After all these years, I still find myself coming back to the PS2 every so often. It is to me the greatest console of all time. So many good games and memories.
Not only that but it was a big leap for gaming during the 6th generation of consoles. Incredible games were all being pumped out by passionate developers who actually cared and took a focus on making something special. I'm glad I grew up with the PS2. ❤
@@JBird401 Your current download time is: 6 months, 3 weeks, 5 days, 22 hours, 45 minutes, and 22 seconds .... 5 minutes later ... Your current download time is: 6 months, 3 weeks, 5 days, 22 hours, 45 minutes, and 22 seconds
It's definitely the best menu start up for sure. The pure ambience of hearing a loud abstract wind sound during the select screen. Just pure darkness and the lights flowing, it's like the machine waiting for a new simulation (in this case the games). I love the PS2 so much man. ❤
For the Phat model I recommend getting the SCPH - 50001 version that's the one I have for a long time plus I believe that's the later version of the Phat model. I recommend getting the PS2 Slim but be aware of the laser cable adhesive it's very common for it to wear off & the cable will start scratching your discs
PS2 was a wild experience for me. Back then, PS2 rentals were a thing at my place. I never owned a PS2 but I played many great games. Gundam Naruto WWE Raw vs Smackdown Transformers 2007 The Game Tekken 5 Good times.
People will dismiss it because it's a movie tie-in, but Barnyard for the PS2 is a GREAT time, Open-world style game with a pretty funny story and some side content that could rival the amount you find in the Yakuza series!
Im not the only with love for the barnyard game. I play through it once every year or two. It just felt like a GTA clone to me with the open world aspect and all the different mini games in it.
Omg I'm not the only one who remembers the barnyard game, I had lots of fun with it as a kid, I always liked using the money cheat and getting an upgraded barn in the beginning
Same. I still have my PS2 and a shitload of games for it, but I play them exclusively on PCSX2 these days. The visual boost and achievements and all that are too good to go back.
It's not my go-to yet because I haven't figured out how to solve all the issues with Klonoa 2 yet. But, I used it to FINALLY get to play Ape Escape 2001 with an english translation patch. I loved it.
I love PCSX2 and have been using it for years, but still find myself mainly playing on original hardware because for me it just provides a better "OEM" experience.
@@caseycardenas1668analog buttons are actually a huge deal for ps2 that are typically not able to be emulated which is a massive loss in quality for a large part of the library
Shoutout to Ratchet: Deadlocked from the thumbnail! I'll never forget how that was the first video game I ever bought on launch date. 15 years old, October 2005. What a time.
Recently I got a slim PS2 but it had some kind of issue where it was causing circular scratches on my discs. I had to get a fat PS2 which apparently don't get this issue. I managed to get a fat PS2 cheap on ebay in amazing condition, barely any scratches on the console it was just filthy but cleaned up amazing.
It's more than likely just the ribbon cable that connects to the laser. The adhesive lets go on the metal below so it rubs on the discs, can be reattached with tape or glue
PS2 has been my main console since September and I've been loving every minute of it! Got my first PS2 Slim in December 2004 for Christmas right after they launched in November. I still have that slim to this day. I just recently picked up a CECHA01 Backwards Compatible PS3 and it does an amazing job of making PS2 games look great on HD 720 or 1080 displays. I'd have to disagree about the slim, while it is my original and dearly beloved PS2, the later model original PS2's such as 39001 and 50001 are really great and suffer less issues. The slims suffer from loose ribbon cables that scratch discs and this was fixed in the 79001 model which was also the lightest slim, but reverted in the last model 90001 which had the internal power supply. Many slims suffer from the power supply solder joints breaking and they also suffer from the common issue where the lid sensors go bad and discs won't spin as a result of not recognizing that the tray is closed. All of these issues are very fixable, but you just need to keep in mind that for original thick PS2's the only real issues are bad lasers in the launch 30001 model and slow disc trays that get stuck over time, but that's also easily addressed by servicing the drive. The thick PS2's are also more mod friendly than slims for those interested in modding.
Urban Reign is so good. I wish they would have continued that arena brawler series. That and champions of Norrath were huge for me and my buddies. There’s rarely any games now days where you can play 4 player couch co-op so these titles are such great examples of social gaming at its best!
I've had my original PS2 slim for years but recently started adding to my retro collection again and just picked up a boxed classic PS2. Packing and console look great to this day!
It is worth it i like how PS2 is entirely offline you can get a game & know you’re not missing anything its the same experience as it was back in the day
ONI!!! Okay, dude. My dude. I LOVED that game. Played it on PC, and it is incredible. Was very, very revolutionary when it came out. I so wish this made a "comeback". Just an awesome game to play. Combat was so, so good, specifically for its time. Thanks for mentioning it.
