Classic PS2 Games You May Have Forgotten

Needless to say, gone are the days when PS2 was among the preeminent gaming consoles. But that doesn’t mean PS2 should be forgotten about entirely. It still holds an important place in video game history, in part because of some of its amazing and timeless games. Great games never go out of style and should neer be forgotten. That’s why we wanted to take a stroll down memory lane and remind you about some of the great PS2 games that should be remembered forever.

TOCA Race Driver 3

Obviously, there is no shortage of great driving games on any number of consoles. But in terms of quality, TOCA Race Driver 3 arguably stands out despite not necessarily being the most popular. In fact, it’s been largely forgotten, which is a shame. The thing that set TOCA Race Driver 3 apart was its comprehensive approach to racing. While it didn’t have the most extensive roster of cars, it tried to create a pure racing experience rather than focus on being a car collection simulator. That made the game far more enjoyable for those who actually wanted a fun and genuine car racing experience.

Spider Man 2

Amidst all of the games based on prominent movies, this one still stands out. This video game adaptation of the 2004 film achieved something rare among adaptations: critical acclaim. Upon its release, people loved it. Naturally, it has faded into the background over time, yet it remains a classic. The key to its success lies in the game’s scope and execution. The developers put immense care into making Spider-Man’s abilities feel authentic and polished, especially his iconic web-slinging. The open-world environment they created provided players with a thrilling sense of freedom and immersion. The result was one of the first film-to-game adaptations that earned the love of gamers everywhere.

Star Ocean: Till the End of Time

All PS1 bios players seemed to have their RPG of choice, with the Star Ocean series being among the best, even if it never became the most popular. The story follows Fayt Leingod, the son of a renowned Earth scientist, who is vacationing with his parents and childhood friend, Sophia. Their peaceful retreat is shattered when the Vendeeni attack the planet, abducting his parents and flinging Fayt across the galaxy into unfamiliar territory. While the plot is a little crazy, the gameplay and storytelling are incredible. The game is rich in characters and nuance, which is why it was great to play again and again and spawned sequels. 

Video Poker & Blackjack

While this game may not have blown anyone away, it had its perks. Keep in mind that most PS2 gamers during the console’s heyday weren’t old enough to go to a casino and enjoy poker or blackjack. But this game gave us an introduction to these fun and strategic card games. If you had this game, you didn’t need anyone else around to play these games with because the video game did the trick. It also replicated the feel of an actual casino as much as possible. Naturally, games like this have long since fallen out of favor because of all of the online blackjack sites that exist today that allow you to play for real money and create a far more realistic experience than any PS2 game.

Psychonauts

Psychonauts is the perfect example of a cult classic. It wasn’t the most mainstream game, but it had a legion of devoted followers. The story follows Razputin “Raz” Aquato, a young boy from a circus family with dreams of escaping his upbringing to become a Psychonaut, who are elite agents with extraordinary psychic abilities. Raz sneaks into a secret training facility disguised as a summer camp but is caught by the guards. Thankfully, he’s allowed to stay, giving him the chance to hone his psychic powers and meet an eclectic cast of quirky, unforgettable characters as he embarks on a mission to combat a greater evil. The game is both engaging and endlessly fun thanks to all of the cool abilities Raz is given. Even if you’ve never played it before, it might be worth tracking down Psychonauts was truly something special.