Top 10 PlayStation 2 RPGs (NO Final Fantasy Games)

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There are many top 10 lists out there of best rpgs for the PlayStation 2, but they're all clogged up with the Final Fantasy series, so I wondered, what would a top 10 look like if I eliminated those games from the running? In fact, I pretty much eliminated all but one Square game, so here is the result! #gaymer #nintendo #rpg #playstation #xbox #asmr #atelier #steamdeck

[@davidvinc]

Want to see more? www.twitch.tv/davidvincstreams

[@karltonwhitaker2218]

I have been trying to find a game I played years ago, it something like Legends of Dragoon or Final Fantasy but the characters, you had to put in different Dpad commands to preform different attacks. Like, U,U,D,D,L,R ex. If you remember this game please tell me🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@davidvinc]

@@karltonwhitaker2218 it's legend of legaia for the PS1

[@karltonwhitaker2218]

@@davidvinc Lawd!!! I been killing myself for months trying to find this game 😂 thank you!!🙏🏾 Wish it was in the PS Store😞

[@rickperriwinkle]

@@karltonwhitaker2218 I also highly recommend the sequel, Legaia 2: Duel Saga if you can get your hands on it.

[@Ash-fm6ym]

@@karltonwhitaker2218 just emulate with pcsx2 or of ur on android use aethersx2

[@Rellik165]

The PS2 was the golden years of the Megaten series. SMT3 Nocturne. Digital Devil Saga 1 & 2. Raidou Kuzunoha. Persona 3 and 4. And not a single one made the list.

[@uhWilliam]

i played Raidou Kuzunoha 1 and 2 also persona 3 and 4.. the gameplay and story was amazing ... and i still plays persona 4 these days

[@artichove]

@@uhWilliam You need to try smt3 nocturne or Digital Devil Saga they're REALLY good and don't cost to much!

[@uhWilliam]

@@artichove i will thanks for the info bro👍

[@metasodium2170]

Kinda upsetting

[@iamnotyourbuddyGUY]

Remember this is his list.

[@ScentofLaceration]

Dragon Quest 8 still gives me feels when I hear the OST

[@FinalManaTrigger]

Me too, and David knows how to pick a great track as well. Ramia's theme gets me every time.

[@gamerforlife2408]

No can beats dragon quest when it comes to story and long hours play

[@XenosbioZ]

I am so happy that you included Mana Khemia. I love the 3d art background with 2d sprite looking things. The first mana khemia is my favorite ps2 ost and also has my favorite battle system, fast paced, no random encounters, super flashy attacks. very good job with the list.

[@azoth7756]

It's amazing you included Shadow Hearts Covenant. That JRPG gets overshadowed and is seriously underrated by all means.

[@lingivey36]

azoth775 I was at a GameStop 13 years ago with 20 bucks and there was two games I wanted for that price.. tales of symphonia and shadow hearts covenant... the GameStop recommended shadow hearts and thank god cause it was an awesome choice

[@notyoursavior78]

Nice to read a good Gamestop story for once.

[@camendiv]

Easily one of the best. I proper completed it and still wanted more.

[@brennanconner4711]

@Jay Cee -_- I can't count how many games i have for several seperate emulators and have over 300 games on steam as well as a few others on other platforms but yeah ok lol lets crucify me for missing an "o" when i typed this up XD

[@yuisure6755]

Koudelka Ps1 Thanks to SNK. SH 2 is cool

[@banewreakergames7038]

Shadowhearts series actually kinda began on the PS1 with a little known RPG gem called Koudelka. A sort of Survival Horror JRPG. I love that series so much.

[@rossedwardmiller]

I’m playing DQ 8 on my ps2 right now and it’s so good that it even feels fresh in 2020, playing it immediately after DQ XI:s on switch. Insane level of personality

[@JesseTheGameDev]

DQ8 was phenomenal.

[@MrJules39]

I played it last year and must say it's one of my overall favourite games ever. King Trode is quite possibly THE best character in any game ever. I'm an older gamer, 53 when I played it, so appreciate story more than anything else. So many laugh out loud moments.

[@hoihoi13]

I just started playing it yesterday. Seems a difficult rpg comparing to the modern day ones

[@dias2525]

Odin Sphere and Star Ocean 2 was the gems of storytelling and immersion for my days on the Ps2

[@DenlyTan]

Tales of the Abyss has the best plot ever... I can feel the story as I play through the game...

[@MsDarkfire12]

Agreed, I loved how the game had me hating the main character in the beggining and by the end I completely sympathized with him.

[@ThanhTran-gb4pw]

@@MsDarkfire12 Luke and Tear are great, but the rest of the cast is mostly insufferable. Especially Natalia and Ashe.

[@nichoudha]

@@ThanhTran-gb4pw I thought they were great. Asch's bigotry made sense given his past.

