PlayStation 2

ConsoleNameReleaseGenreDeveloperLucca's Notes
PS2.hack//G.U. Vol. 1//Rebirth2006ActionCyberConnect2The ARPG/false MMO series continues, with a bit of shmup involved
PS2.hack//G.U. Vol. 2//Reminisce2007ActionCyberConnect2The ARPG/false MMO series continues, with a bit of shmup involved
PS2.hack//G.U. Vol. 3//Redemption2007ActionCyberConnect2The ARPG/false MMO series continues, with a bit of shmup involved
PS2.hack Part 1: Infection2003ActionCyberConnect2ARPG that tries to mimic early MMO features
PS2.hack Part 2: Mutation2003ActionCyberConnect2ARPG that tries to mimic early MMO features
PS2.hack Part 3: Outbreak2003ActionCyberConnect2ARPG that tries to mimic early MMO features
PS2.hack part 4: Quarantine2004ActionCyberConnect2ARPG that tries to mimic early MMO features
PS2Arc the Lad: End of Darkness2005ActionCattle CallRadical shift in gameplay to an ARPG, had online multiplayer, widely panned
PS2Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits2003StrategyCattle CallStill tactical, but circular-based movement rather than grids
PS2Ar tonelico: Melody of Elemia2007Turn-BasedGustTurn-based battles, platforming dungeons, some VN elements- protect the singers!
PS2Ar tonelico II: Melody of Metafalica2009Timed Turn-BasedGustBattle system different from the first, but the premise remains the same
PS2Atelier Iris 2: The Azoth of Destiny2006Turn-BasedGustMore item synthesis, two switchable protagonists
PS2Atelier iris 3: Grand Phantasm2007Turn-BasedGustFewer party members, but more customizable as a result
PS2Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana2005Turn-BasedGustFirst localized Atelier game- you know the drill- turn-based combat and loads of item synthesis
PS2Baroque2008Dungeon CrawlerStingMorbid, dark rogue-like, with a 3rd-person 3D perspective as opposed to the original
PS2Beta Bloc (PAL/JP only)2008ArcadeTamsoftArkanoid/RPG hybrid, if that can be believed
PS2Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter2003Turn-BasedCapcomHeavily criticized for requiring multiple playthroughs
PS2Castlevania: Curse of Darkness2005ActionKonamiHacky-slashy-spooky, uses items to increase stats
PS2Chaos Wars2008StrategyIdea FactorySRPG with the best English voice acting known to man
PS2Colosseum: Road to Freedom2005ActionGoshowA gladiator simulator is a bit of a strange choice to make an ARPG about, but here we are-
PS2Crimson Sea 22004ActionKoeiSci-fi musou-like with weapon/magic XP, multiplayer, and a non-linear mission structure
PS2Crimson Tears2004ActionDream Factory3D beat-em-up/randomized dungeon crawler hybrid
PS2Dark Cloud2001ActionLevel-5ARPG with roguelike elements and town building; no traditional XP (though weapons do level)
PS2Dark Cloud 22003ActionLevel-5Similar to the first but with less playable characters, more involved town-building
PS2Dawn of Mana2007ActionSquare EnixDoes away with many conventions of the series, large focus on item throwing, level gains are reset between areas
PS2Digimon World 42005ActionBECDigimon-themed ARPG with a clunky camera and a lack of balance
PS2Digimon World Data Squad2007Turn-BasedBECTurn-based battles and an emphasis on raising your Digimon appropriately
PS2Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII2006ActionSquare EnixAn ARPG starring Midgar's favorite brooding gun-toting mutant
PS2Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories2006StrategyNippon IchiMore SRPG demon shenanigans!
PS2Disgaea: Hour of Darkness2003StrategyNippon IchiSRPG with ridiculous party stats, party lifting, and Prinnies!
PS2Dokapon Kingdom2008Board GameStingBoard game/JRPG hybrid, extremely cute
PS2Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 32004FightingDimpsMore of a 3D fighter with the Z crew, but there is also a story mode where the main characters can train and level
PS2Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 22006FightingSpikeUses a different game engine and camera style than the Budokai series, but has a similar story mode with additional "what-if" scenarios
PS2Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 32007FightingSpikeAn absolute ton of playable characters, but a bit of meat taken out of the story mode, as well as diminishing the RPG elements
JP PS2Dragon Quest V: Tenkuu no Hanayome2004Turn-BasedArtePiazza/Matrix SoftwareA 3D remake of the Super Famicom classic with an increased party size
PS2Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King2005Turn-BasedLevel-5Can you really say no to more slimes? In a fully 3D environment?
