[AnimeGamer]

3 Best Anime Games on PS2 to Play in 2025

The PlayStation 2, is a console that is responsible for making every kid in the early 2000s into a gamer. I am not joking ask any gamer who started in the early 2000s and his most iconic memory of that era will be of a PS2 game. Aside from cementing the gaming industry as a Titan in the media landscape the PS2 also accomplished one other great feat, which was the introduction of good anime games to the Western population. While the SNES and PS1 had anime games it was not until the PS2 era that anime games got the recognition of being categorized into a separate genre. Some of the best sellers from this time were the following games.


Table of Contents

1. Persona 3
   
2. Dragon Quest VIII
   
3. Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
   

Persona 3

Figure 1-1. Persona 3

Persona is a name that has become common in the gaming landscape, but in the early 2000s, it was known only as the less popular spin-off of Atlas’s SMT franchise. But that all changed when Persona 3 arrived, based on a whole new concept it brought new life into not only the JRPG genre but Atlas itself. While yes, it did not follow any of the groundwork laid by the first two Persona games, it still managed to out-sell the well-established SMT franchise and its 3rd installment. Much of this was due to the fabulously written story which dealt with the themes of death, acceptance, and denial. It was a major departure from the light-hearted tone of the 2000s and gave actual stakes to the conflict. Combat-wise the game was a pure stroke of genius as the press turn mechanic was tweaked just the right amount to make it fun and not a RnG nightmare. But despite all the massive recognition the game has gotten, fans have not forgotten the most iconic line of the game, “BURN MY BREAD.” So if you find yourself craving a slice of nostalgia do give Persona 3 a chance, who knows it might change your life.

Figure 1-2. Persona 3 Gameplay

Dragon Quest VIII

Figure 2-1. Dragon Quest VIII

Dragon Quest is Square Enix’s golden child and Japan's favorite game ever. It has over the years won countless awards over the years and has enthralled fans worldwide. But despite having 11 mainline entries if one were to stop and ask a fan which one is his favorite, 9 times out of 10 he would claim Dragon Quest VIII as the best game ever. And with due reason as the game is the first game in the series to have a detailed and complex narrative which not only conflicts with the morals of the main cast, it directly opposes them. It might have a cliché start, but by the end, you will have witnessed a story so captivating and thought-provoking that all the other JRPGs will feel lacking. Many compare the game to the likes of Chrono Trigger, and while I think that is not a fair comparison, it still goes to show the level of respect people have for the game. So if you ever want to experience a game that can get you to cry, laugh, and be filled with hope for the future give Dragon Quest VII a try.

Figure 2-2. Dragon Quest VIII Gameplay

Disgaea: Hour of Darkness

Figure 3-1. Disgaea: Hour of Darkness

Disgaea, a series which in the modern age has gained the moniker of the most over-the-top and goofy CRPG ever. But it wasn’t always like this, there was once a time when Disgaea was considered to be the peak satire of the RPG genre. This was Disgaea 1, as it was released on the PS2 at a time when most of the RPGs were still following the legacy left behind by the Final Fantasy series. This is probably why the game gained such a  strong following from the start as it was by far the most unique game of its peers. While the story was nothing to write home about it served its purpose of being the connecting bridge between the gameplay mechanics. Mechanics that would go on to define the series as a whole, such as an item randomizer, player unit stacking, and most iconic of all the 999999 damage one could inflict with enough grinding and planning. But mind you my grinding I don’t mean for levels, as in Disgaea you will spend your time grinding out weapons, and with enough patience you can easily use the starting weapon to one hit K.O the final boss. So if you are in the mood for one of the cornerstones of the RPG counter movement why not give this masterpiece a try?

Figure 3-2. Disgaea: Hour of Darkness Gameplay

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