After all these years, I still find myself coming back to the PS2 every so often. It is to me the greatest console of all time. So many good games and memories.
Not only that but it was a big leap for gaming during the 6th generation of consoles. Incredible games were all being pumped out by passionate developers who actually cared and took a focus on making something special. I'm glad I grew up with the PS2. ❤
@@JBird401 Your current download time is: 6 months, 3 weeks, 5 days, 22 hours, 45 minutes, and 22 seconds .... 5 minutes later ... Your current download time is: 6 months, 3 weeks, 5 days, 22 hours, 45 minutes, and 22 seconds
It's definitely the best menu start up for sure. The pure ambience of hearing a loud abstract wind sound during the select screen. Just pure darkness and the lights flowing, it's like the machine waiting for a new simulation (in this case the games). I love the PS2 so much man. ❤
PS2 was a wild experience for me. Back then, PS2 rentals were a thing at my place. I never owned a PS2 but I played many great games. Gundam Naruto WWE Raw vs Smackdown Transformers 2007 The Game Tekken 5 Good times.
People will dismiss it because it's a movie tie-in, but Barnyard for the PS2 is a GREAT time, Open-world style game with a pretty funny story and some side content that could rival the amount you find in the Yakuza series!
Im not the only with love for the barnyard game. I play through it once every year or two. It just felt like a GTA clone to me with the open world aspect and all the different mini games in it.
Omg I'm not the only one who remembers the barnyard game, I had lots of fun with it as a kid, I always liked using the money cheat and getting an upgraded barn in the beginning
@@ZBatt1im gonna get goofed on for saying this? But i love bad boys miami takedown. Its gotta be my favorite speedrun next to Sly cooper. Its so hilariously bad. Also Rayman 3 was criminally underrated.
They dismissed the piglet movie game for 2 decades and look what happened. A childrens game is still a good game even a tie in game can be good, people need to be more open minded.
Shoutout to Ratchet: Deadlocked from the thumbnail! I'll never forget how that was the first video game I ever bought on launch date. 15 years old, October 2005. What a time.
It is worth it i like how PS2 is entirely offline you can get a game & know you’re not missing anything its the same experience as it was back in the day
Same. I still have my PS2 and a shitload of games for it, but I play them exclusively on PCSX2 these days. The visual boost and achievements and all that are too good to go back.
It's not my go-to yet because I haven't figured out how to solve all the issues with Klonoa 2 yet. But, I used it to FINALLY get to play Ape Escape 2001 with an english translation patch. I loved it.
I love PCSX2 and have been using it for years, but still find myself mainly playing on original hardware because for me it just provides a better "OEM" experience.
@@caseycardenas1668analog buttons are actually a huge deal for ps2 that are typically not able to be emulated which is a massive loss in quality for a large part of the library
Recently I got a slim PS2 but it had some kind of issue where it was causing circular scratches on my discs. I had to get a fat PS2 which apparently don't get this issue. I managed to get a fat PS2 cheap on ebay in amazing condition, barely any scratches on the console it was just filthy but cleaned up amazing.
It's more than likely just the ribbon cable that connects to the laser. The adhesive lets go on the metal below so it rubs on the discs, can be reattached with tape or glue
For the Phat model I recommend getting the SCPH - 50001 version that's the one I have for a long time plus I believe that's the later version of the Phat model. I recommend getting the PS2 Slim but be aware of the laser cable adhesive it's very common for it to wear off & the cable will start scratching your discs
This year i played MGS2, FFX, FFXII, and God of War for the first time. I had a PS2 slim growing up but these titles were a little mature for a 6 year old lol.
Urban Reign is so good. I wish they would have continued that arena brawler series. That and champions of Norrath were huge for me and my buddies. There’s rarely any games now days where you can play 4 player couch co-op so these titles are such great examples of social gaming at its best!
PS2 has been my main console since September and I've been loving every minute of it! Got my first PS2 Slim in December 2004 for Christmas right after they launched in November. I still have that slim to this day. I just recently picked up a CECHA01 Backwards Compatible PS3 and it does an amazing job of making PS2 games look great on HD 720 or 1080 displays. I'd have to disagree about the slim, while it is my original and dearly beloved PS2, the later model original PS2's such as 39001 and 50001 are really great and suffer less issues. The slims suffer from loose ribbon cables that scratch discs and this was fixed in the 79001 model which was also the lightest slim, but reverted in the last model 90001 which had the internal power supply. Many slims suffer from the power supply solder joints breaking and they also suffer from the common issue where the lid sensors go bad and discs won't spin as a result of not recognizing that the tray is closed. All of these issues are very fixable, but you just need to keep in mind that for original thick PS2's the only real issues are bad lasers in the launch 30001 model and slow disc trays that get stuck over time, but that's also easily addressed by servicing the drive. The thick PS2's are also more mod friendly than slims for those interested in modding.
Just got my HDMI upconverter for my PS2. Going for the full Marvel collection on PS2. 26 games in the collection; and I'm 11 in. Looking forward to 2025 and completing.
They can just re-release the launch PS3 which was fully backwards compatible... but this time without the defective GPU and without region locks for PS1 and PS2 games. I'd buy it yesterday.
ONI!!! Okay, dude. My dude. I LOVED that game. Played it on PC, and it is incredible. Was very, very revolutionary when it came out. I so wish this made a "comeback". Just an awesome game to play. Combat was so, so good, specifically for its time. Thanks for mentioning it.
