12 PS2 classics hit PS Now this month – here’s why should play them

To enjoy the rich range of PlayStation’s varied catalogue – both present and past – at the touch of a button, look no further than PS Now. The streaming service already offers a choice of over 500 titles, and next week a selection of classic PS2 games join the fray. All of these games are upgraded for PS4, with a fresh set of Trophies to collect.

Here’s our guide to what’s coming…

1. Dark Cloud

Developed by: Level-5

Originally released: September 2001

Why you need to play it:
Level-5’s work ranks amongst the RPG genre’s best. True today with the recent Ni No Kuni II, and true back in 2001 with this, the studio’s debut. Take up a quest against great evil… and rebuild the world, city-sim style, while you’re at it. A brilliantly inventive take on saving the world.

2. FantaVision

Developed by: Sony Computer Entertainment Japan

Originally released: November 2000

Why you need to play it:
One of the most unique titles among the original PS2 launch slate, this puzzle game offered a unique twist on the genre: chaining together firework detonations. As with the best puzzlers, it’s challenging yet strangely soothing…

3. Rogue Galaxy

Developed by: Level-5

Originally released: September 2007

Why you need to play it:
Explore the cel-shaded cosmos with a band of mighty (but well-intentioned) space pirates! The second (but not last) Level-5 entry in this list saw the studio go intergalactic in this fondly remembered action RPG.

4. Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits

Developed by: Cattle Call

Originally released: January 2004

Why you need to play it:
Arc the Lad has an impressive PlayStation heritage – this is actually the sixth game in the series. Missed out on the tactical RPG franchise first time round? Now’s the time to get stuck in to this cracking entry – no previous series knowledge required!

5. Dark Chronicle

Developed by: Level-5

Originally released: September 2003

Why you need to play it:
So you’ve experienced Level-5’s first foray into the RPG genre with Dark Cloud. What next? Well, why not see the next evolution of its unique blend of action RPG and city-sim with this follow up?

6. Okage: Shadow King

Developed by: Zener Works

Originally released: N/A

Why you need to play it:
It’s easy to say this action RPG was a lost gem in PS2’s catalogue, given it never released in Europe. With its Tim Burton-esque aesthetics, it’s well worth educating yourself on this curio.

7. Everybody’s Tennis

Developed by: Clap Hanz

Originally released: April 2007

Why you need to play it:
This is the answer to the question “what would an arcade tennis game created by the talent behind Everybody’s Golf look like?”.

8. Kinetica

Developed by: Santa Monica Studio

Originally released: N/A

Why you need to play it:
17 years before it released the critically acclaimed God of War on PS4, Santa Monica produced this futuristic sci-fi racer. Worth trying not only for the fast-paced races, but to get a look at the first iteration of the graphics engine that, four years later, would power the original God of War.

9. Wild Arms 3

Developed by: Media Vision

Originally released: February 2003

Why you need to play it:
Media Vision had a clear grasp of what worked for its Western-style, generation-jumping RPG franchise come this third entry. So cue some genre experimentation: you’ll need to use clues from locals to search the world and find new dungeons to explore.

10. Primal

Developed by: SCE Studio Cambridge

Originally released: April 2003

Why you need to play it:
MediEvil fans may be curious to see where the game’s creator went next. After two entries into its successful MediEvil series, SCE Studio Cambridge decided to take a more mature approach to its horror fixation with this action adventure.

11. Forbidden Siren

Developed by: SCE Japan Studio

Originally released: March 2004

Why you need to play it:
A superlative slice of Japanese-infused horror, Forbidden Siren renounced the idea of heavily-armed heroes fighting the undead in favour of a stealth-based approach to avoid its terrors at all costs. Savour its taut gameplay – as good today as it was 14 years ago.

12. Ape Escape 2

Developed by: SCE Japan Studio

Originally released: March 2003

Why you need to play it:
The brilliantly quirky platformer returns for another bite of the banana. Aping the original but blending in its own brand of monkey business – including multiplayer mini-games – makes this a sequel worth taking a swing at.

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