For many players worldwide, thePlayStation 2 was the pinnacle of gaming. With a sleek console design, a now famous loading screen, and a wide variety of new games and continuations of PS1 franchises, it had it all.
Aside from all that, one of the things that made this console great was how many JRPGs it offered, and how deeply it dived into them. While several titles wereeither a hit or a miss, many others captivated players from the day they were released. Many are still played religiously today by those who have an emulator or are lucky enough to still own a working PS2. To remember some of them, here are thebest PS2 turn-based JRPGs.
6Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne
Metascore: 82
Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturnefollows the story of a high school student in a version of Tokyo that has been destroyed beyond recognition by a major global event known as “Conception,” as part of a cult’s plans. Now a world filled with demons, Earth is inhospitable and dangerous.
The game doesn’t innovate much in terms of combat mechanics, and it’s very similar to other games in its category. However, the story is very interesting and does a great job of keeping players entertained throughout the campaign.
Focused on the main character Laharl, prince of the Netherworld,Disgaea: Hour of Darknessis one of the best JRPGs on the PS2. The game has players fight their way through the Netherworld so that Laharl can take his place on the throne after the demise of his father, King Krichevskoy.
Disgaea: Hour of Darknessdoesn’t take many liberties when it comes to reinventing the genre, nor does it risk breaking the mold. However, it has great level design that makes each stage feel different and refreshing. The characters look a bit more cartoonish than others in similar games, but luckily, it doesn’t take anything away from an overall enjoyable gaming experience.
Set in 1915, six months after the franchise’s predecessor, the world is at the height of World War I. The game’s main character, Karin Koenig, becomes involved in a conflict between a secret society and the main character from the previous game. As withmany other JRPGs, this game explores different locations while fighting a wide variety of enemies to ultimately achieve victory.
What makesShadow Hearts: Covenantso great is that, while it follows the JRPG formula to a tee, it innovates in its concept. It features historical elements combined with touches of horror that, unsurprisingly, merge very well to deliver an enjoyable playing experience. In fact, many of the summonable creatures in the game feel like they came straight out of the minds of the creators of the arcade gameHouse of the Dead, orYu-Gi-Oh!
While it wasn’t the first,Suikoden IIIdoubled down on the so-called, “Trinity Sight System,” which means the game focuses on three different characters, each with their own arcs and story. Other franchises later built on this concept,such asFire Emblem, and with good reason. It works very well for the genre.
What madeSuikoden IIIspecial was that, as opposed to previous installments of the franchise, it was the first to feature a non-silent protagonist. The Flame Champion and other characters all have their own dialogues, and their personalities feel much more developed and complex. Gameplay-wise, there’s not much to say about any differentiation from other JRPGs, but as they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Focusing on the anonymous main character, solely referred to as, “The Hero,“Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed Kingis, without a doubt, one of the best turn-based JRPGs for the PS2. The Hero, along with his large party of allies, must set out on an arduous journey to defeat Dhoulmagus, the main antagonist, who cursed the beautiful Kingdom of Trodain and all its inhabitants.
The game doesn’t differentiate itself much from other JRPG titles in terms of combat, but the world and level design are outstanding. The developers understood how to take advantage of the PS2’s graphical capabilities, and pushed them to their limits to create green landscapes, high castles, and ample prairies. All in all,Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed Kingis a great example of how it’s not always necessary to break the mold to give players an amazing game.
TheFinal Fantasyfranchise is almost as old as gaming itself, as the first title was released way back in 1987. Since then, every new release has innovated greatly, and the franchise has grown beyond the confines of what people thought possible.Final Fantasy Xis one of the strongest points in the long-standing franchise’s history. Not only did it keep building on the great aspects of its predecessors, but also added new elements for players to enjoy.
The story is told by Tidus, a sports star from a futuristic city. When he is accidentally transported to another world, he joins the party of a powerful summoner in their fight against the main antagonist, known simply as “Sin.” With great boss designs, fast-paced combat, and weapon/armor customization,Final Fantasy Xoffers everything JRPG lovers could want from a game of its era.
