A Better PlayStation

Right on the heels of the PlayStation One, the second iteration of Sony’s home gaming console, the PS 2, introduced a number of advanced features upon its release in 2000. The console was an absolute powerhouse resulting in over 160 million units in sales, making the PS 2 the best-selling home gaming console of all time. What’s more, it came with features that stood out at the time of its release making it one of the most competitive and best performing gaming machines of its era.

At the time, DVD players were quite expensive and Sony combined a DVD player and gaming console into a single unit which made it one of the foremost selling points that led to the PS 2’s massive success in both the gaming and home video player market. Aside from this, it was 95% backward compatible with the PS One, so gamers were able to run and continue playing the older games they got for the previous system. However, one would need a PS One memory card if one wanted to “save” gameplay with the PS One games.

One major advancement at the time was Sony’s "Emotion Engine", powered by a custom made processor, its implementation on the PS 2 delivered cutting-edge graphics technology (at the time) in the form of real-time lighting and complex physics, thus rendering high-quality 3D environments which resulted in some of the best story-driven cinematic presentations and gameplays in gaming history.

Looking back, the PS 2 may be but a part of historical gaming technology, but it was so good that Sony kept officially manufacturing the model till 2013. Even today, many Retro-Gamers continue to play and experience the best retro-games on the PS2 which is continually available in the form of refurbished and old-stock units that one can avail of if one will look for them. Likewise, many of the physical disc games released for the PS 2 can be purchased at retro-game and specialty shops worldwide.

Classic Titles That Live On

To this, let’s take a look at a few of the best game titles the gaming industry had to offer during the days of the PS2. Believe it or not, these games are still quite popular till today, and gamers, retro or otherwise, are playing and having a lot of fun with them.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Released by Konami in 2004, the game is a “prequel” to the entire Metal Gear Solid game series. In Metal Gear Solid 3, gamers will travel through a jungle, remaining hidden and surviving, while accomplishing the goals of the game. The game’s cinematic-style narrative and emotional final fight, are considered major achievements in gaming history.

Resident Evil 4

Released in 2005 by Capcom, Leon S. Kennedy is on a mission to rescue the US President’s daughter from a dangerous European cult. With Resident Evil 4, the gameplay’s over-the-shoulder camera mechanics innovated third-person action games forever with gamers today simply reliving the game for the very reason, and its master class pacing.

Silent Hill 2

Released in 2001, also by Konami, Silent Hill 2 centers on protagonist James Sunderland, who journeys to the gruesome monster-filled town of “Silent Hill” after receiving a mysterious letter from his dead wife. A classic of classics in psychological horror, the game is still being played today by gamers who love scaring themselves with one of the best horrifying game settings in gaming history.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Of course gaming would never be complete without Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, released in 2004 by Rockstar Games. The story of Carl "CJ" Johnson and his dangerous (lawless) escapades is legend in gaming history. The game’s fictionalized version of California and Nevada has made its mark in gaming alternate realities, and the gameplay’s unparalleled freedom, customization, and modding options has kept Grand Theft Auto very much alive till today.

Final Fantasy X

Released by Square Enix in 2001, Final Fantasy X, is a turn-based RPG that follows the story of “Tidus”, the protagonist. Teleported to the dying world of “Spira”, Tidus must fight an evil creature called “Sin” with the help of “Yuna”, a “Summoner” who befriends and accompanies him on his dangerous quest. The game was an innovation in RPG gaming as it featured fully-voiced characters, and an expansive 3D rendered environment.

There are a lot more, but these are 5 of the most popular that are still being enjoyed by gamers worldwide today.

Image Info:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2050650/Resident_Evil_4/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2131650/METAL_GEAR_SOLID_3_Snake_Eater__Master_Collection_Version/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2124490/SILENT_HILL_2/