Cool video, great recommendations. I've been a PS2 collector since it's release. I recently picked up a HDD for my PS2 with all the games I never had a chance to play. So many good games on that system. For those who can't afford to buy games, this new way of playing games on PS2 without the disc is amazing. I was sceptical about it for years but after trying it I really like the convenience and the amount of money this will save is incredible. I just want more people to have access to these games and I think the HDD method gives that. Even if you are already a big collector, this method of playing games is good for preservation of your games. Built one yourself or buy one plug and play, either way imo it's a must have for anyone interested in PS2.
Man Xenosaga trilogy and Valkyrie Profile 2 are my favorite games on PS2. Thank you for recommending them! I hope more people get to play them especially Xenosaga if you like the Xenoblade series.
Just got my HDMI upconverter for my PS2. Going for the full Marvel collection on PS2. 26 games in the collection; and I'm 11 in. Looking forward to 2025 and completing.
This! Was about to comment how slims scratch up games when the band isn’t in properly. This alone makes the fat ps2 much more reliable and easy to hack.
It depends on what slim you buy and how you take care of it I have a SCPH 90001 Model which is the final revision of the PS2 it was released in 2008 and discontinued in 2013 And if it does scratch your disc all you have to do is replace the ribbon cable it's not that hard plus it's portable and it's easy to fit in tight spaces the fat models lasers are weaker fans are louder don't get me wrong fat models good but you got to admit that the slim model is well-built my PS2 has not broken down and I have a slim.
@ElijahBonilla-lc5vb I have a 2nd hand edition of one of the 50003 models (because UK), works perfectly fine just had to clean it out first. My fan isn't loud and I haven't had an issue with the disc drive yet and I've had this since 2022. Only thing I need to do with it is change out the CMOS battery.
Love the video Matty. One thing to note about the PS2 Slim. They do have a higher chance of over heating.. So if someone can get a FAT over the SLIM then I highly suggest you take that deal.
This year i played MGS2, FFX, FFXII, and God of War for the first time. I had a PS2 slim growing up but these titles were a little mature for a 6 year old lol.
I had the same problem of not beating Command Mission from Christmas of '04 all the way up until last year. I wish Capcom did more with the RPG formula and Megaman.
Nice guide my guy. I’d argue the Jak trilogy PS2 port is the best way to play it due to the directional grid made specifically for the DualShock 2 that’s locked on the later ports. I do believe Jak 1s revised PS5 port might have addressed this. To each their own
The Xenosaga series is fantastic. Highly recommend (though some of the gameplay in the first two games is a little dated). Of the PS2 games I've played (that aren't mentioned in the video), try the Shadow Hearts trilogy, Digital Devil Saga (1 and 2), Killer7 (this one has a PC port too), Drakengard 1 (haven't played the second), Fatal Frame 1-3, and Shadow of Memories/Destiny. PS2 games are still worth going back to, but are so hard to find and collect physically. It would be great if studios gave more attention to making the PS2 and PS1 catalogue more accessible rather than trying to remaster or remake PS4-era games.
Other ps2 recommendations: Onimusha 1-3 and Dawn of Dreams, Bujingai: The Forsaken City, Summoner, The Matrix: Path of Neo, the Lord of the Rings movie games, Shinobi, Shadow Hearts, Rumble Roses, Dynasty Warriors 4 w/ Xtreme Legends, and Way of the Samurai
I also bought a PS2 slim this year and retired my old phat PS2 I bought in 2002. Glad you named Dragon Quest VIII. Such a gem of a game. It released on 3DS, but I prefer the PS2 version. Others I'd highly recommend are; Hulk: Ultimate Destruction: One of the best super hero games of all time IMO. Spartan: Total Warrior: Just a fun hack n slash. Not much else. SOCOM U.S. Navy Seals: Great stealth 3PS. Ridiculous these don't have remasters. Black: Just a ridiculously fun FPS. Can be played on current Xbox too. Medal of Honor: Frontline: One of the best WWII games ever made. Would be amazing if this got a full blown remake. King Kong: Best movie tie in game ever? Probably could say that. Splinter Cell games: How these aren't on modern consoles is absurd. They did a port for PS3, but again... that's PS3. Ghost Recon/Jungle Strike: They probably look and feel outdated, but man they're just fun IMO.
