While PS4 and its successor hog much of the limelight in modern console gaming, Sony's second console still holds a special place in the hearts of many fans; and for good reason. Not only does it have a huge library of memorable games to its name, but it was once a technological draw as well—spurred by some epic, cinematic games, as well as the then-novel DVD functionality.
But as is the case for all relatively early 3D consoles, many of these PS2 games haven't aged too gracefully in terms of aesthetics and performance. Even some of the most visually and technologically stunning games for their era can look rather crude by modern standards. While there are countless timeless classics on the console, there are more than a few examples that don't hold up as well visually as they do on the gameplay front.
10 Medal Of Honor: Frontline
With hits like Call of Duty and Battlefield captivating players with explosive action and sleek visuals—this WWII shooter from EA might look tame from the cruel lens of the modern era. In 2002, however, these sorts of FPS romps dressed with gritty realism and cinematic flair were fresh and exciting.
The glum grey and brown palette that saturates Medal of Honor: Frontline is likewise an old trait that was innovative for its time, and certainly befitting the subject matter. Players assume the role of Lt. Jimmy Patterson as he fights and fires his way through war-torn Europe, aiding in staving off Nazi incursion during the second World War. Players trek through various linear stages, and can also face off in thrilling multiplayer bouts.
9 Max Payne
For most who played this overlooked PS2 gem, Max Payne felt like an epic action film as much as a third-person shooter. The game dazzled players with fairly polished graphics, detailed locales, and its Matrix-esque bullet time mechanic.
This satisfying feature allowed gamers to feel like the antihero vigilante himself, adding to the already thrilling nature of the experience. Though it may seem blocky and dull to younger gamers, this blend of realism and neo-noir flair was a treat for the eyes two decades ago.
8 Shadow Of The Colossus
Despite being a late arrival to the PS2's library, Team Ico's giant-slaying action romp impressed most who played it with its atmospheric locales and grandiose feel. The visual spectacle of the towering giants and huge beasts made up for the lack of color and minimal landscapes of this 8-hour journey.
While clashing with the sixteen Colossi remains captivating and fun—the novelty of gargantuan beasts may have lost some of its luster in a gaming era rife with massive monsters. To many, epics like Monster Hunter push many of the same buttons as Shadow of the Colossus—and then some. For its time though, this was a truly memorable David vs Goliath romp in gaming form.
7 Beyond Good And Evil
One could view this colorful adventure as being ahead of its time in some ways, with its cinematic nature, gripping open-worlds, and a blend of gameplay elements. This journey stars the photojournalist-turned-hero, Jade, who's tasked with exploring the planet of Hillys and dealing with an alien force called the DomZ.
Beyond Good and Evil entices gamers with its fun, conspiratorial premise and lush locales giving a vibe that's part sci-fi and part rustic Europe. The blocky models, crude cutscenes, and cartoony visual style may not impress much these days. Back in 2003 though, Ubisoft's action-adventure proved equally enthralling in terms of gameplay and aesthetics.
6 Dark Cloud
While most developers turned to greater detail and realism in the early 2000s, a few opted for more stylistic approaches and the then-new concept of cell-shaded graphics. While simpler, it's these games that ironically tended to age better over the years. In the case of Level-5's Dark Cloud, however, the basic nature of the visuals is pretty apparent. The cartoony flair of this ARPG isn't done any favors by the bare locales and the lack of color throughout.
Certain features—like its procedurally generated dungeons and sim elements—give the game a timeless feel of depth and intrigue. Yet, the same can't really be said for Dark Cloud's art style or graphics.
5 Grandia 2
Coming off the heels of the visually flat Grandia, this more robust sequel felt like a large evolutionary step when it hit the Dreamcast in 2000; even when being ported to PS2 over a year later. Featuring thrilling, innovative combat in a full 3D arena, gripping cutscenes, and a range of vibrant environments, Game Arts' Grandia 2 truly felt like a next-gen RPG.
Fast-forward two decades, and the visuals ring as rough and awkward rather than pretty; even when it comes to the spruced-up Grandia HD remaster. A number of fairly empty, linear areas clash with Grandia's majestic feel; and the mostly fixed isometric angles do little to help. Still, the unique battle system remains enjoyable and features some dazzling ability animations; even if they take ages to complete.
4 Twisted Metal: Black
There was a time when Michael Bay-style explosions and carnage emphatically blew back the hair of gamers; especially in the early days of 3D gaming. And indeed, this vehicular-combat hit from Incognito Entertainment was once as visually gripping as it is thrilling. This is especially the case when compared to its even cruder predecessor on PlayStation.
But while Twisted Metal: Black maintains some impressive lighting and particle effects, it hasn't aged too gracefully in terms of visuals elsewhere. Even if its sense of immersion has diminished somewhat though, this is an action-packed romp that's still hard to put down, especially when clashing with friends.
3 TimeSplitters 2
Coming off the visually crude Goldeneye, fans were ecstatic to learn many developers involved in that FPS classic were making the leap to next-gen with this original sci-fi series. Initially, Free Radical Design delivered with this action-filled trip through time; which had sleek visuals and a smooth frame rate complementing the cinematic journey.
Of course, it's hardly fair to compare this gaming relic to current FPS romps. Still, it's tough not to contrast the crisp, detailed visuals and dazzling effects of modern Battlefield with the rough, murky graphics of TimeSplitters and its otherwise robust sequel.
2 Gran Turismo 4
This iconic PlayStation franchise excels in its sense of realism and attention to detail, and the fan-favorite Gran Turismo 4 is no different. But these traits tend to be diminished with the now-aging graphics of this otherwise-timeless sim racer. This is especially true when compared to gems like Forza Horizon 4 and its successor, which practically flirt with photorealism.
MMOs notwithstanding, it was hard to find a console game more epic than GT4 in 2005, with its fast-paced gameplay and loads of diverse content. Of course, this was complemented by some vibrant, detailed visuals—which don't look quite as dynamic as they once did.
1 God Of War
Not that it needed it, but this PS2 classic's legacy has been revitalized with a 2009 remaster, and the enthralling PS4 sequel by the same name. Ironically though, these recent renditions have made Kratos' debut look a bit archaic in comparison; despite the timelessly fun combat.
On a graphical level at least, 2005's God of War now seems a bit rough around the edges. This is especially the case when the action picks up; as this often brings a bit of stutter or slow down. It doesn't exactly do the thrilling hack and slash gameplay or enticing atmosphere much justice.