It's not over yet. PS2 still has some fight left in it. With all the buzz about these next gen systems, its easy to forget about the awesome titles still being released for PS2. I've bought 3 surprising PS2 games that I think everyone, especially old school gamers like me, should play.
First up, The Red Star. This game I've been waiting a few years for. It was supposed to come out a while back, but there were problems with publishers (Acclaim went belly up). Now XS games has finally released this action packed shooter slash beat em up. The game is based on some comic I never heard of, but the gameplay brings back the frantic bullet dodging memories from the shooting games that populated arcades and snes games back in the day. The Red Star is also a beat em up game, like Final Fight. Use combos and super moves against waves of baddies. At 19.99, this game is a must for your PS2 library.
Next up Raiden 3. I considered importing this when it came out in Japan, but the thing is figuring out how to play it on my U.S. PS2. Problem solved. Raiden 3 has finally been released in North America. Ok people, this is nuts, games like this never are released outside Japan. If you are a fan of passed Raiden games you'll feel right at home with Raiden 3. Not much has changed gameplay wise. There are a few new power ups and the visuals are now sharp while not entirely too detailed 3d graphics. There are a few extra modes of play. In addition to Single play and Cooperative 2 player modes, there is a new interesting Dual mode. One player controls two ships using the dual analog sticks and the respective left and right buttons for firing and bombs. It make brain hurt, but it fun. At 39.99 (29.99 at ebgames) its not for everyone, but hardcore shmup fans will dig it. If you don't know what a shmup is, then that means you may not like it.Lastly Odin Sphere.
This game has been getting a lot of buzz lately so chances are you have heard of this one. Part RPG part Beat em Up part Chemistry set. Odin Sphere is a beautiful game, but its also really hard. If you go into battle unprepared I.E. didn't bring seed to grow plants that sprout sheep...(wait what?), you will die and die often. One particular boss battle took me over 35 minutes, yet I loved every minute of it. All the visuals are hand drawn and animated to perfection. The character sprites are huge, some taking up the entire screen. The levels are broken up into short missions, a series of what would be random battles on a normal RPG, but you won't want to run away from these battles. You have to combine different materials to make bombs and health items. You then proceed to combo your way through hordes of enemies. When they die you collect their souls and harness that energy to use powerful spells. All these gameplay elements combine to form a game thats unique and more importantly really fun.
PS2 is going out fighting and with the loudest of bangs. Here's to hoping these games are only the beginning of the best of the end. Uh? Here's to hoping there are more cool games still to come.
