Mecha games on the PS2 weren’t plentiful, but the ones that made it to the platform showcased some of the best visuals and entertainment value in the genre. Games like Zone of the Enders were unparalleled at the time. Even today, you can fire up your console and have a blast with it. And if you’re up for games that offer to challenge your skills, these titles have just what you crave.
Most of these titles still hold up well. Not graphics-wise, but if you’re a fan of anything related to Mechs, or even vehicular combat games , you won’t be disappointed with this list.
 | Armored Core® Last Raven2005 |   |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date August 04, 2005 | |
 | Developer FromSoftware |
 | Publisher Agetec |
 | Franchise Armored Core® |
| Genre Vehicular Combat | |
| Graphics 3D | |
| Perspective Third-Person | |
| Interaction Real-Time | |
| Concept Mecha | |
| Players Single Player, Split-Screen PvP | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
 | Country of Origin Japan |
| PS2 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2005-08-04 |  |
| 2006-06-13 |   |
| 2006-10-06 |   |
| 2006-10-26 |   |
Armored Core: Last Raven stands out as the community’s favored entry in the AC franchise. With thrilling boss fights, an addictive customization system, and a challenging difficulty that will slam you against the wall if you’re not ready.
In Armored Core: Last Raven, players embark on multiple campaign missions, engaging in intense third-person shooting sequences against other mecha fighters. The game doesn’t shy away from showing its challenging nature from the get-go, with difficulty gradually increasing as you delve further into the experience.
When it comes to controls, if this is your first time playing one of the entries in the series, they take some time to get used to. Remember to always keep moving to avoid unnecessary damage, as preserving every bit of health is crucial to completing missions in Armored Core: Last Raven. However, if Last Raven proves to be like hell, you can always try out Armored Core 3: Silent Line , as it’s relatively forgiving. Still, don’t get your hopes up, the game will still kick your butt.
 | Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner2003 アヌビス ゾーン オブ エンダーズ (Anubisu Zōn obu Endāzu) |   |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date February 13, 2003 | |
 | Developer Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |
 | Publisher Konami Digital Entertainment |
 | Franchise Zone of the Enders |
| Genre Third-Person Shooter | |
| Perspective Third-Person | |
| Concept Sci-Fi | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin Japan |
| PS2 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2003-02-13 |  |
| 2003-03-10 |  |
| 2003-09-26 | |
Zone of the Enders 2 is undoubtedly one of the best mecha games, second only to Armored Core. Directed by Hideo Kojima, the Zone of the Enders franchise, though short-lived, left a lasting impact. Many players who enjoyed it hoped for its expansion into a full-fledged series. However, given what Kojima and Konami have achieved, the three games from the ZOE franchise still hold up today. This sequel of the original game is an upgrade over its predecessor in so many aspects.
As the player, you take control of a formidable mecha machine with the capability to obliterate anything in its path. Armed with a powerful weapon for blasting turrets and a saber for slashing through foes like a breeze, Zone of the Enders quickly immerses you in its dynamic gameplay. You’re not alone, though – a supportive navy consistently announces “Raptor destroyed” every time you eliminate an enemy, adding to the excitement with each utterance.
What about the graphics and controls though? Zone of the Enders 2 still looks pretty darn good, and the controls are on point. Doesn’t matter if you’re a mecha rookie or a seasoned player, diving into Zone of the Enders 2 is a breeze!”
 | Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs. Zeon2001 機動戦士ガンダム 連邦VS.ジオン (Kidō Senshi Gandamu Renpō VS. Jion) |   |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date April 10, 2001 | |
 | Developer Capcom |
 | Publisher Bandai |
| Genre Third-Person Shooter | |
| Graphics 3D | |
| Perspective Third-Person | |
| Interaction Real-Time | |
| Concept Mecha | |
| Players Single Player, Split-Screen Co-Op | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin Japan |
| PS2 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2001-12-06 | |
| 2002-09-09 | |
| 2002-11-29 |  |
Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs. Zeon is another awesome mecha game on the PS2 and easily one of the best anime games . (Sorry for always pushing this one, but trust me, it’s that good!
In Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs. Zeon, you’ll be duking it out with various mechs from the Gundam universe. Your first mobile suit is strictly for ground combat, but as you advance, you even get to throw down in space. The further you go in the campaign, the more badass mechs you unlock. Still, even with the top-notch mechs, some enemies can still put you to rest with their powerful beam attacks. The game can get seriously challenging at times.
 | Gungriffon Blaze™2000 | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date August 10, 2000 | |
 | Developer Game Arts |
 | Publisher Working Designs |
| Genre Vehicular Combat | |
| Graphics 3D | |
| Perspective First-Person | |
| Concept Mecha | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin Japan |
| PS2 Releases | |
|---|---|
   | |
| 2000-08-10 | |
| 2000-10-26 | |
| 2002-07-12 |  |
Would you believe that the same developers who brought us amazing JRPGs like Grandia and Lunar also created a first-person mecha shooting game? The surprise factor? It’s a blast of fast-paced goodness.
The premise of Gungriffon Blaze is simple: shoot and destroy. Like any good mecha shooter, you get to customize your vehicle at the start of each level. Earn parts by completing missions and watch your mecha get more powerful as you progress.
But is the game difficult you may ask? Not really, but keep on the move. Standing still means a rain of bullets heading your way.
 | Steambot™ Chronicles2005 | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date June 30, 2005 | |
 | Developer Irem |
 | Publisher Atlus |
| Genre JRPG | |
| Concept Robot | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin Japan |
| PS2 Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2005-06-30 | |
| 2005-12-08 |   |
| 2006-05-23 | |
| 2006-10-13 | |
Steambot Chronicles may not peddle itself as a mecha game since it’s a JRPG, but the entire game revolves around you piloting a small mech (Trotmobiles) and battling others. What I love is that the mechs in Steambot Chronicles aren’t these menacing war machines hell-bent on destroying the universe.
The mechs are adorable, and you can customize them whenever you feel like it. As a JRPG, Steambot Chronicles offers a plethora of activities to dive into, from engaging in trading minigames to exploration. Plus, you get to customize your Trotmobile by adding parts and much more. Also, did I forget to mention that the game was going to receive a sequel but it got canceled?
 | S.L.A.I.™ Steel Lancer Arena International2005 | |
| 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 (S.L.A.I) is a brutally challenging mech game that’s not the easiest to recommend for newcomers to the genre. While the tutorial is straightforward, the game doesn’t hand-hold you through everything. Oh boy, it’s tough right from the start, and the difficulty just ramps up as you progress.
So what’s the trick? Lean on guides. Progress is nearly impossible without them. But let’s ditch the doom talk. How’s the game? Fantastic. It controls and plays smoothly, offering rich customization. And the soundtracks? An absolute treat with contributions from renowned Japanese bands in the game.
Thank you for reading.
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FreeckyCake
I'm just your average gamer who enjoys hunting hidden gems and underrated games. My love for Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams is like a truck and I recommend that you play it.
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