Like Mechs? Here's 5 Hidden Gems for the PS2

Here's 6 games if you like big robots and hate infrastructure.
Hidden Gems Playlist: • Hidden Gems
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:15 Number 1
01:34 Number 2
04:00 Number 3
05:33 Number 4
07:23 Number 5
08:31 Number 6
#ps2hiddengems #hiddengems #playstation2

[@delta7890]

I'd add Robot Alchemic Drive to this list as well. Pretty unique battle system where your protagonist is always on foot and controls the giant robot by remote. The key to victory is often making sure you've got an optimal vantage point from which to fight against the enemy. Developed by the same folks who make the Earth Defense Force series.

[@Tunuh]

Yeah. The reason I didn't wanna include it is because I feel it's on basically every list of PS2 hidden gems, or weird mech games. If I could redo and had more time, I would've liked to do 10 games, including Front Mission 4 (maybe 5? Haven't played it though).

[@Parlimant_Strifey]

one must also import it's unofficial sequel from Japan, that Tetsujin 28 Go!. Licensed greatness from Sandlot.

[@RyanLBC]

armored core 3 has way more parts and weapons vs ac6. no checkpoints, true debt system, a bigger arena system with controllable and customizable replay after every match. ah the nostalgia. dont get me wrong though i still love ac6 but wish it had a lot of things old ac games had.

[@Omegaclank]

No you're not wrong, ac6 is a step in the right direction. Hopefully there will be major improvements in a DLC. I remember playing last Raven as my first armored core game😂

[@Tunuh]

There's a harshness to older games. AC3 isn't cruel, but I like that it gives you freedom. The freedom to go into debt, choose bad parts, etc. I feel like modern games restrict too much.

[@RyanLBC]

amen to that. it's how i feel about bethesda games. it's gotten more watered down. but i get it they're trying to appeal to the masses but some times they have to revert to what worked in the past. because fans are already wanting more as many have beaten ac6. @@Tunuh

[@irondoomable]

tbf there hasn't been a ac game in almost ten years and the gameplay style is a bit different from the previous. another factor is conserving budget which is also used in those big boss battles, effects, animation etc. I assume they will put more into it in the sequels.

[@demomanchaos]

AC6 is not an Armored Core game, it is Sekiro but with mechs. The stagger mechanic is absolutely awful, they crippled combat by giving everything a cooldown bar, and the boss spam is absolutely tedious. They also took away so much from us. No weapon arms, no dual melee, etc. I played through it once, and forcing myself to endure the later half was pain. I'll stick with For Answer and AC2.

[@endersblade]

Ring of Red was one of my favs on the PS2. When I got it, I sunk so many hours straight to beat it.

[@Bangcat]

Fed vs Zeon is bloody fantastic, so is Gundam vs Zeta Gundam, it's successor where you fight the later time period, then see what they were doing in the one year war, change potential timelines, then change the other later times and outcomes. Just great.

[@Tunuh]

I've never played Zeta Gundam. It looks great. Added it to my backlog.

[@MiG-21bisFishbedL]

Battle Engine Aquila and GunGriffon Blaze are pretty damn great. Been trying to find a good copy of Ring of Red for the longest time.

[@Tunuh]

Does your local game store not have it? :o I think it's pretty rare.

[@xHypnoHousex]

Scored Armored Core 3 at a thrift store years ago and still enjoy it today.

[@monkeymittens]

I've never heard of any of these before, but Gungriffon Blaze looks fun! I like the arcade style of it.

[@Tunuh]

I learned about it while writing the script for this video. I was super pleasantly surprised. It's very short, but unique.

[@donovanbradford8231]

Nice list some good games for sure as Gundam Fed vs Zeon and Zeonic Front are some of my favs of the series. Never heard of Battle Engine Aquila but looking at it reminds me if of the Star Fox games so definitely gonna check it out.

[@Jon-Patrick-S]

Appreciate the mention of a readily available PC release for Battle Engine Aquila, often these kind of list videos are so honed in on the specific platform and/or the physical collectors scene that you might never know there's other alternatives that are potentially better or more easily available and maybe even cheaper options

[@Tunuh]

The PC release imo is the best. It runs great, looks great, and is dirt cheap. I played it off gog.

[@usov656]

You really got the reason why I like games like zionic front. You're not the superhero protagonist with unique powers, you're a regular foot soldier in a conflict far bigger than you, and you gotta make do with what you have. The reason I lost interest in most modern tactical games is that it's always about Mr hero and his band of super powered misfits. Hell, let me recruit a bunch of foot soldiers and customize them the way I want, let me lose them and have to recruit more, like on the XCOM games. The only new strategy/tactical game that got this right is the new aliens game, at least for me.

