Ah, the PlayStation 2. That glorious black monolith that graced our living rooms, ushering in a golden age of gaming. We all remember the Grand Theft Autos, the Metal Gears, the Final Fantasies. But what about those gems that slipped through the cracks, lost to the mists of time and rapidly advancing console generations? Let’s dust off the memory cards and shine a light on 10 forgotten PS2 treasures ripe for a glorious remaster. Prepare for a nostalgia trip that’s more “hidden level boss” than “tutorial stage.”
Shadow Hearts: Covenant
Genre: JRPG
Forget your moody elves and angsty space marines, Shadow Hearts: Covenant delivered JRPG brilliance with a decidedly darker, gothic twist. Set in an alternate history World War I era Europe, you battled demons and Lovecraftian horrors with a cast of wonderfully weird characters, including a vampire wrestler and a ninja. The Judgment Ring combat system was unique and engaging, and the story was genuinely compelling. Imagine this beauty rebuilt for modern consoles – the gothic horror would be stunning in HD.
Okami
Genre: Cell-Shaded Masterpiece
Wait, Okami got a remaster, right? Yes, but hear us out! While technically Okami HD exists, the original PS2 version holds a certain nostalgic charm, and let’s be honest, it deserves to be experienced by even more players. Playing as Amaterasu, the sun goddess in wolf form, you literally painted life back into a gorgeous, sumi-e ink wash world. A true artistic achievement, bringing this visually stunning adventure to the current generation with even more polish would be pure gaming bliss.
Rygar: The Legendary Adventure
Genre: Action-Adventure Arcade Spirit
Remember when action games were just pure, unadulterated arcade fun? Rygar: The Legendary Adventure channeled that spirit perfectly. Swinging your Diskarmor, a weapon that was basically a bladed yo-yo of death, through hordes of mythical creatures was ridiculously satisfying. It was over-the-top, challenging, and visually striking, with a vibrant color palette that popped off the screen. A remaster could amplify that arcade energy and introduce a new generation to some gloriously frantic action.
Black
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Before the gritty realism of modern shooters, there was Black. This FPS was all about explosive, over-the-top action and gloriously destructive environments. The gunplay was impactful, the sound design was phenomenal, and watching entire buildings crumble under a hail of bullets was pure catharsis. In a world of samey military shooters, Black‘s focus on pure, visceral fun, dialed up to 11 in a remaster, would be a refreshing blast from the past (literally).
Maximo: Ghosts to Glory
Genre: 3D Platforming
Capcom’s Maximo: Ghosts to Glory offered a fresh take on the 3D platformer, blending classic action with a dash of gothic charm and a healthy dose of humor. Playing as a knight cursed (and stripped of his armor), you battled hordes of undead to rescue your kingdom. It was challenging, rewarding, and had a distinct personality that set it apart from the Mario clones of the era. A remaster could polish its rough edges and remind players how good a challenging, character-driven platformer can be.
Rule of Rose
Genre: Psychological Horror
Rule of Rose was controversial and unsettling, but beneath the surface lay a genuinely compelling and disturbing psychological horror experience. Set in a creepy orphanage run by cruel children, the game explored themes of isolation, bullying, and childhood trauma. Its unique atmosphere and unsettling narrative deserve a second chance to be appreciated, especially with a modern visual overhaul to enhance the chilling environments and character designs.
Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy
Genre: Puzzle Platformer Hybrid
Blending puzzle-solving with action platforming, Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy was a unique and charming adventure set in ancient Egypt. Playing as both the warrior Sphinx and the (hilariously clumsy) Mummy, you navigated traps, battled monsters, and unravelled a grand mystery. Its lighthearted tone, clever puzzles, and vibrant visuals would shine in a remaster, making it a perfect family-friendly adventure for modern consoles.
Primal
Genre: Dark Fantasy Action-Adventure
Primal delivered a dark fantasy action-adventure with a mature tone and a compelling story. Playing as Jen and her gargoyle companion Scree, you traversed beautifully realized realms battling demonic forces and uncovering a conspiracy that threatened the balance of the world. Its atmosphere, character designs, and unique dual-character gameplay would truly benefit from a remaster, showcasing the visual depth and narrative richness that was ahead of its time.
Haunting Ground
Genre: Survival Horror
Before Resident Evil 7 went first-person, Capcom delivered chilling survival horror with Haunting Ground. Playing as Fiona Belli, a young woman trapped in a terrifying castle and pursued by relentless stalkers, the game focused on vulnerability and evasion. Its tense atmosphere, terrifying pursuers, and unique “panic” mechanic would be amplified in a remaster, reminding players that true horror lies in helplessness and suspense.
Rogue Galaxy
Genre: Spacefaring Action RPG Adventure
Rogue Galaxy was Level-5 at their charming best, a sprawling spacefaring action RPG with a vibrant world and a cast of lovable rogues. Exploring diverse planets, engaging in fast-paced combat, and collecting a vast array of items and weapons made for an addictively fun experience. Its colorful visuals, adventurous spirit, and sheer scale would be breathtaking in a remastered form, bringing this forgotten gem back into the galactic spotlight.
