23 Best PlayStation 2 Hidden Gems

For every collection of games that have their weight in gold, there are a couple of gems waiting to be discovered. The PlayStation 2 offered a wide range of genres and masterpieces, which made it easy to miss out on some of the lesser-known titles amidst the crowd.

The problem is that most of these are constantly mentioned everywhere, be it on YouTube, Blogs, or even your mom’s house. Ultimately, this no longer makes them bear the title of ” hidden gems”. But don’t worry. We have a couple of games under our belt that will make you go “Wow, this is obscure, I didn’t know about it!”. That’s the answer we are seeking from you after you finish reading this article. So, without further ado, let’s read the best PS2 hidden gems!

Shadow of Rome 2005 シャドウ・オブ・ローマ (Shadō Obu rōma)

About
	Release Date February 04, 2005
	Developer Capcom
	Publisher Capcom
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2005-02-04
2005-02-08
2005-02-10
2005-03-10

Almost two decades have gone by since Capcom made anything like Shadow of Rome. The brutal arena fights, the challenging difficulty, and the crowd’s cheering either for your demise or your victory left a satisfying feeling back in 2005.

Coupled with a side character in the game where the player has to resort to stealthy measures, or solving puzzles, sneaking past guards, and several gameplay elements that complement the game’s quality. And there you have your answer as to why Shadow of Rome is a hidden gem. It’s quite a shame that a sequel was cancelled, which ultimately gave birth to Dead Rising.

Gladiator: Sword of Vengeance 2003

About
	Release Date November 05, 2003
	Developer Acclaim Entertainment
	Publisher Acclaim Entertainment
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

PS2 Releases
2003-11-05
2003-11-28

Gladiator: Sword of Vengeance is one of the best hack and slash games that nobody talks about. But here’s a piece of interesting information you didn’t know about; it served as an inspiration for the development of the original God of War.

Players control Invictus Thrax, a Roman warrior seeking vengeance after he was murdered by an evil Roman emperor. To do that, he has to first survive the trials of the underworld before he can get his chance for a comeback. Most of the game plays similarly to character-action games of the era; you have several combos, weapons, and magical abilities under your belt. Plus, gruesome finishing moves that will plaster a smile all over your face?

Brave: The Search for Spirit Dancer 2005

About
	Release Date September 02, 2005
	Developer VIS Entertainment
	Publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Concept Prehistoric
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

PS2 Releases
2005-09-02
2007-04-03

Some call it the worst game (not even close), and others decide to ignore it altogether. As for intellectuals who enjoy hunting gems regardless of whether they’re good or bad will find bits to appreciate about this obscure platformer.

Brave: The Search for Spirit Dancer suffered from the misfortune of releasing during a period when the industry had already moved on from 3D platformers (Blame GTA for that), so similarly to other gems like Vexx and Billy Hatcher, the game didn’t enjoy enough recognition. Brave: The Search for Spirit Dancer is a decent game where you play as a courageous kid who finds himself the hero of the story. He’ll embark on epic adventures, slaying wolves with his axe, acquiring Native American-inspired abilities, and slaying more wolves. The game has its own set of challenges, but it is still far from being peddled as one of the worst games.

Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy 2003

About
	Release Date November 10, 2003
	Developer Eurocom
	Publisher THQ
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

PS2 Releases
2003-11-10
2004-02-20

Sphinx & the Cursed Mummy is a perfect example of how to follow in the footsteps of the Legend of Zelda without coming out from the closest as a shameless clone. This action-adventure boasts an array of fantastic elements that make Sphinx & the Cursed Mummy a blast from the onset to the end.

Players follow the story of two main characters; one is a brave adventurer, and the other is a cowardly mummy. Both characters are excellent in their own right. Sphinx wields a mystical sword and can travel the world conversing with NPCs, slaying monsters, and doing all sorts of heroic activities. Meanwhile, taking on the role of the Mummy is all about solving puzzles to progress the story, and to make the game even more interesting, there’s a slice of humour thrown in between for good measure.

Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams 2006 新 鬼武者 Dawn of Dreams (Shin Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams)

About
	Release Date January 26, 2006
	Developer Capcom
	Publisher Capcom
	Franchise Onimusha
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2006-01-26
2006-03-07
2006-03-08
2006-03-18

Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams was the fifth instalment in the storied Onimusha franchise that took matters differently. When the original trilogy boasted a reminiscent style of the classic Resident Evil games, Onimusha Dawn of Dreams was an over-the-top action hack and slash RPG.

While this sounds great on paper the unfortunate part of it all is Dawn of Dreams didn’t meet sales expectations, ultimately the series came to a halt. The game introduced a hack and slash combat system that kicked previous installments out of the park. No longer is the player confined to pressing the same button prompts, or technically constrained by a fixed camera system, all of that was gone from Onimusha Dawn of Dreams, offering a freshly new start for the franchise.