[@sylvnfox]

Tue rei ze croa riou tue ze Croa riou ze tue riou rei neu riou ze Va rei ze tue neu tue riou tue croa Riou rei croa riou ze rei va ze rei Va neu va rei va neu va ze rei Croa riou croa neu tue rei croa riou ze rei va Rei va neu croa tue rei rei

[@infraredplayer]

@@MsDarkfire12 sounds like something a certain YIIK developer needed to play

[@thechodestar3051]

Oh the PS2 days. What a childhood. I’ll join: 1.) Kingdom Hearts II 2.) Dragon Quest VIII 3.) Rogue Galaxy 4.) Persona 4 5.) Radiata Stories 6.) Star Ocean 3 7.) Dark Cloud 2 8.) Xenosaga Episode 1 9.) Tales of the Abyss 10.) SMT III: Nocturne

[@dreamdust2633]

I loved Radiata Stories and Dark Cloud 2.

[@Jinnnnnnnnn]

Don't forget Soul Nomad

[@eduardomalonzoiii1587]

How bout grandia and suikoden

[@dyinhope6840]

Need to get your hands on .hack//gu series. PS4 port on Amazon like $15 for all of them. Very hard and rare (aka expensive when you do) to find the ps2 originals in English as only a small amount were made. Cheapest I've ever seen was $120 for just 1 of 5 episodes and that was 10 years ago or so. SO ahead of it's time and amazing story with very addicting combat.

[@thechodestar3051]

Dyin Hope I played a little bit of the first .hack series and I liked it but didn’t finish it. Is the combat better in G.U.?

[@Jack-pm9wd]

Other than Wild Arms 3 and 4, I had started moving away from console gaming at the time. I was surprised to hear you consider Wild Arms 5 for the list, but I was glad to hear your reasons for not including it. It really reminded me of the same problems I had with Grandia III. Great list.

[@gmangman123]

Dragon Quest VIII is legend...

[@chalp1290]

Also, maybe the best looking rpg on the system!

[@JosueLpz2000]

Agreed the Max potencial of PS2

[@mystic2918]

Yup amazing ps2 game

[@MinusTheRogue]

Yeah...those were some good times

[@resorufin6164]

Super glad you included Growlanser here! I loved those games and it's always good to see them get some attention here and there.

[@howlinale3534]

So glad to see that you included Dragon Quest VIII. The characters and story are well developed, easy to follow and yet, memorable. Unlike many convoluted storylines in other games. Combat system is old school turn based and enjoyable, truly a masterpiece.

[@ElusiveOtter]

It's a huge shame that Shin Megami Tensei 3 (Nocturne) wasn't on this list. The game was extraordinarily innovative with excellent graphics and music, dealt with harsher, more universal narrative themes than most JRPGs, and was the first real foothold for the series in the United States that opened the door for the Persona, Devil Survivor, etc. spin-off series.

[@Shiro92224]

David Gleason it's my favourite ps2 game

[@nestoraguilar6496]

David Gleason definitley agree

[@yjzep9922]

In my top 3 ps2 games with P3 and MGS3

[@IronyNinja]

Soon as I didn't see any Nocturne on this list I knew I could never take this youtuber seriously on RPGs.

[@Shiki0414]

@@IronyNinja agree

[@dark666105]

no Dark Clouds/Rogue Galaxy, Valkyrie Profiles, Kingdom Hearts, Ar tonelicos, Odin Sphere, Disgaeas, Shin Megami Tenseis?

[@dr.voicenstein]

YES!!! Rogue Galaxy is one of my all time favorites. As well as the Kingdom Hearts series. Funny Dragon Quest 8 was on the list but not Rogue Galaxy. It was the Legend Of Dragoon of PS2

[@AsusanXT]

I totally agree. I'm thinking of buying Odin Sphere for the Vita, think I should?

[@LayHon0217]

Odin Sphere was actually meh on PS2, the remake seems way, way better tho

[@KociolxD]

Yep, and Dragon Quest on top. Which I actually disliked a lot in old times. Tough, if I ever get more time, Ill try to replay it on 3DS...

[@danepresley7851]

dark666105 I guess since FF is part of Kingdom Hearts he couldn't put it on there but it is excellent

[@tianomustafa3518]

nice list i also like to include - Persona (3 & 4), the 4 itself is one of the best and addictive rpg, the social interaction is second to none - Rogue Galaxy, a more casual version of FF XII IMO, really colorful and interesting features, the bug fight for example, and the music itself is great, the SANDY TOWN theme still used by me as a ringtone - Radiata Stories, a true legend, the story, characters, music, jokes and almost everything The feeling when Jack sit in one table with the bosses of every guild really something for me

[@rafaelbarbosa8117]

1- Xenosaga Episode III 2- Valkyrie Profile 2 3- Grandia III 4- Xenosaga Episode I 5- Dragon Quest VIII 6- Grandia Xtreme 7- Xenosaga Episode II Aside from those i played Final Fantasies only

[@AsusanXT]

Episode III was epic. I mean, when the whole event had taken place in the past was played, I teared because of how things came to be.

