7 Best PS2 Anime Games Of All Time

The PS2 introduced a significant collection of anime-inspired games that continue to hold their value and nostalgia today.

The emergence of the PS1 revolutionized the gaming console industry in numerous ways. Although it wasn’t the initial disc-based system available, it made exceptional use of the storage capacity offered by discs. Games became larger, to the extent that some had to span multiple discs due to companies pushing the boundaries of content. For instance, Final Fantasy 7 required three discs to contain its expansive world.

However, the era of multiple discs began to wane with the PS2 generation, thanks to the enhanced storage capacity of DVDs. Additionally, many games transitioned from using anime and computer-generated cutscenes to utilizing in-game graphics, taking advantage of the improved memory. Regarding anime, this period witnessed a surge in high-profile games based on popular anime series, as the PS2 achieved global recognition and remains one of the best-selling consoles in history. As such, we present a brief selection of some of the most noteworthy anime-inspired content available on this iconic system.

Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked

Samurai Champloo served as the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop, both of which were directed by Shinichiro Watanabe. Just as Cowboy Bebop left a significant mark on the space opera anime genre, Samurai Champloo made a substantial impact on the samurai anime genre. Surprisingly, it doesn’t receive the same level of recognition.

The video game adaptation, Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked, as the title implies, presents a side story. Notably, it was directed by Suda51, a figure many may recognize from No More Heroes. The gameplay incorporated the anime’s hip-hop soundtrack, resulting in a rhythm-based action game that employs turntables, a concept that may seem more complex than it actually is.

JoJo No Kimyo Na Boken: Ogon No Kaze

JoJo no Kimyo na Boken: Ogon no Kaze, which can be roughly translated as GioGio’s Bizarre Adventure, is an adaptation of the Golden Wind arc from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. This storyline revolves around Giorno’s quest to infiltrate a local crime family, which eventually evolves into a life-and-death struggle against other Stand users.

The game was developed and published by Capcom but, surprisingly, it never saw an international release. Unlike most adaptations that primarily focused on fighting games, this one took the form of an action-adventure brawler. Tracking down and playing the game can be quite challenging, particularly without a guide, but it unquestionably deserves recognition.

MS Saga: A New Dawn

While the PS2 boasts a plethora of Gundam games, the majority of them fall within the action genre. However, MS Saga: A New Dawn stands out in several ways. Firstly, it’s an original creation, not directly adapted from any specific anime. Secondly, it diverges from the action game formula, opting for turn-based combat.

The narrative unfolds as a group of orphans stumbles upon a pair of mech suits, which they employ to resist an encroaching oppressive military force. While it might not be the most groundbreaking storyline for an RPG from that era, it strikes a chord with players, coupled with the turn-based combat mechanics that deliver an enjoyable gaming experience.

.hack//Infection

.hack//Infection marked the commencement of a multimedia venture initiated by Bandai in 2002. This expansive project encompassed a series of four-game installments, each further accompanied by an OVA series. Complementing this gaming endeavor was a full-fledged anime series, .hack//Sign, which, in turn, spawned a collection of novels, manga adaptations, and a wide array of related content.

The game’s narrative revolved around a character named Kite, who embarked on a journey within a new MMO known as The World. After a harrowing experience where he witnesses his friend’s virtual “demise” in the game, Kite acquires a magical bracelet, allowing him to navigate and address the glitches that threaten to unravel the very fabric of The World. This simulated MMO universe served as an engaging backdrop for the game’s hack-and-slash style gameplay.

Fullmetal Alchemist 2: Curse Of The Crimson Elixir

Fullmetal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir constitutes the second installment in what eventually became a PlayStation 2 trilogy. Preceded by the inaugural game, Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel, which essentially served as a proof of concept, this sequel raised the bar significantly. The action elements were substantially enhanced, affording Ed the ability to transmute a wider array of objects to assist him in the heat of battle.

Unfortunately, the third game, Fullmetal Alchemist 3: The Girl Who Succeeds God, remained exclusively within the confines of Japan, making it difficult to assess how it fares within this trio of side stories that trace Ed and Al’s quest to reclaim their original bodies. It’s also worth noting that Square Enix, which holds a substantial stake in the intellectual property, provided financing for the game. This connection arises from the fact that the manga was serialized in their Monthly Shonen Gangan magazine.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Series

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai marks the inception of a trilogy tailored for the PlayStation 2. The trilogy underwent a remaster for the PlayStation 3, but presently, obtaining physical copies has become a challenging endeavor. Prior to this release, numerous fighting games based on the classic anime franchise seemed to flood the market. Although they cultivated their own followings, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai stood out as the inaugural game where the creators displayed a genuine commitment to the adaptation process.

The game boasted an extensive roster, leveraged the PlayStation 2 hardware to present Goku and the other characters in a visually appealing manner, featured coherent fighting mechanics, and more. While the Dragon Ball FighterZ series has now overtaken it as the premier fighting game adaptation, it’s important to recognize the significance of Dragon Ball Z: Budokai’s achievement.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3

Over the years, numerous Naruto fighting games have hit the market, but Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 stands out as one of the finest despite its vintage. What sets Ultimate Ninja 3 apart is not only its well-aged gameplay but also its inclusion of a comprehensive story mode that spans almost the entirety of Part One. Additionally, it introduces a unique storyline exclusive to the game, offering players over fifty missions.

While Ultimate Ninja 3 is primarily a fighting game, its primary story mode takes on RPG-like characteristics. This mode enables players to level up their party, unlock special skills for their characters, and then engage in battles. The game boasts a vast roster of forty-two playable characters, including alternate transformations for fan favorites like Naruto and Sasuke.

Conclusion

The PlayStation 2 era was a golden age for anime games, and in this article, we’ve delved into some of the best titles of that time. These games have left a lasting legacy in the gaming world, offering captivating adventures, beloved characters, and unforgettable moments. As we reminisce about the best PS2 anime games, it’s clear that they continue to hold a special place in the hearts of gamers and anime enthusiasts.