20 GREAT PS2 Games You've Probably Never Played
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VOICE OVER: Ty Richardson
WRITTEN BY: Ty Richardson
The PS2 had a lot of great games, which means some got overlooked. Welcome to MojoPlays, and today, we're taking a look at 20 great PlayStation 2 games you probably never played before! Our list of great PlayStation 2 games you've never played includes “Metal Arms: Glitch in the System” (2003), “Oni” (2001), “Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy” (2004), “Urban Reign” (2005), and more!
Welcome to MojoPlays, and today, we’re taking a look at 20 great PlayStation 2 games you probably never played before!
On the surface, “I-Ninja” looks like some dumb kiddie fare trying to look cool and action-packed. It’s so easy to talk the talk, but walking the walk is a different story, and it does so rather well. “I-Ninja”, though simple in design, manages to provide enough depth to keep the gameplay interesting while gradually bumping up the difficulty over time. It isn’t too tough, it isn’t too easy, but it’s right in the center where just about any player can enjoy it regardless of age. Plus, the music helps encapsulate that feeling of being a badass ninja!
Don’t be fooled by the look of “Psi-Ops”. While it does look like another one of those bizarre shooter games like “F.E.A.R.”, there is much more than meets the eye. As amnesiac spy Nick Scryer, you will utilize a variety of psychic abilities to bring down a malicious terrorist organization. Thanks to the then-revolutionary physics engine, Havok 2.0, “Psi-Ops” allows you to create the ragdoll power fantasy of your dreams. Let loose, have fun, and turn every enemy you see into your plaything.
There were so many fantastic racing games on PS2 that many others were bound to get overlooked. “Rumble Racing” was among those that never got its moment in the spotlight, which is a real shame. Whereas many racing games focused on simulation or kart racing, “Rumble Racing” took arcade racing and added some more elements for vehicular combat. Do tricks to get a boost, use power-ups to take down opponents, all with engines roaring and drivers ready to take home the gold. Why EA didn’t try to advertise this more is beyond us, especially given the critical praise it received at launch.
“Chulip” might be the most wonderfully weird game you’ll see on this list. In this comedy adventure game, you play as a young man who tries to win the affection of a young lady with a simple love letter. Just one problem: the letter has been stolen! With the power of kisses, you must track down the thief while becoming the best man of the neighborhood. Yes, it is an incredibly weird game, but the various scenarios you’ll find Chulip in are absolutely hilarious. If you still have a PS3, it is still available for purchase through the PlayStation Store for ten bucks.
Tank games are a dime a dozen these days, but before online gaming became a staple of console gaming, there were some awesome tank games! “Seek And Destroy” was among the best and most underappreciated. This was THE tank game to play on PS2! In addition to a fun campaign and solid gameplay, “Seek And Destroy” boasted more than a whopping ONE HUNDRED tanks for you to commandeer and blow up enemies with. With destructible environments providing only temporary cover, this game demanded a good balance of strategy and total warfare on your part.
When it comes to a video game based on the “Peanuts” comic strips, our expectations can only go so high. But honestly, “Snoopy vs. The Red Baron” is an immensely fun dogfighting game, more so than some gave it credit for at launch. With a delightful campaign that doesn’t overstay its welcome and a roster composed of just about the entire “Peanuts” cast”, this was one of the biggest surprises we saw on PS2. It was simple fun with some explosive dogfighting and lighthearted mayhem. It almost makes us feel bad that not every platform got to see this title.
Unlike many other games from the early- to mid-2000’s, “BloodRayne” has had the fortunate opportunity of finding new audiences thanks to getting a couple of remasters for modern hardware. Why is it worth your time? Well, you get to play as a sexy half-vampire lady with some crazy, brutal powers. You can even use dudes as a meat shield as you’re sucking their blood! Sure, the controls may come off a little arcade-y, but for the most part, this is one of the best vampire games you could play!
“Whiplash” has got to be one of the most out-of-pocket games we have ever played! In this action-platformer, you take control of Spanx the Weasel and use your buddy, Redmond the Rabbit, to bash scientists and solve puzzles as you try to escape an animal testing facility. Even though it doesn’t do anything super innovative, the charm and personality on display makes this an incredibly fun title to experience. It’s just such a shame that “Whiplash” never got the attention it truly deserved.
