I got through phases of games, and right now I’m in the one I like to think of everything-modern-is-making-me-angry-so-I’ll-turn-back-to-vintage-games - and that’s in the form of PCSX2 on my Steam Deck.
Playing the PS2 generation on the Steam Deck is kinda the ‘perfect’ generation: I can upscale the resolution without a performance hit, I can apply HD texture packs, Retro Achievements and I can drop the TDP to extend the battery life.
Anyway, I never had a PS2 (it was just a touch before my time), so there’s so many games I’m yet to discover there. I’d love to hear any suggestions you might have for what I can play on there:
Just a couple notes:
No GTA games because they’re better with the PC versions. While I’ve bought the games, the account that Rockstar demands people have to play their games makes me angry on principle (a single-player game forcing an online check each week to be able to play it? No thanks), so I’ve got cracked versions to play.
No Final Fantasy because I’m not even sure where to start!
So if anyone was around back in the PS2 era, and has some recommendations for games they’ve loved, I’m all ears. I’ve been having such a fun time playing these.
Some big thanks to my friends who made and run RetroDECK (my choice for emulating on the Steam Deck), and to the PCSX2 team (who I’m chatting to right now actually, so keep an eye out and in a week or so I’ll share that chat with them all about creating and maintaining the PS2 emulator!)
Also, if you do have a Steam Deck, and want to play with the HD texture packs I do, then it’s really simple. Just download the pack, and name then according to their game’s I.D. code - SLUS-20743 for example, then place it in the texture_packs folder:
From there, go into PCSX2, then right-click the game, select properties, graphics, texture replacement and tick the two boxes I have:
Then you’ve got the games looking the best they can be!
Not played by many because it’s one of the last releases on PS2, but if you like horror games then check out Rule of Rose. Up there for some of the best graphics on the console too.
Others are suggesting Resident Evil Outbreak File 1 and 2. It’s much better played online with other people than AI. There’s fan server support: https://obsrv.org (you have to make an account to see the forum, sorry) and they have guides to set it up on PCSX2. I’d recommend learning how to install it to the virtual hard drive because the loading times are pretty awful otherwise and server hosts generally only make hard drive install only servers.
Their Discord community is a good way to find a group to play with, unless you have a few willing friends :)
The original Yakuza 1 and 2, though I’d recommend the Restored mods for each because the localizations (especially Y1’s dub) were notoriously awful. Hilarious at first, but that wears off fast. (Though it is so funny to me how Y7 dub Kiryu’s VA is the original VA from Y1, you’d think they would’ve wanted to forget that ever happened LOL)
When I first played the series I played the remakes first, and after going back and playing the originals I understood why so many series vets weren’t happy with the remakes. Y2 especially has some of the best feeling combat in the franchise.
I have a bit of an odd one for you; Ephemeral Fantasia. It’s a jrpg for very eclectic tastes. It’s a game in which you’re dealing with time loops. You can think of it as a mix between Groundhog Day and your average jrpg. Little bit like Majora’s Mask but more extreme I’d say.
Every single one of those games is excellent, but tbh I’d recommend starting with Underground 1 and then going onto Underground 2, they’re both fantastic IMO.
I fing love this post. You’re making me feel old but I’m glad younger peeps appreciate these games too. Igrew up on the PS2 and you’ve already got some amazing games there including some I missed and might have to try myself.
Anyway, here’s my favourites. You have to try try the Ratchet and Clank games, at least the first one! They’re still super unique and iconic today. I feel the most nostalgic about the 1st but the 3rd (going commando) probably has the best gameplay. The second is a longer, harder grind but still great. And the 4th (gladiator) is similar to the 3rd, but less story.
Other than that, Red Dead Revolver, Jak and Daxter, Medal of Honor Rising Sun and Battlefield 2 were all amazing. And Sly 3 if you liked Sly 2.
I have the Jack and Daxter games, and have them not emulated. openGOAL decompiled the games so they run natively on PC - which is the way to play them: https://opengoal.dev/
And I’ve been enjoying the Quest for Booty Ratchet & Clank game, via RPCS3! I know I didn’t start at the first, but I’m having such a fun time with it!
God Hand is a hidden gem, the game is hard tho.
Crash of the Titans
Crash Twinsanity
Black
Midnight Club 3
NFS Underground 2
Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks
Gun
Burnout
Darkwatch (hidden gem too)
There are more but these worth mentioning because they can’t be played without emulation on PC, so it fits well to play on PCSX2.
You are not logged in. However you can subscribe from another Fediverse account, for example Lemmy or Mastodon. To do this, paste the following into the search field of your instance: [email protected]
Welcome to the largest gaming community on Lemmy! Discussion for all kinds of games. Video games, tabletop games, card games etc.
Rules
1. Submissions have to be related to games
Video games, tabletop, or otherwise. Posts not related to games will be deleted.
This community is focused on games, of all kinds. Any news item or discussion should be related to gaming in some way.
2. No bigotry or harassment, be civil
No bigotry, hardline stance. Try not to get too heated when entering into a discussion or debate.
We are here to talk and discuss about one of our passions, not fight or be exposed to hate. Posts or responses that are hateful will be deleted to keep the atmosphere good. If repeatedly violated, not only will the comment be deleted but a ban will be handed out as well. We judge each case individually.
3. No excessive self-promotion
Try to keep it to 10% self-promotion / 90% other stuff in your post history.
