Christmas Buyer's Guide - Playstation 2

PS2 Feature | One last Christmas hurrah for the PS2?

Who needs the 'next-generation' when you have a PlayStation 2. Sony's most successful video game venture has been going strong for seven years and is only now slowing down. As such, it probably has one last strong Christmas left in the tank, before the PlayStation 3 takes the full spotlight an tries to emulate what its predecessor has done. Through out the year, there have been no less than three Singstar titles and three Buzz games released, and just like last year, a lot of our Christmas titles have spilled over from '06. With the upcoming holidays, it could be a good time to catch up on some of those gems that you might have missed or forgotten about. Here are a few of them.

Dragon Ball Z: Tenkaichi Budokai 3

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-2
Developer: Spike
Publisher: Atari

The Dragon Ball Z: Budokai is one of our favourites here at PALGN, and the third in the Tenkaichi spinoff series is promising to be the biggest of the lot. Dragon Ball Z: Tenkaichi Budokai 3 looks to refine the fighting mechanics and provide over 150 characters for players to use (Farmer with shotgun?). While Wii owners need to wait until next year before they can take the battle for the Dragon Balls online, PS2 owners will be able to play this Christmas. The game also comes packaged with a 'fusion disc' that will unlock some new features in the previous versions of the game. [FULL REVIEW: Coming Soon]

Final Fantasy XII

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Square-Enix
Publisher: Square Enix

Square-Enix bid farewell to the PS2 with their biggest Final Fantasy title to date. With Final Fantasy XIII not set to appear for a long time yet, players still have the epic and massive adventure that is Final Fantasy XII if they haven't tried it yet. The game is so huge you'll almost wonder what the HD fuss is about. Sure, it may at times be too massive for some to swallow, but Final Fantasy XII was surely a grand way to send off the series form the last generation.

Our review said: Above all else, FFXII must be considered as a project. It isn’t an RPG to be taken lightly, and requires far more work and patience than any Final Fantasy from the last decade. You’ll find yourself studying, thinking about and analysing nuances of the seemingly limitless content contained within the massive adventure. It’s certainly a fresh approach to the series, but this is coupled with an equally vast gameplay and combat system requiring the utmost care and precision to develop fully – with or without Gambits. If venturing in with concentration and determination, there’s every chance you’ll walk away after 60 hours with something truly special locked away on the console that’s fading into obsolescence; a swansong of epic and timeless proportions. Others who can’t enjoy the micromanagement and pressure from the game to learn everything as quickly as possible may leave long before completion with a bitter aftertaste. It’s the first instance where being a previous Final Fantasy player will have zero bearing on your enjoyment and experience. You have been warned. It’s a risky venture, but the payoff is unreal. [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]

God Hand

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Clover Studio
Publisher: Capcom

Critics are often pursuing the next game that could potentially be a 10/10. However, there are some games that while obviously flawed are so much fun that it's hard to care. The last venture from Clover Studios, God Hand, is one of those games. When you're watching enemies fly off into the horizon or pounding them where it hurts, it's easy to forgive the obtuse controls or the old-school difficulty. It may not win Game of the Year, but can make you smile.

Our review said: Despite the flaws, and the obvious less-than-perfect score, God Hand is a pretty safe purchase recommendation for most PS2 owners. Anyone with the slightest taste for high-flying martial arts and heart-pounding action of the most extreme nature, God Hand is the game for you. Don’t necessarily go running out and line up in the freezing cold just to buy it – but if you’ve been wondering what great game you’ll need to get the dusty old PS2 back in action, God Hand fits the bill. [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]

God of War II

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: SCEA
Publisher: SCEE

If hunting down the God of War, Ares, wasn't enough for you, then the angry Spartan is back and now he's after Zeus himself. Kratos and his extendible blades set off to meet to Sisters of Time, so that his fate may be reversed. As one of the last major PS2 titles released worldwide, God of War II is every bit as good, maybe even better than its revered predecessor. And you don't have to memorise a zillion combos to go out and cause a whole lot of havoc.

Our review said: God of War II is arguably a better game than its predecessor in every way. Level design is more intelligent, puzzles require more thought, and the boss battles are more cinematic than ever before. In terms of the storyline, the first game has the edge. That’s not to say the narrative offered up here is lacking; it’s just that it doesn’t quite match up to the suicide-driven tale of the original. That said, the pacing here is far better. The evidently rushed final hour of God of War did leave a slightly sour taste in the mouth, whereas this sequel feels much more complete. Whether you’re a PS2 owner or have recently got your hands on a brand spanking new PS3, God of War II deserves a place in your console. [FULL REVIEW: 9.0]

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Rockstar Leeds
Publisher: Rockstar Games

A lot of Grand Theft Auto fans will probably tell you that Vice City is their favourite game. Not content with just a PSP release, Vice City Stories was released on the PS2 this year as well. While the game has had some obvious shortcomings, being a port and all, that doesn't stop it from being as compelling as its predecessors. If the GTA formula is something that will never get old for you, then Vice City Stories might even be able to tide you over until the big one, Grand Theft Auto IV.

Our review said: Although it may not be without its problems, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is still an incredibly fun and highly recommended experience. The title is available at a budget price, and with so much content it's bound to be the only PlayStation 2 game you buy for some time. It's not innovative, and it is a port of the PSP version, but it's also incredibly fun, and that's what ultimately matters. [FULL REVIEW: 7.5]

Okami

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Clover Studio
Publisher: Capcom

It's no secret that Okami pretty much bombed. Many years of development and an unprecedented beauty make this extremely hard to fathom, and it almost makes us cry sometimes. So, we're not really surprised that a Wii version is on the way. Still, that's a while off and Okami on the PS2 is available now. Playing as the Goddess Ameterasu, in the form of a wolf, you explore and beautifully realised world and rid it of evil using your celestial brush.

