Well, I've been wanting to write something like this for Epinions for quite some time. Finally, now that 2003 has come and gone I've decided to present to you my 10 favorite games for my favorite console, the Playstation 2, up to and including this date (January 5th 2004). I will be updating this opinion as frequently as possible with links to my own reviews of those games, so the games in this list that I have not yet reviewed will more than likely be the next ones you can expect from me. With that said, on with the list.
Coming in at number 10.....
#10 --- TONY HAWK'S PRO SKATER 4 ---
I doubt this game would be on the list of that many people, but for me, honestly, this game changed my video game playing life. After renting this game for the first time, I found myself becoming addicted to skateboarding games and skateboarding itself. In this game you choose from a fairly large list of professional skateboarders including Tony Hawk, Eric Kosten, Andrew Reynolds and my favorite, Bam Margera. You are presented with a number of locations and in each you must complete a number of missions presented to you by talking to people in that area. Missions can include receiving a high score, retrive letters to spell "C-O-M-B-O," or pulling off a certain trick. This is a great game especially for those who are or want to be interested in skateboarding games.
Next on the list....
#9 --- MEDAL OF HONOR: FRONTLINE ---
Well whoever plays this game is sure to love it. It has been rated the number 1 war game for PS2 on numerous video game websites, and is definitely one of my favorites as well. It takes place during World War 2 and starts off during the famous D-Day. The opening video and the very first mission are practically identical to the opening of the movie "Saving Private Ryan." The game is definitely a great First-Person Shooter, at the tops of many people's lists. The graphics and sounds are great as well.
The next game on my list was almost tied with Medal of Honor: Frontline.....
#8 --- GRAND THEFT AUTO 3 ---
Now you knew this game would be here didn't you? I mean, when this game was first introduced, it was booked out at the video game stores for weeks! Definitely one of the best games of this generation. There has been much controversy over this game and its extreme violence by many. After all, there are not many games in which you can steal cars, pick up prostitutes or go on murderous rampages. You play as a man who escaped from a police car while being taken of to jail and now you must make a life in Liberty City, whether it be to steal, earn or kill your way to the top. The game comes with 73 missions, and tuns of jumps, hidden packages and tons of stylish cars. You can spend months at this one!
Here comes lucky seven...
#7 --- TONY HAWK'S UNDERGROUND ---
Now this is what I call a skateboarding game. Unlike the previous four Tony Hawk games, this is the first which has a good, solid story mode. Unlike the others, where you pick a professional skater, in this game you play as yourself. A young skater living in New Jersey. Your goal is to become one of the best. Along with a much better story mode, this game comes with some great extra features. For the first time, you can actually get off of your skateboard and walk around. You can also drive around in cars. This game also comes with an online feature where you can play across the nation using a Network Adapter. Although a little short, this is definitely the best skateboarding game on the market.
Next we have 6......
#6 --- SOCOM: US NAVY SEALS ---
When Sony first introduced it's Network Adapter that allows players to experience a new gaming experience on the PS2 by allowing them to play games with each other over the internet, Socom was the original shooter game compatible with the online feature. This is another wonderful war game with 12 missions for single-play or a whole new gameplay experience if you decide to play online. You must eliminate enemy terrorists by using the help of your own teammates, up to 15 of them. Definitely a great strategic and shooter game. Great graphics and sound as well.
TONY's TOP 5
#5 --- GRAND THEFT AUTO: VICE CITY ---
Could it be possible that a game could be even more violent then Grand Theft Auto 3 without being somehow related to Unreal Tournament? Sure it is! With Vice City, you have the same basis as GTA 3 (Earn, Steal or Keel your way to the top) except this time, your in the 80's, along with some improved graphics, better cars, planes and motorcycles, strip clubs and a main character that TALKS! Basically, because of the motorcycles and the much better missions, this game blows GTA3 out of the water and reserves itself a position in Tony's Top 5 list. The game also has much more sexual content than the third. One of the missions is to receive a lap dace at the strip club. Also, the prostitutes make sounds while in your car, if you know what I mean. Either way, to parents, watch out for your kids and this game. And to kids, if you have it, hide it good!
#4 --- TIME SPLITTERS 2 ---
Hmmmmm. James Bond meets Back to the future. I'm sure most of us has played Goldeneye. That's one of the best first-person shooters out there. Time Splitters 2 is basically identical to the gameplay of that in Goldeneye. Similar guns, similar sounds, etc. There are also the FMVs that are copied from the James Bond movies, including when your character is strapped to a bed with a laser beam coming toward his crotch. In this game, you travel back in time to save history. Some missions take place back in the Wild West, others in Siberia. Each mission takes place in a totally different place and in a totally different time. One of the best features with this game is the multiplayer. Up to four players can play the story mode at once. Yep. You and up to three of your buddies can sit in front of the same TV help each other beat a mission.
Get ready for the Top 3!!!!!
#3 --- METAL GEAR SOLID 2: SONS OF LIBERTY ---
Best third-person shooter of all time in my opinion. You play as two characters in each of the two levels. (Yes there are only two levels, but each are fairly long.) Snake from the first Metal Gear Solid and "Raiden" in the next level. You must stop a terrorist organization by destroying a powerful weapon called Metal Gear. This is definitely a must play for any action game fan.
#2 --- FINAL FANTASY X-2 ---
FFX-2 is the first direct sequel in the long running and famous Final Fantasy series. In it's opening day of sale, over 1.2 million copies were bought. Wow. The game takes place 2 years after it's prequel, Final Fantasy X. A sphere hunter, searching the world for spheres comes across a video of her love from the first game, and sets out on a quest to find him. This game is wonderful. The graphics are better than any other game I've played, hands down. The sound is great and so is the gameplay, with hundreds of hours to accomplish everything. If you have played and/or beaten the first this game is simply a MUST HAVE!
DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!!!
THE TIME HAS COME TO PRESENT TO YOU MY FAVORITE GAME OF ALL TIME FOR THE PLAYSTATION 2 CONSOLE!
#1 --- FINAL FANTASY X ---
YAY! Well here it is folks, the big cheese. Final Fantasy X is in my opinion the best game ever made for PS2. With it's stunning storyline and amazing graphics, it will top my list any day. You play as Tidus, a young athlete who wakes up in a totally different place, discovering that his home town was destroyed a thousand years ago by a devastating force called Sin. No it is up to Tidus, a summoner and all of her guardians to defeat Sin and find out the shocking discovery of a relation between them all...
Well there you have it folks, my top 10 list of Playstation 2 games that I have played thus far. I'm planning on writing this type of review yearly with the top 10 games for PS2 of that year.
But for now, I hope this guide can help you in purchasing games and please feel free to post your comments, and other games that are great and consumers should know about.
Thanks!
WRITTEN BY TONY JONES