Man Xenosaga trilogy and Valkyrie Profile 2 are my favorite games on PS2. Thank you for recommending them! I hope more people get to play them especially Xenosaga if you like the Xenoblade series.
A few games I think you would like: Legend of Legaia 2 RAD - Robot Alchemic Drive Shadow Hearts Original, Covenant, From the New World Sakura Wars - So Long My Love
The PS2/OXBOX was truly where original game designs and ideas shined throughout the gaming world for these two consoles. You had Maximo, Crimson Sea, Crimson Skies, Red Ninja, Gun Valkyrie, Tak, Gun and so many others. Sadly nowadays gamers usually get the cookie cutter online FPS/TPS games with the standard arenas and basic mechanics.
Other ps2 recommendations: Onimusha 1-3 and Dawn of Dreams, Bujingai: The Forsaken City, Summoner, The Matrix: Path of Neo, the Lord of the Rings movie games, Shinobi, Shadow Hearts, Rumble Roses, Dynasty Warriors 4 w/ Xtreme Legends, and Way of the Samurai
I've heard Rogue Galaxy is a great game, but it's pretty easily accessed on PS4/PS5. Matty's highlighting games that don't have a digital copy available (at the moment) and deserve more attention.
The ps2 is currently the greatest console of all time. It has a huge library of games that covers all genres. Not to mention, it plays the whole ps1 library through backward compatibility, and it was a dvd player.
I went back and played Shadow The Hedgehog on my slim PS2 it baffles me they dont remake it for PS4 and PS5 given shadow generations just came out I thought thats what the game anouncement was until I saw the "generations" part
2:33 you have to mod it if you get a slim, overtime the ribbon cable adhesive loosens the cable scratches disc massive issues by there’s a mod that fixes it with a cover piece, recently got my mint ctr collectors edition scratched also the lasers last less then many other systems ps2 just didn’t hold up so if you get one especially the slim you’ll probably need a mod a new laser and maybe a new drive since there is a magnet that holds the center up and it’ll lower and cause disc damage
I've had my original PS2 slim for years but recently started adding to my retro collection again and just picked up a boxed classic PS2. Packing and console look great to this day!
If emulation was not basically perfect on most ps2 games I might agree with you but pcsx2 can be played well on pcs handheld pcs the series x or s and tons of ways to do it so no owning one is not worth it
Good on you for recommending Oni, it's a wonderful game. But I can tell you've never seen anything related to the Ghost in the Shell franchise because you don't mention it once during that entire segment despite it being the main source of inspiration for the game haha
I've had a PS2 since 2001 and currently own a original "fat" (SCPH-39001) model and a slim (SCPH-79001) model and both are functioning perfectly. The PS2 will always be my favorite gaming system to game on because I love its library more than every other gaming system in existence.
I had the same problem of not beating Command Mission from Christmas of '04 all the way up until last year. I wish Capcom did more with the RPG formula and Megaman.
I’ve had 2 ps2 slims and both had issues with the door being recognized as closed. Had to buy a fat model because I got so tired of games randomly stopping because the door was funky. What’s funny is the fat model I have also is funky, it will save games totally fine and the memory cards work, but they won’t show up in the menu to look at and manage them…nobody knows why
So many great JRPG’s for the PS2. DQ 8 and Xenosaga as you mentioned, but also Dark Cloud, Shadow Hearts, Shin Megami Tensei Digital Devil Saga 1 and 2, Rogue Galaxy, and so many more.
Cool video, great recommendations. I've been a PS2 collector since it's release. I recently picked up a HDD for my PS2 with all the games I never had a chance to play. So many good games on that system. For those who can't afford to buy games, this new way of playing games on PS2 without the disc is amazing. I was sceptical about it for years but after trying it I really like the convenience and the amount of money this will save is incredible. I just want more people to have access to these games and I think the HDD method gives that. Even if you are already a big collector, this method of playing games is good for preservation of your games. Built one yourself or buy one plug and play, either way imo it's a must have for anyone interested in PS2.
It's just the same garbage day in and day out. Same title as 1000 other vids especially by metal jesus. Used to be good stuff but it's fell off a cliff
PS2 is the console I grew up with and have the most memories with and I still love it and it's catalog to to this day. However, after COVID hit and the retro gaming market on the rise the games aren't as cheap as they used to be and that could turn many people away from the console with some games costing well over $100. I personally recommend playing via emulation or grabbing a PS2 fat and slapping a hard drive in it with your favorite games. I had a huge collection for the PS2 and sold it about a year ago and I don't plan on starting over since the games i had were high value but i was able to get for cheap.
Its an ok purchase for disc based games, considering a hack will get you almost every game you ever wanted for a $100 or so. The library of games is fantastic it must be said, but lets be honest a lot will get remakes in this remake era.
Matty, I picked up a PS2 in Mint Condition for 90 bucks! Been playing through Lord of the Rings: The Third Age for the first time ever with my roommate who's a huge Middle-Earth fan! I'm going to go through the og God of War games on it soon, and I'll be taking my roommate through the campaign of the og Battlefront II!
I didn’t even see this and I just bought an OG PS2 for $80 with everything included at my local game/book/dvd store. I even got a near mint copy of Sonic Heroes for $15
Nice guide my guy. I’d argue the Jak trilogy PS2 port is the best way to play it due to the directional grid made specifically for the DualShock 2 that’s locked on the later ports. I do believe Jak 1s revised PS5 port might have addressed this. To each their own
Personally, you're better off emulating it. Just the nostalgia alone can't sell me, it's the experiences.. and today, playing these on my phone during a long car ride or at night playing those RPGs like bedtime stories in a nice resolution is all I need.
