What semi-unknown gems are there on the PS2?

[Archaic]

I had tons of GameRush credit and, even though I long ago traded my PS2 in for an X-box, I got the new, sleeker PS2 today. I basically got it for Ratchet and Clank, a game which obviously will not be released for X-box, but it's one that holds a special place in my mind.

But I don't want to have simply one game, and I love the fun, overlooked games that the PSOne had (like Kagero: Deception and Wild 9).

Can anyone name some great but overlooked games for the PS2 that they have enjoyed? The only request I have is that they not be available on the X-box as well. Viewtiful Joe would be a good example, but I'm mostly looking for diamonds in the rough, like that one, um, board game (?) that was like Magic: The Gathering...? Wasn't it Pucelle Tactics or something?

Thanks in advance,
Archaic

[xzafixz]

I think the boardgame you are talking about is Culdcept. It is more of a cult favorite than a diamond in the rough, you either really love it or think it's a little weird.

[Ledhed]

Do yourself a favor and buy Katamari Damacy. Shit, buy two.

[Rodego]

Do yourself a favor and buy Katamari Damacy. Shit, buy two.

Yeah, you should buy that

[scsg75]

yeah, Katamari Damacy is a good choice. Gitaroo Man is another.

[Ugamer_X]

Katamari Damacy, Rez, Ico, Robot Alchemic Drive, Everblue 2, Gungrave 1+2, Mark of Kri, Rygar, Wipeout Fusion, War of the Monsters, Escape from Monkey Island, Gitaroo Man, and Stretch Panic.

[Wlogan31]

GTA: SA....oh wait, you wanted GOOD games that WEREN'T that popular...

Guess I read that post COMPLETELY wrong ;)

[Rodimus]

Someone wrote Robot Alchemic Drive (RAD) and their's Sky Gunner. A great anime flight sim. And it really cheap too.

[Archaic]

Yes, Culdcept, that was it. Thank you.

Thanks for the lists so far. I've heard Gitaroo Man is good. What about the Drum Master game? And is Wipeout Fusion more similar to WipeOut, XL, or Wipeout 3?

[zionoverfire]

I think the boardgame you are talking about is Culdcept. It is more of a cult favorite than a diamond in the rough, you either really love it or think it's a little weird.

Or hate is with a passion, well not quite a passion because I got it for $10 and traded it off for something I wanted, but yeah its really repetitive.

[Gameboy415]

Yes, Culdcept, that was it. Thank you.

Thanks for the lists so far. I've heard Gitaroo Man is good. What about the Drum Master game? And is Wipeout Fusion more similar to WipeOut, XL, or Wipeout 3?

Drum Master is AMAZING. So much fun. Get it if you dig music games.

[rebenns]

Downhill Domination is pretty cool; it's like SSX with mountain bikes. Ico is really good - definitely get that for sure. You may also want to check out Maximo. Oh, and if you like fighters, you MUST get Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution. If you like gun games, look into anything in the Time Crisis series. They're the best light gun games of this generation (and would be ever, if it weren't for the PS1 Point Blank series), and come with the best, most accurate light gun ever. Finally, if you like RPG's (other than Final Fantasy) check out Xenosaga, Wild Arms 3, and Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits.

[Tromack]

You know what game I love that everyone else hates? XGRA.

It isn't the best game ever, but the sense of speed is spectacular. Sure it becomes close to impossible to control when you get going really fast, but that is part of the thrill. If you do find yourself in control for more than 2 seconds you feel like a badass.

Do yourself a favor and pick it up. It is pretty much $5 everywhere.

[dopa345]

For the love of God, get Culdcept! It's my favorite PS2 game in my collection. I have over 50 games yet Culdcept is the only PS2 game I play consistently. Also at $11.99 at Ebgames used, it's a steal.

[hiccupleftovers]

Culdcept, the Nippon Ichi Trilogy which consists of La Pucelle tactics, Disgaea, Phantom Brave,l Rez (there should be a re-relaease soon), Ico, War of the Monsters, Zoe of the Enders 1/2, Robot Alchemic Drive (i got this one at the CC sale for $5.) greate game if you like Enix's is style of games, Katamari Damaci, Mark of Kri, Rygar.

[schultzed]

Katamari Damacy, Rez, Ico, Robot Alchemic Drive, Everblue 2, Gungrave 1+2, Mark of Kri, Rygar, Wipeout Fusion, War of the Monsters, Escape from Monkey Island, Gitaroo Man, and Stretch Panic.