The introduction of the protagonist Soki and his friends allowed players to freely move around, upgrade stats, waltz back to previously explored stages, and more. However, the selling point of this game was the Co-Op feature that enabled players to switch between characters seamlessly. This made for a great ride if you wanted to perform some exhilarating combos.

Kya: Dark Lineage 2003

About
	Release Date November 18, 2003
	Developer Eden Games
	Publisher Atari
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

PS2 Releases
2003-11-18
2004-02-02
2005-05-28

Kya: Dark Lineage continues with its mission of remaining an obscure gem many have slept on.  Developed by the now-defunct Eden Games, the developers made the perfect mixture of 3D platforming meets beat’em up, and it worked well. Few games have attempted this fusion, but the small developer Eden Games succeeded.

Like every great 3D platformer, Kya: Dark Lineage features classic 3D platforming, a versatile hand-to-hand combat system, exploration, and my favourite, the unique addition of free falling. As you fall from above, Kya gets to dive into the air while dodging any obstacles that come her way. It’s kind of similar to Gravity Rush if you ask me.

The Red Star 2007

About
	Release Date April 20, 2007
	Developer XS Games
	Publisher Archangel Studios
	Genre Beat 'Em Up
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

PS2 Releases
2007-04-20
2007-04-23

The Red Star may not be what you’d expect from this list—it’s a top-down shooter that pays homage to classic arcade shooters. But hear me out, the game is a blast, and challenging too. Well, not from the get-go, but later levels will definitely put your skills on the line.

Players control mercenaries tasked with shooting anything that moves—soldiers, robots, or turrets. They’re all out to shoot you in the face. Do you want them to win? of course not! start blasting then. We’ve previously talked about this game as one of the best Co-Op games on the PS2, and we’re doing the game another honour by mentioning it here as well.

Legend of Kay 2005

About
	Release Date March 04, 2005
	Developer Neon Studios
	Publisher JoWooD
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Concept Fantasy
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Germany

PS2 Releases
2005-03-04
2005-09-20

Who said cats can be heroes? definitely not me. Legend of Kay is arguably the only game where a cat single-handedly saves the day. Born from the now-defunct Neon Studios’ desire to create a compelling 3D platformer, this small team consisting mostly of Germans succeeded at delivering a stellar action-adventure game.

The story puts you in the paws of Kay, a kid who’s always questioned why is his village ruled by the gorillas and the *gasp* rats. Nobody had the answer he sought, ultimately this leads him to leaving the village, and this is where the adventure begins. On the surface, Legend of Kay may seem like another 3D platformer added to the pile. But similar to Kya Dark Lineage, it mixes sword combat with platforming to create a compelling hidden gem on the PS2.

Ghosthunter™ 2003

About
	Release Date December 05, 2003
	Developer Guerilla Cambridge
	Publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment
	Genre Third-Person Shooter
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Ghost
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

PS2 Releases
2003-12-05
2004-08-17
2004-09-02

What if we made a Ghostbusters-like game, but made it darker and grittier? That’s what the developers originally sought to create on the PS2, and the results were fascinating. Imagine an interesting sci-fi shooter with cool gadgets and a humorous protagonist, making the haunting experience worth it.

While Ghosthunter isn’t necessarily a horror title, it offers moments of heart-pounding tension as you navigate through haunted locales, never knowing when a ghost might leap out from the shadows. As the name implies, you’re a ghosthunter. You’ve unleashed an array of ghosts out of their slumber and it’s your job to solve that mess. Buckle up, reload your cool guns, and start blasting and catching ghosts like it’s a pokémon game!

Disney's The Haunted Mansion 2003

About
	Release Date October 14, 2003
	Developer High Voltage Software
	Publisher TDK
	Genre Horror
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

PS2 Releases
2003-10-14
2004-03-05
2004-04-28

We’re not done yet with ghosts. Haunted Mansion is arguably one of the most obscure games you’ll ever come across. The main cover doesn’t do this game justice. What’s interesting about it? A spooky mansion with ghosts floating around? Yeah, you’ve really piqued my interest.

Apart from the disappointing cover, Haunted Mansion is a decently hidden gem you should keep an eye out on. It takes players into a large, haunted mansion haunted by spirits. around every corner. And since you’re not okay with being touched by these transparent entities, your job is to dispel them. You do so with the help of a powerful lantern that shoots light beams. There aren’t any other weapons in this game apart from the lantern, but it can be upgraded to absorb several tricks the further you progress with your playthrough.