Love the video Matty. One thing to note about the PS2 Slim. They do have a higher chance of over heating.. So if someone can get a FAT over the SLIM then I highly suggest you take that deal.
Hard to think of my favourite PS2 games that didn't have better versions on Xbox or remasters. Liked Vice City Stories, Soul Calibur 2 and 3, Syphon Filter Dark Mirror, GT4, Silent Hill 2, Splashdown 2 and Tekken 5
This! Was about to comment how slims scratch up games when the band isn’t in properly. This alone makes the fat ps2 much more reliable and easy to hack.
It depends on what slim you buy and how you take care of it I have a SCPH 90001 Model which is the final revision of the PS2 it was released in 2008 and discontinued in 2013 And if it does scratch your disc all you have to do is replace the ribbon cable it's not that hard plus it's portable and it's easy to fit in tight spaces the fat models lasers are weaker fans are louder don't get me wrong fat models good but you got to admit that the slim model is well-built my PS2 has not broken down and I have a slim.
@ElijahBonilla-lc5vb I have a 2nd hand edition of one of the 50003 models (because UK), works perfectly fine just had to clean it out first. My fan isn't loud and I haven't had an issue with the disc drive yet and I've had this since 2022. Only thing I need to do with it is change out the CMOS battery.
I also bought a PS2 slim this year and retired my old phat PS2 I bought in 2002. Glad you named Dragon Quest VIII. Such a gem of a game. It released on 3DS, but I prefer the PS2 version. Others I'd highly recommend are; Hulk: Ultimate Destruction: One of the best super hero games of all time IMO. Spartan: Total Warrior: Just a fun hack n slash. Not much else. SOCOM U.S. Navy Seals: Great stealth 3PS. Ridiculous these don't have remasters. Black: Just a ridiculously fun FPS. Can be played on current Xbox too. Medal of Honor: Frontline: One of the best WWII games ever made. Would be amazing if this got a full blown remake. King Kong: Best movie tie in game ever? Probably could say that. Splinter Cell games: How these aren't on modern consoles is absurd. They did a port for PS3, but again... that's PS3. Ghost Recon/Jungle Strike: They probably look and feel outdated, but man they're just fun IMO.
Ps2 is an all time classic. Earlier this year mine bit the dust and I immediately ordered a new one! 😂 I gotta have one setup in the game room at all times. Such an amazing library! 🔥
Naruto ultimate ninja 1,2,3,4,5 remastered on PS4/5 would be so cool, all on one blue-ray ❤ Dreaming is still free right now, so I will keep on dreaming a little more 😂
I've been wanting one of these lately. It's been nice getting into retro gaming on real hardware. But man these are getting pricey on eBay. I think I'll have to stick to emulation til I find a good deal.
There is one nit pick with the Slim PS2, Beyond Good & Evil's sound is buggy as hell on it. Apart from that I've not had a problem with mine, I've heard the Slims can scratch discs but so far so good with mine, although I use OPL via network share to load all but a few of my games these days.
One game series I’m sad u didn’t include was the viewtiful Joe series 1 and 2 they are a really surprisingly slept on series it’s funny and entertaining game series
It's funny that this pops up now Matty, i was thinking of looking for the original PAL versions of Yakuza 1 and 2 on the PS2, even though i bet they are pricey these days, i recently picked up the Japan exclusive Ryu Ga Gotoku HD Collection on PS3 so i want the original games to complete my Yakuza collection :)
I played Oni when I was maybe 8 years old, I gotta say I must have been really bad at video games as a kid! I could not get past some kind of laser level and absolutely hated it! Now it's super expensive, at least here in Australia, so might still be awhile before I dive back in. All that to say, solid recommendation 😅
The Xenosaga series is fantastic. Highly recommend (though some of the gameplay in the first two games is a little dated). Of the PS2 games I've played (that aren't mentioned in the video), try the Shadow Hearts trilogy, Digital Devil Saga (1 and 2), Killer7 (this one has a PC port too), Drakengard 1 (haven't played the second), Fatal Frame 1-3, and Shadow of Memories/Destiny. PS2 games are still worth going back to, but are so hard to find and collect physically. It would be great if studios gave more attention to making the PS2 and PS1 catalogue more accessible rather than trying to remaster or remake PS4-era games.
@@tcsutton9121 They are separate universes/stories with linked themes and elements, I believe, but Xenogears did come out first and is a good starting place. It has a really good story and some interesting concepts, but is more plot driven, while Xenosaga (I feel) is much more character driven. I prefer the Xenosaga trilogy, but I know a lot of people much prefer Xenogears. They're all great games though, and absolutely worth playing (though they're a little dated gameplay-wise though, so go in with that in mind).
Buying a ps2 is worth it for analog button inputs alone. Currently playing through DQ8 myself right now via MX4SIO and it's a slow ride but I'm loving it.