[@TerdSmasher303]

The only games I still have to this day are Grandia's, Tales of the Abyss, Valkyrie Profile 2, Mana Khemia 2 and Xenosaga's so I wonder how my list will look gee I wonder lol. Since Grandia 2 AE seems like it did really well on PC I would like to see a 4 in the series

[@rafaelbarbosa8117]

Weirdizo i would love a new Grandia game, i didn't enjoyed the number 2 so much on PS2 due to slowdowns, but the rest of the series are amazing

[@rafaelbarbosa8117]

AsusanXT no kidding, perfect ending for perfect series, the game itself was amazing from start to finish

[@dmas7749]

i really disliked Grandia 3 2 was much better even with the shitty slowdown

[@Chelaxim]

10 Xenosaga episode III Also Sprach Zarathrusta 9 Suikoden V 8 Disgaea 2 Cursed Memories 7 Wild Arms Alter Code F 6 Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne 5 Romancing SaGa Minstrel Song 4 Dragon Quest VIII Journey of the Cursed King 3 Tales of the Abyss 2 Shin Megami Tensei Persona 4 1 Shin Megami Tensei Persona 3 FES

[@davidvinc]

Only 3 games in common? Wow

[@DarkFrozenDepths]

oh man, i loved persona 4 too... so much to the point of getting EVERY SINGLE PERSONA TO LV99! I even pulled an all out attack of over 40k by the time i was done...

[@Chelaxim]

Zephyr Weiss Calm down Soma Cruz, that's my list of top ten PlayStation 2 games sans Final Fantasy titles.

[@DarkFrozenDepths]

that's not the list order, don't jump the gun....

[@izilgur]

and where is Rogue Galaxy? better game than many of you'r list guys

[@JeffGrasso]

Hey David I’ve been watching some of your videos (Wild Arm stuff!) and something fell over me to share this with you…keep up the great positive reviews and God bless you, great things are coming for you! Jeff

[@EdreesesPieces]

nice to see some Wild Arms 4 love. it's so rare to see in anyones list, but it's definitely on mine as well! Hearing "into the wind" in the background really hits me in the feels

[@TylerG60]

Koudelka was the first game of the shadow hearts series and that released on ps1. Such a great and underrated series.

[@33GLOCK]

mmmm

[@Darkgryphonl0rd78]

Thank god someone knew this... my wife is a MASSIVE Koudelka fan

[@kaikwonfu2633]

Im glad someone knew this. I had no clue and LOVE shadow hearts.

[@wolfy2605]

Bought koudelka, was a fun game...original shadow hearts for ps2 still by far my fav...hate that they made covenant more cartoony when shadow hearts was dark and real like

[@Kaefer1973]

@@wolfy2605 Original Shadow Hearts is the one title of the series I never got to play, it was available for too short a time here so I missed out. But I assume it's good since Koudelka and Shadow Hearts 2 were both very good as well. Part 3 kinda was meh though.

[@akshayvernekar1281]

Tales of the abyss will always be my most favorite game ever

[@chenzen4915]

love the video! keep up the good work

[@redeoghan]

Nice list thanks! Had no money for these games when I was a kid so it's great to go back and experience them now.

[@jessepike3565]

radiata stories was a good jrpg on the Ps2 the art style reminded me of Kingdom hearts

[@josephsalas3625]

I love that game

[@davidvinc]

Like this page and what I do here? Consider supporting me on patreon! www.patreon.com/davidvinc [​0:19] - 10) Star Ocean 3 [​1:14] - 9) Ys 6 [2:17] - 8) Wild Arms 4 [3:25] - 7) Shadow Hearts 2 [4:42] - 6) Growlanser: Generations [​5:44] - 5) Grandia 2 [6:45] - 4) Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy [7:50] - 3) Suikoden 5 [​8:54​] - 2) Tales of the Abyss [10:08] - 1) Dragon Quest 8

[@pedrosilva1190]

if you saw the Anime Tales of the Abyss you learn all that though is good to know there's a game by the way why isn't Last Rebellion in the List is a great RPG too!

[@dennisvillanueva2842]

Shadow Hearts 2 is too low on the list.

[@DaBudaa1]

Seeing Ys VI here brought back memories for me. I played the game for the PSP though.

[@Metalhead334]

they are all good rpg for the ps2 and your is a lot more on the system. so please make a another video on ps2 rpg list.

[@jonandbonnie1]

Star ocean 3 grandia 2 shadow hearts covenant and wild arms 3 not 4 but you forgot all of the xenosaga games

[@istrasci]

Another great video, David! Was wondering if you could do lists for RPGs on Sega systems (esp. Genesis, Saturn, & Dreamcast). I seem to remember growing up that there were lots of great RPGs on those systems, but I only ever owned a Genesis, so I feel like I missed out on a lot.

[@TheChicken313]

Great list! Half of these games I had actually never heard of

[@JameboHayabusa]

I agree with your list for the most part, DQVIII definitely deserves that number 1 spot. I would have put SMT Nocturne or even on of the Personas somewhere on here. I didn't really play any of the PS2 SMT games until the end of the consoles life cycle, but I was pretty damn impressed with Nocturne.

[@yjzep9922]

Well they weren't released until the end of the consoles life cycle lol. I bought my PS2 in 2007 because they didn't make many jrpgs for 360 or ps3. P3 FES and P4 were released in 2008, 2 years after the ps3 dropped. Even Nocturne was 2004. The PS2 really didn't get going with those amazing jrpgs until post ps3 launch, at least not in the U.S., which is behind japan obv.

[@tazgamerplays]

JameboHayabusa I really enjoyed DQVIII I even like it more than DQXI.

