PS2 Launch Titles: A Retrospective

The PlayStation 2 (PS2) was released on March 4, 2000 in Japan, October 26, 2000 in North America, November 30, 2000 in Europe, and November 30, 2000 in Australia. It was the successor to the original PlayStation console and was the first video game console to be fully compatible with DVDs in addition to offering backwards compatibility for its predecessor’s hardware and games.

The PS2 was one of the most successful gaming consoles of all time, selling over 155 million units worldwide. It had a large library of games across various genres and was known for its high-quality graphics and gameplay.

Here are the first 10 games released on the PlayStation 2 (PS2), listed in chronological order:

1. SSX (October 26, 2000 in North America)

SSX (short for Snowboard Supercross) is a snowboarding game developed by EA Sports Big and published by Electronic Arts for the PlayStation 2. It was released on October 26, 2000 in North America and later in other regions.

In the game, players can choose to play as one of several characters and participate in snowboarding competitions on a variety of mountain courses. Players can perform tricks and stunts by using the controller buttons and can customize their characters and snowboards.

The game features several modes of play, including a single player campaign mode and a multiplayer mode. It also includes a “create-a-rider” feature that allows players to create their own snowboarder character.

SSX received generally positive reviews upon release and was praised for its smooth gameplay, realistic physics, and diverse soundtrack. It was a commercial success and spawned several sequels.

2. Madden NFL 2001 (October 26, 2000 in North America)

Madden NFL 2001 is a football simulation game developed by EA Tiburon and published by Electronic Arts for the PlayStation 2. It was released on October 26, 2000 in North America and later in other regions.

In the game, players can choose to play as one of the 31 NFL teams and compete in a full season, playoffs, and Super Bowl. The game features updated rosters and stats for the 2000 NFL season, as well as new gameplay features such as “create-a-player” and “franchise mode.”

Players can control the offense, defense, and special teams and can choose from a variety of plays and strategies. The game also includes a “training camp” mode, where players can practice and improve their skills.

Madden NFL 2001 received generally positive reviews upon release and was praised for its realistic gameplay, detailed graphics, and extensive options. It was a commercial success and spawned many sequels.

3. Tekken Tag Tournament (October 26, 2000 in Japan)

Tekken Tag Tournament is a fighting game developed and published by Namco for the PlayStation 2. It was released on October 26, 2000 in Japan, and later in other regions.

In the game, players can choose from a roster of characters from the Tekken series and compete in one-on-one or tag team battles. The game introduces the “tag” feature, which allows players to switch between characters during a match.

Tekken Tag Tournament features several modes of play, including a single player arcade mode, a survival mode, and a time attack mode. It also includes a “pair play” mode, where up to four players can play together in tag team matches.

The game received generally positive reviews upon release and was praised for its smooth gameplay, diverse roster of characters, and extensive options. It was a commercial success and spawned an updated version, Tekken Tag Tournament 2.

4. TimeSplitters (November 14, 2000 in Europe)

TimeSplitters delivered a first-person shooter experience, developed by Free Radical Design and published by Eidos Interactive for the PlayStation 2. It was released on November 14, 2000 in Europe and later in other regions.

In the game, players control a variety of characters and must complete missions, defeat enemies, and complete objectives in order to progress through the story. The game features a variety of levels set in different time periods, such as the Wild West and a futuristic city.

TimeSplitters features several modes of play, including a single player campaign mode, a challenge mode, and a multiplayer mode. It also includes a “create-a-character” feature that allows players to create their own characters and use them in the game.

The game received generally positive reviews upon release and was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, diverse environments, and extensive options. It was a commercial success and spawned several sequels.

5. Ridge Racer V (December 8, 2000 in Japan)

Ridge Racer V is a racing game developed and published by Namco for the PlayStation 2. It was released on December 8, 2000 in Japan, and later in other regions.

In the game, players can choose from a variety of cars and compete in races on tracks located around the world. Players can also unlock additional cars and tracks by completing races and earning points.