This is to prevent people from posting for the sole purpose of promoting their own website or social media account.
4. Stay on-topic; no memes, funny videos, giveaways, reposts, or low-effort posts
This community is mostly for discussion and news. Remember to search for the thing you’re submitting before posting to see if it’s already been posted.
We want to keep the quality of posts high. Therefore, memes, funny videos, low-effort posts and reposts are not allowed. We prohibit giveaways because we cannot be sure that the person holding the giveaway will actually do what they promise.
5. Mark Spoilers and NSFW
Make sure to mark your stuff or it may be removed.
No one wants to be spoiled. Therefore, always mark spoilers. Similarly mark NSFW, in case anyone is browsing in a public space or at work.
6. No linking to piracy
Don’t share it here, there are other places to find it. Discussion of piracy is fine.
We don’t want us moderators or the admins of lemmy.world to get in trouble for linking to piracy. Therefore, any link to piracy will be removed. Discussion of it is of course allowed.
Not played by many because it’s one of the last releases on PS2, but if you like horror games then check out Rule of Rose. Up there for some of the best graphics on the console too.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_Rose
Others are suggesting Resident Evil Outbreak File 1 and 2. It’s much better played online with other people than AI. There’s fan server support: https://obsrv.org (you have to make an account to see the forum, sorry) and they have guides to set it up on PCSX2. I’d recommend learning how to install it to the virtual hard drive because the loading times are pretty awful otherwise and server hosts generally only make hard drive install only servers.
Their Discord community is a good way to find a group to play with, unless you have a few willing friends :)
As others have said, Ratchet and Clank series is fantastic
One I did not see in the comments is Test Drive: Eve of Destruction.
I remember loving the Mercenaries game
OH NO YOU DIDN’T.
I think I need a band aid.
You want me to throw my shoe?
I had a ton of fun with Unreal Tournament. I got into the zone while playing Instagib CTF.
Dark cloud 1 - amazing
Dark cloud 2 (Dark Chronicle in EU) - 11/10, I replay it almost every year
Wild ARMS 3 Godzilla: Save the Earth
Gun
Tmnt
The original Yakuza 1 and 2, though I’d recommend the Restored mods for each because the localizations (especially Y1’s dub) were notoriously awful. Hilarious at first, but that wears off fast. (Though it is so funny to me how Y7 dub Kiryu’s VA is the original VA from Y1, you’d think they would’ve wanted to forget that ever happened LOL)
When I first played the series I played the remakes first, and after going back and playing the originals I understood why so many series vets weren’t happy with the remakes. Y2 especially has some of the best feeling combat in the franchise.
Just throwing Tokyo Extreme Racer Zero into the mix.
I have a bit of an odd one for you; Ephemeral Fantasia. It’s a jrpg for very eclectic tastes. It’s a game in which you’re dealing with time loops. You can think of it as a mix between Groundhog Day and your average jrpg. Little bit like Majora’s Mask but more extreme I’d say.
Silent hill 2 Tekken
But my actual favorite was guitar hero.
Burnout 3 is one of the best arcade racing games for this generation.
I see you have Kingdom Hearts II in there. There’s also the original Kingdom Hearts as well.
The Simpsons: Hit & Run is like GTA but more “family-friendly”.
There’s also other Ratchet & Clank games on the PS2, including the original, Going Commando, and Deadlocked.
If you like racing games, Need for Speed: Underground 2 is one of the best games in the NFS series. IMO it’s better than Underground 1.
Also, appreciate the guide for higher res textures.
You’re so welcome! Let me know if you ever run into any troubles!
Every single one of those games is excellent, but tbh I’d recommend starting with Underground 1 and then going onto Underground 2, they’re both fantastic IMO.
Seconding Burnout 3!
I fing love this post. You’re making me feel old but I’m glad younger peeps appreciate these games too. Igrew up on the PS2 and you’ve already got some amazing games there including some I missed and might have to try myself.
Anyway, here’s my favourites. You have to try try the Ratchet and Clank games, at least the first one! They’re still super unique and iconic today. I feel the most nostalgic about the 1st but the 3rd (going commando) probably has the best gameplay. The second is a longer, harder grind but still great. And the 4th (gladiator) is similar to the 3rd, but less story.
Other than that, Red Dead Revolver, Jak and Daxter, Medal of Honor Rising Sun and Battlefield 2 were all amazing. And Sly 3 if you liked Sly 2.
I have the Jack and Daxter games, and have them not emulated. openGOAL decompiled the games so they run natively on PC - which is the way to play them: https://opengoal.dev/
And I’ve been enjoying the Quest for Booty Ratchet & Clank game, via RPCS3! I know I didn’t start at the first, but I’m having such a fun time with it!
Persona 4 and Clock Tower 3
God Hand is a hidden gem, the game is hard tho.
Crash of the Titans
Crash Twinsanity
Black
Midnight Club 3
NFS Underground 2
Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks
Gun
Burnout
Darkwatch (hidden gem too)
There are more but these worth mentioning because they can’t be played without emulation on PC, so it fits well to play on PCSX2.
NFS Underground 2 has a PC port, and there are some fixes online that make it the best way to play NFSU2, actually.
Underground 2 .net has as an amazing lore-accurate overhaul. Highly recommend it for a one stop shop mod.
Ps2 was golden Mortal Kombat territory.