Hard to think of my favourite PS2 games that didn't have better versions on Xbox or remasters. Liked Vice City Stories, Soul Calibur 2 and 3, Syphon Filter Dark Mirror, GT4, Silent Hill 2, Splashdown 2 and Tekken 5
The PS2/OXBOX was truly where original game designs and ideas shined throughout the gaming world for these two consoles. You had Maximo, Crimson Sea, Crimson Skies, Red Ninja, Gun Valkyrie, Tak, Gun and so many others. Sadly nowadays gamers usually get the cookie cutter online FPS/TPS games with the standard arenas and basic mechanics.
Naruto ultimate ninja 1,2,3,4,5 remastered on PS4/5 would be so cool, all on one blue-ray ❤ Dreaming is still free right now, so I will keep on dreaming a little more 😂
Its an ok purchase for disc based games, considering a hack will get you almost every game you ever wanted for a $100 or so. The library of games is fantastic it must be said, but lets be honest a lot will get remakes in this remake era.
The ps2 is currently the greatest console of all time. It has a huge library of games that covers all genres. Not to mention, it plays the whole ps1 library through backward compatibility, and it was a dvd player.
Buying a ps2 is worth it for analog button inputs alone. Currently playing through DQ8 myself right now via MX4SIO and it's a slow ride but I'm loving it.
Personally, you're better off emulating it. Just the nostalgia alone can't sell me, it's the experiences.. and today, playing these on my phone during a long car ride or at night playing those RPGs like bedtime stories in a nice resolution is all I need.
It's funny that this pops up now Matty, i was thinking of looking for the original PAL versions of Yakuza 1 and 2 on the PS2, even though i bet they are pricey these days, i recently picked up the Japan exclusive Ryu Ga Gotoku HD Collection on PS3 so i want the original games to complete my Yakuza collection :)
Some of those games will NEVER see the light of day on modern platforms either due to licensing/rights issues or just not enough money. Examples: 1) Xenosaga might have an opportunity although I have no idea who owns the rights, Monolith Soft was the developer (is owned by Nintendo) and Bandai/Namco was the publisher. 2) WWE Smackdown/SVR games will never see the light of day again. Those games had incorporated brand deals with all the wrestlers, not to mention the licensed music among other things. The original developer (Yukes) no longer works on WWE games and THQ is absolved. It would be next to impossible. 3) Games that are wholly owned by companies (MMX Command Mission with Capcom, Oni by Rockstar) could be rereleased, but only if there's financial incentive. Can't imagine the porting process would be worth it for those big companies if the return is not there.
Xenosaga 1-3 is pretty much guaranteed to get a rerelease within the next 2-3 years. Nintendo bought monolith and bandai is a close partner. Xenoblade Chronicles 2, 3 and X prominently feature Xenosaga characters and narrative connections. (Likewise with Xenogears characters being prominently featured in saga)
I played Oni when I was maybe 8 years old, I gotta say I must have been really bad at video games as a kid! I could not get past some kind of laser level and absolutely hated it! Now it's super expensive, at least here in Australia, so might still be awhile before I dive back in. All that to say, solid recommendation 😅
It is absolutely worth it. Still one of the greatest consoles of all time. And if you are going to tell me it's not because of emulation, don't bother. You're objectively wrong.
The timing is uncanny, I literally have ebay opened on another tab with search results for a PS2. Need to find a TV too... edit: UZUMAKI CHRONICLES? MATTY MY MAN!
I honestly prefer the original ps2 because the slim ps2 overheats after an hour or 2 though I did enjoy your showcase. Though I was sad you didn’t mention the “Def Jam” games in PS2 when you were mentioning Fighting/Brawler games. I enjoyed watching an LP of the first “Def Jam” game and have almost beaten “Def Jam: Fight for New York” I wish you mentioned them as well as the “Dynasty Warriors” games since 2 up to 5 XL are still only Exclusive to the PS2. Other ones you didn’t mention that still today are only on PS2 were “Mortal Kombat: Deception”, “Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance”, “Mortal Kombat: Armageddon”, and “Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks”
One game series I’m sad u didn’t include was the viewtiful Joe series 1 and 2 they are a really surprisingly slept on series it’s funny and entertaining game series
I love Champions as well! If it gets released on PSN i'll buy it, just to support. However i'll be disappointed if the graphics arent upscaled, like the emulator gameplay that's out there... "WWE Shut Your Mouth" is underrated. I recently bought a light-gun & "Time Crisis" 2 & 3, they're alot of fun!