[@rmath176]

A mech game for the ps2 I found a while back, but I really enjoyed was "RAD - Robot Alchemic Drive. You were basically using a robot to fight off an alien invasion, but you were not in the robot but rather remotely controlling it from the ground. It had its issues but I enjoyed it.

[@dannyhartwig7595]

Ring of Red was my first ps2 game and i still love it today. a remake or remaster would be awesome. but would just be happy to play it on the 5 again.

[@3daystrial]

This one of the games I will never forget and loves. Those soldiers in the map that you need to get before the enemies does. And my favorite is when your about to shoot the enemies. The heartbeat sound while targeting and the shakiness of the aiming is so exhilarating you will never had enough of it.

[@GoldenFenrir]

Thanks for this video! Imma check these out YOU ROCK

[@Tunuh]

no u!

[@kabob0077]

Battle Engine Aquila can be accurately described as an RTS game where *_YOU_* are the Super Unit/Uber Unit/Mega Unit/Whatever the Industry decides on as a name for the super expensive and OP unit this time. I love BEA and I wish it had a sequel or a remaster.

[@harryseldon362]

Gungriffon Allied Strike is still a favorite of mine and Armored Core Nine-Breaker. Great video as it shows me some new games I've never heard of before. Thanks!

[@Tunuh]

Thx for watching! Lemme know how AC goes. 2 and 4 are on my backlog.

[@Parlimant_Strifey]

One must import the great Votoms game from Japan. It offers the Mechassault 2 experience done right, lots of missions and lots of new improved mechs you get to upgrade to. The game's intro sequence alone is CGI eye candy with the series's theme song.

[@wadewathen5828]

Just putting this out there, Armored Core as a whole is pretty well known, especially the third gen games. Where they aren't as popular as the Souls series, I'm not sure I'd consider it a hidden gem with how well-known the series is for those that play From's games. And no, not everyone knows about it and not every Souls player knows of Armored Core, but I don't personally feel as though any of them deserve the "Hiddem Gems" category. Just my opinion though, great video otherwise, I've never heard of the other five and plan to check them out

[@Tunuh]

Tbh I agree. I included it because I wanted something different than the usual Robot Alchemic Drive which I feel every video brings up, and I wanted to highlight I think it's the epitome of armored core as a series imo. Clunky controls, lots of depth, can get into debt.

[@wadewathen5828]

@@Tunuh facts though, after 10 years I thought that Armored Core 6 would be my new obsession, but after 100%-ing it after just 2 days of casual play, I got bored and stopped playing it. 3, Silent Line, and Last Raven are just so interesting and replayable, so in that regard I do agree. Not a bad entry though, adds some robustness to the selection

[@SeanSeanson]

This was really good, keep it up!

[@Tunuh]

Oh dang, SeanSeanson can see my videos *sweating* /jk appreciate it! Tried out something a little different. Really happy with how it turned out and it's stats.

[@ManySkies]

_Front Mission 4_ - even an oldskool Square fan like us had never heard of it before picking it up. It goes in basically the same category as _Ring of Red_ - a tactical game (one can feel a lot of FFT roots) featuring mecha. What's funny about the FM world is that in the early games, the mecha (or rather, wanzers) were such a novelty that they didn't really affect the wars they were involved in despite being the focus of the games. We haven't tried the new _BattleTech_ yet, but the feel of FM4 is probably pretty similar, if older BT titles like the _Crescent Hawk_ games are any indication.

[@KeiNova]

Bro, you're moving in on my territory! Just kidding. I had checked all these out at one point but didn't feel the reviews were up to par and removed them. Interesting seeing someone else look at a few of these.

[@zoyboy1914]

YESSS Gungriffon getting the recognition it deserves, instant like :D

[@Tunuh]

I just learned about it right before making this video. I had to include it. Was super impressed. I wanna cover it in more detail later.

[@zoyboy1914]

Too bad the sticks are switched so emulation is the only reasonable choice 😂 Glad to hear, I will 100% check it out It‘s one of my all time favourites!!!@@Tunuh

[@Tunuh]

@zoyboy1914 lmao yes. I def didn't swap my emulation controls 👀

[@alice989]

Great video, and great recommendations Subscribed, keep it up..

[@Tunuh]

Appreciate it! Are you a big mech fan? PS2? or both?

[@alice989]

@@Tunuh I am a big mech fan, but i am very fond of my ps2 it was a great console and a great era for games.