[@MrDibara]

*That chase sequence with Dante, though...* 💀

[@Semystic]

Star ocean till the end of time is my favorite game of all time and i still play it to this day thanks to the ps4 release :) I came here looking for that game and it was no.10 on the list so now im leaving LOL

[@annelliot1396]

Dragon Quest VIII and Shadow Hearts Covenant are both such legendary games, thankyou for including them. I really hope Shadow Hearts can come back some day.❤️

[@shaneh87]

I highly recommend Mana Khemia 1 and 2. They're incredible games and are easily the best series Gust has ever made.

[@MedionSinger]

Personally I would say that the Atelier Iris series was slightly better than Mana Khemia. Both series are worthy of your time though for sure.

[@JoshJFu]

Loved the Shadow Hearts series, we definitely need a Shadow Heart collection on PS4 followed by a new game. Also, the Wild Arms series can get a similar treatment. Oh and all the Shin Megami Tensei games.

[@kingkong-og4qu]

binge watch your videos great work

[@backinthedaygamer]

Nice vid. DQ VIII For sure! One of the best games I've ever played.

[@connormerritt5064]

Nice list. No Shin Megami Tensei though? Would like a PSP top 10 next. I just love handheld JRPGs, so Vita and 3DS soon haha.

[@davidvinc]

Hrm... I do love my PSP games.

[@jamesbrice3267]

The Digital Devil Saga games remain the best Tensei games next to the Persona series. Only games to make cannibalism a leveling up mechanic.

[@connormerritt5064]

James Brice I like every SMT game to be honest.

[@EpicMinecraftFail]

@@jamesbrice3267 play nocturne and just take the rest of those off

[@Jack_80]

@singularon1 dds is easier to get into because it's challenging without being as frustrating as nocturne. dds also has very decent voice acting for a ps2 game. i just bought dds 1 & 2, nocturne, p3 fes and persona 4 all on the ps3 store. p4 and p3 fes are the only ones i've beaten so far, got pretty far into dds1 and got a short way into nocturne. they're all great games but i have to be in the right mood to play nocturne, it takes more patience than the rest.

[@MsSmeek420]

Bummed no Radiata or Arc the Lad Twilight on here. But still a fun list!

[@OmniscientlyMe]

Radiata Stories gameplay was too boring. By mid game, battles are so easy you can win in your sleep; I speak from experience. The Arc the Lad series is one of my favorites.

[@Grumpyk1d]

Holy Sh!T!! I can't believe you actually included Growlanser on this list... I have been using the name Fallsmyer ever since I played that game. I use it for everything and have never had an issue getting the name, which led me to believe that no one else even knew about the game! It's truly a great game that almost no one knows about! Thank you for including it on this list.

[@Rhiga]

Good list thanks for the video!

[@bahamut191180]

lol dragon quest 8 yangus and trodain are on of the funiest characters in the dragon quest universe

[@arldoran]

5 more PS2 JRPGs to add here: 1- XenoSaga I - II - III , 2- Kingdom hears I - II , 3- Radiata Stories , 4- Metal Saga , 5- Magna Carta: Tears of Blood

[@yordlop]

Radiata Stories is one of the most criminally underrated JRPGs. The setting, the characters, the story, and the music are all as good as it gets, the graphics are beautiful, and the combat and mechanics are really fun too. Yet nobody's heard of it! It's such a shame.

[@dougm6106]

@@yordlop IKR right? I never heard of it, than when a found this gem in the middle of a friend games I was like NO WAY! It's as MUST play, graphics, history and specially battle system is perfect, just wish the game was a lil longer tho.

[@SoulsSliders]

Subscribed. Thank you for a list that makes sense. I love Final Fantasy but there are so many more options out there that are on the same level or better.

[@Natemasterflex]

Great video! Thanks

[@michaelcoffey1991]

damn good list :) very fun watch

[@TheMrCrown]

Such a shame, Metal Saga falls under everyone's radar. Great list though. ^^

[@Franckatana]

I agree with you, it is the first RPG that my brother could finish and he must have had over a thousand hours on it, it's his favorite PS2 game of all time, and the only J-RPG he ever finished.

[@hubi0079]

I was watching some of your top ten lists and ask myself why are you so unknown despite the quality and non cringyness of them. Thumbs up^^

[@Yup712]

“Dragon Quest VIII” was my first DQ game and is still one of my all-time favorite games! The art, the characters, the story, the incredible voice-acting, etc. It really is not just one of the best PS2 rpg’s but best rpg’s of all time.

[@playstationtwo877]

Is DQ8 worth playing on my ps2?

[@JWL216]

No xenosaga. Your missing out on the best rpg on the system.

[@Jack_80]

yeah that's my favorite on ps2. so disappointing that it wasn't very successful so we never got all 6 chapters that were intended. i think the first xenosaga was superior to ffx in every possible way but ffx was more successful just because it was a ff game.

[@christopherchilton1955]

Xenosaga is an alright anime, but the combat is awful and mind numbing. I played it through a long time ago, now I just watch a video of it and it's a much better experience.

