Remembering the Playstation 2

A new year brings a lot of new changes, both wonderful and dreadful. Sony has begun the new year by ceasing production of the Playstation 2, one of the most successful gaming console on the market. Personally I remembered when the PS2 was a major luxury, estimating about $500 and being the most valuable gaming system on the market. When I was finally able to purchase one an incredible feeling of joy filled my body as I first slid my copy of Grand Theft Auto 3 into the disk tray and began terrorizing Liberty City. With so many titles and a status among gamers that remains unmatched it’s disappointing to see this black box finally be laid to rest, but the memories will last forever.

Despite the Playstation 2's insurmountable library we all have that one game that remains close to our heart and this article is dedicated to them. Here are our top choices for the PS2.  

Adam Siddiqui

Publisher: Naughty Dog
Developer: Sony
Platform: PS2 (Exclusive)
Genre: Platform
Release Date: October 14, 2003

The PS2 held some of the best platforming games of all time: Ratchet and Clank traveled throughout the universe and tackled seemingly impossible task with an array of clever weapons; Sly Cooper and his closet friends stole legendary objects in unthinkable ways; Jak and Daxter traveled through time and killer monsters to save the world. It’s hard to choose between these outstanding titles, probably the best platforming games of all time, but when it comes down to it my favorite PS2 experience was from playing Jak 2.

When I played Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy I was expose to some incredible gameplay and platforming action, but when the sequel was release it blew my mind. The new refined gameplay and story offered more than the previous title and had me collecting every single collectable I could find throughout Haven City, getting all the powers and replaying the campaign constantly. No platforming game since has captured the same feeling I had when playing Jak 2, not even Jak 3.

Craig Bryan

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Polyphony Digital
Platform: PS2 (Exclusive)
Genre: Racing
Release Date: 2001 (July 20, EU)

I have very fond memories of the Gran Turismo series and for me the third installment was the pinnacle of what was achievable in racing simulation at the time. I spent an inordinate amount of time playing it and completing it one-hundred percent, which was no easy accomplishment I can tell you. Perhaps my favorite moment from the game was cruising around Laguna Seca in my lush red Viper; a dream I hope to realize one day.

Marco Cecilio

Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Platform: Gamecube. PS2, XBLA, PSN, Wii, iOS
Genre: Survival horror  
Release Date: October 25, 2005 (PS2 release date)

My favorite PS2 game is Resident Evil 4. Despite being the sixth game involving the main story of the franchise, the producers have managed to develop an engaging and terrifying storyline.The injection of dynamism given the title had a great result. The action element has become a lot more in this game and often there will be situations of extreme risk and adversity complex. The contrast of emotions is great, the sense of calm is suddenly interrupted by euphoria and fear. Positive point for the game, because this element, which has always been a strong point of the series, is more pronounced than ever. With a terrifying story, RE4 was completely designed to accelerate the pace of the hardest of hearts.

The PS2 has had a fantastic life. The legacy of this system has delighted gamers for decades and competed with the current generation with admirable valor. With an assortment of great and poor games, an array of accomplished and failed accessories and a line of satisfied fans the PS2 can now rest in peace.

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed 
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A special thanks to Marco Cecilio and Craig Bryan for contributing to the article.