While we’re on the subject of cartoon animals, “Looney Tunes” has seen its own helping of excellent video games. On the PS2, we did have “Space Race”, but the game based on the “Looney Tunes: Back in Action” movie was truly looney. Rather than follow and adapt the flick beat for beat, “Back in Action” was like an evolved “Time Busters”; explore wondrous environments as Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck in your quest to retrieve the legendary Blue Monkey from the evil Acme Corporation. It’s as basic as that, and with all the gags you’ve come to expect from “Looney Tunes”, you’re guaranteed to have a great time with this title!
Throughout the PS2’s lifespan, Namco tried desperately to take the refined combat of “Tekken” and turn it into a beat ‘em up. Say what you will about Tekken Force, but “Urban Reign” got the closest to nailing it. With original characters (and two “Tekken” guest characters), “Urban Reign” brought a fresh new cast and setting to potentially sell the idea. While many did not bite, those who did found a brawler that was incredibly fun to play with friends. Yes, the controls do take time to grasp, but once you get the hang of the basics, you’ll be beating down thugs in no time. Perhaps with some more depth, it would have garnered more attention.
“Metal Arms” was robbed of every ounce of success it could have had had Sierra Entertainment marketed this game more than they did. Come on, a third-person shooter set in the midst of a robot war? And it has hilarious writing and top-notch voice acting from some of the best actors in the industry? AND an excellent multiplayer mode and mechanics tied around possessing enemy robots!? This was one of the biggest diamonds in the rough back in 2003, and not a single soul in the media was talking about it. Straight robbery, man. You owe it to yourself to track down a copy and experience this gem.
Atari was really struggling throughout the 2000’s, but among the many middling titles they shoveled out was a treasure worth digging up. “Kya: Dark Lineage” was their attempt at an epic action-adventure game where a young woman uses the elements of wind to explore, solve puzzles, and fight bad guys. It was perhaps their most creative title the company had put out in years, and unfortunately, it did not receive much attention from the press. As for customers, who can say; sales numbers were never given out for “Kya: Dark Lineage”, and so many slept on what could have been a cult classic.
This might be one of the weirdest shooters we have ever played. Seriously, where else are you going to find a six-legged dog sporting pistols in four arms? “MDK2” boasts an immensely fun campaign where you take control of three characters, each with their own mechanics to change up the way you play. Whether you like platforming, shooting, or puzzles, “MDK2” offered up plenty of exciting scenarios and ways to play. And hey, when you manage to outclass your original PC iteration, you deserve the praise. We only wish it had sold more. Maybe we would have gotten an “MDK3” by now.
Many of us will forever lament the cancellation of “Twisted Metal: Harbor City”, which was to take the franchise into an open world format much like “GTA”. But “RoadKill” managed to carry that torch and serve up an exhilarating package. Drive around Hell County and bring an end to the sinister gangs that have taken over the isolated district. Along the way, you’ll compete in races, bulk up your car with a variety of weapons, and of course, meet some of the deranged faction leaders. It was twisted, it was metal, and it was one of the most fun vehicular combat games we had played at the time.
There were a few “make your own game” games floating around during the PS2’s lifespan. Of them all, “Graffiti Kingdom” was one we wish more folks gave a try. You play as Prince Pixel, who accidentally frees a demon after taking the magical Graffiti Wand. To restore order, you will have to create your own party members. Draw their limbs, capture monsters to recruit to your cause, and more as you seek to imprison the evil menace once again. We know that the PS2 isn’t an ideal platform for drawing games such as this, but the concept and gameplay was too entertaining to let that spoil our time with it.
We don’t really get any fun spy thrillers in the gaming market anymore, much less any that are like “The Operative”. Inspired by 1960’s spy movies, players take on the role of Cate Archer, a secret agent working under the UNITY organization who travels the world fending off mad geniuses hellbent on global conquest. With excellent gunplay and fun gadgets to use, “The Operative” saw some unfair reviews when it was ported to PS2. Yes, the lack of multiplayer and quick saves did hurt, but it was still the same fun FPS we saw on PC. We dream of the day this game and its sequel finally get ported forward to modern hardware.