[@Kaefer1973]

@@Jack_80 Meh I'm sure that there's something in FFX that's better than something in Xenosaga, if you want to compare Xenosaga to something truely worthless, just say FFXII. Anyway for me Xenosaga is a 8/10 game, so it would make the top 10 of any console era but the PS1 and PS2 era, but in the PS2 era there's just more than 10 9/10 RPG's I'd take over it (some of them on this list). p.s. 10/10 games don't exist, it is a rating reserved for a re-release of Tactics Ogre with the original gameplay but a new and improved user interface (I'm sorry Valkyrie Profile you are just a 99/100).

[@Slappaccino]

@@Kaefer1973 FF12 was better than 10 imo. FF10, while I love it, was literally just one long path from start to finish. The Cloister of Trials were, for the most part, insanely boring, too. Not challenging, just tedious and unnecessarily long. Now with Zodiac Age, FF12 blows FF10 away. Also... A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, and Bloodborne would like a word about that 10/10 comment.

[@Kaefer1973]

@@Slappaccino It seems the cloisers of trials were completely repressed memories of mine. Thank you for reawakening them? It's true that FFX was quite linear, but not as badly as FFXIII, and otherwise than these two, FFXII wasn't well streamlined enough. I didn't manage to get too far into FFXII, so I don't know about Zodiac Age, the implementation of the sidequests was not well done for me, every time they took me out of the main quest leaving me unable to care about the plot and soon stop playing alltogether. I could have just ignored the sidequests I guess, but that's not how I work as a player, I'm a bit of a completionist. FFXII is the only Final Fantasy that I started playing but stopped for losing interest aside From the original first Final Fantasy, so I guess it's it's either the worst or second worst part of the series to me personally (Never played FFIII, FFXI, FFIV or FFXV though), and I can't think of a single game I ever played that would have been blown out of the water by it (though I did play worse). Anyway for me a 10/10 is theoretical only, it's a rating reserved for a game impossible to further improve even a little, meaning that all changes wouldn't change the quality at all or make it worse. Bloodborne is great but no 10/10. p.s. I didn't like Zelda 2 and thought the first game to be only so-so, so I never looked at the series again, the more recent parts of the series I just don't know, but I doubt any of them is impossible to improve in some way and to some degree either.

[@funkowinner7563]

Shadow Hearts started on the Ps1. Look up koudelka.

[@briansmith4642]

you are 100% right,Love that game

[@2BooG]

Still a fun game. Might replay it

[@Cyril86]

Yeah, I was going to point that out too. Koudelka was a great game.

[@patrickpeyton7433]

When I was younger I couldn't get a lot of these games, but thanks to you I have a piece of paper with over 60 franchises written down. Your the best man.

[@juanjosefarina]

Thanks, it's a great list ! Don't know if complete, but the top 3 looks definitely my taste, so I'll be playing them right now :)

[@Soulkrist17]

Love the list, but a heads up on saying that Shadowhearts is all Ps2 is incorrect. The first game is actually Koudelka for PS1, so much so that she even shows up in the Heart's series.

[@Soulkrist17]

If you've not played it yet...do it! It's so good! Pretty short, finished the first disc in about an hour, but the characters are fun, has good bits of humour to help with the major horror aspect, and TONS of Lovecraftian elements to keep a Lovecraft fan like myself super happy!

[@pauljones327]

but technically shadow hearts is only a spiritual sequel

[@AfroDan42]

Na, it's a sequel. Events from Koudelka have a major effect on the story, characters from Koudelka return and you even visit the location from Koudelka in Shadow Hearts. A spiritual sequel "does not build upon the storyline established by a previous work [...] yet features many of the same elements, themes, and styles as its source material."

[@pauljones327]

i sorry but that is what the game developers aimed for ans achuieved

[@AfroDan42]

Shadow Hearts makes direct references to Koudelka, contains characters, items and locations from Koudelka and even has Koudelka from Koudelka in it. It is a sequel. It is not a direct sequel, but it's not a spiritual sequel either. But this is all semantics. Shadow hearts was designed to be enjoyed even without playing Koudelka, although there is something added to the story if you have.

[@Tw0tson]

no smt?????

[@gabbylapierre3585]

Yes!! I was hoping this list would come soon:))

[@digimontamer87]

I am soo glad u mentioned shadow hearts, tales of abyss and grandia those game not very well mentioned in the rpg community good job

[@brndn31107]

Solid list! I was really impressed with Radiata Stories and would have that on my list. Reminded me of a Suikoden but not as overwhelming with the recruitment. I also LOVE Dragon Quest VIII my only issue is that it seemed a little too drawn out with the mainline story.

[@brndn31107]

I've got DW7 in my backlog and I've heard it's ridiculously long lol I came up on most PS1 JRPGs that you can finish in 40-60 hours. These 80-100 hour games for the main storyline are tough to keep me interested even when I love them for the first 60 hours. Just a preference I guess ;)

[@Razmoudah]

DQ7 easily breaks the 100 hour mark to play through, although I didn't feel that the main story is excessively drawn out. My big complaint on DQ7 was when Maribel leaves the party. It's right when an uber-caster is going to be your most useful character in a boss fight. You almost have to know that is coming up and develop classes on your other characters just right or you get to start all over, with over 40 hours in, because your level is too high to get your others developing out the classes you need for the boss.

