Selecting the best PS2 imports to highlight is no easy task. This is particularly true if you’re like me and trying to limit it to just twenty five picks. This is because the Sony PlayStation 2 had a vast and expansive library. It was an absolute powerhouse in all markets, but captured the minds of Japanese gamers like few other consoles ever have. Some of these were too quirky, or too low budget to be marketable in the rest of the world. Alas there are hundreds of games left in the land of the rising sun that still haven’t been translated. There are even some that came out in PAL regions but for some reason skipped release in North America. This leaves a literal treasure trove of hidden gems for those willing to put in the effort. That’s why today I’m going to highlight the best PS2 import games.
As always I have a few rules in place to help show our readers why these games were chosen. These are as follows:
- Most of the games in this list are playable with little to no knowledge of the Japanese language. There are some more complicated titles held back a bit by the language barrier here, but these are the ones I felt were must-plays and worth either following a guide or translating the text with another device.
- As I mentioned earlier I’m based in North America, and therefore PAL releases are fair game. There are several included here that were released in English in Europe, but never made the jump to the USA/Canada for some reason.
With that out of the way let’s get started. These are the best PS2 imports of all time!
#25. – Shadow Tower Abyss
I don’t keep the fact that I find From Software to be one of the most overrated developers of all time a secret. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy them, but for me their releases typically hover in the B and C tiers quality-wise. Shadow Tower Abyss was one of their very first games for the PS2. This was Demon’s Souls before that was a thing. It’s a tough action adventure/RPG where you explore derelict environments and fight hordes of enemies. If you are a fan of theirs’ then Shadow Tower Abyss offers almost nothing new. It is however different in that you play exclusively from a first person perspective. The interesting aspect of the game is the fact that NPCs have their own schedules and do things independent from the player’s actions. This goes a long way to making this feel like a living, breathing, virtual world.
#24. – Bomberman Kart DX
Mario, Crash, and even Mega Man had kart racing games so why not Bomberman? I mean it makes sense. They’ve already got a myriad of attacks, and simply make the other racers differently colored avatars right? The end result isn’t amazing, but it’s a pretty fun romp. Bomberman Kart DX is however really derivative. If you’ve played one of the more popular kart racers then you know what to expect here. You race through 3D environments with the goal being to come in first place. Along the way you pick up items which help in both offensive and defensive ways, and there’s even a power-slide. It’s very basic, but what pushes this DX version above the base release is the multiplayer. You can actually play traditional Bomberman as a bonus here, and for me that’s a really awesome side option. Bomberman Kart DX is decent, but not incredible.
#23. – Front Mission 5: Scars of the War
I have kind of a shaky relationship with the Front Mission series. It started out with a few Japanese only releases on the Super Famicom. After that we would get the occasional release translated, but Squaresoft still left us out. The franchise itself is fine, but not really amazing. Some of the games are good, and others are okay. This is a strategy RPG series but instead of swords and sorcery it takes place in the future. You’ll primarily be battling with tanks and robots. It’s not really my cup of tea, but Front Mission 5 is one of the better ones. Battles here still take place using a grid system where placement is key. What I really like about this one is the attack sequences. They’re really nice looking for a PS2 title, and have a surprising amount of character for such bleak subject matter.
#22. – Akira Psycho Ball
Akira was a landmark anime film and to this day is still one of my favorite movies of all time. With improvements to technology it would be awesome to play through the main story in full 3D glory complete with all of the action sequences, right? Well, here’s pinball. At first I was apprehensive because I’m not the biggest fan of these kind of games. Akira Psycho Ball won me over pretty quickly however. That’s because it manages to completely capture the atmosphere of the film, but in pinball form. It’s pretty impressive to be honest. As far as gameplay goes it’s pretty basic, but the tables do have some unique and intricate elements to them. The graphics are also really good and I was impressed with the presentation. Akira Psycho Ball is one of the best PS2 imports I’ve played.
#21. – Hungry Ghosts
I’ve always been a sucker for survival horror games. The PS2 generation was the golden age for them in my opinion with tons of original titles and sequels to all the blockbusters. Hungry Ghosts is one of the more obscure ones. This game has you playing as a ghost trying to get to the gates of judgement to find out your eternal fate. That’s a pretty unique setup, and gameplay is equally as inventive. From a first person perspective you explore desolate locations. You solve puzzles and explore a variety of environments. You’ll frequently encounter evil spirits trying to gobble up your soul. What I found interesting here is that you have to actually unsheath your weapon before it can be used. This element alone changes things up quite a bit. Hungry Ghosts is one of the most interesting PS2 imports on this list.
