Discover games · NexWave Games
Drawn worlds on the PS2: special games in two dimensions
When they think of PlayStation 2, many players picture large three-dimensional cities and fast-paced races. The same library also contains detailed illustrations, exuberant pixel animation and characters that seem to step out of an illustrated book. That visual style can accompany very different kinds of gameplay. One evening you are immersed in immediate action, and the next time you are calmly planning a tactical battle.
Odin Sphere: a story in layers
Odin Sphere from Vanillaware presents its world with large, drawn characters and richly filled backgrounds. You follow different main characters, so that events gain meaning from multiple sides. The fairytale appearance also contains menace and tragedy; it is not self-evident child's play.
The action moves sideways across the screen. You combine attacks with attention to your equipment and objects. This allows you to enjoy the drawings and improve your approach at the same time. The original PS2 game is a different release than the later, more extensively adapted Leifthrasir version for newer PlayStation systems.
GrimGrimoire: strategy in a magic tower
GrimGrimoire also comes from Vanillaware, but here you control groups of summoned creatures. The story begins with Lillet Blan, a student at a magic school. The side view of the tower shows how unusually a strategy game on a console can be designed.
You build up your capabilities, collect resources and have units carry out assignments. Different types of magic have their own strengths and weaknesses. The pressure arises because events continue while you think of the next assignment. Those who like to make plans will receive a completely different kind of challenge between the same kind of expressive drawings.
Metal Slug: animation that keeps moving
Metal Slug Anthology collects various parts of the well-known action series. The drawn soldiers, machines and explosions consist of pixel animation. Small movements in the background also contribute to the chaotic appearance.
The assignment is usually quickly clear: move forward, jump and shoot while dodging attacks. Playing well then requires recognizing patterns and using weapons wisely. It is precisely this combination that makes the collection suitable for trying a level more than once. You will notice how you are improving sooner than if you only paid attention to the number of levels completed.
Disgaea: drawn characters with tactical space
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness follows the wayward demon prince Laharl and his company. The humor and recognizable characters give the fights their own atmosphere. You move units around a playing field and think about range, position and the order of your actions.
This is not a completely flat 2D world: the drawn characters stand on spatial, obliquely viewed fields. It is a good example of how pixel characters on the PS2 could play a major role. So the visual style only tells part of the story; the game rhythm determines how much patience and attention you need.
Also look at the type of game
When looking for such PS2 games, it helps to look beyond the cover. An action game, a strategy game and a tactical RPG can share the same love for drawn images. Also check the region and language for a second-hand copy, especially if you want to be able to follow many story scenes.