Did you ever think a game would be formed under a partnership between Bungie and Rockstar Games? Neither did we. But many remember “Oni” for good reason, and it’s kind of the same reason people play Bungie’s games today: it’s the combat. While critics complained about environmental details, players were too busy getting lost in the extensive amount of moves you could mix-up. It was a game that made you feel like a total badass! Sadly, sales were…less than stellar. Only a mere fifty thousand units were sold by the time the game was a year old. Don’t hold your breath for a sequel, but please, go and check it out for yourself if you can.
Perhaps it was a victim of the declining popularity in vehicular combat games, but “Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions” was insanely fun to play! As cops or spies, your mission is to follow, chase, or wreck those associated with a notorious yakuza in hopes of shutting the clan down. While the game did suffer from performance issues on PS2, it was still a blast smashing our car into enemies and replaying missions with a variety of other vehicles. If only we were still getting games like this one, but we’ll admit that maybe “Wreckless” was simply a product of its time.
Did anyone play this game? Probably not as the game was only ever released in Japan and Europe. What’s more is that “Gregory Horror Show” was based on anime that didn’t get much exposure to Western audiences. It is a fascinatingly strange game, albeit a fun one! Sneak up on and chase down various characters to capture their souls. It might get a bit stale when played for several hours, but for the most part, the visuals, mechanics, and humor make “Gregory Horror Show” an absolute delight!
Did you love “13 Sentinels”, “Odin Sphere”, or “Dragon’s Crown”? Then you absolutely MUST play “GrimGrimoire” as it was one of Vanillaware’s very first games! Unfortunately, it’s late release as the PlayStation 3 was taking off caused it to become a massive commercial flop. In this game, players can command groups of mythical creatures to save their school of wizardry. In between these missions, you will meet various teachers and fellow students with their own personalities and stories. Of course, “GrimGrimoire” also boasts some of the most breathtaking artwork Vanillaware has ever put out. If you haven’t played this for yourself and really want to, “GrimGrimoire” did get a remaster released in 2023; “GrimGrimoire OnceMore.”
What PS2 game do you feel like no one got to experience? Did it make our list? Let us know down in the comments below, and be sure to subscribe to MojoPlays for more great videos everyday!
“I-Ninja” (2003)
On the surface, “I-Ninja” looks like some dumb kiddie fare trying to look cool and action-packed. It’s so easy to talk the talk, but walking the walk is a different story, and it does so rather well. “I-Ninja”, though simple in design, manages to provide enough depth to keep the gameplay interesting while gradually bumping up the difficulty over time. It isn’t too tough, it isn’t too easy, but it’s right in the center where just about any player can enjoy it regardless of age. Plus, the music helps encapsulate that feeling of being a badass ninja!
“Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy” (2004)
Don’t be fooled by the look of “Psi-Ops”. While it does look like another one of those bizarre shooter games like “F.E.A.R.”, there is much more than meets the eye. As amnesiac spy Nick Scryer, you will utilize a variety of psychic abilities to bring down a malicious terrorist organization. Thanks to the then-revolutionary physics engine, Havok 2.0, “Psi-Ops” allows you to create the ragdoll power fantasy of your dreams. Let loose, have fun, and turn every enemy you see into your plaything.
“Rumble Racing” (2001)
There were so many fantastic racing games on PS2 that many others were bound to get overlooked. “Rumble Racing” was among those that never got its moment in the spotlight, which is a real shame. Whereas many racing games focused on simulation or kart racing, “Rumble Racing” took arcade racing and added some more elements for vehicular combat. Do tricks to get a boost, use power-ups to take down opponents, all with engines roaring and drivers ready to take home the gold. Why EA didn’t try to advertise this more is beyond us, especially given the critical praise it received at launch.
“Chulip” (2007)
“Chulip” might be the most wonderfully weird game you’ll see on this list. In this comedy adventure game, you play as a young man who tries to win the affection of a young lady with a simple love letter. Just one problem: the letter has been stolen! With the power of kisses, you must track down the thief while becoming the best man of the neighborhood. Yes, it is an incredibly weird game, but the various scenarios you’ll find Chulip in are absolutely hilarious. If you still have a PS3, it is still available for purchase through the PlayStation Store for ten bucks.