#20. – Glass Rose
I recall seeing screenshots for this game and being really excited for its release. Unfortunately Capcom released it in PAL regions and Japan, but skipped North America altogether. Glass Rose is a point and click adventure horror title. It’s interesting for the fact that the genre at this point was very uncommon during this era. Here you play as an amateur reporter who begins by exploring an old abandoned mansion in Japan. He is knocked out soon into the story and awakens in the same estate but seventy years in the past. Somehow our protagonist also gains the ability to briefly read peoples’ minds. It’s a really unusual but interesting title. Thankfully it’s also available in full English because this is one of those Japan/PAL releases I mentioned earlier. Why Capcom passed on a worldwide release is beyond me.
#19. – Bouken Jidai Katsugeki Goemon
I’ll go to the mat for Goemon every single time. This was a franchise I grew up with and loved. The story behind this one is actually pretty interesting. Working Designs was going to localize this title but they went defunct in the process due to Sony’s policies. Alas it has been left in Japan, but the localized version was actually leaked online so if you want to go that route it’s perfectly playable in English. Bouken Jidai Katsugeki Goemon came at a time when Konami was trying to reinvent the franchise but was confused as to which direction to take. They tried a more traditional anime route and that failed spectacularly, and here they went for an older demographic. The game plays kind of like a Zelda title but with platforming elements. It’s a pretty interesting evolution in the franchise but not as good as the older titles.
#18. – Everblue
Sometimes it’s nice to play a basic non-violent game. Video games are a form of escapism, and I don’t always need to be shooting down enemies or blowing things up. Sometimes I just want to do regular things I haven’t done in real life. Like scuba diving. That’s where Everblue comes in to play. This is a first person scuba diving simulation. You swim around in the open ocean and explore shipwrecks and other things. It’s slow paced, relaxing, and altogether a joy to play. The developers released this in PAL and Japan but not North America. It wasn’t until the sequel that we actually had a release in the USA/Canada. It doesn’t make much sense to me, but then again I’m not a video game publisher.
#17. – Michigan: Report From Hell
Here’s another survival horror game, and this one is even more interesting than the last. Here you play as a cameraman, and view the action only through his lense. Fatal Frame this is not. You don’t fight against enemies in a traditional sense. Instead your goal is to ‘tag’ things with the camera. This draws attention to events unfolding, and makes the reporter react to them. It’s a very strange concept to grasp but it works surprisingly well. The most interesting part of the game is that you don’t directly control any of the characters, but your actions affect the outcome of NPCs. This makes it very replayable for multiple outcomes. The most surprising thing about this game however is the fact that it doesn’t take place in Michigan. That’s just the lake. With these references it’s shocking that they didn’t localize this one.
#16. – Code Age Commanders
This is a game I heard of, was anticipating while it was in development, but then completely forgot about. It wasn’t until recently I even learned it was never released outside of Japan. Code Age Commanders is a really neat action RPG from Square-Enix. In it you complete missions set to specific stages wherein you have to battle against monsters. It sounds pretty basic, but you also have to worry about keeping your AI controlled allies alive or else it’s game over. Code Age Commanders also uses a unique dual wield feature which allows your character to equip two different items with each being set to a specific face button. I really like the unique art style used here and the soundtrack is fantastic. Code Age Commanders is a worthwhile PS2 import that almost no one has played.
#15. – Namco X Capcom
If you’re like me then you probably assumed this was a fighting game. Both companies involved are best known for this genre so it only makes sense. Fortunately that’s not the case. Namco X Capcom is actually a turn based strategy RPG. Sounds crazy, right? Well it is, and I mean that in the best way possible. Namco X Capcom features some absolutely amazing sprite work while combining characters and story elements from both companies’ most popular franchises. You take turns moving your fighters across a grid. When engaging enemies in combat you’re whisked away to a separate screen wherein you have to input button combinations to strike. It’s a nice play on the fighting game franchises, and feels surprisingly natural. It’s a neat little game that I’m disappointed is still Japan-only. I recommend checking out the fan translation.
#14. – The Rumble Fish
The PS2 was sort of a mini-renaissance for 2D fighting games. Most gamers are familiar with the likes of Arc System Works and their work. Many smaller titles have been long forgotten about. The Rumble Fish is one of these, and no, it has no relation to the movie with the same name. This is a beautiful 2D fighting game that borrows liberally from the Street Fighter franchise. What I mean is that there’s an intricate combo system where you string together strikes and special moves, and it requires heavy use of sweeps on the directional pad. There are super moves as well, and three separate gauges for these. It’s easy to see why the Rumble Fish was never localized (it was a late release). This game is fun, and is a very English friendly PS2 import.
