The PS2 library is absolutely massive and one of the best-represented genres on the system is the RPG. Final Fantasy X, Kingdom Hearts, Persona 4, and so many others helped the PS2 dominate the RPG market. With those exclusives in particular they went on to grace many consoles afterward with updated collections.

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What about a list of the PS2 exclusive RPGs that have remained trapped on the system, or are mostly trapped? There are still so many greats only available in physical form making them hard to track down. As rare as they are, they should still be celebrated as a part of the PS2’s 20th anniversary.

10 Dawn Of Mana

Dawn Of Mana promo

There are some issues with Dawn of Mana that have not aged well. The camera is the biggest of these problems. The combat, visuals, and overall presentation are close to another Square Enix title around this time, which is Kingdom Hearts. This is often overlooked as one of the greats which is understandable but it remains hidden on the PS2.

9 Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII

Dirge of Cerberus promo

This could be another controversial pick for this list but not all games here have to be AAA best sellers. This game tried to capitalize on both the Final Fantasy VII hype train along with action games like Devil May Cry. Did this Vincent centered spinoff succeed? No, it too suffers from some camera problems and pacing but it deserves a second chance off of the PS2 hardware.

8 Wild Arms 5

Wild Arms 5 gameplay screenshot

Wild Arms 5 is available to buy on PS3 digitally so this pick has a caveat attached. However, as that is two systems ago, it might as well be trapped on the PS2. The best game in this series is Wild Arms 3 which is available on PS4 but this is a good runner-up. The fourth entry was a stumble which turned some away from Wild Arms 5. That and its late PS2 release may be why it is often overlooked.

7 Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria

Valkyrie Profile 2 promo

Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria was a long wait for fans of the PS1 original. It too was a late release into the PS2’s lifecycle as of 2006. It didn’t play like the first game nor did it play like a lot of other RPGs around this time. It’s a bit more of a niche title from Square Enix but one that still reviewed well. It just needs another chance in the spotlight to hopefully revive this series as a whole.

6 .hack//Infection Part 1

hack Infection gameplay screenshot

This shout out goes to all four games in the original .hack series. It was a huge deal at the time because they all connected to each other way before games like Mass Effect tried to do the save data transfer deal.

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These RPG hack and slashers may be repetitive and not the best graphically today, but they were fun and again an interesting idea. How did the sequel trilogy get a remaster but not this?

5 Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army

SMT Devil Summoner Raidou promo

There are actually a lot of trapped games in the Shin Megami Tensei series from the PS2 era. The best among them was Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, which was a turn-based RPG mixed with an action game. It, its sequel, and the two Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga games are all available on the PS3. Like Wild Arms 5 there is an asterisk to this entry, but they are all worth a second look.

4 Shadow Hearts: Covenant

Shadow Hearts Covenant promo

Shadows Hearts was a trilogy of RPGs that mixed traditional turn-based combat with real-life history. This game, for example, sees Rasputin, of Russian history fame, resurrected and out to take over the world. The mix of bizarre RPG storytelling and historical fiction is something worth seeing. None of these games are available digitally and if one is looking for the best to get into, Covenant is the way to go.

3 Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille Zur Macht

Xenosaga promo

Xenosaga, like .hack, had a lofty goal in mind. It too wanted to transfer player data between entries in a six-episode series.

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Unfortunately for one reason or another, it was trimmed down to only three episodes which clearly shows a sort of rushed feeling after this game. That’s why the first will always be the best mix of everything Xenosaga wanted to accomplish. It still looks good on PS2 too.

2 Champions Of Norrath

Champions of Norrath promo

Why there hasn’t been another game in this series is beyond anyone’s guess. Champions of Norrath and its sequel, Return to Arms, reviewed well. They are Diablo-like action RPGs with co-op clearly built in mind. They were essential games to own if one bought a multi-tap accessory for the PS2. A re-rerelease bundle at the very least would make PlayStation fans swoon at the idea.

1 Front Mission 4

Front Mission 4 promo

Front Mission is perhaps Square Enix’s longest-running series that has not done well in the West. Their longest combined series is of course Dragon Quest, but the point is this series deserves better. This is the last traditional entry that ever released in North America on consoles. It ended on a high note at the very least. For fans of mechs and tactical RPGs, it would be a shame to pass this one up any longer.

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