My top picks for PS2 games (and the ones I prefer on PS2 over other consoles as well), some pricey but these are my favorites: -Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly (I know Xbox version is superior, but the PS2 controller makes more sense IMO and feels better to play with) -Haunting Ground (super pricey, but IMO, if you're going to spend on one grail of the system, and you like horror, this is the one to get. Forget Rule of Rose and Kuon, if you have the money to splurge, it's an amazing game, unlike most of the high end stuff on the system) -Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (the 360 HD version was buggy for me, could punch cops and wouldn't gain wanted levels, instead they got up and ran away or acted like normal pedestrians. Don't know if any other HD releases are as buggy, not willing to buy another HD version, I'll stick with the original) -Trapt (the last Deception game before they went silly anime, and imo, the dark look works MUCH better for these games, 4 was too bright and anime-like, didn't care for it as much. I like anime and anime games, but Deception is a VERY dark series, and it went to a silly tone in 4 that I just didn't love like I do these older games. You play as the embodiment of evil, the devil's hand of destruction essentially. Going all silly and cute just doesn't work for it) -Medal of Honor: Rising Sun (GameCube is 2 disc, I prefer less discs) -Obscure: The Aftermath (never played the 1st, and nowadays it's about $300, so probably not going to be able to unless I luck out like I did on Haunting Ground) -Dead to Rights II (I love the 1st, but usually I'm a GameCube fan, and the first I prefer on GameCube, but the 2nd wasn't on GameCube, so it's worth mentioning) -Stretch Panic (It looks a lot like Klonoa, but mixed with horror. Maybe that's why I love this game as much as I do) -BloodRayne (I know GameCube has it, but never played the GameCube version, I have the PS2 version) -Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 (you can clash Lightning Blade and Rasengan, and it's the most epic thing to see ever in a Naruto fighting game. The adventure mode is amazing too) -Soul Calibur III (2 might get the most recognition, but 3 was special. It had Chronicles of the Sword, which was Tactics meets Fighting genre, as well as added character creation. IMO, next to 5, this is the best Soul Calibur game) PS1 picks: -Bugs Bunny: Lost in Time (holds up super well, a true hidden gem) -Jersey Devil (people say it's mediocre, but this game has HEART. I love the atmosphere, and all its quirkiness) -Area 51 (arcade-style shooter, super addicting, especially on couch co-op) -Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko (say what you will about Gex, but the 3rd game is awesome. I also like Enter the Gecko quite a bit, but 3 is where Gex really hit home) -Toy Story 2 (heralded as one of the best platformers on the system, and for good reason)
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Nothing is gonna convince me more to play this football game than an american promoting it 😅
Bruh how is this 18h ago and the vid 17h ago??
After all these years, I still find myself coming back to the PS2 every so often. It is to me the greatest console of all time. So many good games and memories.
Biggest library of good games imo. No console generation before or afterward beats it.
Not only that but it was a big leap for gaming during the 6th generation of consoles. Incredible games were all being pumped out by passionate developers who actually cared and took a focus on making something special. I'm glad I grew up with the PS2. ❤
Just mod a ps3 and look into getting the titles you want
The PS2 is one of the greatest consoles of all time, but it’s up for debate whether it is the greatest console of all time.
that ps2 start up screen has possibly the most nostalgic audio i've ever heard
Its a close 2nd to the PS1 but not too shabby
Almost as good as hearing the 56K modem sound 😎
@@mpthorvonericksen get off the computer, I'm on the phone!
@@JBird401 Your current download time is: 6 months, 3 weeks, 5 days, 22 hours, 45 minutes, and 22 seconds .... 5 minutes later ... Your current download time is: 6 months, 3 weeks, 5 days, 22 hours, 45 minutes, and 22 seconds
It's definitely the best menu start up for sure. The pure ambience of hearing a loud abstract wind sound during the select screen. Just pure darkness and the lights flowing, it's like the machine waiting for a new simulation (in this case the games). I love the PS2 so much man. ❤
PS2 was a wild experience for me.
Back then, PS2 rentals were a thing at my place. I never owned a PS2 but I played many great games.
Gundam
Naruto
WWE Raw vs Smackdown
Transformers 2007 The Game
Tekken 5
Good times.
People will dismiss it because it's a movie tie-in, but Barnyard for the PS2 is a GREAT time, Open-world style game with a pretty funny story and some side content that could rival the amount you find in the Yakuza series!
The old movie games actually use to have some sauce to them, I really like the Finding Nemo game for PS2 too
Im not the only with love for the barnyard game. I play through it once every year or two. It just felt like a GTA clone to me with the open world aspect and all the different mini games in it.
Omg I'm not the only one who remembers the barnyard game, I had lots of fun with it as a kid, I always liked using the money cheat and getting an upgraded barn in the beginning
@@ZBatt1im gonna get goofed on for saying this? But i love bad boys miami takedown. Its gotta be my favorite speedrun next to Sly cooper. Its so hilariously bad. Also Rayman 3 was criminally underrated.
They dismissed the piglet movie game for 2 decades and look what happened. A childrens game is still a good game even a tie in game can be good, people need to be more open minded.
Shoutout to Ratchet: Deadlocked from the thumbnail! I'll never forget how that was the first video game I ever bought on launch date. 15 years old, October 2005. What a time.
I replaced my PS2 Slim that had the dreaded laser issue and I've been slowly collecting for it since. Great system. Thanks for repping PS2, Matty!
Simpsons hit and run the game is so much fun i got it on my ps2 it's is the reason I got the ps2 in 2024 great video
Wow what a crazy coincidence man ! I just went and bought the fat ps2 today and got a free 15 $ game and it was Simpsons hit and run
It is worth it i like how PS2 is entirely offline you can get a game & know you’re not missing anything its the same experience as it was back in the day
PCXS2, because it's so good now. I don't even use my PS2 anymore because it's that good.