#13. – Tales of Destiny 2
Despite having the same name as the PS1 game this in fact a separate title altogether. Tales of Destiny 2 is a direct sequel to its predecessor, and follows the exploits of Stahn’s son as he embarks on what unfolds into a world saving quest. The game uses a heavily stylized version of the original’s RPG combat system. Movement is done in real time and you can string together combo attacks to devastate the enemy party. Tales of Destiny 2 is actually one of the more difficult instalments in the franchise and at times I found myself wanting to pull my hair out. What’s nice is because of how the combat system is set up you can experiment if you get stuck until you find a strategy that lets you pull through. Thanks to a handy guide it’s playable for English speakers.
#12. – Rockman Power Battle Fighters
For those who thought to themselves “what the heck is Rockman” that’s actually Mega Man’s name in Japan. Capcom released a few spin-offs in the franchise and one of these was actually a fighting game, and it even had a sequel. Rockman Power Battle Fighters is a compilation of the two titles in one neat arcade perfect package. In these games you choose from one of three characters (Mega Man, Proto Man, and Bass) and battle against past robot masters in a series of one-on-one skirmishes. The interesting part is the fact that it still feels like a Mega Man title, and therefore this could almost be considered an all stars boss rush. What’s also neat is that you can play with a friend and tackle enemies together. It’s a shame that we never got this one in the West, but it’s perfectly playable in Japanese.
#11. – Vib-Ripple
I hear Vib Ribbon mentioned frequently on the PS1 as a must have import title. With how seldom it’s sequel is mentioned it’s easy to assume it doesn’t exist. Vib Ripple is a really weird and unique game that unlike most of Sony’s other strange efforts actually works. You play as a vector based character who jumps on trampolines. As Billy Mays would say, ‘but wait there’s more!’ You have to jump on specific sections in order to release items, and gather these all before the time limit runs out. The trampoline itself has various images on them and you’re given visual clues as to where you need to jump next. It sounds strange, and it is, but somehow it comes together in a cohesive package. What’s especially cool is the fact that you can even use your own photos downloaded via USB.
#10. – Forbidden Siren 2
It makes very little sense that we got the first Siren in North America but were passed over for the sequel. I suppose it just didn’t sell particularly well. It’s not hard to see why as the survival horror market was pretty much a lock for Capcom and Konami at the time. This game tells of an island where the inhabitants all went missing after a power outtage years before. You play as a variety of characters stuck on said island decades later and unfortunately monsters appear to be hunting down the party. This is a genuinely spooky game with some effective otherworldly scares. It’s also really difficult especially because of how often you’ll find yourself escorting characters and the AI just cannot keep up. Siren never reached the heights of Silent Hill or Resident Evil, but this one is worth tracking down.
#9. – Yu Yu Hakusho Forever
I’m a huge fan of the Yu Yu Hakusho manga and anime series. That probably plays a big role in why I love Forever so much. Anime based fighting games are a dime a dozen. Companies can push these out in almost no time flat with very little effort put into them. With that said Yu Yu Hakusho is really something special. It is one of the few anime based fighting games where it truly feels like the developers understood the source material. This is a one-on-one fighting game where you punch, kick, and spirit gun your way to victory. The fighting engine is surprisingly solid with surprising amounts of variety. There’s a whopping twenty characters to choose from, and each have their trademark moves from the show. They even handle like you would expect. Yu Yu Hakusho Forever is just an all around great game.
#8. – Phantasy Star Generations
The original Phantasy Star is one of my most favorite and cherished video games of all time. Sega gave the title a serious update (which they tend to do with their classics) and the results are absolutely amazing. The graphics have seen a huge overhaul. The sprites look absolutely amazing and are up to par with other games on the platform. Just about everything else was upgraded as well. This includes graphics, sound, and story. The biggest upgrade however is in the interface. Sega modernized this in some absolutely amazing ways which goes a long ways to making the original Phantasy Star playable even for modern gamers. In my opinion the original is still a bit better, but maybe that’s because I’m a retro gamer at heart. This update however isn’t too shabby. I really liked the changes Sega made even if it does destroy some of the original atmosphere.