“Seek And Destroy” (2002)
Tank games are a dime a dozen these days, but before online gaming became a staple of console gaming, there were some awesome tank games! “Seek And Destroy” was among the best and most underappreciated. This was THE tank game to play on PS2! In addition to a fun campaign and solid gameplay, “Seek And Destroy” boasted more than a whopping ONE HUNDRED tanks for you to commandeer and blow up enemies with. With destructible environments providing only temporary cover, this game demanded a good balance of strategy and total warfare on your part.
“Snoopy vs. The Red Baron” (2006)
When it comes to a video game based on the “Peanuts” comic strips, our expectations can only go so high. But honestly, “Snoopy vs. The Red Baron” is an immensely fun dogfighting game, more so than some gave it credit for at launch. With a delightful campaign that doesn’t overstay its welcome and a roster composed of just about the entire “Peanuts” cast”, this was one of the biggest surprises we saw on PS2. It was simple fun with some explosive dogfighting and lighthearted mayhem. It almost makes us feel bad that not every platform got to see this title.
“BloodRayne” (2002)
Unlike many other games from the early- to mid-2000’s, “BloodRayne” has had the fortunate opportunity of finding new audiences thanks to getting a couple of remasters for modern hardware. Why is it worth your time? Well, you get to play as a sexy half-vampire lady with some crazy, brutal powers. You can even use dudes as a meat shield as you’re sucking their blood! Sure, the controls may come off a little arcade-y, but for the most part, this is one of the best vampire games you could play!
“Whiplash” (2003)
“Whiplash” has got to be one of the most out-of-pocket games we have ever played! In this action-platformer, you take control of Spanx the Weasel and use your buddy, Redmond the Rabbit, to bash scientists and solve puzzles as you try to escape an animal testing facility. Even though it doesn’t do anything super innovative, the charm and personality on display makes this an incredibly fun title to experience. It’s just such a shame that “Whiplash” never got the attention it truly deserved.
“Looney Tunes: Back in Action” (2003)
While we’re on the subject of cartoon animals, “Looney Tunes” has seen its own helping of excellent video games. On the PS2, we did have “Space Race”, but the game based on the “Looney Tunes: Back in Action” movie was truly looney. Rather than follow and adapt the flick beat for beat, “Back in Action” was like an evolved “Time Busters”; explore wondrous environments as Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck in your quest to retrieve the legendary Blue Monkey from the evil Acme Corporation. It’s as basic as that, and with all the gags you’ve come to expect from “Looney Tunes”, you’re guaranteed to have a great time with this title!
“Urban Reign” (2005)
Throughout the PS2’s lifespan, Namco tried desperately to take the refined combat of “Tekken” and turn it into a beat ‘em up. Say what you will about Tekken Force, but “Urban Reign” got the closest to nailing it. With original characters (and two “Tekken” guest characters), “Urban Reign” brought a fresh new cast and setting to potentially sell the idea. While many did not bite, those who did found a brawler that was incredibly fun to play with friends. Yes, the controls do take time to grasp, but once you get the hang of the basics, you’ll be beating down thugs in no time. Perhaps with some more depth, it would have garnered more attention.
“Metal Arms: Glitch in the System” (2003)
“Metal Arms” was robbed of every ounce of success it could have had had Sierra Entertainment marketed this game more than they did. Come on, a third-person shooter set in the midst of a robot war? And it has hilarious writing and top-notch voice acting from some of the best actors in the industry? AND an excellent multiplayer mode and mechanics tied around possessing enemy robots!? This was one of the biggest diamonds in the rough back in 2003, and not a single soul in the media was talking about it. Straight robbery, man. You owe it to yourself to track down a copy and experience this gem.
“Kya: Dark Lineage” (2003)
Atari was really struggling throughout the 2000’s, but among the many middling titles they shoveled out was a treasure worth digging up. “Kya: Dark Lineage” was their attempt at an epic action-adventure game where a young woman uses the elements of wind to explore, solve puzzles, and fight bad guys. It was perhaps their most creative title the company had put out in years, and unfortunately, it did not receive much attention from the press. As for customers, who can say; sales numbers were never given out for “Kya: Dark Lineage”, and so many slept on what could have been a cult classic.