Same. I still have my PS2 and a shitload of games for it, but I play them exclusively on PCSX2 these days. The visual boost and achievements and all that are too good to go back.
It's not my go-to yet because I haven't figured out how to solve all the issues with Klonoa 2 yet. But, I used it to FINALLY get to play Ape Escape 2001 with an english translation patch. I loved it.
I love PCSX2 and have been using it for years, but still find myself mainly playing on original hardware because for me it just provides a better "OEM" experience.
@@caseycardenas1668analog buttons are actually a huge deal for ps2 that are typically not able to be emulated which is a massive loss in quality for a large part of the library
@@caseycardenas1668 why not just get a controller adapter for PC and not risk in the discs being scratched by the ps2?
Recently I got a slim PS2 but it had some kind of issue where it was causing circular scratches on my discs. I had to get a fat PS2 which apparently don't get this issue. I managed to get a fat PS2 cheap on ebay in amazing condition, barely any scratches on the console it was just filthy but cleaned up amazing.
Slim ps2 is good for connecting to an smb server to play games. It's the ideal solution.
@Vanity0666 get a network drive for the fat and you go to good, get a sata converter kit for it as well and you can put SSDs inside it too
It's more than likely just the ribbon cable that connects to the laser. The adhesive lets go on the metal below so it rubs on the discs, can be reattached with tape or glue
There is only one slim model which completely resolve the ribbon scratching discs issue, that is 79001, buy one, you will good to go.
For the Phat model I recommend getting the SCPH - 50001 version that's the one I have for a long time plus I believe that's the later version of the Phat model. I recommend getting the PS2 Slim but be aware of the laser cable adhesive it's very common for it to wear off & the cable will start scratching your discs
I have myself a SCPH - 39001 model because of better laser, this thing can read even very badly scratched DVDs/CDs.
I came here to say this after he said the slim was the model to get.
This year i played MGS2, FFX, FFXII, and God of War for the first time. I had a PS2 slim growing up but these titles were a little mature for a 6 year old lol.
Urban Reign is so good. I wish they would have continued that arena brawler series. That and champions of Norrath were huge for me and my buddies. There’s rarely any games now days where you can play 4 player couch co-op so these titles are such great examples of social gaming at its best!
PS2 has been my main console since September and I've been loving every minute of it! Got my first PS2 Slim in December 2004 for Christmas right after they launched in November. I still have that slim to this day.
I just recently picked up a CECHA01 Backwards Compatible PS3 and it does an amazing job of making PS2 games look great on HD 720 or 1080 displays.
I'd have to disagree about the slim, while it is my original and dearly beloved PS2, the later model original PS2's such as 39001 and 50001 are really great and suffer less issues. The slims suffer from loose ribbon cables that scratch discs and this was fixed in the 79001 model which was also the lightest slim, but reverted in the last model 90001 which had the internal power supply. Many slims suffer from the power supply solder joints breaking and they also suffer from the common issue where the lid sensors go bad and discs won't spin as a result of not recognizing that the tray is closed. All of these issues are very fixable, but you just need to keep in mind that for original thick PS2's the only real issues are bad lasers in the launch 30001 model and slow disc trays that get stuck over time, but that's also easily addressed by servicing the drive.
The thick PS2's are also more mod friendly than slims for those interested in modding.
Bujingai: The Forsaken City, Samurai Western, and Genji: Dawn of the Samurai are three oddly charming PS2 games that I enjoyed.
Id like to raise you Steam Boat Chronicles, really fun game for the PS2. No remakes or remasters either.
Just got my HDMI upconverter for my PS2. Going for the full Marvel collection on PS2. 26 games in the collection; and I'm 11 in. Looking forward to 2025 and completing.
Which one did you get?
@@dapperfan44yes, let us know
It's to bad Sony couldn't re-release these older consoles they'd make so much money off re-release ps1 and ps2
They can just re-release the launch PS3 which was fully backwards compatible... but this time without the defective GPU and without region locks for PS1 and PS2 games.
I'd buy it yesterday.
I'll tell you what is worth it. Watching Matty's videos. Amirite boys?!
8:23 ff10 had the best story I’ve seen in any video game
ONI!!!
Okay, dude. My dude. I LOVED that game. Played it on PC, and it is incredible. Was very, very revolutionary when it came out. I so wish this made a "comeback". Just an awesome game to play. Combat was so, so good, specifically for its time. Thanks for mentioning it.
That startup sound hit me right in my feels man
Man Xenosaga trilogy and Valkyrie Profile 2 are my favorite games on PS2. Thank you for recommending them! I hope more people get to play them especially Xenosaga if you like the Xenoblade series.
A few games I think you would like:
Legend of Legaia 2
RAD - Robot Alchemic Drive
Shadow Hearts Original, Covenant, From the New World
Sakura Wars - So Long My Love
The PS2/OXBOX was truly where original game designs and ideas shined throughout the gaming world for these two consoles. You had Maximo, Crimson Sea, Crimson Skies, Red Ninja, Gun Valkyrie, Tak, Gun and so many others. Sadly nowadays gamers usually get the cookie cutter online FPS/TPS games with the standard arenas and basic mechanics.
