nine launch titles, spanning virtually every genre possible. Among these titles was Tecmo’s DOA2: Hardcore, a fighting game; Rockstar’s Midnight Club, a racing game; THQ’s Summoner, an action-RPG; and EA’s SSX, a snowboarding game.

While a few of the PS2’s launch titles were admittedly strange (Evergrace and FantaVision in particular), the sheer quality behind its titles proved that the PS2 was a worthy successor to the PS1.

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What were some Sony-exclusive games that came out on the PlayStation 2?

Throughout its lifespan, the PlayStation 2 became home to countless excellent Sony-exclusive titles. When the console wars raged between Sony’s PlayStation 2, Nintendo’s GameCube, and Microsoft’s Xbox, having a super solid exclusive title was imperative.

Sure, it was nice that many games were released cross-console, but if someone needed to know specifically which of the three main consoles to spend their money on, exclusive games needed to be the best for their respective system. Here are a handful of some of the more notable Sony-exclusive titles that were available on the PS2.

Rogue Galaxy

When Jaster, a young man, is swept into a star-spanning adventure, his life changes completely. He meets new companions on his journey. Together, they discover that Jaster’s fate is linked to the galaxy’s future.

Rogue Galaxy is the successor to Level-5’s Dark Cloud series. It is a fast-paced action RPG. Players have a lot of freedom to build and customize their team of heroes. Seriously, the intro screen alone is worth buying the game.

Onimusha

Demons begin to invade the Japanese countryside. Samanosuke, a warrior, travels to Inabayama Castle. There, he becomes involved in a demonic plot involving human sacrifice. Samanosuke fights the demons inside the castle. As he battles, he slowly becomes a legendary warrior. He struggles to stop the demons from bringing Hell to Earth.

Onimusha plays similarly to Capcom’s Resident Evil series, but replaces its guns with katanas and its zombies with demons. It’s a quick, but super sweet horror action experience that kickstarted one of the PS2’s best series.

Ico

A young boy named Ico has horns on his head. He is left alone to die in a castle by the sea. Ico manages to escape his prison. While exploring, he finds a princess named Yorda. Together, Ico and Yorda travel through the crumbling castle. They try to avoid shadowy monsters that want to stop them.

The game mixes clever environmental puzzles with a strong, haunting atmosphere. Ico is both beautiful and melancholic, offering an adventure filled with hope and sadness.

God Hand

When demons run amok, there’s only one thing any self-respecting champion of justice equipped with the power of the God Hand can do: give ‘em the ol’ “Yes Man Kablam” followed by a Right Twister and a Heel Drop.

God Hand is a punishingly difficult, yet highly satisfying, beat ’em up extravaganza. As Gene, the wielder of the God Hand, players must punch, kick, and La Bomba their way through hordes of bad guys. Meting out justice never looked so impetuous, its defenses never so impenetrable.

Why was the PlayStation 2 so important?

The PlayStation 2 was important because it proved Sony wasn’t just a one-trick pony. The PS2 helped push Sega out of the console market, became one of Nintendo’s biggest competitors, and helped pave the way for countless classic game series. Devil May Cry, .hack, Xenosaga, and more all debuted on the PS2. The PS2 delivered games of all kinds, but especially excelled at delivering excellent RPGs and action titles. 

Overall, the PS2’s success allowed Sony to remain one of the biggest game and console developers in the world; the existence of the PS5 today can look back and thank the PS2 for all the hard work. Did you grow up with the PS2? If so, what were your favorite games? Please let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear what your favorite memories with the PS2 are!