Our review said: Sure: it’s not perfect. It’s not the hardest game in the world, and it doesn’t quite match Zelda in depth when it comes to puzzles and combat, but it’s a beautiful game, it’s lengthy, it’s packed full with fresh ideas and, most of all, it’s an unforgettable experience that should be experienced by as many people as possible. We recommend putting this on the shopping list ASAP.

Okami - [FULL REVIEW: 9.0]

Rogue Galaxy

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Level 5
Publisher: SCEE

The PS2 has always been the home of best RPG's from the last half a decade or so, and there's one more to help finish things off. Jester Rogue, an couch galaxy explorer is one day nabbed up by some space pirates (who mistake him for a legendary hunter), to help them find a fabled treasure while fighting an oppressive Empire and greedy corporation. The game boasts no load times and real-time battles in the overworld. Not to mention, the game has a ridiculously and potentially long play time. Certainly long enough to keep the veterans busy for a while.

Our review said 2007 was almost certainly the PS2's final big year, but after a remarkable run it has gone out respectfully, at least in PAL territories where delayed games have kept great releases flowing. While truly being a game from 2005, the fact that Rogue Galaxy has held up so well proves that a good game remains a good game irrespective of release date. It doesn't truly re-invent the RPG, but with an original (for the genre) setting, great characters, streamlined gameplay and many great looking places to explore, it's as compelling as any game of its type. If you're after a long quest over a vast and interesting universe and don't mind the repetition inherent in the action-RPG combat design, then Rogue Galaxy is definitely worth firing up the PS2 for. [FULL REVIEW: 7.0]

Rugby 08

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-2
Developer: EA Canada
Publisher: EA Sports

If you're still disappointed about Australia (or New Zealand) being kicked out of the Rugby World Cup early, there's one of two things you can do. You can either wait four years till the next one, or you can play Rugby 08. It may be a little too similar to the last game, and there are a few things we'd still like fixed, it has an excellent challenge mode and is just a good lot of fun. We can't wait to see what's done with the next game, which will hopefully appear on next-gen systems.

Our review said: Rugby 08 does stray into familiar territory, especially if you’ve played a lot of Rugby 06. Still, the additions and improvements to the game are definitely welcome, particularly the Challenge mode that accompanies the World Cup and the minor improvements in the complex aspects such as scrums, lineouts, rucks and mauls. Still, there is some tightening that can happen and in particular, the rucks still could use some balancing. Otherwise, Rugby 08 is a fun and challenging game that is also quite well built. Hopefully, this trend continues into the future, particularly as the games probably move to the next generation. [FULL REVIEW: 7.5]

Shadow Hearts: From the New World

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Nautilus
Publisher: Ghostlight

Our review said: When it comes to games that are just plain weird, there aren't many decent sized releases that can compete with the Shadow Hearts games. From the New World continues with the tradition of unique characters, bizarre scenarios and a 'different' battle system. Just like any good RPG, it will keep those who stick with it occupied for long enough. The story follows young Johnny Garland, who is looking to re-discover his memories, in a 1929 America that has been subtly besieged by a large amount of nasties.

When one culture peers through the window of another’s there are inevitably some incredibly inaccurate stereotypes that often develop into some spectacularly funny results. Shadow Hearts is a relatively easily accessible RPG which manages to remind us that a good time can be had with the genre without taking itself too seriously. Its strange cast and inventive battle system make it a great title for fans of the RPG genre and those not so well versed in it as well. [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]

Tomb Raider Anniversary

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Publisher: Eidos Interactive

For years, Lara Croft has tried to rediscover the gaming form that made her a legitimate icon. It seems that things have finally come around, with Tomb Raider Anniversary providing the most enjoyable Tomb Raider experience in years. Going back to the beginning and taking what made the series successful seemed to be the best way to do things. While the gunplay was still ho-hum, the environmental puzzles were as ingenious as ever.

Our review said: Without trying to sugar-coat this too much, there's one thing you must know: this game is a splendid remake to an already excellent game, but with heaps of extra bells and whistles making the experience that much better than before. If you were one of the few who experienced Lara's first adventure back on the PlayStation, then Anniversary provides enough to warrant another play through purely because of the new puzzles, captivating music and excellent sense of scale. And if you've never played the original, or are new to the series, then now is a better time than ever to start. Additionally, to add that little bit of extra icing to this already delicious package. [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]

Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Tri Ace
Publisher: Square Enix

The original Valkyrie Profile never saw light of day in PAL regions and has become an incredibly expensive game to try and track down. However, it has since been re-released on the PSP, and a sequel has spawned on the PS2. While forsaking the 2D look, it hasn't forsaken the same captivating Norse setting, unique gameplay and beautiful presentation. While not something that everyone will appreciate, Valkyrie Proflie 2: Silmeria is a game that will deeply satisfy those who do.

Our review said: Its predecessor was incredibly well received and Valkyrie Profile: Silmeria offers up a similarly fantastic RPG experience, J in front of its genre or not. Holding some great fresh feeling gameplay wrapped up in a beautiful looking and sounding package, the game is definitely recommendable to those craving a new take on a style of game that too often is overly set in its ways. [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]

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Christmas Buyer's Guide - Playstation 2

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