The PlayStation 2 era marked a transformative period in the gaming landscape, introducing groundbreaking innovations in graphics and gameplay. However, this time was not without its imperfections. Even as many iconic titles captivated players, subtle flaws often prevented them from achieving perfection.
From gameplay mechanics to narrative structures, countless favorite titles contain elements that, whether big or small, detracted from their overall excellence. Below, we explore ten remarkable PS2 games that, despite their acclaim, feature an aspect that hindered their perfection.
10 Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Snake? Snaaaakeeee!
While Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty achieved monumental success, it also ignited a fierce controversy upon its release. Initially, players were led to believe they would be controlling Solid Snake, a beloved character in the franchise. However, after the memorable tanker prologue, gamers were startlingly switched to Raiden, a character whose youthful demeanor and voice failed to resonate with fans hoping for the iconic Snake.
The gameplay remained exceptional, and the storyline was filled with unpredictable twists. Yet, the absence of Snake resulted in backlash, demonstrating how a seemingly minor character shift can have a significant emotional impact on the player base.
9 Kingdom Hearts 2
Twilight Town
Similar to its predecessor, Kingdom Hearts 2 begins with a prolonged segment featuring Roxas rather than Sora, which unsettled dedicated fans. Set in the seemingly tranquil Twilight Town, this opening chapter includes tedious collect-a-thon quests and lackluster combat that can test patience for nearly two hours.
Fortunately, this uninspired beginning leads to a compelling narrative and dynamic gameplay, ensuring that the frustrations of early gameplay are ultimately forgotten. The evolution of combat complexity and the engaging story make it a standout RPG on the PS2, despite its shaky start.
8 Resident Evil 4
Leon, MOVE
Resident Evil 4 is heralded as a revolutionary title that reshaped the survival horror genre. However, the restrictive mechanic of not being able to move while shooting feels outdated. This limitation stands out, especially when faced with relentless hordes of enemies.
Capcom recognized these issues in subsequent remakes by allowing for greater mobility while shooting, enhancing player experience and tactical options. This subtle annoyance illustrates how gameplay restrictions can detract from otherwise exceptional titles.
7 Final Fantasy XII
Whose Story Is This?
Within the illustrious Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy XII has a unique dilemma: a muddled sense of its protagonist. Although Vaan is introduced as the lead character, he plays a minimal role in the overarching narrative, leaving players without a traditional avatar through which to experience the story.
This intentional shift from convention caused some disappointment, particularly since other characters like Basch and Ashe were more compelling choices for a lead role. Nevertheless, the engaging world and story ultimately rescue it from being remembered solely for this shortcoming.
6 Tales of the Abyss
A Rough Start
Touted as one of the finest JRPGs, Tales of the Abyss excels with character depth and emotional development. However, its initial moments are frustratingly slow-paced and often light-hearted, featuring an irritating protagonist, Luke, who starts as a spoiled and self-centered character.
This initial negativity can dissuade players from progressing, although Luke’s transformational arc does provide a rewarding payoff for those who persevere. The tension between the character’s early persona and his eventual growth is a testament to the developers’ ambitious storytelling.
5 Zone of the Enders
Sequel Baiting
Zone of the Enders delivers an exhilarating experience from start to finish, yet the anticlimactic finale leaves a bitter taste. After a carefully crafted buildup towards a confrontation with the villain Anubis, the game opts for a letdown, offering no real final battle.
This narrative choice sets the stage for the sequel, but players seeking closure are left wanting. Nevertheless, the engaging gameplay and art style keep enthusiasts invested in the series.
4 Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria
The Tone is Lost
Released near the tail end of the PS2’s lifespan, Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria is a hidden gem, though it lacks the visual allure of its predecessor. The original’s innovative combination of 2D and 3D graphics contributed to its iconic status, but the sequel shifts to a more conventional 3D aesthetic that diminishes its unique charm.
This stylistic change somewhat dampens the emotional tone of the game, resulting in visuals that don’t capture the original’s essence. Despite this, the game remains an engaging experience for fans of the genre.
3 Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
A Lonely Journey
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers stands out as one of the earliest successful adaptations of a film into a video game. It brilliantly recreates key moments from the movie; however, a significant omission is the lack of multiplayer functionality. With a diverse cast of characters and engaging battles, the absence of co-op features feels like a missed opportunity.
This shortcoming was rectified in the sequel, enhancing the gameplay experience, showcasing just how much multiplayer dynamics can enhance a cooperative journey through epic narratives.
2 Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
Awkward Stealth
Praised as one of the finest stealth games, Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory excels in its realistic approach to stealth mechanics. However, one frustrating aspect arises during combat when players need to select actions from a clunky real-time menu to dispatch foes, breaking immersion in an otherwise fluid gameplay experience.
While skilled players can maneuver their way around enemies without direct confrontation, this cumbersome interaction can detract from the satisfaction of stealth mechanics, reminding players that even the best titles have their quirks.
1 Shadow of the Colossus
An Empty World
Shadow of the Colossus offers an unforgettable experience with its grand battles against legendary giants. However, its expansive, yet largely empty world raises questions. The thrill of taking down colossal foes is often overshadowed by the feeling of isolation as players traverse vast landscapes with little to engage with in between encounters.
While this design choice may reinforce the game’s narrative themes, it leaves some players wishing for more interactive elements in the expansive environment. Even with these drawbacks, the game remains a landmark title in gaming history.
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