[@wolfpriesty13]

haha on an jrpg thats long i got 300 hours into ff x and haven't beaten it yet

[@Razmoudah]

You have to do a lot of optional stuff, and/or spend an insane amount of time grinding at select spots, to pull that. FFX can easily be beaten in less than 100 hours.

[@wolfpriesty13]

I know it could be beaten in under 100 hours but im going for a completionest playthrough and in my one playthrough i screwed up and didn't get tidus's i forget what its called but dark behomat guards it after you leave the area its for the ultimate weapon I got everyone elses ultimate weapon except that piece i was so crushed i had to stop playing for 4 years

[@CLONE_IX]

Did you play Rogue Galaxy? For me this is a hidden gem, too.

[@kingveelatte41]

Great list!! I need to play all of them

[@mackenzieusher8025]

Loved Growlanser! So much replayability with decisions that affect the storyline, plus a great battle system.

[@mrzepher2539]

I couldn't agree more Dragon quest 8 is an amazing game anyone who loves JRPGS owes it to themselves to play this game bring on DQ11 for the PS4

[@liquidmetalslime9]

Mr Zepher clap it up for this comment. I already have time off work for DQ11. I can't wait!!

[@itsCeCeLaLa]

My list 10- Grandia Xtreme 9- Grandia 3 8- Grandia 2 7- Valkyrie Profile 2 6-Star Ocean Till The End Of Time 5- Persona 4 4- Persona 3 3- Kingdom Hearts 2- .Hack//G.U. 1- Radiata Stories Radiata Stories will always be my number one Ps2 game! I received straight As and by grandma surprised me with my PlayStation 2 and a copy of Radiata Stories! She always enjoyed watching me play through it(any Jrpg for that matter) because of the passion and dedication I put into it. I put countless hours into it, and became so emotionally attached to the characters! Game play was beautiful, I loved the battle system and opportunity to recruit characters from all over! The choice you have to make midway through was a hard decision playing through my first time. My favorite part is the cameos later on in the game and the Easter egg of obtaining armor that resembled a character from Star Ocean Till the end of time! I don’t want to forget to mention how it’s amazing when you equip armor and weapons and they actually change in the battle! The weapons are amazing! All time favorite weapon had to be Falvern and second being Efreet! I highly recommend giving it a shot, it’s an amazing game to play through!

[@tendresseak27]

The original Shadow Hearts is my favourite ps2 rpg altough Covenant was a great sequel. Dq VIII is indeed a masterpiece.

[@Pecgbr]

0:00 - Star Ocean: Till the End of Time 1:15 - Ys 06: The Ark of NapishtiM 2:18 - Wld Arms 4 3:25 - ShadowHearts 2 4:42 - GrowLanser Generations ( 2: The Sense of Justice , 3 : The Dual Darkness) 5:44 - Grandia 2 6:45 - Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy 7:51 - Suikoden 5 8:56 - Tales of Abyss 10:10 - Dragon Quest 6: Jorney of the Cursed King

[@jeffmurphy8283]

Thanks 4 the time stamp But it is Dragon Quest 8 we know this cause it is a Good ps2 rpg Game we have it as well (Not) #6 But still nice of you would like if more you tubers would have a time stamp for videos or more others that Did them please keep doing them!!! Also can Any one give us some Really Good ideas for other Great Games we may like for ps2,ps3?!! We Really like Anime, rpgs/jrpgs,even some old school turn Based stuff like f.fantasy (maybe) our favorite?!! (#s4,9,6,10),Dragon Quest,Rogue Galaxy, and other such some strategy Games like Risk,Romance of the 3 kingdoms,civilization, as well as Gta Etc/etc and Thanks again?!! : ) = ) P.s. we like some story & other such as well as Adventure,Fun combat,Nice cut scenes And all the other such Also love stuff like Deus Ex!!!,crimson sea 2,Game of Thrones and the like and if you Reply 2 this please let us know your Replying 2 this very comment and let us know some Details of your picks and why?? Thanks?!! (please Don"t (Just) pick something everyone knows But All kinds we may like and do not own Also not Rich so Not any super high$$)

[@jeffmurphy8283]

Also shin megami Tensei (Nocturne) Love

[@jamesdomonte9900]

What about the dot.Hack games for the PS2? It came with 4 disc and it's very re-playable too.

[@DjinnSvinets]

The difficult part is finding the 4th part for a good enough price.

[@NashKetchum]

Djinn Svinets emulation bro. Very few copies of the 4th game exist

[@tjwaters3050]

you are the man and I'm sad that is wasn't on this list

[@Lord_of_the_sixth_house]

Me too. The maps got repetitive and the combat gets stale after a while but suuuch a good story

[@joshua7426]

@@DjinnSvinets download burn to disc simple as that, also found a copy on ebay for 8 bucks

[@thevdevalcryon]

Suikoden V is indeed a great game, but theres no arguing that Suikoden II has the best storyline.

[@Ashtarte3D]

Yes there is. Suikoden V's story is more interesting than II's. Come at me. >:O Suikoden II was great when you were worried about Luca Blight and such but once Jowy becomes that villain for lame reasons the story takes a bit of a nosedive.

[@johntracy72]

True, but this is about RPG's for Playstation 2.

[@illburnmydread]

@@Ashtarte3D care to explain why jowy's reason is lame? High probability that you didn't even understand the story at all.