This is a very good list: Ico, RAD, Rygar (a really nice extension of the classic), War of Monsters . . . all available and are excellent choices.

Disaster Report is another quirky game on the system.

Metal Arms (for all systems) is a terrific game and somewhat unknown. Definitely fits the mode of Ratchet and Clank

[hiccupleftovers]

The Eyetoy games are pretty fun and are exclusive. Time Crissi games. down Hill Dominationis a must for anyone with a PS2 Imo. That game is so much fun.

[beerguy961]

Katamari Damacy, Rez, Ico, Robot Alchemic Drive, Everblue 2, Gungrave 1+2, Mark of Kri, Rygar, Wipeout Fusion, War of the Monsters, Escape from Monkey Island, Gitaroo Man, and Stretch Panic.

This is a very good list: Ico, RAD, Rygar (a really nice extension of the classic), War of Monsters . . . all available and are excellent choices.

Disaster Report is another quirky game on the system.

Metal Arms (for all systems) is a terrific game and somewhat unknown. Definitely fits the mode of Ratchet and Clank

I was going to mention ICO as well. Good and cheap, the true CAG game...

[AnthonyRoundtree]

Sub Rebellion

(of course everything else mentioned here is great.... but this one... this one deserves Gem status)

[Machine]

Yawn. Rez...RAD...Ico...The same games get brought up every time someone asks for buried treasures. How about some creativity people? There are LOTS of good games out there that flew under the radar. Other worthy titles include Road Trip, Metropolismania, Seek & Destroy, Ribbit King, Bombastic, Dual Hearts, Adventures of Cookie & Cream, and Drakan II. There are plenty of other good games but I'm tired of typing now.

[JohnnyDrama]

How about Kinetica? I've heard it's good, but I've never been able to come across a copy.

[hiccupleftovers]

Yawn. Rez...RAD...Ico...The same games get brought up every time someone asks for buried treasures. How about some creativity people? There are LOTS of good games out there that flew under the radar. Other worthy titles include Road Trip, Metropolismania, Seek & Destroy, Ribbit King, Bombastic, Dual Hearts, Adventures of Cookie & Cream, and Drakan II. There are plenty of other good games but I'm tired of typing now.

I must say that all the usuals have been said because they are good games. Sure those are some obscure titles but I must say taht Metropolismania was horrible as was Seek and Destroy. Road Trip was so-so but if you must say a car battle why not twisted Metal: Black ( the grandaddy of all car battlers) or Roadkill. Dual Hearts is pretty good as is the Adventures of Cookie and Cream. Drakan isn't bad either. the best one from you list is Bombastic. Incredible board/party/puzzle game. I hope this post doesn't sound like flaming because it wasn't intended to be one but rather just a critic/analyze/evaluate your list since it seemed that you mocked everybody else is.

[hiccupleftovers]

Kinetica isn't bad but it takes some time to get used to the controls which are very annoying. I liked it but it's a hit or miss type of game with most people. I picked one up at the CC sale.

[Machine]

My post wasn't meant as mockery. It just gets tiresome hearing the same thing time after time when there ARE other good games out there that never get mentioned in favor of the big four or five. As for your criticisms of the games I mentioned, most of them (except Metropolismania) got some pretty decent reviews when they came out. Road Trip actually gets an 80 if you check it out on Metacritic. I find myself holding budget titles to a different standard. I am rarely disappointed by a $10 or $20 game but I am frequently let down by $50 games.

[FriskyTanuki]

There are still a few that have been missed. Magic Pengel is a pretty good game that can be hard to find, but usually you can find one at a GS or EB. It breaks my heart to see sealed Jade Cocoon 2s being traded around here, it's a great RPG that is vastly overlooked by most RPG fans. If you like Pokemon-esque games, or even Studio Ghibli films, this is the game for you. I'll add Klonoa 2 because not a lot of people have played it because of the small release numbers. It's a great platformer that is a lot of fun and very simple. I'd add Roadkill, but it's also on Xbox, though you should still get it.

[JEKKI]

Shinobi is the greatest rawest game ever.

you cant handle it! you just cant! back off!

[nachzeher]

Shadow Hearts

[cheapass Gundam]

I recommend Shadow of Destiny by Konami. A truly unique time traveling mystery adventure.