If emulation was not basically perfect on most ps2 games I might agree with you but pcsx2 can be played well on pcs handheld pcs the series x or s and tons of ways to do it so no owning one is not worth it
That game is extremely expensive one of the most expensive PS2 games right next to Dragon Ball Budokai Tenkaichi 3 wise choice to keep it I'm fortunate enough to own Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 3 with the bonus disc
Id recommend a phat ps2 over slim Get a phat boy with a hard drive. Slap in a free mcboot memory card and directly install your games to the harddrive and save your disc. Also you get up to 4x loading speeds because of that
There is one nit pick with the Slim PS2, Beyond Good & Evil's sound is buggy as hell on it. Apart from that I've not had a problem with mine, I've heard the Slims can scratch discs but so far so good with mine, although I use OPL via network share to load all but a few of my games these days.
I went back and played Shadow The Hedgehog on my slim PS2 it baffles me they dont remake it for PS4 and PS5 given shadow generations just came out I thought thats what the game anouncement was until I saw the "generations" part
Sorry Matty, PS5 is only backwards compatible with PS4. If you can’t put the disc in and play then it isn’t backwards compatible. The PS1/2 Classics are nice and I love getting the trophies for older games except Capcom hates Trophies since they don’t put any for Dino Crisis and RE1. Also now that you made the video I’m curious of seeing the pricing of PS2 now.
shoutout big bro for handing me down his childhood ps2, jak and daxter, ratchet and clank, devil may cry all sparked my love and adoration for the art of games
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Nothing is gonna convince me more to play this football game than an american promoting it 😅
Bruh how is this 18h ago and the vid 17h ago??
After all these years, I still find myself coming back to the PS2 every so often. It is to me the greatest console of all time. So many good games and memories.
Biggest library of good games imo. No console generation before or afterward beats it.
Not only that but it was a big leap for gaming during the 6th generation of consoles. Incredible games were all being pumped out by passionate developers who actually cared and took a focus on making something special. I'm glad I grew up with the PS2. ❤
that ps2 start up screen has possibly the most nostalgic audio i've ever heard
Its a close 2nd to the PS1 but not too shabby
Almost as good as hearing the 56K modem sound 😎
@@mpthorvonericksen get off the computer, I'm on the phone!
@@JBird401 Your current download time is: 6 months, 3 weeks, 5 days, 22 hours, 45 minutes, and 22 seconds .... 5 minutes later ... Your current download time is: 6 months, 3 weeks, 5 days, 22 hours, 45 minutes, and 22 seconds
It's definitely the best menu start up for sure. The pure ambience of hearing a loud abstract wind sound during the select screen. Just pure darkness and the lights flowing, it's like the machine waiting for a new simulation (in this case the games). I love the PS2 so much man. ❤
For the Phat model I recommend getting the SCPH - 50001 version that's the one I have for a long time plus I believe that's the later version of the Phat model. I recommend getting the PS2 Slim but be aware of the laser cable adhesive it's very common for it to wear off & the cable will start scratching your discs
I have myself a SCPH - 39001 model because of better laser, this thing can read even very badly scratched DVDs/CDs.
PS2 was a wild experience for me.
Back then, PS2 rentals were a thing at my place. I never owned a PS2 but I played many great games.
Gundam
Naruto
WWE Raw vs Smackdown
Transformers 2007 The Game
Tekken 5
Good times.
People will dismiss it because it's a movie tie-in, but Barnyard for the PS2 is a GREAT time, Open-world style game with a pretty funny story and some side content that could rival the amount you find in the Yakuza series!
The old movie games actually use to have some sauce to them, I really like the Finding Nemo game for PS2 too
Im not the only with love for the barnyard game. I play through it once every year or two. It just felt like a GTA clone to me with the open world aspect and all the different mini games in it.
Omg I'm not the only one who remembers the barnyard game, I had lots of fun with it as a kid, I always liked using the money cheat and getting an upgraded barn in the beginning
Id like to raise you Steam Boat Chronicles, really fun game for the PS2. No remakes or remasters either.
PCXS2, because it's so good now. I don't even use my PS2 anymore because it's that good.
Same. I still have my PS2 and a shitload of games for it, but I play them exclusively on PCSX2 these days. The visual boost and achievements and all that are too good to go back.
It's not my go-to yet because I haven't figured out how to solve all the issues with Klonoa 2 yet. But, I used it to FINALLY get to play Ape Escape 2001 with an english translation patch. I loved it.
I love PCSX2 and have been using it for years, but still find myself mainly playing on original hardware because for me it just provides a better "OEM" experience.
@@caseycardenas1668analog buttons are actually a huge deal for ps2 that are typically not able to be emulated which is a massive loss in quality for a large part of the library
@@caseycardenas1668 why not just get a controller adapter for PC and not risk in the discs being scratched by the ps2?