Samurai Western 2005 活劇 侍ーどう (Katsugeki Samurai-dou)

About
	Release Date June 07, 2005
	Developer Acquire
	Publisher Atlus
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2005-01-01
2005-06-07
2005-06-30

Samurai Western demonstrates how creativity doesn’t always translate to success. While the game faced its fair share of flaws like every game in existence, it stands tall as a huge improvement over its brother-in-law, Way of the Samurai. Gone are the days of controlling a powerless ronin who can’t even jump properly; instead, players take on the role of Goijiro, a skilled and quick-on-his-feet samurai capable of parrying anything, even machine guns with ease. Picture Sekiro but on steroids.

S.L.A.I.™ Steel Lancer Arena International 2005

About
	Release Date September 21, 2005
	Developer Genki
	Publisher Konami
	Genre Vehicular Combat
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Mecha
	Players Online PvP, Single Player, Split-Screen PvP
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2005-09-21
2005-09-22
2005-11-11

Steel Lancer Arena International is a hellishly difficult vehicular combat and that is why its obscurity shouldn’t come as a surprise. The game’s tutorial acts as a great introduction to what’s waiting for the player in the following hours of the game.

It’s essentially an arena shooter pitting the player against mecha opponents. While early matches are manageable, the game quickly ramps up in challenge. So, if you’re up for a demanding experience and don’t mind consulting guides, give S.L.A.I. a try.

Mister Mosquito™ 2001

About
	Release Date June 21, 2001
	Developer Zoom
	Publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment
	Genre Action Adventure
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2001-06

Mister Mosquito came out of nowhere, but was a pleasant surprise. It certainly isn’t the best game out there, but is it fun? absolutely. Your task from start to finish is to suck blood from humans, and in the process, try not to get squashed to bits. All of us find mosquitos annoying, but Mister Mosquito makes you sympathize with these tiny, annoying insects.

Chulip 2002

About
	Release Date October 03, 2002
	Developer Punchline
	Publisher Natsume
	Genre Action Adventure
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2002-10

As we explore this list of hidden gems, we come across Chulip, a game that shines for its unique premise. Centred around social interaction with NPCs, forming bonds, and culminating in a kiss, Chulip breaks barriers with its inclusive approach.

Regardless of race or gender, players can kiss anyone who meets certain criteria. It could be a beautiful lady or a homeless person, Chulip doesn’t care. Smooch right away. And enhanced by its atmospheric setting and fantastic music, Chulip is worth seeking out. Just be mindful not to kiss away a bargain if you find someone selling it cheap!

Pitfall: The Lost Expedition 2004

About
	Release Date February 18, 2004
	Developer Edge of Reality
	Publisher Activision
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Fantasy
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

PS2 Releases
2004-02-18
2004-02-20

Born from Edge of Reality’s desire to revive the forgotten era of 3D platformers and the Pitfall franchise as a whole, this chapter in Activision’s storied series introduced several intriguing elements. One notable feature is the Metroidvania-esque nature of the game.

Pitfall: The Lost Expedition breaks free from linear levels seen in previous instalments, allowing players to explore every corner of a vast and colourful island teeming with life. The ability to backtrack to previously visited areas adds depth to exploration, making it a key aspect of the game. However, despite its merits, Pitfall: The Lost Expedition suffered from a lacklustre marketing campaign by Activision, causing many to overlook this hidden gem.

SkyGunner™ 2001

About
	Release Date September 27, 2001
	Developer PixelArts
	Publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment
	Genre Third-Person Shooter
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2001-09

There weren’t many air combat shooters on the PS2, but the few that graced the system were worth every second. One such game is Skygunner, a fantastic shooter that offers plenty of replay value despite its relatively short length of less than three hours.

In Skygunner, players fly through expansive areas, engaging in aerial combat, and earning points. The game features responsive controls and a variety of maneuvers to stay ahead of enemies at all times. And while later levels may pose a challenge, they are manageable for everyone who’s looking for a good time.

Rygar: The Legendary Adventure 2002 アルゴスの戦士 (Argus no Senshi)

About
	Release Date November 25, 2002
	Developer Tecmo
	Publisher Tecmo
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Concept Fantasy
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2002-11-25
2002-12-05
2003-05-30

Hailing from Tecmo, this is quite an obscure gem that didn’t receive enough spotlight back then. The game pre-dated the God of War series by a few years and even went on to influence the aforementioned, according to David Jaffe himself in several interviews.

Although Rygar may have been released two decades ago, its excellent combat system, which sees Rygar swinging a Diskarmor around, breaking objects, and vanquishing foes, will keep you focused until the end. Plus, the Diskarmor isn’t only capable of killing; it can also summon divine entities that prove very helpful against powerful bosses. Pick up the game if you love character action titles, Rygar is a worthy hidden gem.