[@jezmillz]

Gundam Zeonic Front looks *very* interesting. I think I'm going to have to give it a try.

[@Tunuh]

It's super weird. Are you big into mech games?

[@nevergreenminus1629]

Bro you deserve way more subs

[@maxcooper6554]

I played the unholy HELL out of Feddy VS Zeon! Zaku II with leg-mounted missile pods was my go-to MS! Excellent games on display and great vid!

[@Tunuh]

Appreciate it! I like how you can customize a few of the mechs a little. Apparently there's some sequels but I haven't tried em. Maybe Japan only?

[@mavrick195]

I thought I was the ONLY person who played ring of red. It's so good I've always wanted a sequel. I haven't went and bought a refurbished PS2 so I can play through it again when I found my old copy

[@goliathxanatos706]

I remember all of these. Man I’m old lol. Also surprised you didn’t mention Another Century’s Episode series or Mechwarrior 2. Both of which were childhood favourites of mine. Nevertheless, solid list 👍🏾

[@Tunuh]

It's ok. We're all old on this channel lol. ACE2 is on PS2 but I hadn't heard of it! It looks neat. I think Mechwarrior 2 is a PSX game. Thanks! I appreciate the comment and info on ACE. I'll check it out.

[@no1copycat]

A hidden gem that would deserve a good full length review is Recoil, from 1998 , Zipper. Would suggest to use a repack to play it; make sure ingame music works (the game videos can just be watched on KZbin)

[@kabob0077]

5:12 That's a Gogg in the clip, a Z'Gok is something else... Although still an amphibious mobile suit from Zeon the Z'Gok honestly looks cooler imo but the Gogg is nice.

[@Shelyshocker]

played armored core and gundam federation 1 is ps2 back then. its really fun and nostalgic game back then

[@jessehenderson2967]

Front Mission 4 for the Ps2 is hands down one of all time favorite golden age era Strat-RPG....plus it has mechs. Big recommend for anyone looking for a slower mech game.

[@Tunuh]

It's funny you mention that. I may have a video about some hidden gem mech games on the psx soon 👀. I also love front mission 4. Special place in my heart. Super long game too

[@certain_sloth]

5 of these were among my favorite games. I still got them all on disks!

[@Tunuh]

Are you big into mech games?

[@Gruntvc]

Good video. Wish most of these were available to play on both current consoles and pc. I'd especially like the Gundam games, the recent Gundam games haven't been good. They could also port that Gundam FPS that was released on the Sega Dreamcast. It was only held back by the controller, which still didn't have two analog sticks. Wth Sega. At least we're finally getting a new Armored Core. Hoping Metal Warriors gets remastered one day too.

[@Tunuh]

Thanks! I feel you. In the future, I want to make a video about games stuck on the PS2. I try to mention the best or easiest way to play games, even though my channel leans PS2. Sometimes it's just better to use your PC if the game works on modern OS.

[@DarkWolfWRX]

Oh man...Gungriffon Blaze brings back some memories. I found it at a Costco way back and dumped so much time into it. Rad mention.

[@AsceticHell]

no S.L.A.I is criminal. an unfortunate sequel to Phantom Crash from the xbox, but still a really fun customisable mech shooter.

[@ringring8938]

Armored Core series is best of the Mecha genre, you're not a hero, you're a gun for hire, doing the most hedious things and question yourself is it worth doing so, or ignore it and blow everything up , it is so awesome, but the other niche mech games are lovely too. I wouldn't dare to say it is a hidden gem, yes it is niche but Armored Core is well known for its garage, brutal battles and impressive world building. A playstation 2 owner has a higher chance of having the Armored Core series than the other games. Sadly the other games never got sequels, would love to have them. 😢

[@sconnor-pt4vt]

Yes!!! Ring of Red love!!! 😍👍

[@ro-gamingftw3327]

If you are looking for a new mech game for the PC then one of the upcoming games is "Custom Mech Wars" from the developers of EDF 5. coming out on DEC 14

[@Levi-nr4vb]

Steel lancer arena international is a great pick as well!

[@vahnn0]

AC3 is sooooo damn good! I also loved Gungriffon but i had it on the Saturn.

[@HamanKarn567]

Been playing Gungriffon Blaze for 20 years. Sill pop it in and enjoy it. Federation vs Zeon was also one of my favorites still. I like it's sequel Gundam vs Zeta as well. Like the battles that include fighting battleships. Zeonic Front style was so good. Like a mecha rainbow six.

