The PS2 was a magnificent console, not only for being a cheap DVD player at the time of its release but also for having some incredible games. However, many people don’t get the chance to experience the unique and interesting games the console has to offer, as many get swept under the rug after only selling a few thousand copies. Despite a lack of popularity, these games have a lot of potential. So come along with me as I shed light on these games that deserve attention after being long forgotten, and maybe there’ll be some cheesy, but charming English voice acting on the way.

#5: Shadow of Destiny/Shadow of Memories (2001)

Shadow of Destiny is a strange but very alluring puzzle game developed by the Konami Group Corporation back in 2001. The main protagonist of the game, Eike Kusch, is murdered in a small German town at the start of the game. When Eike dies, he hears a voice coming from a void telling him that he can change his fate. Eike is given a time-traveling device and it is up to the player to prevent his murder. The gameplay is all about solving time-travel-related puzzles and going back into the past to change the present. It’s very fun and engaging, but it can be confusing at times if you’re not paying attention. The story is intriguing, with many twists and turns. The game sports multiple endings, which will keep you hooked until the end to see the full picture. For the original Shadow of Destiny experience, there really aren’t many options in North America: it is available as a PS2 version and the Windows PC port. There was a remaster back in 2010 that included new art and a brand new voice cast, but personally, the original voice of the PS2 and PC version is what gives the game its charm. It also has Charles Martinet (the voice of Mario) voicing the most interesting of characters in the game, and his performance is entertaining to watch.

#4: Beyond Good And Evil (2003)

Beyond Good And Evil may not be the most forgotten piece of gaming history compared to other games in this list, but it’s still great to look back on it. Developed by Ubisoft in 2003, it sold absolutely terribly, but even with low sales numbers it still gained a big cult following. You play as Jade, a photojournalist living on a planet called Hillis that is filled with not only humans but also humanoid animals. Hillis has been under attack by an alien species known as the DomZ, strange stingray-like creatures that constantly invade the planet. Jade has more to worry about than just alien invasions, as there are also loads of government conspiracies that Jade and a rebel organization are trying to put a stop to. The gameplay is pretty simple; the main goal of the game is to collect pearls that can upgrade your boat to achieve the game’s missions through racing, sneaking, combat and puzzle solving. Beyond Good And Evil has numerous ports that you can play with, including the PS2, PS3, GameCube, Xbox and Xbox 360.

#3: Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny (2002)

The Onimusha series as a whole is fantastic, but if I were to recommend one game in the franchise, it would be the second one. You play as Jubei Yagyu, a samurai who finds his village destroyed by the forces of Japanese warlord Oda Nobunaga. Jubei sets off on a revenge quest to kill Nobunaga and all the demons he encounters on his journey. The gameplay is fairly simple but loads of fun. The combat is sword-based, using magical abilities to kill demons and then taking their souls to upgrade your gear while going through the game’s fun and cheesy story. Along your journey, you’ll meet up with other warriors who have their own unique stories and will help you fight the demons. Sadly, since the game’s release in 2002, it has remained a PS2 exclusive, so your best bet to get a hold of it is to either get a copy yourself or another method. However, if you do want to experience Onimusha, the first game, Onimusha: Warlords, is available on all modern platforms, so you can get a taste of the series.

#2: Killer7 (2005)

Killer7 is an incredible and strange game. Created by Grasshopper Manufacture back in 2005 and directed by Suda51, Killer7 brings many interesting things to the table, with both its gameplay and weird, thought-provoking story. You play as a group of assassins known as the Killer7 who are assigned by the government to take down unknown terrorist entities known as Heaven’s Smile. The Killer7 has a lot of mystery around who they are and who’s running them. The gameplay on the other hand is also unique, consisting of walking around condensed levels and solving puzzles while attacking Heavens Smiles. The control style of Killer7 can be seen to be a bit complicated but it’s not that hard to get used to. The game was originally released on the GameCube but it was ported to the PS2, however, it was a bit of a downgrade from the GameCube with a long loading time and bad framerates. Thankfully, in 2018, Killer7 received an HD port on Steam with much more tolerable controls, so go out there and experience the geopolitical and strange story of Killer7.

#1: Godhand (2006)

Godhand is a game that I recommended for people that would love to punch someone until they shoot out of the stratosphere! Created by Clover Studios and published by Capcom back in 2006, Godhand is a game that is purposely goofy and self-aware of its dumb plot, but it also has an amazing combat system. Along the way on your brawling adventure, you’ll either find or purchase attacks such as punches, karate chops, kicks and uppercuts which you can use to make your own unique combos. The game also has lots of special attacks you can find within its roulette system, such as dragon-kicking your opponent until they are nothing but a blink in the sky. The game is incredibly challenging; the better you are at the game, the harder the game is on you. You will be forced to rethink your strategies as the enemies gain health and strength, but you can improve with the near-infinite amount of possibilities for combat combos. Sadly, this game has the burden of being a PS2 exclusive, but it is absolutely worth it to try other methods of getting your hands on Godhand.