“MDK 2: Armageddon” (2000)
This might be one of the weirdest shooters we have ever played. Seriously, where else are you going to find a six-legged dog sporting pistols in four arms? “MDK2” boasts an immensely fun campaign where you take control of three characters, each with their own mechanics to change up the way you play. Whether you like platforming, shooting, or puzzles, “MDK2” offered up plenty of exciting scenarios and ways to play. And hey, when you manage to outclass your original PC iteration, you deserve the praise. We only wish it had sold more. Maybe we would have gotten an “MDK3” by now.
“RoadKill” (2003)
Many of us will forever lament the cancellation of “Twisted Metal: Harbor City”, which was to take the franchise into an open world format much like “GTA”. But “RoadKill” managed to carry that torch and serve up an exhilarating package. Drive around Hell County and bring an end to the sinister gangs that have taken over the isolated district. Along the way, you’ll compete in races, bulk up your car with a variety of weapons, and of course, meet some of the deranged faction leaders. It was twisted, it was metal, and it was one of the most fun vehicular combat games we had played at the time.
“Graffiti Kingdom” (2005)
There were a few “make your own game” games floating around during the PS2’s lifespan. Of them all, “Graffiti Kingdom” was one we wish more folks gave a try. You play as Prince Pixel, who accidentally frees a demon after taking the magical Graffiti Wand. To restore order, you will have to create your own party members. Draw their limbs, capture monsters to recruit to your cause, and more as you seek to imprison the evil menace once again. We know that the PS2 isn’t an ideal platform for drawing games such as this, but the concept and gameplay was too entertaining to let that spoil our time with it.
“The Operative: No One Lives Forever” (2000)
We don’t really get any fun spy thrillers in the gaming market anymore, much less any that are like “The Operative”. Inspired by 1960’s spy movies, players take on the role of Cate Archer, a secret agent working under the UNITY organization who travels the world fending off mad geniuses hellbent on global conquest. With excellent gunplay and fun gadgets to use, “The Operative” saw some unfair reviews when it was ported to PS2. Yes, the lack of multiplayer and quick saves did hurt, but it was still the same fun FPS we saw on PC. We dream of the day this game and its sequel finally get ported forward to modern hardware.
“Oni” (2001)
Did you ever think a game would be formed under a partnership between Bungie and Rockstar Games? Neither did we. But many remember “Oni” for good reason, and it’s kind of the same reason people play Bungie’s games today: it’s the combat. While critics complained about environmental details, players were too busy getting lost in the extensive amount of moves you could mix-up. It was a game that made you feel like a total badass! Sadly, sales were…less than stellar. Only a mere fifty thousand units were sold by the time the game was a year old. Don’t hold your breath for a sequel, but please, go and check it out for yourself if you can.
“Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions” (2002)
Perhaps it was a victim of the declining popularity in vehicular combat games, but “Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions” was insanely fun to play! As cops or spies, your mission is to follow, chase, or wreck those associated with a notorious yakuza in hopes of shutting the clan down. While the game did suffer from performance issues on PS2, it was still a blast smashing our car into enemies and replaying missions with a variety of other vehicles. If only we were still getting games like this one, but we’ll admit that maybe “Wreckless” was simply a product of its time.
“Gregory Horror Show” (2003)
Did anyone play this game? Probably not as the game was only ever released in Japan and Europe. What’s more is that “Gregory Horror Show” was based on anime that didn’t get much exposure to Western audiences. It is a fascinatingly strange game, albeit a fun one! Sneak up on and chase down various characters to capture their souls. It might get a bit stale when played for several hours, but for the most part, the visuals, mechanics, and humor make “Gregory Horror Show” an absolute delight!
“GrimGrimoire” (2007)
Did you love “13 Sentinels”, “Odin Sphere”, or “Dragon’s Crown”? Then you absolutely MUST play “GrimGrimoire” as it was one of Vanillaware’s very first games! Unfortunately, it’s late release as the PlayStation 3 was taking off caused it to become a massive commercial flop. In this game, players can command groups of mythical creatures to save their school of wizardry. In between these missions, you will meet various teachers and fellow students with their own personalities and stories. Of course, “GrimGrimoire” also boasts some of the most breathtaking artwork Vanillaware has ever put out. If you haven’t played this for yourself and really want to, “GrimGrimoire” did get a remaster released in 2023; “GrimGrimoire OnceMore.”
What PS2 game do you feel like no one got to experience? Did it make our list? Let us know down in the comments below, and be sure to subscribe to MojoPlays for more great videos everyday!
