O PlayStation 2 it was a milestone in the history of video games. Launched in 2000, the PS2 revolutionized the gaming industry with its incredible graphics, vast library of games and advanced features like a built-in DVD player. With an iconic design and unforgettable games like GTA San Andreas, Final Fantasy X e Metal Gear Solid 2the PlayStation 2 has become one of the most popular consoles of all time.
PlayStation 2 turns 23: looking back at launch
The launch of the PlayStation 2 was a huge event in the video game industry. Sony invested heavily in and promoting the console, with campaigns on television, magazines and billboards. The release took place simultaneously in several countries, including Japan, the United States and Europe.
During its launch, the PlayStation 2 had as its main competitors the Dreamcast da Sega eo Nintendo 64 from Nintendo. The Dreamcast was released in 1998 and was the first console of the sixth generation of video games. It had impressive graphics for its time, but Sega ran into financial difficulties and had to discontinue production of the console in 2001. The Nintendo 64, released in 1996, was the most popular console of its generation, but struggled to compete with the PlayStation. 2 due to its lack of features such as the built-in DVD player.
Despite strong competition, the PlayStation 2 managed to stand out thanks to its varied game library and the ability to play DVDswhich made it a very versatile device for consumers. The success of the PlayStation 2 helped establish Sony as one of the top players in the video game industry and ushered in a new era in video game history.
The 10 Most Popular PlayStation 2 Games
Below we list the 10 games that were most successful at the time of the PlayStation 2 and that you have certainly played:
1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
The launch of GTA San Andreas was a milestone for the popularization of the PlayStation 2. At the time, there were the famous lan houses where people spent hours living the story of CJ and the entire Grove Street gang.
2. Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X is the most successful role-playing game of the PS2 era. The story follows the journey of Tidus, a Blitzball player, who is transported to a different world and must help Yuna defeat a malevolent being known as Sin.
3. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Who hasn’t spent hours in front of the television living like the spy Solid Snake? This game was a great success among the general public and triggered the release of several titles in the Metal Gear Solid series.
4. God of War
God Of War was another release that made history on the PS2 and is still one of the most successful sagas in the gaming world. The story follows Kratos, a Spartan warrior, who seeks revenge once morest the gods of Olympus.
5. Kingdom Hearts
Another RPG game, now in a mix of Disney characters with characters from the Final Fantasy series. The game was a great success abroad, but there are Brazilians who are proud to say that they beat this game dozens of times.
6. Shadow of the Colossus
Shadow of the Colossus has delighted thousands of players around the world with its realistic graphics, an epic soundtrack and an exciting story. The game follows the adventure of a young man named Wander and his mare Agro. Which colossus was his favorite?
7. Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil is a very famous series in the world of cinema and also on consoles since the PlayStation 1. In this fourth game, we follow Leon Kennedy as he tries to rescue the daughter of the President of the United States in a Spanish village infested with zombies.
8. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
For lovers of car simulators and racing games, Gran Turismo 3 was a great milestone in history, becoming one of the most popular games among gamers and PS2. The wide variety of cars and tracks was incredible for the time.
9. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
Yet another RPG game, yet another great PS2 game. This time you are a hero who, together with his companions, try to defeat an evil sorcerer who has cast a curse on the kingdom.
10. Ratchet & Clank
To finish the list, we close with a game that has become so popular that even today there are releases in the world of games. The duo of heroes Ratchet and Clank are still very successful today and that comes from the launch of this game for PS2.
10 fun facts regarding the PlayStation 2
Remember 10 fun facts regarding our dear PlayStation 2:
- The PlayStation 2 foi the first console to have a DVD drive integrated, which made it a very versatile device for consumers.
- The PlayStation 2 foi released on March 4, 2000 in Japan, on October 26, 2000 in North America and on November 24, 2000 in Europe.
- During its launch, Sony sold 500,000 units of the PS2 in just one week.
- The PlayStation 2 is considered the best selling console in historywith more than 155 million units sold worldwide.
- O PlayStation 2 era capable of running PlayStation 1 gameswhich allowed gamers to continue playing their favorite games on a more advanced platform.
- The PlayStation 2 had a vast library of games, with more than 3,800 titles released for the console.
- The PlayStation 2 was also used as development platform for games on other platforms, such as Microsoft’s Xbox and Nintendo GameCube.
- The PlayStation 2 foi the first console to have an external storage device, the Memory Cardwhich allowed players to save their game progress.
- The PlayStation 2 foi discontinued in 2013following more than 12 years of production.
- The PlayStation 2 was so popular that in some countries, like Brazil, it is still possible to find new units of the console for sale in stores and on the internet.
And you, do you still have your PlayStation 2? Leave your comment!