Christmas Buyers Guide - PlayStation 2

PS2 Feature | Got a PS2? No idea what to buy? We're here to help.

The PlayStation 2 is the most popular console in Australia by a significant margin, and given the huge games library, things can get a little hairy when trying to keep track of what to buy, especially at Christmas time when hundreds of games land on the shelves in a matter of weeks. PALGN has taken the time to assemble a list of the best games that have been released in the lead up to the holiday season, as well as a few cheap but excellent titles for those on a tight budget.

Resident Evil 4

Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$99.95 | Also on: GameCube
D: Capcom | P: Capcom
OFLC Rating: MA15+
PALGN REVIEW: NR | BUY NOW: PS2

Capcom’s Resident Evil renaissance was awarded PALGN’s first perfect score when it was released on the GameCube earlier this year, and the PS2 version promises to deliver the same level of awesomeness with more bonus content, including a new Ada mission, new weapons and new costumes. Leon S. Kennedy, the hero of Resident Evil 2, has been assigned to a new role as protector of the president’s family after the demise of Umbrella. After the president’s daughter is kidnapped, it’s up to Leon to venture into Southern Europe to get her back, but in doing so, he stumbles upon something much bigger. The fourth game in the series is one of those rare “must-own” games, regardless of whether or not you’re a fan of Resident Evil.

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Pro Evolution Soccer 5

Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$99.95 | Also on: Xbox, PC
D: KCET | P: Konami
OFLC Rating: G
PALGN REVIEW: 8.5 | BUY NOW: PS2

With the Socceroos’ triumphant victory over Uruguay in the World Cup Qualifier, soccer’s popularity in Australia is an all time high, so what better time to grasp onto the best soccer series in existence. Though it doesn’t have the FA license like FIFA, it does have all of the players from that league, as well as the licenses and players for all of the European leagues and teams. On top of that, the game is easy to pick up, yet offers enough depth for serious long term addiction – the AI is excellent, but you can always go online and duke it out with some real people. Sadly, for owners of PES4, the fifth game in the series doesn’t really offer anything new, so it might be an idea to wait for the next-gen version.

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Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi

Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$99.95 | Also on: N/A
D: Spike | P: Atari
OFLC Rating: PG
PALGN REVIEW: 8.0 | BUY NOW: PS2

A thousand anime fans just collectively rolled their eyes, but forget about them – Budokai Tenkaichi is one of the best action/fighting games of the year. Take any of more than 70 Dragon Ball Z characters into one on one combat in massive, fully destructible environments. You can relive any of the battles from the lengthy Dragon Ball Z series, as well as some of the movies, but if you get bored of that, there’s a world tournament mode, and the Ultimate Battle Mode, as well as multiplayer duelling. It may not be for everyone, but if you like flashy, over-the-top combat, it might be worth your time.

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The Warriors

Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$99.95 | Also on: Xbox
D: Rockstar Toronto | P: Rockstar
OFLC Rating: MA15+
PALGN REVIEW: 8.5 | BUY NOW: PS2

Based on the cult classic film from the late 1970s, The Warriors represents something of a rebirth in the long idle beat ‘em up genre, which has been plagued by some really awful games in recent years. This game is extremely violent, with some of the most brutal hand to hand combat we’ve ever seen – keep this one away from the kids. A lengthy quest, tons of content and co-operative play will ensure that The Warriors come out and play for a good couple of months after the holidays.

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Rugby League 2

Release Date: December 8th
RRP:$89.95 | Also on: PC
D: Sidhe Interactive | P: HES
OFLC Rating: G
PALGN REVIEW: NR | BUY NOW: PS2

The long awaited sequel to 2003’s Rugby League promises to bring the sport of rugby league up to the level of videogame representation we see from EA Sports’ Madden, NBA Live and NHL games. Fully customisable AI via the use of sliders, online multiplayer support and a full franchise mode with a full representative schedule should solve most of our grievances with the original game. The game has had a couple minor difficulties with bugs resulting in a few delays, but we should expect Rugby League 2 to break the line on December 8th.

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King Kong

Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$99.95 | Also on: GameCube, Xbox, PC, PSP, DS, GBA
D: Ubi Soft | P: Ubi Soft
OFLC Rating: M
PALGN REVIEW: 8.0 | BUY NOW: PS2

The videogame based on famed director Peter Jackson’s version of King Kong promises to deliver unprecedented atmosphere and a level of quality never seem before from movie tie ins. Take control over Jack Driscoll and the great ape himself through the key points of the movie. King Kong is also chock full of extras, including exclusive interviews with Peter Jackson and the cast of the film.