Shoutout to Ratchet: Deadlocked from the thumbnail! I'll never forget how that was the first video game I ever bought on launch date. 15 years old, October 2005. What a time.
Simpsons hit and run the game is so much fun i got it on my ps2 it's is the reason I got the ps2 in 2024 great video
I replaced my PS2 Slim that had the dreaded laser issue and I've been slowly collecting for it since. Great system. Thanks for repping PS2, Matty!
Recently I got a slim PS2 but it had some kind of issue where it was causing circular scratches on my discs. I had to get a fat PS2 which apparently don't get this issue. I managed to get a fat PS2 cheap on ebay in amazing condition, barely any scratches on the console it was just filthy but cleaned up amazing.
Slim ps2 is good for connecting to an smb server to play games. It's the ideal solution.
@Vanity0666 get a network drive for the fat and you go to good, get a sata converter kit for it as well and you can put SSDs inside it too
It's more than likely just the ribbon cable that connects to the laser. The adhesive lets go on the metal below so it rubs on the discs, can be reattached with tape or glue
There is only one slim model which completely resolve the ribbon scratching discs issue, that is 79001, buy one, you will good to go.
PS2 has been my main console since September and I've been loving every minute of it! Got my first PS2 Slim in December 2004 for Christmas right after they launched in November. I still have that slim to this day.
I just recently picked up a CECHA01 Backwards Compatible PS3 and it does an amazing job of making PS2 games look great on HD 720 or 1080 displays.
I'd have to disagree about the slim, while it is my original and dearly beloved PS2, the later model original PS2's such as 39001 and 50001 are really great and suffer less issues. The slims suffer from loose ribbon cables that scratch discs and this was fixed in the 79001 model which was also the lightest slim, but reverted in the last model 90001 which had the internal power supply. Many slims suffer from the power supply solder joints breaking and they also suffer from the common issue where the lid sensors go bad and discs won't spin as a result of not recognizing that the tray is closed. All of these issues are very fixable, but you just need to keep in mind that for original thick PS2's the only real issues are bad lasers in the launch 30001 model and slow disc trays that get stuck over time, but that's also easily addressed by servicing the drive.
The thick PS2's are also more mod friendly than slims for those interested in modding.
Dirge is my jam, running around Nibblheim in full 3D pre FF7R absolutely gave me the feels. 👍🏿👍🏿
Great video man 👍
I'll tell you what is worth it. Watching Matty's videos. Amirite boys?!
Urban Reign is so good. I wish they would have continued that arena brawler series. That and champions of Norrath were huge for me and my buddies. There’s rarely any games now days where you can play 4 player couch co-op so these titles are such great examples of social gaming at its best!
I've had my original PS2 slim for years but recently started adding to my retro collection again and just picked up a boxed classic PS2. Packing and console look great to this day!
That startup sound hit me right in my feels man
It is worth it i like how PS2 is entirely offline you can get a game & know you’re not missing anything its the same experience as it was back in the day
ONI!!!
Okay, dude. My dude. I LOVED that game. Played it on PC, and it is incredible. Was very, very revolutionary when it came out. I so wish this made a "comeback". Just an awesome game to play. Combat was so, so good, specifically for its time. Thanks for mentioning it.
Cool video, great recommendations. I've been a PS2 collector since it's release. I recently picked up a HDD for my PS2 with all the games I never had a chance to play. So many good games on that system. For those who can't afford to buy games, this new way of playing games on PS2 without the disc is amazing. I was sceptical about it for years but after trying it I really like the convenience and the amount of money this will save is incredible. I just want more people to have access to these games and I think the HDD method gives that. Even if you are already a big collector, this method of playing games is good for preservation of your games. Built one yourself or buy one plug and play, either way imo it's a must have for anyone interested in PS2.
Man Xenosaga trilogy and Valkyrie Profile 2 are my favorite games on PS2. Thank you for recommending them! I hope more people get to play them especially Xenosaga if you like the Xenoblade series.
Just got my HDMI upconverter for my PS2. Going for the full Marvel collection on PS2. 26 games in the collection; and I'm 11 in. Looking forward to 2025 and completing.
Which one did you get?
That thumbnail is the easiest question of all time to answer
yes.
Just a correction: The original Valkyrie Profile is a PS1 game. It just got an enhanced port to the PSP, which then got ported to everything else.
2:26 Hell no, from the slims scratching your discs to the Phat having way better potential for modding it the phat clears.
Agreed. My PS2 Slim began scratching some of my discs, so I replaced it with a fat.