[hero_icon_rolemodel]

Freedom Fighters

[blackjaw]

Katamari Damacy, Rez, Ico, Robot Alchemic Drive, Everblue 2, Gungrave 1+2, Mark of Kri, Rygar, Wipeout Fusion, War of the Monsters, Escape from Monkey Island, Gitaroo Man, and Stretch Panic.

dude, i loved everblue 2...i dont care how gay people thought it was..hehhe

[PapiChullo]

Katamari Damacy, Rez, Ico, Robot Alchemic Drive, Everblue 2, Gungrave 1+2, Mark of Kri, Rygar, Wipeout Fusion, War of the Monsters, Escape from Monkey Island, Gitaroo Man, and Stretch Panic.

Rygar is a great recommendation. I've had the game for a while, but just started playing through it and it's a great game. I was really surprised when I couldn't put it down. And you can probably get it cheap.

[Archaic]

Thanks for your recommendations, folks. I just got back from EB and GameRush where I bought the following, based on your advice: Culdcept, Rygar, ICO, Road Trip, and Gun Grave 1.

Total Spent? About $40 (I had an EB coupon from playing that stupid car game)

The ones that still intrigue me are:

Katamari Damaci- This seems to be a board favorite, but is it loved due to the unique premise, or the fact that it's a good, fun game? I ask because I've seen many games fail to live up to their concepts. I'm really interested, though.

Shadow of Destiny- Is this an adventure game? I'd heard good things.

Drum Master- Anyone get this on the cheap anywhere?

Jade Cocoon 2- I liked the first one. How's the story?

La Pucelle- Having difficulty finding this cheap...

Thanks again! :D

[schultzed]

Its an odd position to say that the listed games make up a boring list . . . trying to find diamonds in the rough that are really hunks of coal doesn't make sense.

Yeah, there are unknown games that are usually listed . . . but the reality is that those are the good games that are slightly overlooked.

HEY! I KNOW A GAME THAT IS OVERLOOKED BY EVERYONE! TUROK (ps2, gc, and xbox)!!!

(Do not blame me if you actually buy this turd . . . I'm being sarcastic.)

Klonoa 2 is a really neat game if you like platformers!!

http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/200568.asp

Ebgames.com has 17 copies for $20 ($17 shipped free with SAVER and CAG15 codes . . . 10% more if you have the EDGE card).

[FriskyTanuki]

The Jade Cocoon 2 story is good, nothing spectacular, but there is voice acting, so the cutscenes look pretty good. I really enjoyed it, so next time you see it get it.

[Rig]

La Pucelle shouldn't be too hard to buy right here off CAG if you don't mind doing it that way. I've seen it go for around $27-$30 here on the boards. I got mine sealed off of here for $28 shipped! I liked Sky Gunner. It's a very cool anime shooter. Parappa the Rapper 2 was okay, and it is under $10, but the first was way better, IMO.

[hiccupleftovers]

My post wasn't meant as mockery. It just gets tiresome hearing the same thing time after time when there ARE other good games out there that never get mentioned in favor of the big four or five. As for your criticisms of the games I mentioned, most of them (except Metropolismania) got some pretty decent reviews when they came out. Road Trip actually gets an 80 if you check it out on Metacritic. I find myself holding budget titles to a different standard. I am rarely disappointed by a $10 or $20 game but I am frequently let down by $50 games.

Aww understood, Valid points. I just feel that the ones already mentioned are truly great games that are overlooked by the masses but have been wholy accepted by sites like this one and that is the only way that the word has spread. It's kind of a cult type of a thing.. I would like to add a couple more to the list, Rez (not sure if it has been mentioned), Silpheed (pretty fun after you get used to the controls), Beyond Good and Evil, and I had one other in mind but I can't hink of it now.

[GuilewasNK]

It may be late but I recommend Battle Engine Aquila. It's a mech-type game that kind of flew under most people's radars and I think it is pretty cool.

[willardhaven]

I was going to say Klonoa 2, it's wonderful.

Ring of Red is good if you like FM4

I'll mention Breath of Fire Dragon Quarter, because people tend to overlook it when they mention good RPGs.

Also, people tell me disaster report is really good.

EDIT: Does anyone know how Herdy Gerdy was? I haven't heard anything about it.