Dirge is my jam, running around Nibblheim in full 3D pre FF7R absolutely gave me the feels. 👍🏿👍🏿
Other ps2 recommendations: Onimusha 1-3 and Dawn of Dreams, Bujingai: The Forsaken City, Summoner, The Matrix: Path of Neo, the Lord of the Rings movie games, Shinobi, Shadow Hearts, Rumble Roses, Dynasty Warriors 4 w/ Xtreme Legends, and Way of the Samurai
The opening jingle is so nostalgic. It's one of the first consoles I remember playing with as a kid.
No Rogue Galaxy recommendation? It was an awesome JRPG about space pirates.
You cannot expect he mention every good PS2 game, there are too many. So please don't be subjective.
@Death-to-casuals he asked for recommendations in the video
I've heard Rogue Galaxy is a great game, but it's pretty easily accessed on PS4/PS5. Matty's highlighting games that don't have a digital copy available (at the moment) and deserve more attention.
The ps2 is currently the greatest console of all time. It has a huge library of games that covers all genres. Not to mention, it plays the whole ps1 library through backward compatibility, and it was a dvd player.
I went back and played Shadow The Hedgehog on my slim PS2
it baffles me they dont remake it for PS4 and PS5
given shadow generations just came out I thought thats what the game anouncement was until I saw the "generations" part
I just ordered myself a ps2 a few days ago im exited
2:33 you have to mod it if you get a slim, overtime the ribbon cable adhesive loosens the cable scratches disc massive issues by there’s a mod that fixes it with a cover piece, recently got my mint ctr collectors edition scratched also the lasers last less then many other systems ps2 just didn’t hold up so if you get one especially the slim you’ll probably need a mod a new laser and maybe a new drive since there is a magnet that holds the center up and it’ll lower and cause disc damage
I've had my original PS2 slim for years but recently started adding to my retro collection again and just picked up a boxed classic PS2. Packing and console look great to this day!
That thumbnail is the easiest question of all time to answer
yes.
If emulation was not basically perfect on most ps2 games I might agree with you but pcsx2 can be played well on pcs handheld pcs the series x or s and tons of ways to do it so no owning one is not worth it
Yes, on the Steam Deck is Fantastic
Good on you for recommending Oni, it's a wonderful game. But I can tell you've never seen anything related to the Ghost in the Shell franchise because you don't mention it once during that entire segment despite it being the main source of inspiration for the game haha
I've had a PS2 since 2001 and currently own a original "fat" (SCPH-39001) model and a slim (SCPH-79001) model and both are functioning perfectly.
The PS2 will always be my favorite gaming system to game on because I love its library more than every other gaming system in existence.
perfect timing just started recollecting for the ps2 what are some of the best first person shooters that anyone can recommend and thank you .
Here Comes the Pain is still in my rotation to this day
I had the same problem of not beating Command Mission from Christmas of '04 all the way up until last year. I wish Capcom did more with the RPG formula and Megaman.
Great video man 👍
Just a correction: The original Valkyrie Profile is a PS1 game. It just got an enhanced port to the PSP, which then got ported to everything else.
It’s been my hope for years to get the shadow hearts trilogy on modern consoles. Amazing games that just are forgotten about now
I’ve had 2 ps2 slims and both had issues with the door being recognized as closed. Had to buy a fat model because I got so tired of games randomly stopping because the door was funky. What’s funny is the fat model I have also is funky, it will save games totally fine and the memory cards work, but they won’t show up in the menu to look at and manage them…nobody knows why
Is there a way to get one cheap or should I stick to emulators
I've kept my PS2 all these years just for my copy of Tales of the Abyss and Yugioh Duelist of the Roses.
So many great JRPG’s for the PS2. DQ 8 and Xenosaga as you mentioned, but also Dark Cloud, Shadow Hearts, Shin Megami Tensei Digital Devil Saga 1 and 2, Rogue Galaxy, and so many more.
Cool video, great recommendations. I've been a PS2 collector since it's release. I recently picked up a HDD for my PS2 with all the games I never had a chance to play. So many good games on that system. For those who can't afford to buy games, this new way of playing games on PS2 without the disc is amazing. I was sceptical about it for years but after trying it I really like the convenience and the amount of money this will save is incredible. I just want more people to have access to these games and I think the HDD method gives that. Even if you are already a big collector, this method of playing games is good for preservation of your games. Built one yourself or buy one plug and play, either way imo it's a must have for anyone interested in PS2.
How many of these EXACT videos and literally title to the video are there gonna be on UA-cam
Right he may as well rename this every year since its about to be 2025
It's just the same garbage day in and day out. Same title as 1000 other vids especially by metal jesus. Used to be good stuff but it's fell off a cliff
5:09 way to start off with a banger!
The memory of playing DQ VIII was magical
My ps2 recently stopped working and I've been going through Dynasty Warriors withdrawals. 😢
PS2 is the console I grew up with and have the most memories with and I still love it and it's catalog to to this day. However, after COVID hit and the retro gaming market on the rise the games aren't as cheap as they used to be and that could turn many people away from the console with some games costing well over $100. I personally recommend playing via emulation or grabbing a PS2 fat and slapping a hard drive in it with your favorite games. I had a huge collection for the PS2 and sold it about a year ago and I don't plan on starting over since the games i had were high value but i was able to get for cheap.
Its an ok purchase for disc based games, considering a hack will get you almost every game you ever wanted for a $100 or so. The library of games is fantastic it must be said, but lets be honest a lot will get remakes in this remake era.