PS2Drakengard2004ActionCaviaMusou-like RPG with some heavy/dark themes, direct predecessor to the Nier series
PS2Drakengard 22006ActionCaviaStill guarding and using dragons to fight masses of enemies
PS2Dual Hearts2002Action-PlatformMatrix SoftwarePlatforming-heavy ARPG - XP goes towards weapons instead of stats
PS2Dynasty Tactics2002StrategyKoeiRomance of the Three Kingdoms-themed SRPG
PS2Dynasty Tactics 22003StrategyKoeiMore of the above
PS2Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 22009ActionOmega ForceMobile suit musou madness
PS2Ephemeral Fantasia2001Turn-BasedKCEJRhythm mini-games are not enough to save this garbage time-looping game
PS2Eternal Poison2008StrategyFlight-PlanGothic-themed SRPG with demon capturing mechanics
PS2Eternal Quest (PAL/JP only)2004Dungeon CrawlerTamsoftThis randomly-generated roguelike was created as a budget title… and it shows
PS2Eternal Ring2000Dungeon CrawlerFromSoftwareAnother first-person FromSoft dungeon crawl, but this one has customizable magic rings
PS2Evergrace2000ActionFromSoftwareARPG with 2 separate protagonists, character parameters are increased via equipment rather than leveling
PS2Final Fantasy X2001Turn-BasedSquareFirst Final Fantasy game to feature voice acting, battle system employs manipulation of turn order
PS2Final Fantasy X-22003Turn-BasedSquareFast-paced Charlie's Angels with banger vocal songs
PS2Final Fantasy XII2006Turn-BasedSquare EnixHeavy utilization of programming AI tactics in battle, takes place in the same Ivalice as FFT and Vagrant Story
PS2Fishing Fantasy: Buzzrod (PAL only)2005FishingStarfishWho would have guessed that fishing would be the key to discovering an ancient civilization?
PS2Forever Kingdom2002ActionFromSoftwareSequel to Evergrace, similar equipment-focused character growth, ARPG where all characters share damage taken
PS2Front Mission 42004StrategySquare EnixMecha SRPG with more complex mechanics such as a day/night system
JP PS2Front Mission 5: Scars of the War2005StrategySquare EnixMore tactical Wanzer combat, largely similar to Front Mission 2, with the addition of friendly fire
PS2Fullmetal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir2005ActionRacjinPrequel to its predecessor with greatly improved visuals
PS2Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel2005ActionRacjinARPG based on the manga with an original plot
PS2Genji: Dawn of the Samurai2005ActionGame RepublicMusou-like ARPG loosely based on a Japanese epic tale
PS2Graffiti Kingdom2005ActionTaitoDraw-your-own-monster ARPG, sequel to Magic Pengel
PS2Grandia II2002Turn-BasedGame ArtsAvoid this version- it has bad framerate issues- but the game itself is amazing
PS2Grandia III2006Turn-BasedGame ArtsSame time and distance-based combat as the first two, disproportionate story pacing but solid nonetheless
PS2Grandia Xtreme2002Turn-BasedGame ArtsThe combat you know and love with an increase in dungeon delving, English voice cast is oddly celeb-filled
PS2GrimGrimoire2007StrategyVanillawareRTSRPG, units level up based on progress in the story
PS2Growlanser: Heritage of War2007StrategyCareer SoftActually Growlanser V, more of an RTS than previous entries in the series
PS2Growlanser Generations2004StrategyCareer SoftCollection of SRPGs Growlanser II and III, last Working Designs release, include auto-battle systems
PS2Innocent Life: A Futuristic Harvest Moon Special Edition2008SimulationArtePiazzaHarvest Moon gameplay with more of a focused quest
PS2Inuyasha: The Secret of the Cursed Mask2004Turn-BasedKamuiBased on the anime, laughable graphics, minor dating sim elements - only play if you're a shojo-loving masochist
PS2Jade Cocoon 22001Turn-BasedGenkiMore bug-minion raising and fusion, combat is highly dependent on minion placement
PS2King's Field: The Ancient City2002Dungeon CrawlerFromSoftwareFromSoft coming through again with first-person dungeon action
PS2Kingdom Hearts2002ActionSquareThe OG FF/Disney mashup, before the story started to overcomplicate itself
PS2Kingdom Hearts II2006ActionSquare EnixDo you like pressing the triangle button?
