Summary
- Some PS2 RPGs remain exclusive due to a lack of re-releases, providing unique experiences.
- RPGs like Legaia 2 and Valkyrie Profile 2 offer distinct gameplay and narratives worth exploring.
- Some PS2 RPGs, such as .Hack and Wild Arms, remain unportable, causing them to be stuck on the console.
Sony’s PS2 is filled with legendary RPGs. A lot of them have been ported to other consoles or remastered for modern systems to make them easier to play for younger generations. A handful of RPGs still remain stuck on the PS2, however. At this point, it feels like they might be stuck there forever.
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These RPGs have yet to receive a coveted re-release on modern consoles and remain trapped to this day on the PlayStation 1.
It would be a shame since plenty still offer something of value even if they have outdated mechanics. One should never say never, though, considering there are older RPGs from prior generations with remasters and re-releases that have only just recently seen the light of day.
7
Legaia 2: Duel Saga
Use Combos Instead Of Single Attacks
Legaia 2: Duel Saga
- Released
-
October 1, 2002
- Developer(s)
-
Prokion
- Publisher(s)
-
Eidos Interactive
Legend of Legaia was a unique RPG that came near the end of the PS1’s life. Though it remained under the radar with cult status, a sequel came a few years later with Legaia 2: Duel Saga. The game retains a similar battle system that utilizes combos instead of single attacks. However, concepts like the Mist and Seru are replaced by a new mythology.
This is typical of RPG series but it still might disappoint fans of the first game. It is especially weird since many of the characters feel based on the protagonists of the debut. Lang feels like Vahn and Kazan feels like an old version of Gala.
6
Xenosaga Episode 3: Also Sprach Zarathustra
A Science-Fiction Trilogy Comes To Its Conclusion
- Released: July 6, 2006 (Japan)
- Developer: Monolith Soft
Most RPGs are big enough that only the most dedicated gamers will see them through to the end. Now imagine a whole trilogy of connected games telling one epic story. The Xenosaga trilogy does just this. Even more shocking was the original plan to have the story span six games.
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The gameplay is linear compared to other JRPGs of the time but this also helps the game look absolutely gorgeous. The narrative finely balances hard science fiction with a distinct anime-influenced style. The second game of the trilogy attempted a more realistic graphics style before the third game reverted back to the original aesthetic.
Xenosaga Episodes One and Two were remade for the Nintendo DS. However, they are radically different in graphics and gameplay, making them feel like different games altogether. Even if this takes away eligibility from the list, the third game still remains only available on the PS2.
5
Shadow Hearts
An Alternate History JRPG Set In The Early 20th Century
Shadow Hearts
- Released
-
December 12, 2001
- ESRB
-
m
JRPGs often look into the future. If they draw influence from the past, then they are usually set in a fantasy world completely different from the real world. Shadow Hearts is the rare breed of a true alternate history JRPG. The game takes place in the early 20th century before World War 1.
The games are not grounded by any means, however. The typical monsters and omnipotent evil deities show up and become integral parts of the story. The first Shadow Hearts is already a sequel to the PS1 game Koudelka and it was followed by a more obvious sequel, Shadow Hearts: Covenant.
4
Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria
Side-Scrolling Exploration Mixed With Turn-Based Combat
Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria
- Released
-
September 26, 2006
- Developer(s)
-
Tri-Ace
, tri-Crescendo - Publisher(s)
-
Square Enix
Valkyrie Profile takes the interesting approach of restricting exploration to a 2D plane while still making the combat the traditional turn-based fare. This seems like it would go against everything essential to the openness of RPGs, but Valkyrie Profile 2 pulls it off wonderfully.
Adding more to the game’s unique charm is the plot device of two characters existing within one physical body. Alicia is a princess while Silmeria is one of the titular Valkyries who also has a brief appearance in the first game. Another thing separating it from a lot of other RPG series is the stronger narrative threads connecting the first and second games.
3
Dawn Of Mana
Shakes Up The Mana Series’s Formula
Dawn of Mana
- Released
-
May 22, 2007
- Developer(s)
-
Square Enix
The Mana series is characterized by its real-time combat. Dawn of Mana leans even further into the action side of action RPGs and further eschews the more traditional elements. Because of this Dawn of Mana feels more like Legend of Zelda than Kingdom Hearts.
Puzzle-solving and the more interactive environments are the focus here. Characters still grow stronger, but it is not a traditional leveling system based on experience points. Ultimately, Dawn of Mana is considered a low point for the series. All the same, it is still an interesting curiosity.
2
.Hack: Infection
A Game Within A Game
.hack//Infection
Action
RPG
Adventure
Fighting
- Released
-
June 20, 2002
- Publisher(s)
-
BNE Entertainment
, Bandai
The .Hack series’s main appeal is taking place within a fictional MMORPG. Because of this, the game’s atmosphere and many of its systems replicate the feel of the multiplayer genre while remaining a single-player experience. Though this novelty might not be as alluring today, the action RPG gameplay still has its charm.
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These PS2 RPGs spread across Japan, and Europe in some cases, but never North America.
Eight games in the .Hack series came out on PS2, and the five of them have never been re-released. The fifth, .Hack: Fragment, is a multiplayer game exclusive to Japan. The latter three make up a new trilogy that was remastered for the PS4.
1
Wild Arms Alter Code F
More Than Just A Graphical Facelift
- Released: November 17, 2003 (Japan)
- Developer: Media.Vision
Though a remake of the debut entry in the Wild Arms series, the game is different enough graphically and narratively to be considered a separate experience. The graphics are fully redone in 3D, new playable characters are added, and the story is expanded.
These changes inflate the experience, which some might consider a negative thing. Those who love the original will just enjoy living in the world a little longer. Though the original Wild Arms had been released on the PS3, PS4, and PS5, Alter Code F remains stuck on the PS2 with no re-release to speak of.
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Fans are eagerly waiting for the return of these PlayStation 2 JRPGs that, for now, have been on-offs without a franchise.