Summary
When looking back at the long lifespan of thePlayStation 2, it’s honestly staggering just how many games were released for the system. In fact, the PlayStation 2 became the home of over 4,000 titles, with games still being developed for the system even after the PlayStation 3 came out in 2006. Although this did mean that players had more than enough content to enjoy, it also resulted in a lot of games flying under the radar, especially when it came to thehorror genre.
Once the PlayStation 3 rolled around, a lot of developers started making games with the more powerful system in mind, but there were still a handful of horror titles that landed on the PS2 which, unfortunately,were overshadowed upon their release. This list is going to be taking a look at the horror titles which came out in the waning years of the PS2 which have largely been forgotten by players, even though many of them are excellent - and terrifying - games in their own right.
6Alone In The Dark (2008)
Metacritic User Score: 5.0
Despite being a massive commercial success, the 2008Alone in the Darkreboot was quickly forgotten about not long after its release due to its general lack of innovation and mechanics. With that being said, the game is still worth playing for anyone who enjoysthe survival-horror gameplay loopof scavenging for supplies and facing off against horrifying enemies who pop out of any corner. Edward will be able to pick up more or less anything he finds scattered across the environment, which encourages players to search every inch of a room to find even the most basic of weapons that can be used to aid in their survival.
A big reason why the PS2 version ofAlone in the Darkspecifically was skimmed over by a lot of people was because it was objectively the inferior version of the game compared to the other ports. A lot of open-areas were completely removed, and entire levels were shifted around to be smaller and more linear. Still,Alone in the Darkis a worthwhile game to run through since it’s very short, and provides more than enough scares to keep players engaged at all times.
5Forbidden Siren 2
No Score Available
Forbidden Siren 2creates a dark and mysterious survival-horror experience that throws a few interesting mechanics into its gameplay to help it stand out from its peers. The most unique system in the game is Sightjacking; allowing players to tap into specific frequencies which will let them see and hear the spirits that lurk around an area. That’s not all though, as it also displays the spirits' patrol routes, which feeds into the game’s emphasis on stealth, since players will need to navigate their way around the environments without being caught.
Japan Studio also did a good job ironing out some of the biggest problems people had with the firstForbidden Sirenfor the sequel, especially the clunky movement and absurdly difficult enemies.Dead Risingmay have been the talk of the town when it came to horror games in 2006, butForbidden Siren 2still deserves a lot of credit for how it managed toperfectly blend stealth and horrorinto one thrilling spooky experience.
4Silent Hill: Origins
Metacritic User Score: 7.4
TheSilent Hillgames developed outside of Japan have been somewhat of a mixed bag. While they don’t feature the same compelling stories or characters seen in previous entries, they do still at least bring something new to the table, as is the case withSilent Hill: Origins, which serves as a prequel to the first game. The game cleverly switches between a third-person and fixed-camera angle to try and keep the monsters out of sight, so players never know what horrors roam in the shadows. Added to this, although the protagonist, Travis, does collect a small arsenal of weapons as he delves deeper into the town of Silent Hill, the guns are often so slow and unpredictable that it means the game never feels like a straight-up shooting gallery, keeping things intense and immersive.
Since the game serves as a prequel, it also features some iconic characters from the first game who players will come across, including Alessa’s nurse Lisa, and evenDahlia, who plays the main villain in the original. The controls and movement can admittedly feel a bit stiff at times, butSilent Hill: Originsis still a game worth going back to, especially for fans of the series who want to learn more about the wider lore of theSilent Hilluniverse.
3Obscure: The Aftermath
Metacritic User Score: 7.9
By the timeObscure: The Aftermathreleased for the PlayStation 2 in 2008, a lot of people had already turned their attention towards the PlayStation 3 which, by that point, was two years deep into its life cycle. Many people, therefore, weren’t even aware the game was released at all, even though it manages to nail every aspect of what makes a good horror title. Set in a university where the students have become infected by a dangerous flower, players are tasked with trying to escape the building while also taking down numerous monsters that sneak around the environments, waiting for their opportunity to strike.
Speaking of monsters,the enemy design in this game is top-notch, featuring a gallery of grossly mutated humans and animals that are creepy enough to send a chill down anyone’s spine. Despite also featuring a lovable cast of characters and immensely detailed levels for its time,Obscure: The Aftermathis an incredible game that never received its flowers due to being released so late in the PS2’s life cycle.
2Darkwatch
Metacritic User Score: 8.1
Capcom’sResident Evilseries is so well-known, it usually comes at the cost of their smaller horror IPs being overshadowed, which is exactly what happened withDarkwatch. Though it did receive rave reviews from critics, Darkwatch came out when everyone was getting ready for the long-awaited release of the PS3, meaning this horror-western FPS title didn’t receive quite as much attention as it should have. Basing a horror game in the Wild West hadn’t really been attempted in gaming beforeDarkwatchcame out. The game’s expansive world contained plenty of references to Western cinema, while also possessing a dark and oppressive atmosphere to keep players on the edge of their seat at all times.
Because the protagonist, Jericho, is a vampire, it also means he will be powerless during the day, and will struggle to deal with the terrifying ghouls and monsters that will start chasing him if he’s spotted. Once the sun goes down though, Jericho gains access to a myriad of special abilities that can help him take onthe undead hordes. The game even features a reputation system which will reward players with specific abilities to help in their adventure depending on how they act throughout the story. WhileDarkwatchdoes have some action elements in its gameplay, its horror inspirations still shine through with its unnerving enemies and gloomy environments, making it an underrated gem in the eyes of those who have played it.
1Rule Of Rose
Metacritic User Score: 8.8
AlthoughRule of Roseis without a doubt one of the scariest andmost creative horror games ever madefor the PS2, it went largely unnoticed due to being released just two months before the PlayStation 3’s debut. As a result, the game has often been cited as being criminally underrated, since it provides an outstanding horror experience which feels very reminiscent of the early years ofSilent Hill. The game revolves around Jennifer, a young girl who’s traumatic memories haunt her throughout the story, often manifesting into different monsters who she is forced to take on with her limited arsenal of weapons.
Thankfully, Jennifer has her loyal canine companion, Brown, who can help her seek out key items and will even distract enemies to help Jennifer escape. The game is also packed full of tricky puzzles, along with a truly heartbreaking story featuring a plethora of twists and turns right up until the end.Rule of Rose’sawkward release date, and some of the controversy it received, did unfortunately lead to it being largely forgotten, with a lot of players only now coming to learn about this astonishing horror game for the very first time.