PS2Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories2008ActionSquare EnixStill card-based, but with voice acting, new cutscenes, and 3D combat
PS2La Pucelle: Tactics2004StrategyNippon IchiSRPG that has some crossover with Disgaea; can purify enemies on maps to recruit them
PS2Legaia 2: Duel Saga2002Turn-BasedProkionTurn-based button combo combat system like its predecessor, adds item combination to the mix
PS2Magic Pengel: The Quest for Color2003Monster CollectingGarakuta Studio/TaitoThink Pokemon, but if you as the player drew them instead to bring them to life
PS2Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome2005StrategyNippon IchiDisgaea-adjacent SRPG with vehicular combat and an assortment of weapon types for each class
PS2Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy2009Turn-BasedGustDirect sequel to Mana Khemia, with a similar character growth system- lots of pre-planning in synthesis encouraged
PS2Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis2008Turn-BasedGustGo to school, learn some alchemy, and use action points instead of XP to grow your characters!
JP PS2Marie to Elie no Atelier: Salburg no Renkinjutsushi 1-22005Turn-BasedGustRemakes of the first games in the Atelier series, with all the expected alchemy present
PS2Mega Man X: Command Mission2004Turn-BasedCapcomIt's Mega Man X, but it's also turn-based? Now I've seen everything!
PS2Metal Saga2006Turn-BasedSuccessFirst Metal Max series game to be localized, post-apocalyptic setting with some vehicle combat
PS2Monster Hunter2004ActionCapcomThese monsters aren't gonna hunt themselves! Origin of the popular series
PS2Monster Rancher 32001Monster CollectingTecmoMore monster raising, but now you can trade monsters with friends/can use past data rather than disc-digging for old monsters!
PS2Monster Rancher 42003Monster CollectingTecmoAllows for more customization of your training facilities and adds a major exploration/adventure mode
PS2Monster Rancher EVO2006Monster CollectingTecmoLeans more into traditional RPG mechanics than the rest of the series, dumbs some regular Monster Rancher ones down in the process
PS2MS Saga: A New Dawn2006Turn-BasedBECGundam-themed, but accessible to those unfamiliar with the universe, includes mobile suit part mixing and matching
PS2Musashi: Samurai Legend2005ActionSquare EnixSequel of sorts to Brave Fencer Musashi with similar ARPG gameplay
PS2Mystic Heroes2002ActionKoeiCutesy Dynasty Warriors-like with magic, more characters than the GameCube version
JP PS2Namco x Capcom2005StrategyMonolith SoftPredecessor to Project X Zone, SRPG with combo-based gameplay
PS2Nobunaga's Ambition: Iron Triangle2009StrategyKoei TecmoBattles happen on a far grander scale than in the previous series entries- individual officers gain experience and tactics by being utilized
PS2Odin Sphere2007ActionVanillawareSide-scrolling beat-em-up ARPG with a gorgeous art style
PS2Okage: Shadow King2001Turn-BasedZener Works/SCECute spooky-themed JRPG
PS2Orphen: Scion of Sorcery2000ActionShadeARPG with a strange turn-based/real-time combat hybrid, limited amount of battles overall prevent grinding
PS2Phantasy Star Universe2006ActionSonic TeamARPG with a PSO-like combat style, had both online and offline modes (only offline persists to this day)
PS2Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus2007ActionSonic TeamStandalone expansion to Phantasy Star Universe
PS2Phantom Brave2004StrategyNippon IchiAnother Disgaea-adjacent SRPG; gridless system and borderless maps (characters and objects can fall off)
PS2Radiata Stories2005ActionTri-AceARPG with a majorly branching storyline, tons of recruitable characters (all with their own schedules), and lots to kick!
