It's all about the next generation of gaming, but the PlayStation 2 console was actually pretty innovative in a number of areas in its time, from the EyeToy to some beautiful displays of graphic potential. However, story-driven titles have perhaps been overlooked the most.
The narrative is king in gaming today, but looking back at the PS2, so many of the games that are fondly ed were platformers, racers, combat simulators, and first-person-shooters. These story-driven games could certainly be revisited now though and would still hold up from a narrative point of view.
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal (2004)
It seems unusual to suggest that Ratchet & Clank has been forgotten considering the success of the recent Insomniac title. However, this early sequel certainly didn't stand out in the minds of fans when looking back, even though it set up the series for even more sales.
Up Your Arsenal from Sony and Insomniac was incredibly well received and even boasted a unique multiplayer mode. But the narrative that drove this action adventure, with a new antagonist Dr. Nerfarious and allies like Sasha getting introduced, is thrilling in its exploration of an intergalactic conflict that the titular duo ends up in the center of. It's well worth returning to before playing the PS5 iteration.
Ico (2001)
In regards to the action-adventure genre, Ico is another standout from the PlayStation 2, although most fans will not this gorgeous display of storytelling. Japan Studio and Team Ico crafted a narrative that puts young Ico at the center of a mysterious journey.
While Ico himself might have stood out, due to the horns that had grown on his head, he goes on a mission alongside some newfound friends, after escaping the capture of a cult that wants to sacrifice him. Surprising twists and turns drive this magical affair, which ensures the lead has some tough decisions to make in this bizarre castle.
Jak And Daxter: The Precursor Legacy (2001)
PlayStation Productions is working on some kind of big-screen adaptation. While it could have a chance to be revived on the current generation of console, this PS2 release is definitely among its best.
The games are wacky and visually inventive and stand out as quality platformers. But from a storyline perspective, the Naughty Dog title shouldn't be overlooked in the way that it has been. It's the first part of the franchise setting up this fictional fantasy world and its array of characters, giving them compelling backstories while leading to a blockbuster finale that launches a huge cliffhanger.
Viewtiful Joe (2003)
In of its genre, Viewtiful Joe is actually a side-scroller and a beat-em-up title, but that doesn't mean it can't boast a brilliant narrative. In fact, from its storytelling to its graphic design, this very much feels like a comic book that's been brought to life in a video game format.
Created by Capcom, Viewtiful Joe is perhaps forgotten because it's pretty unique in its approach to the genre. It separates its story into separate episodes as if it's a TV show, giving audiences snippets of the narrative that involves the meta backdrop of being set in Movieland, playing off of the concepts surrounding filmmaking. There's something so inventive about its story and the conflicts Joe has to overcome.
Shadow Of The Colossus (2005)
Another action-adventure game, it's incredible that Shadow Of The Colossus has continued to go unnoticed years later, considering how much it contributed to the industry in regards to building up mythology and ensuring that it connects with the audience visually.
However, the title perhaps isn't as mainstream as some may think. Created by Japan Studio and Team Ico once more, the premise of the title involves the lead protagonist, Wander, looking to resurrect his friend Mono. Story is everything here, with every battle meaning something, as they are often a result of the decisions of Wander himself and his quest through the well-developed Forbidden Lands, which slowly corrupt him.
Bully (2006)
Bully is a strange premise but it really works. Some may actually the title fondly, but others could have well-forgotten this unusual entry, from Rockstar Games. It's not a traditional action-adventure and is instead set within a school, centering on the culture within it.
One lone anti-hero sets his sights on trying to overturn the culture in this environment and bring peace to the school, but of course, the choices of the player seemingly make a difference there. With the player navigating the various social circles, the narrative threads involved here are enough to inspire a potential big screen feature.
Fahrenheit (2005)
Quantic Dreams are so well known now for their storytelling abilities and they partnered with Atari to create Fahrenheit which has seemingly been lost in the archives of the studio's more recent successes. From a graphic perspective, this was really a standout of the PlayStation.
Narratively speaking, this presents audiences with a huge spider web of interconnected stories and characters. With a killer, the detectives investigating him, and the murderer's brother all playable, this mystery is told from various perspectives and gives players the chance to essentially choose their ending.
God Of War II (2007)
The first outing of brought Greek mythology into the video game world in an inventive manner that hadn't been achieved before. The reboots on the latest PlayStation consoles reimagined the series and have now propelled Kratos and his world to new heights.
But the sequel, God Of War II, actually boasts one of the best stories of the saga. Santa Monica Studio gave Kratos a larger threat to face, as he battles against the Olympians that look down upon his killing of Ares. With Zeus standing up as a key antagonist, and the narrative involving the Spartans, it's a thrilling exploration of ancient legend from an alternative point of view.
Rogue Galaxy (2007)
Level-5 created Rogue Galaxy, a science fiction-inspired action RPG that fully takes advantage of the storytelling abilities of the studio. It's not a title that comes up in conversation among fans, but the world-building alone is absolutely incredible and contains plenty of tiny but intricate narrative details in its setup.
Jaster Rogue a farmer, is the lead protagonist of the piece. He s a group of pirates under a false identity and begins a quest alongside them, with the fate of the galaxy in the balance and the prospect of universal peace in sight. While the stakes are massive, the story is ultimately about friendship and family, which is perhaps what makes it so appealing.
Ōkami (2006)
Ōkami was developed by Clover Studio and Capcom and was released towards the end of the PlayStation 2. Thus, despite its simple yet stunning visuals and brilliant storytelling, the game has been completely forgotten. Fans have to go back to this underrated classic.
The whole premise revolves around Japanese mythology and folklore, with players controlling the wolf form of the Sun goddess. It's quite a spiritual adventure that sees the lands themselves almost revived by removing a curse, and different gods contending with one another for power. It's a fascinating cultural display, with a story that takes advantage of an indie style of gameplay.