Van Helsing 2004

About
	Release Date May 06, 2004
	Developer Saffire®
	Publisher Sierra Entertainment
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Concept Vampire
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

PS2 Releases
2004-05-06
2004-05-14
2004-09-09

While some may dismiss Van Helsing as a mere Devil May Cry clone, it’s hard to deny that this game rocks. Ironically, it’s the only 3D hack-and-slash shooting game from the Van Helsing universe, and it’s a shame because Van Helsing could work well as a character action game today.

You’re Van Helsing, the legendary vampire hunter tasked with hunting down these bloodsuckers and their conspirators. You’re not some priest holding a bag of garlic to fend off these creatures. No, you’re a badass equipped with deadly arsenals to the teeth, ready to blast anything that moves or flies. If you love Devil May Cry, or hack and slashers in general, you will love this game.

Kill Switch™ 2003

About
	Release Date October 28, 2003
	Developer Namco
	Publisher Namco
	Genre Third-Person Shooter
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Military
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

PS2 Releases
2003-10

If you’re a seasoned third-person shooter player, you’ve probably experienced games like Gears of War, Mass Effect, and Inversion. But what if I told you that none of these would have been possible without Namco’s cover-based shooter KillSwitch?

Kill Switch and its spiritual predecessor, Winback, deserve all the credit for being the first two games to lay down the foundational elements of cover-based shooting that would eventually give birth to an even better onslaught of shooters in the years to come. While the visuals may not hold up well today, the sound design and shooting mechanics are on point. The cover system made Kill Switch stand out even back then, making the game worth playing from start to finish.

Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon 2008 デビルサマナー 葛葉ライドウ 対 アバドン王 (Debiru Samanā Kuzunoha Raidō tai Abadon Ō)

About
	Release Date October 23, 2008
	Developer Atlus
	Publisher Atlus
	Franchise Shin Megami Tensei
	Genre JRPG
	Concept Fantasy
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2008-10-23
2009-05-12

Raidou Kuzonoha vs. King Abaddon was the best action RPG from Atlus you’ve never played. If you knew about it at all, it’s because the marketing was lacking on Atlus’ part. Unlike the beloved turn-based JRPGs like Shin Megami Tensei or Persona series, the Raidou Kuzunoha series are action-packed RPGs starring a detective, and a black cat saving the day from demons.

The plot may initially appear straightforward, but the plot captivates your attention with its narrative twists rooted deep into the game. Plus, the music from Shoji Meguro combined with Kazuma Kaneko’s excellent art greatly enhances the quality of the game.

Urban Chaos: Riot Response 2006

About
	Release Date May 19, 2006
	Developer Rocksteady Studios
	Publisher Square Enix Europe
	Genre FPS
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

PS2 Releases
2006-05-19
2006-06-13
2007-06-28

Urban Chaos: Riot Response is one of the best hidden gems you’ve never heard of. Even better, it was developed by the same team behind the acclaimed Batman Arkham series.
While Urban Chaos Riot Response may appear as another first-person shooter on the surface, there’s a twist behind the curtains.

The game puts you in the perspective of an officer tasked with ending all types of crimes, be it vandalism, terrorizing citizens, or sabotaging public properties. The game challenges players to make difficult decisions that can either prove just or unjust. The game excels at prompting the player to reflect upon those decisions, constantly making them question their actions. Not many games achieve that, let alone a shooter.

Crimson Sea 2 2004 紅の海２ (Beni no Umi 2)

About
	Release Date March 30, 2004
	Developer Koei Tecmo
	Publisher Koei Tecmo
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2004-03-30
2004-04-15

Crimson Sea 2 is a rare departure from Koei Tecmo’s usual hectic musou series on the PS2. Serving as the sequel to the Xbox-exclusive Crimson Sea, this instalment an improvement over its predecessor in numerous ways, including refined combat mechanics that are easy to enjoy

Most of the gameplay involves progressing through stages, battling aliens, and upgrading stats. However, since we’ve mentioned musou above, the essence of the genre can still be felt in this game; players are confronted with numerous enemies to slash, and there are plenty of combos to customize and master. That way you won’t be bored to the point of passing out on the couch.

Colosseum Road to Freedom™ 2005

About
	Release Date February 17, 2005
	Developer GOSHOW, Ertain
	Publisher Koei
	Genre Action RPG
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Gladiator
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2005-02-17
2005-07-20
2005-09-09

Colosseum Road to Freedom may just be what you’re looking for if you’ve loved Shadow of Rome so much. Return to the brutal arena where combatants spare no mercy.

There aren't many gladiator games out there, but the ones that graced the PS2 were fantastic. Colosseum Road to Freedom is all about mustering your strength and struggling with the imposed trials in the arena. The game consists mostly of gladiator fights, upgrading stats, and customizing your character to become the best gladiator who ever lived.

Thank you for reading.