Ridge Racer V features several modes of play, including a single player arcade mode, a time attack mode, and a multiplayer mode. It also includes a “customize” feature that allows players to modify and upgrade their cars.

The game received generally positive reviews upon release and was praised for its smooth gameplay, detailed graphics, and diverse soundtrack. It was a commercial success and spawned several sequels.

6. Fantavision (December 15, 2000 in Japan)

Fantavision is a puzzle game developed and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 2. It was released on December 15, 2000 in Japan, and later in other regions.

In the game, players must create chains of fireworks by matching colors and shapes. Players can earn points by creating longer chains and can unlock additional levels by completing objectives.

Fantavision features several modes of play, including a single player arcade mode, a challenge mode, and a multiplayer mode. It also includes a “create-a-firework” feature that allows players to design their own fireworks and use them in the game.

The game received generally positive reviews upon release and was praised for its colorful graphics, addictive gameplay, and relaxing atmosphere. It was a commercial success and spawned a sequel, Fantavision: Oratorio Tangram.

7. Kessen (December 22, 2000 in Japan)

Kessen is a strategy game developed and published by Koei for the PlayStation 2. It was released on December 22, 2000 in Japan, and later in other regions.

In the game, players control an army and must defeat enemy armies in order to progress through the story. The game features a variety of historical battlefields and allows players to recruit and train soldiers, as well as use tactics and strategies to win battles.

Kessen features several modes of play, including a single player campaign mode, a historical simulation mode, and a multiplayer mode. It also includes a “create-a-general” feature that allows players to create their own military leaders and use them in the game.

The game received generally positive reviews upon release and was praised for its historical accuracy, deep gameplay, and realistic graphics. It was a commercial success and spawned several sequels.

8. Dynasty Warriors 2 (December 23, 2000 in Japan)

Dynasty Warriors 2 is a hack and slash game developed and published by Koei for the PlayStation 2. It was released on December 23, 2000 in Japan, and later in other regions.

In the game, players control a warrior from the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history and must defeat enemy soldiers and commanders in order to progress through the story. The game features a variety of historical battlefields and allows players to use a variety of weapons and attacks to defeat enemies.

Dynasty Warriors 2 features several modes of play, including a single player campaign mode, a challenge mode, and a multiplayer mode. It also includes a “create-a-warrior” feature that allows players to create their own character and use them in the game.

The game received generally positive reviews upon release and was praised for its deep gameplay, historical setting, and intense action. It was a commercial success and spawned many sequels.

9. SSX Tricky (December 29, 2000 in North America)

SSX Tricky is a snowboarding game developed by EA Sports Big and published by Electronic Arts for the PlayStation 2. It was released on December 29, 2000 in North America and later in other regions.

SSX Tricky is the sequel to the original SSX game and features new characters, courses, and gameplay features. Players can choose to play as one of several characters and participate in snowboarding competitions on a variety of mountain courses. Players can perform tricks and stunts by using the controller buttons and can customize their characters and snowboards.

The game features several modes of play, including a single player campaign mode and a multiplayer mode. It also includes a “create-a-rider” feature that allows players to create their own snowboarder character.

SSX Tricky received generally positive reviews upon release and was praised for its improved gameplay, realistic physics, and diverse soundtrack. It was a commercial success and spawned several sequels.

10. Armored Core 2 (December 29, 2000 in Japan)

Armored Core 2 is a mech action game developed and published by FromSoftware for the PlayStation 2. It was released on December 29, 2000 in Japan, and later in other regions.

In the game, players control a customizable mech and must complete missions, defeat enemy mechs, and complete objectives in order to progress through the story. The game features a variety of weapons and customization options, allowing players to tailor their mech to their playstyle.

Armored Core 2 features several modes of play, including a single player campaign mode, a survival mode, and a multiplayer mode. It also includes a “create-a-mech” feature that allows players to design and build their own mechs.

The game received generally positive reviews upon release and was praised for its deep customization options, challenging gameplay, and immersive story. It was a commercial success and spawned several sequels.

 

Note: These release dates are for the region specified in parentheses. The release dates for other regions may differ.