PS2Ring of Red2001StrategyKonamiAlternate-history military turn-based strategy game with cool mechs
PS2River King: A Wonderful Journey2006FishingMarvelousThe truest form of JRPG- loads of fishing
PS2Rogue Galaxy2007ActionLevel-5Space pirate ARPG with AI party members and a nontradional stat increasing system
JP PS2Rogue Hearts Dungeon2007Dungeon CrawlerCompile HeartRoguelike dungeon crawl with randomized dungeons, not part of the Mystery Dungeon series though
PS2Romancing SaGa2005Turn-BasedSquare EnixRemake of the sandboxy JRPG with gameplay elements taken from other games in the series
PS2Rygar: The Legendary Adventure2002ActionTecmoDiskarmor shenanigans galore, but now in 3D; gorgeous soundtrack; points enhance player characteristics and strengthen weapons
PS2Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love2010StrategySega/RED EntertainmentMech SRPG/dating sim goodness in 1920s New York, the first of the series to be localized
PS2Shadow Hearts2001Turn-Based/HorrorSacnothTakes place after Koudelka's bad ending, incorporates cosmic horror, alternate history, and a timing-based disc that affects success
PS2Shadow Hearts: Covenant2004Turn-Based/HorrorNautilusMore of the above, but it has a vampire wrestler, so it's immediately 5203487203 times better
PS2Shadow Hearts: From the New World2006Turn-Based/HorrorNautilusSimliar gameplay to the previous entries, but more of a comedic tone and weaker dungeon design
JP PS2Shadow Tower: Abyss2003ActionFromSoftwareAnother first-person FromSoft jam and sequel to Shadow Tower, this one features soul harvesting and independent NPC schedules
PS2Shaman King: Power of Spirit2004StrategyWinkySoftSRPG of sorts, but individual fights between units are settled in a 3D fighting game format
PS2Shepherd's Crossing2008SimulationSuccessA game much like Harvest Moon in terms of farming, RPG elements are present in the raising and skill-learning of hunting dogs
PS2Shining Force EXA2007ActionNeverlandIsometric ARPG with two protagonists and some town-building, recycles many assets from Shining Force Neo
PS2Shining Force Neo2005ActionNeverlandMore realistically proportioned models than Shining Tears, but overall plays similarly
PS2Shining Tears2005ActionNexTech/Amusement VisionPlays vastly different to the rest of the Shining Force games- is an isometric ARPG rather than turn-based
PS2Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon2009ActionAtlusVery similar to its predecessor, but uses demon negotiation rather than capture elements
PS2Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army2006ActionAtlusDeviates from series norms by being more of an ARPG and taking place in the past, demon assistance is always present
PS2Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga2005Turn-BasedAtlusStraightforward turn-based JRPG, characters transform into demons in battle, lots of turn manipulation in combat
PS2Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 22005Turn-BasedAtlusSee above - direct sequel to Digital Devil Saga
PS2Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne2004Turn-BasedAtlusAKA Shin Megami Tensei 3 - has all the expected demon recruitment, does not feature a Law/Chaos branching system
PS2Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 32007Turn-BasedAtlusWhere the Persona series really began to pick up steam in mainstream consciousness; introduced the Social Link element used by future entries
PS2Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES2008Turn-BasedAtlusAdds an additional epilogue scenario to the original game, debatably the definitive edition
PS2Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 42008SimulationAtlusThe RPG/life sim (of sorts) series continues, this time with a murder mystery theme and an obsession with the color yellow
PS2Sonic Unleashed2008Action-PlatformSonic Team/DimpsSee Wii
PS2Soul Nomad & The World Eaters2007StrategyNippon IchiYet another Disgaea-adjacent SRPG, this one has more NPC interaction and a branching storyline
PS2Star Ocean: Till the End of Time2004ActionTri-AceAKA Star Ocean 3 - losing all HP or MP will knock a character out in battle, very complicated Private Action scoring system to determine ending
PS2Steambot Chronicles2006ActionIremMech-based ARPG, characters are named after food, eschews leveling system for highly customizable mech parts
PS2Stella Deus: The Gate of Eternity2005StrategyPinegrow/AtlusSRPG with a similar position-heavy system to Hoshigami: Ruining Blue Earth
PS2Suikoden III2002Turn-BasedKCETThe turn-based epic saga continues, a variety of protagonists, can import data from the PSX games for bonuses