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WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2006

Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$79.95 | Also on: NR
D: Yuke’s Media Creations | P: THQ
OFLC Rating: MA15+
PALGN REVIEW: NR | BUY NOW: Regular Edition | Limited Edition

After tripping over its own legs last year, THQ’s WWE Smackdown series is set to make a dramatic return to quality with the 7th entry into the series. WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2006 features all of the popular superstars as well as a variety of WWE Legends, including Bret Hart and Hulk Hogan. Season mode has been retooled after a disappointing change last year, and is further complimented by the new GM mode, which lets you take helm over your favourite WWE show, and go head to head with the opposition, booking your own matches and making your own storylines. Combined with new match types and a vastly expanded online multiplayer component, Smackdown vs. Raw 2006 looks to pick up where Here Comes the Pain left off, leading the charge towards higher quality WWE games.

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From Russia with Love

Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$89.95 | Also on: GameCube, Xbox
D: EA Los Angeles | P: EA Games
OFLC Rating: M
PALGN REVIEW: NR | BUY NOW: PS2

EA’s James Bond output has been all over the place, from the rather good Nightfire to the despicable Rogue Agent, so hopefully their latest title can bring the goods. Featuring the voice and likeness of Sean Connery as James Bond(albeit just a tad aged since the role), players get to relive the movie that put Bond on the map. All the gadgets, espionage and Bondisms are here, so if you’re a little sick of the campiness of the current James Bond, it might be a little idea to give this one a look.

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Soulcalibur III

Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$89.95 | Also on: NR
D: Namco | P: Sony Computer Entertainment
OFLC Rating: M
PALGN REVIEW: 8.5 | BUY NOW: PS2

Soul Calibur II was one of the biggest multiplatform releases of 2003, so it’s kind of baffling that Namco would restrict this to the PlayStation 2, but as a result, we’ve been treated to a much more focused experience. On top of the returning cast from the second game, we have three new fighters, plus the ability to create our own. There’s a fair bit of single player content in the Chronicles of the Sword and Tales of the Soul modes, which should keep the socially inept at bay for a while. Multiplayer is the real meat of this one – pick it up with a two joysticks and a slab of beer, and you’ll be set.

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Ricky Ponting Cricket 2005

Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$99.95 | Also on: Xbox, PC
D: Swordfish | P: Codemasters
OFLC Rating: G
PALGN REVIEW: 8.0 | BUY NOW: PS2

After the dreadful release of Cricket 2005, cricket fans were forced to bet the farm on Ricky Ponting’s Cricket 2005 for their videogame of choice, and like usual, the Australian skipper didn’t disappoint, teaming up with Swordfish Studios to deliver one of the most refreshing cricketing experiences of the decade. A full set of ICC championships and a wealth of customisable options should make this videogame an excellent companion to this summer’s cricket season.

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Burnout Revenge

Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$89.95 | Also on: Xbox
D: Criterion | P: EA Games
OFLC Rating: M
PALGN REVIEW: 9.0 | BUY NOW: PS2

Burnout 3: Takedown was a pretty big step forward for the series, but wasn’t without problems (most notably Crash mode being about as challenging as driving the kids to school). Luckily, Burnout Revenge addresses most of these problems, eliminating the wanky DJ, consolidating the interface, making the AI tougher, smarter and sneakier. A lengthy single player mode and solidified online support give Burnout Revenge real long term value, even if it is still a little bit easy.

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God of War

Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$89.95 | Also on: NR
D: Sony Computer Entertainment Santa Monica | P: Sony Computer Entertainment
OFLC Rating: MA15+
PALGN REVIEW: 8.5 | BUY NOW: PS2

Sony’s Santa Monica studio really showed us what they were capable of with God of War, maxing out the PlayStation 2’s graphical capabilities, and at the same time producing an insanely cool action game. Kratos is a likeable character, even if he is a bit of a womanising scumbag with a lust for power – the bootlicker of Ares is hellbent on getting revenge on the God of War for the death of his family and comrades by doing something that no other mortal has done – slay a God…but Kratos is no mere mortal. Over the top action, movie like presentation, insane bosses and excellent control make God of War a real top shelf title; one of the PlayStation 2’s best.

