Even with the Ps2 approaching the end of its life (debatable) and the Ps3 right around the corner, the next few months are perhaps the best time to purchase a Ps2 and start investing in what you missed out on the past few years and even if you already have a Ps2, here’s some great buys for games you might missed out on; all under 20 bucks.
The Jak Trilogy
The Jak trilogy includes Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, Jak 2 and Jak 3; all of which are now under the greatest hits label which are a testament to the quality of each game in the series. Action adventure at its finest, each game is a veritable gem with each title going for under $10 if you’re willing to look hard enough for them.
Metal Gear Solid Series
Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3, along with both of their updated editions are classics in terms of gaming-those unlucky enough to have played these, but had the chance to play through The Twin Snakes surely will oodle at the chance to play these two games and with Metal Gear Solid 4 to be released on the Ps3, there’s never been a better time to catch up on the engrossing story and amazing game play.
Final Fantasy X
Voted by Famitsu readers, the harshest rating magazine in perhaps the world, as their number one game of all time while the reviewers left it one point from a perfect score at 39 out of 40 Final Fantasy X is a classic. Also under the greatest hits label, the game is easily found anywhere without a problem. An extremely unique leveling system devoid of senseless battle after battle and a surprisingly deep and complex storyline, FFX isn’t a game to be missed.
God of War
One of the more entertaining games to come along in a long time, and not just for the blatantly appearance of several bare bosoms, God of War is a madly addicting action title. Also recently under the greatest hits label, the game isn’t rare in the least and anyone whose played the game before would suggest at least trying out God of War, especially with its successor coming up.
Gran Turismo 4
Arguably the best racing simulation every to be released on any system, Gran Turismo continues its legacy with the four installment of the bestselling series with Gran Turismo 4. The name alone sells itself, but if it doesn’t for you, the cheap price which it could be found at shouldn’t hurt your wallet too much to at least try it out.
Soul Calibur III
Unlike its predecessor, Soul Calibur III is a Ps2 exclusive and includes the same excellent game play that the other games in the series have been known for. While the new modes are a tad on the disappointing side, the Soul Arena and normal arcade mode are enough reasons to purchase this fighter-if not, hey, Namco’s Tekken series is always available.
Shadow of the Colossus
Perhaps the largest dark horse amongst casual gamers, Shadow of the Colossus is arguably the best game to be released on the PlayStation 2. The mere sights of the bosses in this game are staggering and the puzzle mixture in the game is superb. Out of all the games on this list, I would recommend you going out and buying this game first, even above the Metal Gear Solid series.
Need For Speed: Underground 2
Even though the fad for underground street racing seems to be dipping, this game is highly entertaining while in the middle of races. Import fans shouldn’t miss out on picking this one up and barreling down streets, drifting in and out of turns.
Devil May Cry & Devil May Cry 3
This is where God of War was influenced on the non-stop, pulse pounding action. Dante is one of the coolest anti-heroes to come along in a long, long time and when you get the hang of the game, the amount of astonishing moves that can be performed in this action game are above nearly anything you’ve ever seen and ever will see. Do not miss out on these titles-especially Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition.
Medal of Honor: Frontline
The peak of the Medal of Honor series before they all started to go downward, Frontline lets you take control of Jimmy Patterson from D-Day to a secret Nazi hangar. The game play is enjoyable and standard for the most part, but the experience and story really propel this game to the point where it’s more than just the average first person shooter you can find laying around. Definitely worth trying out, especially since online, you can find it for fewer than five dollars.
Ace Combat Series
While Ace Combat Zero hasn’t quite reached the beneath $20 level, both 04 and 5 have already made it there. Flight Sims with a distinct arcade feel, Ace Combat has the distinct ability to attract people who are usually not fans of the genre and allow them to enjoy the games. Besides, unless you plan on watching Top Gun again, why not let yourself be engrossed in an actually thought provoking storyline in Ace Combat 5 or sheer enjoyment in Ace Combat 4. Hey, even the music’s top notch.
Twisted Metal Black
The revival of the twisted metal series after lackluster experiences provided from the previous two games. All of the twisted fun experienced way back in Twisted Metal and Twisted Metal 2 have been restored and expanded upon. If the originals were amongst your favorite games, this will undoubtedly rekindle and old love you had years ago.
Katamari Damacy
Where in the world did this quirky little game come from? In Katamari Damacy, its up to you to fill the stars back up in the sky and to do this… you roll up a big ball of stuff. That’s it, that’s all. However, it’s madly addicting in its cuteness and you’ll find yourself trying to get up that one last hill and add that one last cow to your Katamari-believe me, I’ve been there and I keep going back.
SOCOM 3: US Navy SEALs
Though the previous two titles in this series were excellent, neither compare to the experience that is SOCOM 3. With an online community that is still going strong, SOCOM 3 provides a slew of weapons and a long and challenging single player campaign. Beware, if you do choose to take this excellent 3rd person shooter online, you’ll be greeted by some of the rudest, competitive people in all of gaming.
Tony Hawk Underground 2
What’s a best games list without a Tony Hawk title somewhere in the on it? The Underground series takes on a more arcade and humorous than the Pro Skater series and makes things a bit more enjoyable in an easy to get into atmosphere. The create a skater is actually more involved than one might imagine, especially when all of the tricks start to become unlocked. A definite must buy.
Castlevania: Lament of Innocence
Though fairly short and simple, Lament of Innocence is plenty of fun was the mark of a new beginning to the beloved Castlevania series. However, Curse of Darkness made sure that this new beginning fell somewhere short. Lament of Innocence is a fun experience and is especially worth getting with its astoundingly cheap price.
While I can assure you there are dozens more games that deserve to be on this list, these are among the best crop of games to be released for the Ps2. Finding the games is no problem, as most a good amount of the games are now under the greatest hits label. However, if you prefer to find them even cheaper, the use of online retailers namely EBay and the subsidiary half.com are both good sources; simply make sure to check and double check who exactly you’re purchasing from. Happy Hunting.
