In the early to mid-2000s, Sony Interactive Entertainment was a juggernaut, with the PlayStation 2 (PS2) remaining the best-selling console to date. Despite its enduring legacy, some of the PS2's hit games have faded into obscurity, overshadowed by more prominent titles. This article delves into five such games, each once successful but now largely forgotten, despite selling at least one million copies during the PS2's lifetime. These games represent a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the evolution of gaming and the changing tastes of players over time.
One such game is Dark Cloud, an action RPG released in 2000. It follows the fantasy hero Toan, who must recover elements known as Atla to restore his kingdom. What makes Dark Cloud unique is its procedurally generated dungeons and quick-time events during enemy duels. Despite its innovative gameplay and impressive visuals for a first-year PS2 title, the game initially received little attention, overshadowed by more prominent early PS2 releases. However, it has since been re-released on the PlayStation 4, offering a chance to revisit this under-appreciated gem.
Another game that deserves more recognition is Yu-Gi-Oh! The Duelists of the Roses. Drawing inspiration from the English War of the Roses, this 2001 release pits longtime rivals Yugi Mutou and Seto Kaiba against each other in a card-driven showdown. The game's unique blend of card-oriented combat and grid-based battlefields sets it apart from contemporaries like Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors. While the franchise released several other games, Yu-Gi-Oh! The Duelists of the Roses stands out for its distinct approach, though it has yet to be re-released on modern platforms.
Scooby-Doo! Night of 100 Frights is a 2002 game that follows Scooby-Doo as he searches for his friends in a haunted mansion. The game is packed with Easter eggs and allusions to various Scooby-Doo cartoons, making it a treat for fans of the franchise. Despite its popularity, the game has largely fallen by the wayside, with its more conventional action-adventure gameplay differing from the puzzle-solving direction of Luigi's Mansion. However, it remains one of the better animated series tie-ins of its era and deserves a modern remaster.
The Getaway is a 2002 open-world crime action game that offers a unique twist on the Grand Theft Auto formula. The game follows the dual narratives of Mark Hammond and Frank Carter as they delve into London's criminal underworld. Its success led to a direct sequel in 2004 and a spin-off, Gangs of London, for the PlayStation Portable. However, the series has largely remained dormant for 20 years, with adaptations in other media being the only notable activity since its peak.
Finally, EyeToy: Play is a 2003 game that comes with the EyeToy peripheral, essentially a webcam that uses motion-tracking inputs. The game features a variety of minigames, including rhythm games, soccer ball bouncing, and boxing. While it predated the Wii and its motion-controlled games by three years, EyeToy: Play has since fallen into obscurity, with the EyeToy peripheral dying with the PS2 era. Despite this, the game remains a fascinating glimpse into the early days of motion-controlled gaming.
In conclusion, these five PS2 games represent a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the evolution of gaming and the changing tastes of players over time. While they may have faded into obscurity, each game offers a unique perspective on the PS2 era and deserves recognition for its contributions to the medium. As we reflect on the past, these games serve as a reminder of the innovation and creativity that once defined the gaming landscape.