Never had a problem with the fat so far.
This! Was about to comment how slims scratch up games when the band isn’t in properly. This alone makes the fat ps2 much more reliable and easy to hack.
It depends on what slim you buy and how you take care of it I have a SCPH 90001 Model which is the final revision of the PS2 it was released in 2008 and discontinued in 2013
And if it does scratch your disc all you have to do is replace the ribbon cable it's not that hard plus it's portable and it's easy to fit in tight spaces the fat models lasers are weaker fans are louder don't get me wrong fat models good but you got to admit that the slim model is well-built my PS2 has not broken down and I have a slim.
@ElijahBonilla-lc5vb I have a 2nd hand edition of one of the 50003 models (because UK), works perfectly fine just had to clean it out first. My fan isn't loud and I haven't had an issue with the disc drive yet and I've had this since 2022. Only thing I need to do with it is change out the CMOS battery.
@@BBK113 that was an accidental comment I addressed that comment to the wrong person I didn't mean to send that comment to you my bad.
Love the video Matty. One thing to note about the PS2 Slim. They do have a higher chance of over heating.. So if someone can get a FAT over the SLIM then I highly suggest you take that deal.
This year i played MGS2, FFX, FFXII, and God of War for the first time. I had a PS2 slim growing up but these titles were a little mature for a 6 year old lol.
I had the same problem of not beating Command Mission from Christmas of '04 all the way up until last year. I wish Capcom did more with the RPG formula and Megaman.
Nice guide my guy. I’d argue the Jak trilogy PS2 port is the best way to play it due to the directional grid made specifically for the DualShock 2 that’s locked on the later ports.
I do believe Jak 1s revised PS5 port might have addressed this. To each their own
Here Comes the Pain is still in my rotation to this day
It’s been my hope for years to get the shadow hearts trilogy on modern consoles. Amazing games that just are forgotten about now
The GOAT is back! Happy Holidays!!! PS2 is amazing...
The Xenosaga series is fantastic. Highly recommend (though some of the gameplay in the first two games is a little dated).
Of the PS2 games I've played (that aren't mentioned in the video), try the Shadow Hearts trilogy, Digital Devil Saga (1 and 2), Killer7 (this one has a PC port too), Drakengard 1 (haven't played the second), Fatal Frame 1-3, and Shadow of Memories/Destiny.
PS2 games are still worth going back to, but are so hard to find and collect physically. It would be great if studios gave more attention to making the PS2 and PS1 catalogue more accessible rather than trying to remaster or remake PS4-era games.
Love me some jesus bible games
Bujingai: The Forsaken City, Samurai Western, and Genji: Dawn of the Samurai are three oddly charming PS2 games that I enjoyed.
Other ps2 recommendations: Onimusha 1-3 and Dawn of Dreams, Bujingai: The Forsaken City, Summoner, The Matrix: Path of Neo, the Lord of the Rings movie games, Shinobi, Shadow Hearts, Rumble Roses, Dynasty Warriors 4 w/ Xtreme Legends, and Way of the Samurai
I also bought a PS2 slim this year and retired my old phat PS2 I bought in 2002. Glad you named Dragon Quest VIII. Such a gem of a game. It released on 3DS, but I prefer the PS2 version. Others I'd highly recommend are;
Hulk: Ultimate Destruction: One of the best super hero games of all time IMO.
Spartan: Total Warrior: Just a fun hack n slash. Not much else.
SOCOM U.S. Navy Seals: Great stealth 3PS. Ridiculous these don't have remasters.
Black: Just a ridiculously fun FPS. Can be played on current Xbox too.
Medal of Honor: Frontline: One of the best WWII games ever made. Would be amazing if this got a full blown remake.
King Kong: Best movie tie in game ever? Probably could say that.
Splinter Cell games: How these aren't on modern consoles is absurd. They did a port for PS3, but again... that's PS3.
Ghost Recon/Jungle Strike: They probably look and feel outdated, but man they're just fun IMO.
Hard to think of my favourite PS2 games that didn't have better versions on Xbox or remasters. Liked Vice City Stories, Soul Calibur 2 and 3, Syphon Filter Dark Mirror, GT4, Silent Hill 2, Splashdown 2 and Tekken 5
Man would love for a Budokai collection to modern platforms. Also Dirge of Cerberus needs to be brought forward.
The PS2/OXBOX was truly where original game designs and ideas shined throughout the gaming world for these two consoles. You had Maximo, Crimson Sea, Crimson Skies, Red Ninja, Gun Valkyrie, Tak, Gun and so many others. Sadly nowadays gamers usually get the cookie cutter online FPS/TPS games with the standard arenas and basic mechanics.