[Gameboy415]

Katamari Damaci- This seems to be a board favorite, but is it loved due to the unique premise, or the fact that it's a good, fun game? I ask because I've seen many games fail to live up to their concepts. I'm really interested, though.

Drum Master- Anyone get this on the cheap anywhere?



Katamari Damacy is the best $20 (well $15 after GGC ;) ) I've EVER spent. It has probably the greatest in-game soundtrack ever, and the game is a fucking blast. You won't be disappointed.

As for Taiko Drum Master, the best price I've found is actually on Blockbuster's website. Its only $49.99, and with the cheapest shipping + tax it comes out to around $55-57ish. Great price for a great game.

[safer_sephiroth]

legacy of kain games are great ones.

[nikkai]

Suikoden!!! Ahhh! My favoritestestest RPG triology. Keep in mind, not favorite single RPG, but triology so far.

Do yourself a favor, get number one for cheap, scour pawn shops and garage sales for number 2 cheap, and grab Suikoden 3 cheap before it goes crazy when number four comes out.

Winning Eleven 7! THE best soccer game. Ever. Period. (In America)

[RELmajor03]

I've been playing Headhunter (the first, not the second) lately. I really like it; nice stealth action, good gameplay and story. The only thing bothers me about it is camera control; still, if you need something to keep you busy until the new MGS is out, pick it up.

[captaincold]

Don't forget that the PS2 in Backwards compatible with Ps1 Games. U can find LOTS of weird/good game for the ps1 for under $10. Here's a few:

Pong - Yep the pong
Silhouette Mirage - 2d Treasure game
Incredible Crisis - Japanese Game Localized
N20 - Trippy Game

Here's a few PS2 games noone mentioned:

Aqua Aqua - Water based PUzzle game
Mister Mosquito - cool game

[hiccupleftovers]

If we are speaking of ps1 games than pick up FF Chronicles for Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross its sequel. They are vastly known but still, they are IMO the greatest turn-based RPGs ever made.

[spongebolton]

people always look at me weirdly when i mention it, but i actually liked fantavision. (people are usually more weirded out when i say i paid full price for it at ps2 launch, and it was the only game i bought at launch) it's an odd game that can be beaten quickly once you've figured out how to link together big chains, but it's dirt cheap now and worth a try, i feel.

[road3283]

If you like platformers check out Kya: Dark Lineage.

I had a lot of fun playing it. Should be able to score it cheap somewhere.

[sononkyo]

wow, thanks for all the esoteric puzzle ps2 games. Keep them coming!

[Archaic]

I'd thought about Mister Mosquito (the same way I'd thought about Katamari Damacy: interested but reluctant). Anyone have any firsthand experience with it?

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I've never played Crono Cross, but I loved Crono Trigger. And I was a bit turned off of Suikoden after the first one (a little too juvenile, it seemed to me, but it may have gotten better), but thanks again for replying.

On a bright note, I hear that MGS3 recaptures the glory of MGS after the MGS2 debacle. Hopefully this is true.

[RELmajor03]

I've never played Crono Cross, but I loved Crono Trigger.
I'd recommend Chrono Cross. I really liked Chrono Trigger (but then who didn't?), and Chrono Cross, while being very different in many ways, still has a good story. I dunno; a lot of people don't like it, but then, a lot of people like Gran Turismo 3, so go figure.

[xenoman80]

guilty gear 1 and or 2

[ragtop70]

MGS2 debacle? Are you knucking futz?
I was going to recommend against Ico and Gungrave, but you obviously don't know what a good game is.

[WildWop]

Road Trip was so-so but if you must say a car battle why not twisted Metal: Black ( the grandaddy of all car battlers) or Road Trip.

Read that through a few times and tell me why it made me laugh.

[hiccupleftovers]

Road Trip was so-so but if you must say a car battle why not twisted Metal: Black ( the grandaddy of all car battlers) or Road Trip.

Read that through a few times and tell me why it made me laugh.

thanks WildWop I saw the mistake the first read through. It should have said Roadkill and not Road Trip. I'll go and change it now.

[FriskyTanuki]

Road Trip was so-so but if you must say a car battle why not twisted Metal: Black ( the grandaddy of all car battlers) or Road Trip.

Read that through a few times and tell me why it made me laugh.

thanks WildWop I saw the mistake the first read through. It should have said Roadkill and not Road Trip. I'll go and change it now.

