The PlayStation 2 (PS2) was released in 2000 and quickly became one of the most popular gaming consoles of all time. With its impressive library of games, it's no wonder that the PS2 has sold over 155 million units worldwide. As a graphic designer, I appreciate games with great visuals and design elements. In this review, I'll be sharing my top picks for the best PlayStation 2 games that not only have great graphics, but also provide an immersive gaming experience.
Without further ado, let's dive into my top picks for the best PlayStation 2 games:
Shadow of the Colossus
Shadow of the Colossus is a classic PlayStation 2 game that was released in 2005. It's an action-adventure game that follows the story of a young man named Wander who must defeat 16 colossi in order to save his love. What makes this game so unique is the stunning visuals and the sense of scale that it provides. Each colossus is massive and requires a different strategy to defeat. The game also has a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that adds to the overall atmosphere. Shadow of the Colossus is a must-play for anyone who appreciates great visuals and a captivating story.
Visuals and Design
The visuals in Shadow of the Colossus are breathtaking. The environments are vast and detailed, while the colossi are massive and intimidating. The game also has a unique art style that sets it apart from other games of its time. The design elements of the game are also well thought out. The colossi each have their own unique design and require a different strategy to defeat. The game also has a minimalist UI that doesn't distract from the gameplay.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Shadow of the Colossus is simple but effective. The controls are easy to learn, and the game does a great job of teaching the player how to defeat each colossus. The game also has a sense of scale that is unmatched by any other game of its time. Each colossus is massive and requires the player to climb and find weak points in order to defeat them. The game also has a great sense of exploration, with vast environments to explore and secrets to discover.
Story
The story of Shadow of the Colossus is simple but effective. The player takes on the role of Wander, who must defeat 16 colossi in order to save his love. The story is told through cutscenes and minimal dialogue, but it's still able to create a sense of emotion and urgency. The ending of the game is also one of the most iconic in gaming history and is sure to stick with the player long after they've finished the game.
Okami
Okami is a unique PlayStation 2 game that was released in 2006. It's an action-adventure game that follows the story of Amaterasu, a wolf goddess who must save the world from darkness. What makes this game so unique is the art style and the gameplay mechanics. The game is set in a world inspired by Japanese mythology and folklore, and the visuals are reminiscent of traditional Japanese ink paintings. The game also has a unique gameplay mechanic where the player must use a magical paintbrush to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Okami is a must-play for anyone who appreciates great visuals and innovative gameplay mechanics.
Visuals and Design
The visuals in Okami are some of the best on the PlayStation 2. The game's art style is inspired by traditional Japanese ink paintings, and it's executed perfectly. The environments are detailed and vibrant, while the character designs are unique and memorable. The game also has a great sense of style, with each area of the game having its own unique look and feel.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Okami is innovative and fun. The player takes on the role of Amaterasu, a wolf goddess who must use a magical paintbrush to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. The paintbrush mechanic is unique and adds a new layer to the gameplay. The game also has a great sense of exploration, with vast environments to explore and secrets to discover. The combat is also well done, with each enemy having its own unique weaknesses and strengths.
Story
The story of Okami is engaging and full of charm. The player takes on the role of Amaterasu, a wolf goddess who must save the world from darkness. The story is told through cutscenes and dialogue, and it's full of memorable characters and moments. The game also has a great sense of humor, with many of the characters being quirky and fun.
Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X is a classic PlayStation 2 game that was released in 2001. It's a role-playing game that follows the story of Tidus, a star athlete who finds himself transported to the world of Spira. What makes this game so great is the visuals and the storytelling. The game was one of the first on the PlayStation 2 to use fully 3D environments and character models. The game also has a compelling story that deals with themes of loss, love, and sacrifice. Final Fantasy X is a must-play for anyone who appreciates great storytelling and immersive RPG gameplay.
Visuals and Design
The visuals in Final Fantasy X are some of the best on the PlayStation 2. The game uses fully 3D environments and character models, which was a big step up from the 2D backgrounds of previous Final Fantasy games. The character designs are memorable, with each character having their own unique look and feel. The game also has a great sense of style, with each area of the game having its own unique look and feel.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Final Fantasy X is classic RPG gameplay. The game uses a turn-based combat system that is easy to learn but difficult to master. The game also has a great sense of exploration, with vast environments to explore and secrets to discover. The game also has a unique character progression system, where each character has their own unique sphere grid that they can progress through.
Story
The story of Final Fantasy X is engaging and full of emotion. The player takes on the role of Tidus, a star athlete who finds himself transported to the world of Spira. The story deals with themes of loss, love, and sacrifice, and it's full of memorable moments and characters. The game also has a great sense of world-building, with a rich history and mythology to discover.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a classic PlayStation 2 game that was released in 2003. It's an action-adventure game that follows the story of the Prince, who must use the power of the Sands of Time to save his kingdom. What makes this game so great is the gameplay mechanics and the storytelling. The game has a unique time-manipulation mechanic that allows the player to rewind time and try again if they make a mistake. The game also has a great story that deals with themes of betrayal and redemption. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a must-play for anyone who appreciates innovative gameplay mechanics and great storytelling.
Visuals and Design
The visuals in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time are impressive. The environments are detailed and well-designed, while the character designs are unique and memorable. The game also has a great sense of style, with each area of the game having its own unique look and feel. The game also has a minimalist UI that doesn't distract from the gameplay.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is innovative and fun. The game has a unique time-manipulation mechanic that allows the player to rewind time and try again if they make a mistake. The game also has a great sense of exploration, with vast environments to explore and secrets to discover. The combat is also well done, with a focus on acrobatics and timing.
Story
The story of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is engaging and full of twists and turns. The player takes on the role of the Prince, who must use the power of the Sands of Time to save his kingdom. The story deals with themes of betrayal and redemption, and it's full of memorable moments and characters. The game also has a great sense of humor, with the Prince being a likable and charismatic protagonist.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a classic PlayStation 2 game that was released in 2004. It's an open-world action-adventure game that follows the story of Carl Johnson, who returns to his hometown of Los Santos after his mother's murder. What makes this game so great is the vast open world and the sense of freedom that it provides. The game also has a great story that deals with themes of family, loyalty, and betrayal. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a must-play for anyone who appreciates open-world games and great storytelling.
Visuals and Design
The visuals in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas are impressive. The game has a massive open world that is full of detail and variety. The character designs are also well done,