The memory of playing DQ VIII was magical
perfect timing just started recollecting for the ps2 what are some of the best first person shooters that anyone can recommend and thank you .
Naruto ultimate ninja 1,2,3,4,5 remastered on PS4/5 would be so cool, all on one blue-ray ❤ Dreaming is still free right now, so I will keep on dreaming a little more 😂
Its an ok purchase for disc based games, considering a hack will get you almost every game you ever wanted for a $100 or so. The library of games is fantastic it must be said, but lets be honest a lot will get remakes in this remake era.
The ps2 is currently the greatest console of all time. It has a huge library of games that covers all genres. Not to mention, it plays the whole ps1 library through backward compatibility, and it was a dvd player.
Talk about perfect timing. I just got done playing Tenkaichi 1 trying to beat the story right now!
Gauntlet Dark Legacy is a great one too!
8:23 ff10 had the best story I’ve seen in any video game
Never had a PS2 but have been playing through some games with my Retroid Pocket 5. Great library
Buying a ps2 is worth it for analog button inputs alone.
Currently playing through DQ8 myself right now via MX4SIO and it's a slow ride but I'm loving it.
Buying. A. Playstation. 2. in. 2024
Personally, you're better off emulating it. Just the nostalgia alone can't sell me, it's the experiences.. and today, playing these on my phone during a long car ride or at night playing those RPGs like bedtime stories in a nice resolution is all I need.
Speak for yourself. Rocking PS2 fat with original network adapter, IDE hard drive, rgb scart cable and crt television. So good.
Worth it, it may be but finding a console that will last not knowing it's care history is the concern.
5:09 way to start off with a banger!
It's my favourite console of all time. I don't think anything can ever beat it for me.
It's funny that this pops up now Matty, i was thinking of looking for the original PAL versions of Yakuza 1 and 2 on the PS2, even though i bet they are pricey these days, i recently picked up the Japan exclusive Ryu Ga Gotoku HD Collection on PS3 so i want the original games to complete my Yakuza collection :)
I’ve seen and have all from 1980-Now I have every console and tons of games the PS2 is a God Tier Console
I can't count the amount of evenings I spent playing gran turismo 3 or gta vice city while in college
Some of those games will NEVER see the light of day on modern platforms either due to licensing/rights issues or just not enough money. Examples:
1) Xenosaga might have an opportunity although I have no idea who owns the rights, Monolith Soft was the developer (is owned by Nintendo) and Bandai/Namco was the publisher.
2) WWE Smackdown/SVR games will never see the light of day again. Those games had incorporated brand deals with all the wrestlers, not to mention the licensed music among other things. The original developer (Yukes) no longer works on WWE games and THQ is absolved. It would be next to impossible.
3) Games that are wholly owned by companies (MMX Command Mission with Capcom, Oni by Rockstar) could be rereleased, but only if there's financial incentive. Can't imagine the porting process would be worth it for those big companies if the return is not there.
Xenosaga 1-3 is pretty much guaranteed to get a rerelease within the next 2-3 years. Nintendo bought monolith and bandai is a close partner.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2, 3 and X prominently feature Xenosaga characters and narrative connections. (Likewise with Xenogears characters being prominently featured in saga)
Do you know why Dimps doesn't rerelease any of their old games?
How many of these EXACT videos and literally title to the video are there gonna be on TH-cam
Right he may as well rename this every year since its about to be 2025
Never heard anyone talk about Dirge of Cerberus i thought i was the only one who played it. Would recommend both Zone of the Enders games on ps2
I feel like every time he makes one of these videos the game prices go up.
I still play mine everyday. Recently got the transformers 2004 game playing through that. Good fun!
When my friends come over, we always bust out the ps2 and play some 007 nightfire on skyrail 🙏 good times.
My ps2 recently stopped working and I've been going through Dynasty Warriors withdrawals. 😢
I played Oni when I was maybe 8 years old, I gotta say I must have been really bad at video games as a kid! I could not get past some kind of laser level and absolutely hated it! Now it's super expensive, at least here in Australia, so might still be awhile before I dive back in. All that to say, solid recommendation 😅
Greatest start up console noise ever
I've kept my PS2 all these years just for my copy of Tales of the Abyss and Yugioh Duelist of the Roses.
No Rogue Galaxy recommendation? It was an awesome JRPG about space pirates.
You cannot expect he mention every good PS2 game, there are too many. So please don't be subjective.
It is absolutely worth it. Still one of the greatest consoles of all time.