I love Roadkill, definitely a good game that mixes TM and GTA.

[PhrostByte]

If you like extreme sports games get Aggressive Inline, it's the cheap mans Tony Hawk (except with inline skates lol)... Anyway yea it's pretty good. I agree with most of the other posters here... except I think N2O sucks. I haven't played Klonoa 2 but 1 is amazing...

I have a lot of games and have played a dozen more but nothing is registering in my mind right now. Recently I've just been playing San Andreas :P

[Archaic]

Ragtop, I've been doing this for awhile. Mega Man 2 was a great game. Ultima 7 was a great game. Half-life was a great game. Mario 64 was a great game, as was Metal Gear Solid 1. But MGS2 was disapointing, and I'm far from the only MGS fan who felt it so.

Anyways, so both Road Trip and Roadkill are okay?

[ragtop70]

Honestly, I do not recommend Gungrave or Ico. I seem to be in the minority on this board when it comes to Ico.
I cannot think of any "diamonds in the ruff." Gran Turismo 3 is really good and only $4.99 used from Gamestop right now, but is hardly unheard of. There's definitely nothing on par with Mega Man 2. That game is awesome. Maybe the Mega Man Anniversary Collection if it's true to the original.
I wasn't meaning to crap in your thread to begin with, but I really liked MGS2 and I really didn't like Ico.

[opportunity777]

Ring of Red

[FriskyTanuki]

Honestly, I do not recommend Gungrave or Ico. I seem to be in the minority on this board when it comes to Ico.
I cannot think of any "diamonds in the ruff." Gran Turismo 3 is really good and only $4.99 used from Gamestop right now, but is hardly unheard of. There's definitely nothing on par with Mega Man 2. That game is awesome. Maybe the Mega Man Anniversary Collection if it's true to the original.
I wasn't meaning to crap in your thread to begin with, but I really liked MGS2 and I really didn't like Ico.

Gungrave's a good game, especially if you get it for cheap($5 CC sale). Ico is widely recognized as one of the best games that goes unappreciated.

[lurknomore]

Ico is getting to the point where it is so under-rated, that the game is starting to become over-rated. No foolin.

[Archaic]

Yeah, I've noticed that happens sometimes. For instance, people sing the praises of Metal Arms as being underappreciated, but I really didn't think much of it.

Ragtop, I understand. When people knock games I like (i.e. Vandal Hearts), I get annoyed too. I just thought MGS2 had so many great gameplay features that I only got to use once or twice at most; I wanted more time dedicated to gameplay and less to Codec. But I can see how people could be drawn in by the Codec dialogues.

[MrBrando]

I'd have to say one of my favorite games on PS2 was Deus Ex, sure the graphics sucked and it came out for the PC first but man that story kicked ass and I thought the gameplay was great. I usually get bored being stealthy in games and go on a killing spree, but not with this game. Also it can be found really cheap now.

[jngx80]

I just started playing Metal Arms and it's good. But I usually don't play shooters only experience is with Timesplitters 2 and 007:Everything or Nothing (both were awesome). Not sure how Metal Arms earned a 8.3 great on gamespot.com

I picked up Haven for $5 and will start playing that sometime. Is it any good?

[lurknomore]

I just started playing Metal Arms and it's good. But I usually don't play shooters only experience is with Timesplitters 2 and 007:Everything or Nothing (both were awesome). Not sure how Metal Arms earned a 8.3 great on gamespot.com

I picked up Haven for $5 and will start playing that sometime. Is it any good?

Haven and Kya are both ok.....but while you are playing it, there are moments that you enjoy...but for the most part you are thinking, I guess that I should keep going in case there is a great video game moment....when you are done, you have to sit and think....what did I just play, not because it is bad, but because they are both so unmemorable. Not great, just ok.

[hiccupleftovers]

Kya was better than I had thought. I found it to be more fun than Haven but really they are both just o.k. and nothing stellar or spectacular that'll blow your socks off. Fun to take some time away.

[camoor]

theres this one game - something like Grand Theft Car No. Three (help with the name?) but it was pretty fun. I think its about a guy who blows up cars or something.

[PhrozenFire]

Beyong Good and Evil was widely praised by critics and sold a grand total of about 13 copies so you can get it pretty cheap. ALSO: GET SAN ANDREAS or maybe Vice City if you don't have the dough.