Remake era will soon be over
Matty, I picked up a PS2 in Mint Condition for 90 bucks! Been playing through Lord of the Rings: The Third Age for the first time ever with my roommate who's a huge Middle-Earth fan! I'm going to go through the og God of War games on it soon, and I'll be taking my roommate through the campaign of the og Battlefront II!
Man would love for a Budokai collection to modern platforms. Also Dirge of Cerberus needs to be brought forward.
I didn’t even see this and I just bought an OG PS2 for $80 with everything included at my local game/book/dvd store. I even got a near mint copy of Sonic Heroes for $15
Cultured Vultures also loves Urban Reign, he always has it on ps2 lists
Nice guide my guy. I’d argue the Jak trilogy PS2 port is the best way to play it due to the directional grid made specifically for the DualShock 2 that’s locked on the later ports.
I do believe Jak 1s revised PS5 port might have addressed this. To each their own
Personally, you're better off emulating it. Just the nostalgia alone can't sell me, it's the experiences.. and today, playing these on my phone during a long car ride or at night playing those RPGs like bedtime stories in a nice resolution is all I need.
Speak for yourself. Rocking PS2 fat with original network adapter, IDE hard drive, rgb scart cable and crt television. So good.
I do need to re buy a PS2 sometime. I’m into retro gaming. Especially after I lost my PSP.
Never had a PS2 but have been playing through some games with my Retroid Pocket 5. Great library
Best console ever. No questions!
Love the video Matty. One thing to note about the PS2 Slim. They do have a higher chance of over heating.. So if someone can get a FAT over the SLIM then I highly suggest you take that deal.
When my friends come over, we always bust out the ps2 and play some 007 nightfire on skyrail 🙏 good times.
Buying. A. Playstation. 2. in. 2024
Hard to think of my favourite PS2 games that didn't have better versions on Xbox or remasters. Liked Vice City Stories, Soul Calibur 2 and 3, Syphon Filter Dark Mirror, GT4, Silent Hill 2, Splashdown 2 and Tekken 5
2:26 Hell no, from the slims scratching your discs to the Phat having way better potential for modding it the phat clears.
Agreed. My PS2 Slim began scratching some of my discs, so I replaced it with a fat.
Never had a problem with the fat so far.
This! Was about to comment how slims scratch up games when the band isn’t in properly. This alone makes the fat ps2 much more reliable and easy to hack.
It depends on what slim you buy and how you take care of it I have a SCPH 90001 Model which is the final revision of the PS2 it was released in 2008 and discontinued in 2013
And if it does scratch your disc all you have to do is replace the ribbon cable it's not that hard plus it's portable and it's easy to fit in tight spaces the fat models lasers are weaker fans are louder don't get me wrong fat models good but you got to admit that the slim model is well-built my PS2 has not broken down and I have a slim.
@ElijahBonilla-lc5vb I have a 2nd hand edition of one of the 50003 models (because UK), works perfectly fine just had to clean it out first. My fan isn't loud and I haven't had an issue with the disc drive yet and I've had this since 2022. Only thing I need to do with it is change out the CMOS battery.
@@BBK113 that was an accidental comment I addressed that comment to the wrong person I didn't mean to send that comment to you my bad.
Matty I just learned about Urban Reign a few months ago. It’s like Def Jam FFNY on steroids 🔥🔥
Champions of Norrath / Champions Return to Arms are solid ps2 games
I also bought a PS2 slim this year and retired my old phat PS2 I bought in 2002. Glad you named Dragon Quest VIII. Such a gem of a game. It released on 3DS, but I prefer the PS2 version. Others I'd highly recommend are;
Hulk: Ultimate Destruction: One of the best super hero games of all time IMO.
Spartan: Total Warrior: Just a fun hack n slash. Not much else.
SOCOM U.S. Navy Seals: Great stealth 3PS. Ridiculous these don't have remasters.
Black: Just a ridiculously fun FPS. Can be played on current Xbox too.
Medal of Honor: Frontline: One of the best WWII games ever made. Would be amazing if this got a full blown remake.
King Kong: Best movie tie in game ever? Probably could say that.
Splinter Cell games: How these aren't on modern consoles is absurd. They did a port for PS3, but again... that's PS3.
Ghost Recon/Jungle Strike: They probably look and feel outdated, but man they're just fun IMO.
Talk about perfect timing. I just got done playing Tenkaichi 1 trying to beat the story right now!
Worth it, it may be but finding a console that will last not knowing it's care history is the concern.
I can't count the amount of evenings I spent playing gran turismo 3 or gta vice city while in college
Never heard anyone talk about Dirge of Cerberus i thought i was the only one who played it. Would recommend both Zone of the Enders games on ps2
I’ve seen and have all from 1980-Now I have every console and tons of games the PS2 is a God Tier Console
Ps2 is an all time classic. Earlier this year mine bit the dust and I immediately ordered a new one! 😂 I gotta have one setup in the game room at all times. Such an amazing library! 🔥
The GOAT is back! Happy Holidays!!! PS2 is amazing...
Naruto ultimate ninja 1,2,3,4,5 remastered on PS4/5 would be so cool, all on one blue-ray ❤ Dreaming is still free right now, so I will keep on dreaming a little more 😂
anyone else still playing the same ps2 they had as a kid??
I've been wanting one of these lately. It's been nice getting into retro gaming on real hardware. But man these are getting pricey on eBay. I think I'll have to stick to emulation til I find a good deal.
I still play mine everyday. Recently got the transformers 2004 game playing through that. Good fun!