#7. – Chain Dive
Chain Dive is a pretty unusual game in the PS2’s library. This is an action game where your goal is to chain together aerial attacks using your sword or special weapons while using your grappling hook both to stay airborne as well as fling yourself in all directions. It’s a pretty neat little package that’s frantic and a whole lot of fun. While the game makes heavy use of 3D graphics the gameplay is, for the most part, two dimensional. This means you’ll be moving pretty much only up, down and left/right. Every once in a while you’ll find a stage where you’re on foot running around in 3D space, but these are kind of few and far between. Honestly the game looks confusing and a little overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it Chain Dive is a lot of fun.
#6. – Pipo Saro 2001
Bear with me because this one is probably the strangest game on this list. Pipo Saro 2001 is actually an installment in the Ape Escape franchise, and it’s one of the few that Sony deemed just a little too weird to release in the West. Gameplay has been changed quite a bit from the original. Rather than capturing monkeys with a net your goal instead is to suck up the pants they’re wearing with a vacuum cleaner. I suppose animals aren’t allowed to wear clothes this time around. The unique gameplay elements the franchise is known for are somewhat gone in this iteration as it plays more like a standard action adventure title. You clear a stage when you’ve successfully gathered all the pants, and brought them back to a giant washing machine. It’s crazy, and pretty goofy, but I’m sad this one was never translated into English.
#5. – Gregory Horror Show
Gregory Horror Show is just about one of the strangest survival horror games I’ve ever played. It’s based off a weird CG anime show of the same name so it makes sense why this one was never released in North America. Thankfully the developers did translate it into English for PAL territories so you can import it from there. It uses a blocky character style somewhat reminiscent of Minecraft (but years before that was even a thing). Basically your goal here is to wander an old decrepit hotel gathering the souls of it’s denizens. Unfortunately for you when you’ve snagged their soul they give chase to reclaim it, and they’re all faster than you are. You have to use stealth and strategy to escape from them, and it’s much more difficult than it sounds. Despite looking like a child’s game there is some real tension here.
#4. – NiGHTs Into Dreams
NiGHTs Into Dreams is one of my favorite games of all time. It’s an absolutely unforgettable release that suffered only from being released on an underperforming platform. That’s why I was very excited when I heard that Sega was updating it for the PS2. The results were absolutely spectactular despite me wishing they had spent more time with the graphics. NiGHTs Into Dreams plays as well as it ever did here. You fly through the air as the titular character traveling through rings and collecting orbs on a 2D plane. When you’ve gathered enough of these a new path opens, and upon completing each you’re met with a boss encounter. It’s a whimsical and fun arcade style game that’s easily one of the best PS2 imports of all time.
#3. – Phantasy Star Generations 2
The Sega Genesis version of Phantasy Star II is one of the best RPGs of all time. This is another case where I was delighted to see that they were releasing an updated version for the PS2, but again, Sega left this one in Japan only. Thankfully it can be played via a well done fan translation these days. Phantasy Star Generations 2 not only upgrades the graphics and interface tremendously but also refines the story by adding dialogue and additional scenes. Be wary though because it’s still a very difficult game. The dungeons are grueling. The early ones are simple enough but later on you’ll find tons of dead ends and multiple paths. They’re downright maze-like, and casual fans of the genre will no doubt give up early on because of this. There’s also a fair bit of grinding required in this game which will turn some off.
#2. – Dragon Quest V
I have mixed experiences with the original version of Dragon Quest V. On one hand it’s a decent RPG, but on the other it falls short of most other installments by a pretty wide margin. This PS2 remake gets extra kudos from me however, and for a few reasons. The first is that Square-Enix used a brand new engine and graphic style for it. There’s no other Dragon Quest game that looks like this one remake or otherwise. Secondly, I feel that some of the rebalancing they did addresses a few of the issues. It’s very novel to play an RPG with such beautiful graphics that’s so heavily entrenched in the classic elements of the genre. This installment typically gets extra kudos for emphasizing the story (something the franchise doesn’t typically do) and this remake is no different.
#1. – Tales of Destiny – Director’s Cut
The original Tales of Destiny came out on the PS1, and was the first installment in the franchise that we actually got in the West. Being a 2D RPG it was heavily overshadowed, and even those that love this series tend to forget about it. As the Tales of games began catching on in the West Namco released a remake to it on the PS2, but unfortunately it was left in Japan only. Thanks to a fan translation it’s finally playable in English. Tales of Destiny Director’s Cut is one of the most beautiful 2D games I’ve ever seen. It updates the battle system tremendously which makes for one of the best PS2 RPGs of all time. The story has also been expanded and is now significantly more enjoyable. If you’ve even a passing interest in the Tales of games this is the one you’re going to want to play.