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Tekken 5

Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$99.95 | Also on: NR
D: Namco | P: Sony Computer Entertainment
OFLC Rating: M
PALGN REVIEW: 8.5 | BUY NOW: PS2

After the excellent Tekken 3 and Tekken Tag Tournament, Namco stumbled on Tekken 4. Fortunately, the release of Tekken 5 marked a real return to form for the King of Iron Fist Tournament. Stacks of playable characters and a lot more depth than we’ve come to expect from the series over the years should ensure that this Tekken game becomes a little more popular amongst fighting game affindicios. Namco have packed in an outrageous number of bonuses, including the arcade versions of Tekken, Tekken 2 and Tekken 3. Pick this one up and gather a few friends (just ignore the Devil Within mode), and you’ll see why Tekken 5 is one of the best fighters on the PlayStation 2.

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Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$49.95 | Also on: NR
D: KCEJ | P: Konami
OFLC Rating: MA15+
PALGN REVIEW: 9.5

After the rather bizarre Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, many fans were looking forward to a return to normality within the series, and Kojima and co. really delivered with Snake Eater, even managing to nab the highest mark we’ve awarded to a PS2 title this year. Set in the early 1960s, a green Snake is sent deep into an enemy jungle on his first solo mission. Shortly after the mission begins, Snake learns of his mentor’s defection to the other side of the Iron Curtain, which makes him begin to question everything he’s ever known. As the story unfolds, we begin to see the events that shaped the Big Boss’ personality, and the planting of the seeds that led to his eventual defection. One of the best stories we’ve seen in a videogame matched up with some of the best gameplay you’ll ever experience - not to be missed, especially at only $49.95.

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LEGO Star Wars

Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$49.95 | Also on: Xbox, Gamecube, PC
D:Traveller’s Tales | P: Eidos
OFLC Rating: G
PALGN REVIEW: 8.0 | BUY NOW: PS2

LEGO Star Wars isn’t just a kids game – there’s a lot of enjoyment to be had by people of all ages, especially Star Wars fans. Relive your favourite moments of the prequel trilogy, presented entirely in LEGO. Race through Mos Espa, fight the evil Count Dooku, and send that rotten Anakin Skywalker to a firey grave on Mustafa. There’s a huge selection of unlockable characters, and once you’ve beaten the game, you’ll be able to replay any section using any character. Best of all, you can play co-operatively through the entire game with another person.

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Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening

Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$29.95 | Also on: NR
D: Capcom | P: Capcom
OFLC Rating: MA15+
PALGN REVIEW: 8.5 | BUY NOW: PS2

A lot of series seem to have been recovering from poor entries, and the Devil May Cry series is no exception. Face it – the second game just outright sucked, but the third game more than makes up for it. The original development team has returned, and as a result we’ve got more stylish action than you can shake a giant sword and a pair of pistols at. Devil May Cry 3 goes back in time to the days of a younger Dante, and gives players a look into the relationship he shared with his brother Virgil, the other son of Sparta. With non-stop action and plenty of cheesy dialogue, Devil May Cry 3 is a must have for PlayStation 2 action fans.

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Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal

Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$29.95 | F: Playstation 2
D: Insomniac | P: Sony Computer Entertainment
OFLC Rating: G8
PALGN REVIEW: 8.5 | BUY NOW: PS2

Another one of those games that the whole family can enjoy – just because it looks like a kids game doesn’t mean it is. The Ratchet series has always been packed with plenty of humour and a handful of rather subtle innuendos. The action here is top notch, and the RPG elements, challenge modes and multiplayer modes should provide some serious long term value – it’s an absolute steal at only thirty bucks.

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Jak 3

Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$29.95 | F: Playstation 2
D: Naughty Dog | P: Sony Computer Entertainment
OFLC Rating: G8
PALGN REVIEW: 8.5 | BUY NOW: PS2

Jak II marked a darker and more serious tone for an otherwise lighthearted serious, but Jak 3 manages to find some middle ground, while improving on some of the problems of its predecessor – namely those frustrating, difficult, repetitious sections towards the end of the game. Jak 3 takes place in the desert wastes, as life didn’t get better after the fall of the barren, and as a result, Jak and Daxter have free roam over a massive overworld. Fun gameplay, big levels with tons of objectives, and a reasonable length make Jak 3 a worthy conclusion to the Jak & Daxter trilogy.