8 Late PS2 RPGs You Never Heard Of

That said, PS2 games were still being released well into the PS3’s lifecycle. A large number of players had previously moved on, therefore the majority were passed over. Thus, here are a few obscure instances of the finest and worst RPGs released on the PS2 in its final years. All dates, unless otherwise noted, are based on the North American release, meaning RPGs released during and after 2006 are fair game.

Metal Saga

The first title in the Metal Max franchise released in the West is Metal Saga. Compared to the series’ 1991 NES launch, this took place on the PS2 in 2006. All of them are turn-based, post-apocalyptic role-playing games, with some gameplay segments involving human combat and others involving the usage of vehicles like tanks. It makes sense that Bethesda would have looked into licensing this series in order to make money off of their Fallout property.

However, fans have successfully patched the majority of the old games into English for those who are interested in Metal Saga. Additionally, Metal Max Xeno, the most recent game in the series, was just the second to be released in North America when it was launched in 2018.

MS Saga: A New Dawn

Ever since the anime debuted in Japan in 1979, there have been a ton of Gundam games released. The series has been available on every console under the sun, from arcades to the PS5. The majority of games are action games, but MS Saga: A New Dawn took a distinct strategy to fighting. Released in 2006, it was a turn-based role-playing game in which two orphans, Fritz and Tristan, go out on a mission of vengeance after their orphanage was destroyed by hostile Mobile Suits. Though there is much more to the tale than that, once the guys discover a hidden Mobile Suit bunker, that is where it begins.

Steambot Chronicles

One such video game from 2006 about robots is Steambot Chronicles. In contrast to the previous two, this action game allows players to equip their mech with different components as they go. The protagonist of the game awakens from a shipwreck with amnesia at the start of the game.

Although many RPGs and anime use this cliché, the storyline isn’t that significant in this particular game. It’s all about their Trotmobile-based mech attack action. Though it might not be the greatest mech game available for the PS2, there are probably a select few fans who have pleasant memories of this game.

Shining Force EXA

The cel-shaded graphics in Shining Force EXA, which was published in 2007, continue to make it seem fantastic. It is a part of the Shining series, which began as an action RPG and eventually transitioned to a tactical RPG.Shining Force EXA’s story is simple, and the talking pictures aren’t overly produced, making it feel almost like a throwback to the dungeon crawling era. Action, treasure, and leveling up Toma and Cyrille—the two playable characters—are the main priorities. The last game in the series in 2018 was Shining Resonance Refrain, so it has been a while since it peaked.

Wild Arms 5

The final console game was called Wild Arms 5, and it came out in 2007. It was a turn-based role-playing game that kept the previous game’s grid design and gave battle a little more complexity. Being one of the very few actual Western role-playing games, the entire series has a Western tone. The latest portable game was Wild Arms XF, which came out in 2008. The last game itself was made available on mobile devices in 2018. The most dedicated fans should be happy as Wild Arms: Million Memories has ceased operations as of 2020; however, the 2022 Kickstarter project, Armed Fantasia, appears to be a spiritual successor.

Baroque

1998 saw the release of Baroque as a Sega Saturn exclusive in Japan. Western fans would eventually get a taste of it in 2008 when it was remade for the PS2 and Wii following several more Japanese versions. It’s another post-apocalyptic role-playing game, but it has a stronger roguelike feel to it.

Furthermore, rather than a nuclear conflict, an angelic conflict caused the end of the Earth. Your objective is to climb the Neuro Tower, discover solutions, and gain enough experience points to avoid being destroyed by a variety of terrifying monsters.

Eternal Poison

The violent strategy game Eternal Poison was released in 2008 for the PlayStation 2. The artwork bears a striking resemblance to Vanillaware games, and it was released by Atlus, just like the majority of their products. As would be expected from a strategy game, the plot features warring kingdoms and demons. It differs from other games in that Eggy Car players can enlist demons using a capture mechanism reminiscent of the Shin Megami Tensei series. Additionally evocative of PS1 title Kartia: The Word of Fate are the game’s tactical gameplay, monster summoning, and grim storyline.

Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha Vs. King Abaddon

In the realm of Shin Megami Tensei, this particular offshoot offers a delectable and unique gaming experience. An interesting chapter in this series unfolded three years after the PS3 made its debut. In 2009, Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon graced the Western gaming scene, a release that was much later than fans had anticipated. A similar scenario had played out a few years earlier when Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, the predecessor to King Abaddon, finally made its debut in 2006, also taking its time to reach Western shores.

Set against the backdrop of early 1900s Japan, these games invite players to step into the shoes of the main character, a high school detective who possesses the extraordinary ability to summon demons. This unique premise adds a fascinating twist to the traditional role-playing game formula. Much like other turn-based RPGs, battles in these action-based titles occur at random intervals, keeping players on their toes and adding an element of surprise to the gameplay. In the broader context of the Shin Megami Tensei series, this offshoot stands out as one of the rare gems that infuse action-oriented gameplay into a universe largely known for its turn-based battles, offering an engaging and distinctive gaming experience for fans of the franchise.