[@beutofulldespair8355]

Dude tried to say V was as good as the series gets lol. Anyone who has ever played 1 and 2 knows that that statement is laughable. I'd even go as far as to say that 3 is better than 5. I'm sorry 5 just did not capture me like the other's. I didn't feel the magic

[@notyoursavior78]

3 was terrible at first, it gets better if you stick with it, but I often thought 4 was better than 3. Since I did wind up beating 3 much later after the fact it came out, I tended to enjoy it more, but it makes a lousy first impression. I liked 5, I thought it was magical but we all have different opinions and that's ok. Have a nice week.

[@fenniken5381]

your top 10s and lets plays may motivate me to get games i'd never consider without help. that's why I pay attention in youtube, it shows new things, mainly obscure things. what are your thoughts on the ark the lad series?

[@davidvinc]

The first and second are good if you like strategy RPGs, the third is a drag. The one on the PS2 is surprisingly good and can be had for very cheap.

[@agentorangecb1]

Great video and impeccable taste! I would like this twice if I could.... Shadow Hearts 2 is a gem!!

[@FlaccidGnome]

I know no one will agree with me but i absolutely loved Arc the Lad twilight of the spirits. Ps2 tacticle rpg with two seperate storylines that eventually converge.

[@Zadok83]

I definitely agree with you. One of my all time favorites! I really enjoyed Darc, Bebedora, and believe it or not, Droguza.

[@yjzep9922]

Haven't played it, and I loved all 3 games in the collection on ps1. Lol I even own it already. Collectors backlogs lol......

[@matthewschomer3012]

I enjoyed it too, but my favorite PS2 JRPG was Suikoden 3, and the guy who made this video said the chapters split between multiple protagonists were "boring." I thought they were the highlight of both games. You can't account for taste.

[@capo200christian]

never finished that game

[@NakedSnake85]

Ay, Guv!!! DQ8 is what I consider a perfect JRPG. I am now playing 11 for the first time and it seems great too👌

[@KainaX122]

Yes! Loved the look of TotA and was not disappointed

[@directionlessstudios7210]

Great list. I love the PS2 JRPGs! One of the best platforms for localized JRPG selection.

[@ihavecrabs56]

tht shadow heart and growlansergames look interesting

[@davidvinc]

They're great, check them out on a rainy day, you'll love them!

[@lingivey36]

Shadow Hearts 2 is one of the best RPG's I've ever played and I didn't even play the first one. Fantastic characters music, world, and battle system

[@pauljones327]

shadow hearts 1 is good solid rpg and well worth a play through shadow hearts from a new world is good but a big letdown

[@shaneh87]

Both those games caught my eye as well while watching this. I'd heard of them before but never really looked into it. Will defo be checking them out now.

[@JhuzyMobnClass]

all shadow heart are good. three of them.

[@pikapikapitiful]

Kinda weird that persona didn't make it

[@kuroikensai202]

cos it is actually garbage full of anime cliche and BORING dialogues. Not worst games ever, but just dont stand up to best RPG on PS2. P2IS and P2EP on PSX was so much deeper and mature.

[@samuelsalvatore4511]

​@@kuroikensai202 persona is not about being deep and mature... its about the characters and human problems like depression or social masks, if you want something deep you must search on others shin megami tensei games

[@gabrielst527]

I would only add persona 4. but the rest are not that good (on ps2) same with kingdom hearts, really overrated.

[@Kaefer1973]

@@gabrielst527 I'd say Persona 3 is as good as 4 and since it's older I'd mention it over Persona 4. Than again I mostly remember the PSP adaptation which is a quite a bit better than the original PS1 version of Persona 3 (+FES) or the PS Vita adptation of Persona 4.

[@boitahaki]

Maybe because Persona games are bad.

[@Dingbat42069]

Coming back to all these old videos now that I have a steam deck and need some recommendations. Can’t wait to play suikoden for the first time!

[@rahiislam283]

You're awesome man & thnks for placing DQ8 on number 1

[@davidtimmer596]

Kingdom Hearts 2, Star Ocean 3, Rogue Galaxy, Dark Cloud, those were my PS2 jams.

[@bskilla4892]

Shadow Hearts Covenant. If you haven't played it, PLAY IT.

[@donfran4147]

No complaims about rank # 1 but what about darkcloud 2 and rogue galaxy? Those two games are far better than all of the entire list (except for dragon quest VIII)

[@vvolfflovv]

I missed out on most of these but love what I'm seeing and will definitely add them to my to do list. Really wish they'd bring more PS 1&2 games back.

[@jamesschutz7734]

Good list although having no Valkyrie Profile 2 Silmeria, Dark Chronicle and definitely Odin's Sphere would make the list more balanced and complete since I see a few games on this list that would fall short against this trio. Especially Odin's Sphere since the game was remastered for PS3,PS4 and the Vita and still holds up well today.

