In the early to mid-2000s, Sony Interactive Entertainment reigned supreme with its PlayStation 2 console, which remains the best-selling console to date. This era saw the rise of iconic franchises like Grand Theft Auto and Gran Turismo, as well as the debut of enduring titles such as God of War and Devil May Cry. However, amidst the glory of these well-known games, there are several PS2 titles that, despite their commercial success, have largely been forgotten. These games, each selling at least one million copies during the PS2's lifetime, are the focus of this article. We delve into five such games that have faded into obscurity, exploring their unique contributions to the gaming landscape and why they deserve a place in the annals of gaming history.
One such game is Dark Cloud, an action RPG that drew inspiration from Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda. Players take on the role of Toan, a fantasy hero whose kingdom is ravaged by a dark genie. Toan embarks on a journey to recover elements known as Atla, gradually restoring the kingdom and preventing further devastation. Dark Cloud introduced procedural dungeon generation and quick-time events in duels against enemies, setting it apart from its contemporaries. Despite its initial release in 2000, the game was overshadowed by more prominent PS2 titles, but it has since found a new lease of life on the PlayStation 4, allowing players to revisit this under-appreciated gem.
Another game that has fallen into obscurity is Yu-Gi-Oh! The Duelists of the Roses, the first game in the franchise to release for the PlayStation 2 in 2001. Drawing inspiration from the English War of the Roses, the game pits longtime rivals Yugi Mutou and Seto Kaiba against each other in a card-driven showdown. The game's unique blend of card-oriented combat and grid-based battlefields, reminiscent of Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics, offered a refreshing change from the typical action-adventure games of the time. While the franchise has continued to release games, The Duelists of the Roses stands out as a distinct title, yet it has not been re-released on modern platforms, leaving it in a state of relative obscurity.
Scooby-Doo! Night of 100 Frights, a 2002 game, is another title that has largely been forgotten. The game follows Scooby-Doo as he searches for his friends in a haunted mansion, battling familiar enemies from the animated series while collecting Scooby Snacks to unlock parts of the property. The game is filled with Easter eggs and allusions to various Scooby-Doo cartoons, making it a delightful experience for fans. Despite the popularity of the Scooby-Doo franchise, the game has not received the attention it deserves, and it has not been remastered for modern platforms. The game's conventional action-adventure approach, combined with Scooby's usual cowardly personality, may have contributed to its lack of lasting impact.
The Getaway, released in 2002, is a hidden gem in the PlayStation 2's library. The game offers an open-world twist on the Grand Theft Auto formula, following the dual narratives of Mark Hammond, a hardened criminal, and Frank Carter, a police detective, as they navigate London's criminal underworld. The game's success led to a direct sequel in 2004 and a spin-off, Gangs of London, for the PlayStation Portable. However, the main series has remained largely dormant for two decades, with adaptations in other media being the primary focus. The Getaway's emphasis on cinematic presentation and narrative makes it a standout title in its era, one that deserves a re-evaluation in the context of modern gaming.
Finally, EyeToy: Play, released in 2003, is a game that predates the motion-controlled era by three years. The game comes packaged with the EyeToy peripheral, a webcam-like device that uses motion-tracking inputs for various minigames. These minigames include rhythm games, soccer ball bouncing, and boxing, offering a variety of activities. While EyeToy: Play was successful enough to spawn sequels and spin-offs, the peripheral and its associated games have largely fallen into obscurity. The game's minigames, many of which are variations of one another, reflect the limitations of the time, but they also showcase the creativity of game developers in adapting to new technologies.
