The PlayStation 2 emerged as a game-changer in the console market, following the success of Sony’s iconic grey box. With over 160 million units sold, it holds the record for the highest sales of any gaming console to date.
While many cherished franchises flourished on the PS2, some fell short, disappointing both longtime fans and newcomers. In this article, we highlight a selection of games that didn’t quite hit the mark.
Although some entries on this list may be decent standalone titles, they struggle to meet the elevated expectations set by their franchise predecessors. Fans are quick to voice their displeasure when a beloved series doesn’t deliver on previous successes.
8 Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex
Those Loading Times, Though
First up is “Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex, ”a title that, while not entirely flawed, represents a significant step back compared to its predecessor. This is particularly apparent when you consider that its forerunner, Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped, excelled on the PS1.
Though visually superior to the original trilogy, The Wrath of Cortex struggles in key gameplay areas. Fans lament the change in jump physics, which are now awkwardly floaty compared to the precise mechanics of earlier games. Additionally, the loading times can feel excessively long for a platformer.
If not for the high standards set by prior titles, The Wrath of Cortex may have slipped under the radar. Fortunately, in 2004, Crash made a triumphant return with “Twinsanity.”
7 Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness
I Guess Tombs Aren’t Cool Anymore
Lara Croft was a gaming icon during the PS1 era, and expectations were sky-high for her debut on the PS2. Unfortunately, “Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness”failed to please even the most ardent supporters of the franchise.
One of my main disappointments was the lack of actual tomb exploration. While a few tombs exist, the game is filled with an overwhelming number of modern buildings and research facilities, diverging sharply from what fans loved about earlier titles.
6 Devil May Cry 2
Even A Son Of Sparda Can Stumble
“Devil May Cry”set a high bar for stylish action games on the PS2, yet its sequel is often considered the weakest link in the series. Where the original felt masterfully crafted, “Devil May Cry 2″suffers from numerous gameplay flaws.
The combat is less engaging, allowing players to complete most encounters by simply shooting at enemies from a distance. The level design feels haphazard, lacking depth and engagement, ultimately contributing to a dull gameplay experience. The character designs are impressive, but sadly, they cannot redeem the rest of the game.
5 Mega Man X7
Oh, How The Mighty Have Fallen
The Mega Man franchise, especially its 2D installments, has captivated audiences for decades, but “Mega Man X7″faced challenges in its transition to 3D.The shift resulted in disheartening controls and uninspired boss battles.
Players were accustomed to the tight controls and brilliant level designs of earlier titles, and X7 fell short of these expectations. Additionally, the voice acting left much to be desired, and the game’s easy difficulty made for a lackluster experience.
4 Tekken 4
Experiments Don’t Always Pay Off
“Tekken 3″is heralded as a classic, and “Tekken Tag Tournament”celebrated the series. However, “Tekken 4″didn’t quite live up to these lofty expectations. Although it introduced wall mechanics, they felt unrefined and disrupted gameplay.
Fans were also disappointed with the small roster of 23 characters, especially after the expansive lineup of 39 in “Tekken Tag Tournament.”While it’s not a bad game, “Tekken 4″falls short when compared to its brilliant predecessors.
3 Driv3r
At Least Half Of The Game Is Good
The on-foot sections are plagued by clumsy animations and frustrating controls.
Playing as Tanner feels cumbersome, with stiff movements and a clunky shooting mechanic that detracts from the overall experience.
2 Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier
A Port We Never Needed
The “Jak and Daxter”series contains some of the finest action-adventure titles on the PS2, but “The Lost Frontier”stands out as a significant misstep. Originally a PSP game, its port to the PS2 resulted in glaring technical flaws, including stiff controls and poor graphics.
In addition, the camera mechanics don’t live up to the series’ earlier titles, making the gameplay frustrating. The transition was further complicated by the fact that Naughty Dog moved on to other projects, entrusting its development to High Impact Games.
1 Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly
Flogging A PlayStation Mascot
The original Spyro trilogy is a beloved classic, but “Enter the Dragonfly, ”the series’ fourth installment, failed to live up to that legacy.Although it introduced some interesting mechanics, such as new breath attacks, the gameplay fell flat.
Levels are sparse and empty, and the gem collection system—where you must manually collect gems rather than have them draw toward you—slows down progress. With only nine stages to explore compared to the original’s 33, it feels considerably lacking.
Though different developers worked on it, this doesn’t excuse the subpar execution of what should have been a stellar entry in the Spyro series.
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