[@wolfpriesty13]

You should of given a shout out to shin megami tensei nocturne or digital devil saga both are amazing ps2 games. i also would suggest disgaea 2 and dark cloud kingdom hearts 1 or 2 also arc the lad if you didn't wanna go disgaea Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome is a good pick too there is ALOT of ps2 games none final fantasy that could be top 10 material depending on person so my list would be 10. dark cloud 9. disgaea 2 or makai kingdom chronicles of the sacred tome 8. star ocean till end of time *i agree with you on it being a top 10* 7. shadow hearts convenant *i agree with you on it being top 10* 6. grandia 3 *i perfer 3 over 2* 5. rogue galaxy 4. Arc the lad twilight of the spirits 3. Kingdom hearts 1 or 2 *both are top 10 material but were really getting to prefrence on my top 3* 2. dragon quest 8 *it's second place only because number 1 has a special place in my heart* 1. shin megami tensei nocturne *my favorite shin megami tensei game but honestly digital devil saga or Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha games could be top 10 too they were really amazing now nocturne to me is number 1 the others would be lower*

[@Senelfist87]

wolfpriesty13 oh MAN, I loved Arc the Lad Twilight of the Spirits!

[@wolfpriesty13]

yeah its one of my favoriteout of the arc the lad games

[@elmoisred616]

Ys for ps2 is so underrated

[@jeffmazziotta]

The character art in growlancer is so beautiful

[@WMartinNI]

Can't argue with your number one, DQVIII was awesome. Dark Chronicle would have been my number 2. Haven't played a lot of the others although I loved the wild arms series, particularly the earlier ones

[@jonettheonly]

Tales of Destiny 2 was never released in the west. The game you are referring to is Tales of Eternia. Please address it as such so we can avoid spreading misinformation in the future. Thank you.

[@jaquanrice1066]

ジョネーJonét Social Media?

[@konstantine2034]

shadow hearts covenant is a masterpiece

[@vitorhenriquebatista]

Great list. I would include Persona 4, SMT Nocturne, Valkyrie Profile 2 and Kingdom Hearts 2. Which I would take off? Maybe Mana Kemia, Growlanser, Wild Arms and Star Ocean.

[@CascadeHope]

I started watching the video after seeing Tales of the Abyss in the Preview Card, and am happy with where it was placed. I first started the Tales series with Tales of Symphonia, and found TotA at a game store for $20. I tried it, and I loved it. While ToS was played through, I didn’t fully understand the mechanics (probably was too young at the time). But TotA hit me at just the right time. I’m hard pressed on if I like TotA or ToS: Dawn of the New World more, but I loved it. DQ8 was also an excellent game, so no complains to it losing there.

[@futureicon23]

Doing this after my PS1 list: one per series, here goes: 1. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 (prefer Golden version of course, but I won't have a Vita list obviously :/ Hands down, the. best. PS2. RPG. ever) 2. Dragon Quest VIII (would put Dragon Quest V Remake as well if 2 games are permitted) 3. Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix+ (I don't have a PS4, but I played it and beat in on PS2) 4. Genso Suikoden V (right on par with Suikoden II in my opinion) 5. Tales of the Abyss (Tales of Destiny: Director's Cut at a veeery close second) 6. Wild Arms: the Vth Vanguard 7. Star Ocean: Till the End of Time 8. Xenosaga: Episode III 9. Valkyrie Profile II: Silmeria 10. Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories Honorable Mentions: - Grandia III (sadly Grandia II doesn't count for me :/ Dreamcast version is so much superior) - Ar tonelico II - .hack//G.U. series

[@IceHedge]

Great list! Not everyone has played every RPG on the system , and even then this boils down to opinion, so I can understand why RPGs like Rogue Galaxy and dot hack aren't on this list.. I tried to get into DQVIII, even bought it new for the PS2 years back, but the extremely repetitive battle music (8 second loop if my memory is correct) and the goofy Looney tunes monsters and character design pulled me out(how many pigs with tubas do I have to kill in this field? Can't I take their tubas and sell them? Is brass as useless as dirt in this world?). And when you finally meet the female lead, she has pigtails(biggest pet peeve of mine)? I was in a state of mind much like this year where AAA titles were being released back to back though, and had plenty other games to keep me busy, so finding things like this , while to others are non issues, are why it's hard to have a Top 10 list without offending someone out there- too many great games on the system!

[@kelza133]

I loved Arc the lad: Twilight of the spirits. Replayed that over and over :)

[@Abysslover91]

Man great list Tales of the abyss is my fav game of all time shadow hearts is amazing too :3

[@jacksonskipper1518]

please write a list of the games in order in video description pls? only makes sense

[@gynyzyss3]

What about rogue Galaxy??

[@johntracy72]

gynyzyss3 I have Rogue Galaxy.

[@deanxile]

WUT ABOT RADIATA STORIES

[@omiorahman6283]

Nice

[@mistahkrazy7886]

Dragon Quest VIII was a masterpiece! I played through that game so many times. Absolutely my favorite game on the PS2.

[@cemetery895]

You're awesome for putting Mana Khemia 2 and Star Ocean 3, my favorites in both series. I actually really liked Tales of the Abyss and Symphonia, but I prefer Tales of Vesperia and Graces-f.

[@RDY7]

Rogue galaxy?

[@ThatChainmecha]

Where's smt?!!!!!

[@rafaelbruno2128]

Aparently he likes only low cheap dragon quest clone games

[@brandonsmusicpage1]

Nice list!