[@kabob0077]

4:41 Honestly I wish Crossfire/Target in Sight on the PS3 was actually well made, it had potential to be one of the greatest Gundam games ever... Sadly it's not, maybe if it wasn't a launch title it could have had some more time to cook, but man is it rewarding to actually master the awkward and clunky controls. Now if only my PS3 worked so I could have another go at the final Zeon level, I haven't even gotten to a second Zeon playthrough.

[@takanashihiyoto3742]

For me if i want to recommended the mecha game PS2 is Mobile Suit Gundam Climax UC where it have 4 mode campaign which are chronicle mode which you can play some critical character of Gundam universe, 2nd the progress mode where you can create the character and choose which side your will fight and 3rd is extra mode where you will complete the Challege based on the mission and lastly versus mode where you fight with your friend in split screen. But sadly it only release in Japan so only Japanese language on this game.

[@mjolnirmilitia569]

Gun griffin blaze , I loved that title, played that game to death with my Pops.

[@kabob0077]

8:07 That's based off either a T-37A or T-38...

[@StiffAftermath]

These may not qualify: A mech JRPG is MS Saga. Really solid game. And kind of...Metal Saga, too. Weird open-world JRPG with tanks. And weird enemies.

[@lieranix3572]

i would love a remake of ms saga

[@KaliU-ix2kf]

Great game Great ps2

[@GrayFolxy]

For Gun Griffon blaze did you had to emulate it or it is available somewhere ? kinda curious to test it

[@Tunuh]

Emulation. I can't recommend PCSX2 enough,

[@GrayFolxy]

thanks will look into it and very nice video @@Tunuh

[@exactinmidget92]

dude i been looking for the first game for almost 20 years. i just couldn't remember what it was called.

[@Tunuh]

lol happy to help. How'd you even find this video without the name of the game? :o

[@demangas]

I bought Gungriffon PS2 2 or 3 times, and they never works on my PS2. (legit games and console). I don't know why, maybe because it's a launch title as you said, and i have only PS Two, so it doesn't work?

[@no1copycat]

What do you think of Future Cop ?

[@Tunuh]

It's great! I just talked a bit about it in my latest video. The multiplayer mode is insane.

[@AndroChimera]

s.l.a.i. steel lancer arena international should be in this list.

[@theharbingerofconflation]

Steel Lancer Arena International

[@metal--babble346]

Mech games on PS2 were wonky. Not many options to set the controllers up, and I would spin around and shoot myself in the butt. Then the enemies would laugh at me.

[@polytanksan5761]

Hopefully you do one for modern games, the mecha genre is pretty dead right now and it's hard to find good ones

[@Tunuh]

I don't cover modern games, but I have some recommendations! Battletech (2018) - turn based RPG with western mechs. Mechwarrior 5: Mercenaries (2019) action/simulator with western mechs. M.A.S.S. Builder (2019) action/anime rpg with Japanese mechs (also on switch). Chained Echos (2022) Chrono-Trigger style retro RPG with mechs. Iron Harvest (2020) Alternative history WW1 RTS with mechs. If you give me a platform, I can suggest more. Console is a bit harder than PC tho.

[@polytanksan5761]

@@Tunuh switch

[@polytanksan5761]

@@Tunuh I don't see mass builder on the eshop

[@Tunuh]

@@polytanksan5761 Looks like it's getting a port later :( Megaton Musashi: WIRED coming on Switch late April. Other Switch mech games, Front Mission 1 and 2 remakes are on Switch. 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is worth a look.

[@polytanksan5761]

@@Tunuh I'd prefer something that plays more like armored core or gundam vs zeta gundam

[@user-ui4yw4vh6n]

try out another century

[@basedsketch4133]

hidden gems? armored core?

[@WatcherMovie008]

Hearing you say mech instead of mobile suits for Gundam irks me as a Gundam fan. Also I applaud for putting Armored Core here, though imho Silent Line is arguably the better game, being the vast improvement to 3 as it sequel.

[@Tunuh]

haha I understand but that's a slippery slope. I think few games call their mechs "mechs". They usually have an in-universe term, similar to how zombie media rarely calls them "zombies". In Armored Core, they're called "AC"s, Front Mission, "Wanzers", and like you pointed out, in Gundam they're "mobile suits". I admit I haven't really played Silent Line yet :x I played 5 minutes and noticed the controls are more modern. But it's on the backlog! Thanks for the info! Now I'm curious.

[@KyubiMaster100]

Leave it to Gundam nerds to be pedantic af. Look into other mecha series for once. There are so many other real robot JAPANESE mecha series. Mobile suits are mechs. There is someone piloting inside the massive machine.