Sony followed up the success of the original PlayStation with the release of the PlayStation 2 in the year 2000. Being in production up to 2013, the PlayStation 2 had one of the longest lifespans any console has ever seen.
Often being bought as a cheap alternative to a standalone DVD player at the time, the PlayStation 2 sold over 155 million units worldwide. The hugely popular console is fondly remembered for not just its capabilities but also for its back catalog of varied titles; a collection so vast and varied that titles often end up forgotten, especially those in the beat 'em up genre that was considered all but dead by then.
7 Urban Reign
Taking control of Brad Hawk to fight crime syndicates and gang members, players must use strikes and grapples to defeat the waves of enemies out to end their heroic deeds. Adding dodge ability and reversals brings a layer of complexity to the mechanics.
Amazingly fluid for its age, Urban Reign has smooth-looking fighting animations and a panning camera that keeps the action on screen at all times. Also featuring cameos from Paul and Law from the Tekken franchise, Urban Reign is not just a fantastic beat 'em up title, it is one of the best games available on the PlayStation 2.
6 The Bouncer
From the wonderful people over at Square, The Bouncer is a beat 'em up title from a studio most well known for its RPG lineup of games. Often described as one of the worst beat 'em ups of all time, The Bouncer may have been treated harshly over the years.
In-game physics are unpredictable, and mechanics are loose, but there is a certain element of that Square game feeling that shines through. This is possibly down to an outlandish plot featuring ninjas attacking a nightclub and the main character who looks like a blend of Squall from Final Fantasy VIII and Sora from Kingdom Hearts.
5 God Hand
God Hand has amazing-looking moves and combos wrapped up in a crazy, lore-filled story. The story makes the craziest sections in Metal Gear Solid look tame in comparison. Released by Capcom in 2006 for North America, God Hand was directed by Shinji Mikami, most famous for directing the first Resident Evil game.
Unfortunately, the game uses the most horrifying part from the classic Resident Evil series, tank controls. This can make the game feel a bit stiff to play and causes unwanted deaths. Every enemy can end players' time in the game early, and every boss is a test, one of the easiest to learn and difficult to master games on the PlayStation 2.
4 Beat Down: Fists of Vengeance
Developed by Cavia and published by Capcom, Beat Down: Fists of Vengeance was released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2. Taking clear inspiration from Sega's Yakuza series of games, Beat Down has a semi-open world and similar themes to the Sega juggernaut.
Seeking revenge after being betrayed by their boss, players can choose one of five gangsters to take to the streets with. Players must earn respect on the streets and build their team on the way to gain control of Los Sombras. A blend of RPG and beat 'em up, Fists of Vengeance does fall short when held up next to Yakuza as it simply lacks the charm and polish found in that series.
3 Jet Li: Rise to Honor
In 2004, Jet Li: Rise to Honor came to the PlayStation 2 from Sony Computer Entertainment America. According to Jim Wallace, Associate Director, Jet Li called up Sony himself and asked to be put in a video game.
With a cinematic presentation designed to feel like an action movie, Jet Li: Rise to Honor is one of the best-looking PlayStation 2 games out there. Using motion capture of the actor himself, the game truly feels like a movie to take part in. Using the right stick for the various moves was controversial at the time, a control scheme similar to the one used in Star Wars: Obi-Wan for Xbox.
2 Viewtiful Joe
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Directed by Hideki Kamiya and developed by Capcom in 2003, Viewtiful Joe puts players in control of Joe, a movie lover who must rescue his girlfriend, Silvia. Using 2D side-scrolling sections combined with 3D sections, Viewtiful Joe's visual style has stood the test of time.
Viewtiful Joe is one of the most colorful games in the usually gray and brown shaded beat 'em up genre. With wonderful puzzles and fantastic-looking combat, Viewtiful Joe is one game begging for a remaster. The series was so popular it even received an anime adaptation that aired from 2004 to 2005.
1 Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks
Mortal Kombat, the fighting game, is still one of the most popular fighting titles on the market today. Originally developed by Midway Games back in 1992, Mortal Kombat has seen several movie adaptations, an animated series and various merchandise lines from clothing to toys, and also a DC comic series.
Shaolin Monks allows players to take on the role of either Liu Kang or Kung Lao to protect Earthrealm from the forces of Outworld. Using many features from the main line of fighting games, Shaolin Monks had fatalities, combos, and even a versus mode. Often overlooked due to being a spin-off, Shaolin Monks is one for Mortal Kombat fans to check out.