10 Years of PS2
The past 10 years have brought up many things; changes in fashion, the decline of print and physical music media, and that confusing feeling you get whenever you see Pixie Lott on television - is she hot, or just one of those girls from school who was a complete bitch? One particularly important thing that it did bring us was the Playstation 2.
Released in October of 2000, the PS2 saw Sony's new-found dominance of the console scene step up a gear, and provided some of the most memorable moments in gaming. Here, our team looks back on several key games from the PS2 era, including some of their personal highlight moments for us all to remember. In alphabetical order:
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
I'm not usually one to enjoy a Square Enix RPG. In fact, turn based fighting as a whole tends to be a major no no for me, but with Dragon Quest I can make an exception. A major exception at that, as I have a special place in my gaming heart for Journey of the Cursed King, as it's delivered in a charming way, with appealing weapons and powers and a unique bunch of foes to kill.
After 30 hours of gripping story and awesome game play, and just when you think you're at the final boss, the game informs you that actually you're only 1/3 of the way through. Naturally that's a great thing as this is the type of game you never want to see end. In addition to the god knows how many hours, you also have the added bonus of the dragon trials and the arena. Add to this an alternate ending and this is a game that, actually, doesn't want itself to end either. The best RPG on the Playstation 2, and one that stands the trying test of time. - Martin Murphy
Fahrenheit
Fahrenheit has earned a place in this list purely due to its brave and intuitive game play. Until recently, the style adopted in this title was barely touched upon and this title almost single handedly created the gaming genre, Paranormal Thriller. What I remember most about Fahrenheit was the feeling I got when making crucial decisions that helped shape the entire end outcome of the storyline. This led to each individual experience being unique and personal. With Lucas Kane, I remember being horrified when hearing of a series of brutal murders - each carrying the familiar trait of normal people killing complete strangers in public places.
The switching from one character to another is another feature that sticks in the memory, as does the extensive use of all the available controls on the PS2 controller. I also remember getting slightly annoyed at points when my sequences didn't seem to be registering (of course we had to wait for the 'Ready' prompt!) but these being counteracted by the intense fight scenes. The genre defining content was a landmark in the PS2's illustrious life. - Ben Stokes
Final Fantasy X
The 00's were not the best for the Final Fantasy series. In all we saw four releases, none a bigger letdown than the simply awful FFXII. However one shining light saved the franchise during this time and that came in the form of Final Fantasy X. The main memory I get when remembering X was the fresh and bright environment of Zanarkand. Wakka is the first character that automatically springs to mind with his lessons on Blitzball, triggering the feeling of utter incompetence as he strives to teach you the ways at first. I loved Blitzball and I remember being more satisfied after winning a match than I had done when fulfilling the title's other objectives.
Yuna also has a place in the mind, triggering the remembrance of getting all alpha-male and feeling the need to protect her at all times. Whilst nothing new came in terms of gameplay, it was a relief to see the series get back to an extensive and enjoyable plot line. Although this was interrupted on numerous occasions by being dragged into fights whilst exploring the huge map (was it me or did this happen more than usual in X?). Final Fantasy is easily the best in the series this millennium...so far! - Ben Stokes
The Getaway
Time for a controversial choice now, as Sony's GTA-wannabe certainly divided opinions amongst PS2 gamers. Looking back, I'd like to think that a general compromise could be reached, along the lines of acceptance that the game's fully realised map of London was flat-out awesome, but the clunky game-play, dodgy stealth sections and lousy "cock-er-ney geezers" script let it down. While the idea that leaning up against a wall for a few moments was enough to cure gunshot wounds is thoroughly ridiculous in reality, it can't be denied that several other games have taken up the regenerating health path since then. The Getaway's legacy will ultimately be a case of what might have been, rather than what was - especially given that Part 3 is unlikely to ever see the light of day. The clear highlight of this one has to be driving down roads you know, backwards. Or at the very least, getting through those one of ****ing ****y ****hole stealth sections. - Rich T
God of War
Not to be confused with Gears of War (because quite frankly, save for two words in the title, they're nothing alike), God of War was the next generation of hack and slash adventuring, and the game many will claim was responsible for the influx of QTE sections in games (it was doing it long before Resi 4 chipped in). Kratos' adventure was balls-to-the-wall action sequences, mixed with precarious platform running and jumping, and the occasional puzzle to keep your mind active. An equally epic sequel followed, and in just a couple of weeks, the third game will give undecided gamers a further reason to lay down 250 8-legged aquatic creatures for a PS3. Highlights are many, but who can forget seemingly defeating the final boss, only to be thrown into another fight against multiple clones of yourself - followed by yet another boss fight afterwards?!?! - Rich T