PS2Suikoden IV2005Turn-BasedKCETTakes place long before other games in the series, smaller party size, looooooooooooooooooooooooooads of slow sailing
PS2Suikoden Tactics2005StrategyKonamiAn SRPG with a heavy focus on elements and support characters; takes place both before and after Suikoden IV
PS2Suikoden V2006Turn-BasedKonami/Hudson SoftLast game in the series before being abandoned by Konami, a return to 6-person parties, lots of story connections to I-III
JP PS2Super Robot Taisen OG: Original Generations2007StrategyBanprestoCombined retcon/remake of the two GBA SRT games; additionally incorporates battle systems/bots from other games in the series
PS2Tales of Legendia2006ActionNamcoReverts back to the linear combat of earlier entries, about half of the game takes place after the final boss is defeated
PS2Tales of the Abyss2006ActionNamco Tales StudioBack to the 3D combat that Symphonia popularized, a shining example of protagonist character development
JP PS2Tear Ring Saga Series: Berwick Saga - Lazberia Chronicle Chapter 1742005StrategyEnterbrainSRPG with a heavy Fire Emblem influence (made by the same creator) with a hexagonal-based battle grid
PS2The Bouncer2001ActionDream FactoryCult-classic 3D beat-em-up with RPG elements
PS2The Nightmare of Druaga: Fushigino Dungeon2004Dungeon CrawlerArika/Matrix Software/ChunsoftActually a title in the Mystery Dungeon series, sequel to The Tower of Druaga
PS2The Sword of Etheria (PAL/JP only)2006ActionKCET3D beat-em-up with a Wizard of Oz theme, heavy emphasis on combo/team-up attacks
PS2Trapt2005StrategyPaon CorporationUnofficially part of the Deception series, with all the trap-placing gameplay intact
PS2Tsugunai: Atonement2001ActionCattle CallBroken up into various quests rather than one fully linear experience- not all quests revolve around combat
PS2Unlimited Saga2003Turn-BasedSquareMuch-maligned game with 7 different protagonists, a board-game style of exploration, and an obtuse combat system
PS2Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria2006ActionTri-AceSimilar combat and dungeon exploration as the first game, but with no time limits or pressure to release Einherjar
PS2Virtua Quest2005ActionSega-AM2/ToseARPG with a main character so lame, he has to capture the souls of the Virtua Fighter characters to become cool
PS2Wild Arms 32002Turn-BasedMedia.VisionWild West-themed, turn-based, town discovery requires utilizing a GPS-like system, frequent encounters
PS2Wild Arms 42006Turn-BasedMedia.VisionAbandons the Wild West theme of the previous games; actions in combat affect targeted areas rather than allies/enemies
PS2Wild Arms 52007Turn-BasedMedia.VisionBack to Filgaia's Wild West theme, but maintains the hex system from WA4
PS2Wild Arms Alter Code: F2005Turn-BasedMedia.Vision3D remake of Wild Arms, adding 5 playable characters and some QoL improvements
PS2Wizardry: Tale of the Forsaken Land2001Dungeon CrawlerRacjinSurprise! This is actually a JRPG! First-person dungeon-crawler like its parent WRPG series
PS2Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht2003Turn-BasedMonolith SoftSpiritual successor to Xenogears, with similar AP-based combat; has a ton of cutscenes
PS2Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Bose2005Turn-BasedMonolith SoftMade some changes to the combat system that were largely panned at the time, but otherwise more of the same
PS2Xenosaga Episode III: Also Sprach Zarathustra2006Turn-BasedMonolith SoftXenosaga was intended to be a 6-part series- this entry makes it extremely evident
PS2Yakuza2006ActionAmusement VisionTons of minigames, ARPG combat, and a badass protagonist; lots of major Hollywood actors in the English voice cast
PS2Yakuza 22008ActionAmusement VisionKazuma Kiryu's Kamurocho shenanigans continue with a JP-only voice cast
PS2Ys: The Ark of Napishtim2005ActionFalcomTechnically Ys VI; Adol can jump now, so that's cool
PS2Yu-Gi-Oh!: Capsule Monster Coliseum2004StrategyWinkySoft/KCEJSRPG featuring the Capsule Monsters before they got their own spinoff anime
PS2Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Duelists of the Roses2003Card-BasedKCEJSomething something loose adaptation of War of the Roses in a children's card game with grids to place monsters (that can rank up) on
PS2Yu-Gi-Oh! GX: The Beginning of Destiny2008Card-BasedKCEJAdds more duels to the the PSP Tag Force game, also allows for connectivity with Tag Force 2 to obtain more cards
JP PS2Zill O'll Infinite2005Turn-BasedKoeiA remake of the JP PSX-only Zill O'll, featuring character creation, major plot-altering decisions (that can even result in NPS permadeath), and 48 endings