The PS2 had some truly revolutionary games, but the community overlooked many fantastic games as there was too much choice! If you’re looking for hidden gems to add to your catalog, read this list for some of our underrated PS2 games.
Red Dead Revolver
Red Dead Revolver came as the predecessor to Red Dead Redemption. However, it wasn’t nearly as successful, and as soon as Red Dead Redemption was announced, this game was left in the dust.
While they shared some similarities, they were quite different from each other, with Red Dead Revolver serving more as an arcade-type third-person shooter. It has a linear storyline, and you can access an arsenal of weapons from handguns to shotguns to dynamite!
Yakuza 2
While Yakuza is an incredibly popular franchise now, Yakuza 2 is considered an underrated PS2 game. It has a fantastic story and great combat if you’re looking for an exciting crime game with fun combat. The controls can feel clunky, but it is still worth playing through if you’re craving more Yakuza.
Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne
Shin Megami Tensei is a massive franchise with many different spin-offs and subseries. Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne is a fantastic RPG with turn-based combat set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo.
This game is a tonne of fun as you get to negotiate with Demons and work to convince them to join your party. Not only that, but you also have the fun task of fusing demons to make unique and strong demons. What’s not to love?
God Hand
If you’re looking for a beat ‘em up style game, God Hand is a fantastic contender. Not only that, but it’s great comic relief as it has very over-the-top comedy and humor for players to enjoy as they experience hardcore battles alongside comedic dialogue and cutscenes.
While it has become a cult classic, some even consider it a game where it’s “so bad, it’s good.” Let us know what you think of God Hand.
Manhunt
While Manhunt performed relatively well, it has a tonne of controversy attached to it. If you’re not a fan of gory and violent content, you won’t enjoy Manhunt. This game has a snuff movie-type aesthetic to it. However, underneath all that, it makes for a great stealth game with missions where you have to focus on not getting caught as you take down your targets.
Dirge of Cereberus: Final Fantasy VII
Out of all of the Final Fantasy games, this is one that didn’t do as well as they had hoped. It received a lot of mixed attention when it was released, as it took the turn-based fighting that players were used to and turned it into a third-person shooter as you get to play as Vincent Valentine.
Although it wasn’t received well by a lot of Final Fantasy fans, the game is a lot of fun and has some great action moments throughout.
Transformers
If you’re a fan of the Transformers franchise, you’ll want to give this underrated PS2 game a go. It’s an intense third-person shooter where you can play as Optimus Prime, Red Alert, or Hot Shot.
While it doesn’t stay true to the storyline of Transformers, it has its own storyline that is fun, intense, and full of great combat.
Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil
Klonoa is such a fantastic franchise and is a wonderful, vibrant platformer. With the first in the franchise being released on PS1, the sequel was released for PS2 and is such an underrated PS2 game.
With better visuals and a 2.5D perspective, it gives a smoother experience than Klonoa: Door to Phantomile.
The Suffering
If you want a horrifying experience, give this underrated PS2 gem a go. It’s a combination of third and first-person shooter, where you play as a murderer on death row. Full of supernatural experiences, you have to make your way through this terrifying prison and take down a multitude of enemies with various weapons that you can loot along the way.
Not only that, but the game has three endings for you to get if you’re a fan of replaying games.
Fatal Frame
While Fatal Frame is now an incredibly popular franchise, it didn’t always start off that way. If you’re a fan of survival horror games, you’ll definitely want to give this underrated PS2 game a go.
Monster Hunter
Monster Hunter as a franchise is a commercial success, but the first Monster Hunter released for PS2 is often forgotten about. Luckily, this game doesn’t require any internet connection, and you can play most of this game in single-player mode if you prefer to go solo.
The Warriors
Based on the cult classic movie The Warriors, there is also a PS2 game that you can play if you want to immerse yourself in the world of that movie. Developed by Rockstar Games, this action-survival combat game with a heavy focus on melee combat.
You have multiple characters to play, all hailing from the movie. Not only is there combat, but you can also mark your turf by tagging it with graffiti. If you’re looking for a new beat ‘em up game, give this underrated, gritty PS2 game a go.
Okami
Okami has an incredibly unique art style as you play the role of Amaterasu, a white wolf who can use a special ability called the “celestial brush” to manipulate her surroundings and change the world around her.
Inspired by Zelda, it has similar dungeon aspects, boss fights, and open-world exploration. Overall, Okami is a mesmerizing game that everyone should play at least once.
Spongebob Squarepants: Battle for Bikini Bottom
A game that is fun for all ages, SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom is similar to that of a classic platformer, along with quests and puzzles that you have to solve along the way for all of the well-known SpongeBob SquarePants characters.
It has a vibrant and colorful world, similar to that in the TV show, and it is bound to go down a hit with anyone who is a fan of the franchise.
Extermination
Another survival horror game, Extermination, has you running away from enemies in a bid for survival, as supplies are incredibly limited. Meanwhile, you can access an arsenal of weapons, including shotguns, flamethrowers, and more.
In this post-apocalyptic world where infection is a risk, you have to try to keep your infection levels as low as possible, or you risk death.
Tales of the Abyss
The Tales series is extensive, and Tales of the Abyss is the eighth installment in the franchise and was released on PS2. While many games in the franchise are incredibly popular, Tales of the Abyss is often an underrated PS2 game that flew under the radar.
With a unique and thrilling battle system that keeps you on your toes and a great story to go with it, there are some lovely cutscenes and conversations between beloved characters that you are sure to like after sinking hours into the game.
Devil Kings
Set during the Sengoku period in Japan, Devil Kings is a hack-and-slash action game that has some really fun and fast-paced combat. If you’re a fan of games similar to Devil May Cry, you’ll want to give this historical game a shot.
Dawn of Mana
The eighth game in the Mana series but the third in the World of Mana storyline, Dawn of Mana stands out from the crowd. Instead of being a typical RPG, it comes as a crossover of action and adventure in a 3D world. However, there are some minor RPG elements scattered throughout the game. There are some really lovable characters, and the combat and abilities are fun to use.
If you’re looking for your next fix of the Mana series, choose Dawn of Mana!
ICO
As the spiritual predecessor to Shadow of the Colossus, Ico is a fantastic game. It’s a difficult game but incredibly rewarding as you progress through, completing puzzles as you go. Be warned, though, as it can get quite emotional and will hit you right in the feels.
Playing as Ico, you have to escort Yorda through difficult terrain, a variety of obstacles, and puzzles to ensure his safety. Be prepared to get attached to these characters.
Shadow of the Colossus
While Shadow of the Colossus did receive a remake for the PS4, it is overall a revered game and is known as one of the classics in some regards. That statement is true, and the world of Shadow of the Colossus is phenomenal. It’s grand, with a fantastic story and some incredible creatures along the way.
If you’re looking for a tearjerker of a game, this game has an incredible but emotionally charged story as you make your way through the world killing colossal beasts.
That concludes our underrated PS2 games list. Do you agree with our choices?
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