The PS2 is my 2nd favorite console of all time after the PS3. Definitely worth everyone's time and money.
It's my favourite console of all time. I don't think anything can ever beat it for me.
There is one nit pick with the Slim PS2, Beyond Good & Evil's sound is buggy as hell on it. Apart from that I've not had a problem with mine, I've heard the Slims can scratch discs but so far so good with mine, although I use OPL via network share to load all but a few of my games these days.
One game series I’m sad u didn’t include was the viewtiful Joe series 1 and 2 they are a really surprisingly slept on series it’s funny and entertaining game series
It's funny that this pops up now Matty, i was thinking of looking for the original PAL versions of Yakuza 1 and 2 on the PS2, even though i bet they are pricey these days, i recently picked up the Japan exclusive Ryu Ga Gotoku HD Collection on PS3 so i want the original games to complete my Yakuza collection :)
I loved playing Pacman World Rally on the PS2
I still got my original ps2 still works fine I just forgot how slow it used to boot up
No Twisted Metal or Socom? Sony doesn’t even acknowledge these IP both due for a port/remaster/new entry
I've been playing PS2 since I was 4 years old my first console that I've ever owned was a PS1 the first console I ever played was PS2
Greatest start up console noise ever
I feel like every time he makes one of these videos the game prices go up.
I played Oni when I was maybe 8 years old, I gotta say I must have been really bad at video games as a kid! I could not get past some kind of laser level and absolutely hated it! Now it's super expensive, at least here in Australia, so might still be awhile before I dive back in. All that to say, solid recommendation 😅
ps2 with freemcboot and hdd is a must have you can play everything
The Xenosaga series is fantastic. Highly recommend (though some of the gameplay in the first two games is a little dated).
Of the PS2 games I've played (that aren't mentioned in the video), try the Shadow Hearts trilogy, Digital Devil Saga (1 and 2), Killer7 (this one has a PC port too), Drakengard 1 (haven't played the second), Fatal Frame 1-3, and Shadow of Memories/Destiny.
PS2 games are still worth going back to, but are so hard to find and collect physically. It would be great if studios gave more attention to making the PS2 and PS1 catalogue more accessible rather than trying to remaster or remake PS4-era games.
Love me some jesus bible games
Xenogears is the first correct ?
@@tcsutton9121 They are separate universes/stories with linked themes and elements, I believe, but Xenogears did come out first and is a good starting place. It has a really good story and some interesting concepts, but is more plot driven, while Xenosaga (I feel) is much more character driven. I prefer the Xenosaga trilogy, but I know a lot of people much prefer Xenogears. They're all great games though, and absolutely worth playing (though they're a little dated gameplay-wise though, so go in with that in mind).
Buying a ps2 is worth it for analog button inputs alone.
Currently playing through DQ8 myself right now via MX4SIO and it's a slow ride but I'm loving it.
My top picks for PS2 games (and the ones I prefer on PS2 over other consoles as well), some pricey but these are my favorites:
-Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly (I know Xbox version is superior, but the PS2 controller makes more sense IMO and feels better to play with)
-Haunting Ground (super pricey, but IMO, if you're going to spend on one grail of the system, and you like horror, this is the one to get. Forget Rule of Rose and Kuon, if you have the money to splurge, it's an amazing game, unlike most of the high end stuff on the system)
-Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (the 360 HD version was buggy for me, could punch cops and wouldn't gain wanted levels, instead they got up and ran away or acted like normal pedestrians. Don't know if any other HD releases are as buggy, not willing to buy another HD version, I'll stick with the original)
-Trapt (the last Deception game before they went silly anime, and imo, the dark look works MUCH better for these games, 4 was too bright and anime-like, didn't care for it as much. I like anime and anime games, but Deception is a VERY dark series, and it went to a silly tone in 4 that I just didn't love like I do these older games. You play as the embodiment of evil, the devil's hand of destruction essentially. Going all silly and cute just doesn't work for it)
-Medal of Honor: Rising Sun (GameCube is 2 disc, I prefer less discs)
-Obscure: The Aftermath (never played the 1st, and nowadays it's about $300, so probably not going to be able to unless I luck out like I did on Haunting Ground)
-Dead to Rights II (I love the 1st, but usually I'm a GameCube fan, and the first I prefer on GameCube, but the 2nd wasn't on GameCube, so it's worth mentioning)
-Stretch Panic (It looks a lot like Klonoa, but mixed with horror. Maybe that's why I love this game as much as I do)
-BloodRayne (I know GameCube has it, but never played the GameCube version, I have the PS2 version)
-Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 (you can clash Lightning Blade and Rasengan, and it's the most epic thing to see ever in a Naruto fighting game. The adventure mode is amazing too)
-Soul Calibur III (2 might get the most recognition, but 3 was special. It had Chronicles of the Sword, which was Tactics meets Fighting genre, as well as added character creation. IMO, next to 5, this is the best Soul Calibur game)
PS1 picks:
-Bugs Bunny: Lost in Time (holds up super well, a true hidden gem)
-Jersey Devil (people say it's mediocre, but this game has HEART. I love the atmosphere, and all its quirkiness)
-Area 51 (arcade-style shooter, super addicting, especially on couch co-op)
-Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko (say what you will about Gex, but the 3rd game is awesome. I also like Enter the Gecko quite a bit, but 3 is where Gex really hit home)
-Toy Story 2 (heralded as one of the best platformers on the system, and for good reason)