And if you are going to tell me it's not because of emulation, don't bother. You're objectively wrong.
Matty I just learned about Urban Reign a few months ago. It’s like Def Jam FFNY on steroids 🔥🔥
The timing is uncanny, I literally have ebay opened on another tab with search results for a PS2. Need to find a TV too...
edit: UZUMAKI CHRONICLES? MATTY MY MAN!
I honestly prefer the original ps2 because the slim ps2 overheats after an hour or 2 though I did enjoy your showcase. Though I was sad you didn’t mention the “Def Jam” games in PS2 when you were mentioning Fighting/Brawler games. I enjoyed watching an LP of the first “Def Jam” game and have almost beaten “Def Jam: Fight for New York” I wish you mentioned them as well as the “Dynasty Warriors” games since 2 up to 5 XL are still only Exclusive to the PS2. Other ones you didn’t mention that still today are only on PS2 were “Mortal Kombat: Deception”, “Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance”, “Mortal Kombat: Armageddon”, and “Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks”
Idk about buying, I don't know it's price off hand, but owning yes. No question.
Yo was that a slim in the opening
I've been playing PS2 since I was 4 years old my first console that I've ever owned was a PS1 the first console I ever played was PS2
anyone else still playing the same ps2 they had as a kid??
One game series I’m sad u didn’t include was the viewtiful Joe series 1 and 2 they are a really surprisingly slept on series it’s funny and entertaining game series
I love Champions as well! If it gets released on PSN i'll buy it, just to support. However i'll be disappointed if the graphics arent upscaled, like the emulator gameplay that's out there... "WWE Shut Your Mouth" is underrated. I recently bought a light-gun & "Time Crisis" 2 & 3, they're alot of fun!
That boot up sound of bliss, hopes, dreams and more!! ❤ PS2!!!❤🎉
If emulation was not basically perfect on most ps2 games I might agree with you but pcsx2 can be played well on pcs handheld pcs the series x or s and tons of ways to do it so no owning one is not worth it
ps2 with freemcboot and hdd is a must have you can play everything
lol just ordered a ps2 for my roomate crazy timing matty
I still got my original ps2 still works fine I just forgot how slow it used to boot up
I'll never get rid of my Def Jam FFNY that I payed $30 No Manual for. Ain't gon happen.
That game is extremely expensive one of the most expensive PS2 games right next to Dragon Ball Budokai Tenkaichi 3 wise choice to keep it I'm fortunate enough to own Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 3 with the bonus disc
Id recommend a phat ps2 over slim Get a phat boy with a hard drive. Slap in a free mcboot memory card and directly install your games to the harddrive and save your disc. Also you get up to 4x loading speeds because of that
There is one nit pick with the Slim PS2, Beyond Good & Evil's sound is buggy as hell on it. Apart from that I've not had a problem with mine, I've heard the Slims can scratch discs but so far so good with mine, although I use OPL via network share to load all but a few of my games these days.
I went back and played Shadow The Hedgehog on my slim PS2
it baffles me they dont remake it for PS4 and PS5
given shadow generations just came out I thought thats what the game anouncement was until I saw the "generations" part
No Twisted Metal or Socom? Sony doesn’t even acknowledge these IP both due for a port/remaster/new entry
Absolutely. Goated console
Ive had my ps2 since i was a kid and mine is the fat ps2 and mine works fantastic
Started my ps2 collection 2 years ago and don’t regret it at all. So fun with the fellas
Most of these PS2 games on PS5 don’t even run at 4K lol. It shouldn’t even be that hard to do either
the red star on ps2 is a banger 2 player coop game check it out folks
I love Smackdown HCTP, but it's never getting remade or ported for the PS5. Those who know will understand why.
Sorry Matty, PS5 is only backwards compatible with PS4. If you can’t put the disc in and play then it isn’t backwards compatible. The PS1/2 Classics are nice and I love getting the trophies for older games except Capcom hates Trophies since they don’t put any for Dino Crisis and RE1. Also now that you made the video I’m curious of seeing the pricing of PS2 now.
Still using my PS2 Fat.
The Slim will scratch your discs over time.
Still got mine 😂don’t need to buy a new one
shoutout big bro for handing me down his childhood ps2, jak and daxter, ratchet and clank, devil may cry all sparked my love and adoration for the art of games
Till it breaks
@@nintendylan7449 been going for 20 years so far I don’t play it even more than once a month but doesn’t have any issues yet
There is some really nice wireless controllers for the ps2
4:05 every Jak and dexter game. Yes that's it. No one look past.
Hey X and Daxter are good. It's just TLF that's the issue.