The concept of ‘console wars’ resonates deeply with those who remember the fierce competition among gaming companies. Console exclusives play a pivotal role in shaping these battles, acting as compelling content that can sway gamers towards one platform over another. Historically, titles like The Last of Us, Halo, and Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild have emerged as blockbuster hits, propelling sales and capturing market dominance.
While some exclusives are powerhouses that dramatically influence console sales, many outstanding games often fly under the radar, yet they offer compelling reasons for gamers to choose one console over another. Personally, I believe PlayStation has always been the bastion of exceptional exclusives, many of which haven’t received the recognition they rightfully deserve. Today, let’s shine a light on some remarkable, underrated exclusives from the PS2 era that merit a second look.
10 Airblade
If Marty McFly Was in THPS
Starting off our list is the hidden gem Airblade, a futuristic competitor to the beloved Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series. With a unique premise set in a dystopian urban landscape, players must navigate the challenges posed by snipers and henchmen while executing slick combos reminiscent of the iconic skateboarding franchise. Featuring a low-gravity hoverboard mechanic combined with a booster, it offers a fresh take on arcade-style gameplay. If you’re a fan of skateboarding games, Airblade is a nostalgic gem that deserves your attention.
9 Haven: Call of the King
An Unfortunate Cliffhanger
Known primarily for their Disney-licensed games, Traveler’s Tales proved their creative mettle with Haven: Call of the King. This action platformer features varied level designs and fluid combat mechanics, reminiscent of Jak and Daxter. Beyond its gameplay, Haven captivates with a mature narrative, weaving a dark and engaging tale that stands out in a genre often filled with simplistic storytelling. Regrettably, the game’s planned trilogy never came to fruition, leaving players hanging and eager for more.
8 Jade Cocoon 2
A Sublime Sequel
For fans of creature-taming JRPGs, Jade Cocoon 2 emerges as a must-play title. Building upon the solid foundation of its predecessor, this PS2 exclusive boasts a captivating battle system akin to Pokémon, coupled with an intricately designed world that keeps players engaged. The storytelling may not be groundbreaking, but the depth of the battle mechanics ensures that players will find plenty to enjoy, making it a worth-while adventure for enthusiasts.
7 Maximo Vs. Army of Zin
A Grim Adventure
Maximo Vs. Army of Zin serves as a tribute to the classic Ghosts ‘n Goblins franchise, delivering a hack-and-slash platforming experience that both challenges and entertains. Balancing its punishing difficulty with polished gameplay, the game stands out among a generation of titles that focused on accessibility. Despite its cult classic status, it’s a rewarding adventure that invites players to embrace its grueling combat mechanics.
6 Rule of Rose
Underrated and Overpriced
Often discussed for its rarity and high market value, Rule of Rose presents an unforgiving survival horror experience that stands apart from its contemporaries. Featuring a mix of psychological themes and a haunting atmosphere, it culminates in a narrative that evokes a sense of dread and intrigue. While gameplay may feel dated, the engaging story and intense atmosphere make it a worthy challenge for survival horror aficionados willing to seek it out.
5 Shadow of Rome
Are You Not Entertained?
Shadow of Rome stands out as a unique action title during an era filled with generic hack-and-slash offerings. Set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire, this engaging game combines diverse gameplay mechanics with a compelling narrative revolving around the assassination of Julius Caesar. Featuring an action system that rewards stylish combat, Shadow of Rome remains a hidden treasure waiting to be rediscovered by modern players.
4 Cold Winter
More Than a Simple Shooter
Within a landscape dominated by less-than-stellar first-person shooters on console, Cold Winter carved its niche with a smartly crafted espionage storyline. The game features a robust crafting system, environmental interactions, and layered objectives, elevating it beyond typical shooter mechanics. While it may not have achieved commercial success, its mature writing and immersive gameplay offer an experience worthy of exploration.
3 Gregory Horror Show
Resident Evil For Kids
Gregory Horror Show offers a whimsical take on survival horror, often dubbed as ‘Resident Evil for kids’. Set in a purgatorial hotel, players navigate its eerie halls while interacting with quirky residents to piece together the narrative. Blending humor with horror, it introduces players to a uniquely engaging experience filled with detective-style puzzles. This captivating game deserves a spot in every nostalgic gamer’s collection.
2 Haunting Ground
Absolute Remaster Bait
Another brilliant yet overshadowed creation from Capcom, Haunting Ground captivates players with its chilling narrative and survival horror elements. Originally conceived as part of the Clock Tower series, it has since evolved into its own identity, delivering a rich atmosphere filled with unnerving moments and complex puzzles. With its intense storytelling and engaging mechanics, this title is ripe for remastering and deserves a deeper appreciation.
1 Champions of Norrath: Realms of Everquest
Dark Alliance 2.0
Rounding off our list is Champions of Norrath, a hack-and-slash adventure crafted using the famed Dark Alliance engine. Perfect for couch co-op, this title transports players into a richly detailed RPG world filled with strategy and character progression. Featuring real-time combat that rewards precise builds, it creates a chaotic yet thrilling experience that will resonate with fans of traditional CRPGs. If you value cooperative gameplay and immersive storytelling, be sure to rediscover this PS2 classic.
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