'Final Fantasy X' (2002)
While a whole generation discovered role-playing thanks to FFVII, the next one found it through FFX. While it captivated newcomers and became one of the system's most iconic games, it was also a benchmark for the series: fully polygonal environments and fully voiced characters became a reality, and it controversially removed the world map and levelling system for a innovative 'sphere grid'. What captivated everyone, however, was the unique feel of the adventure. While the premise of a linear ritual journey made the story seem simple, it kept the player focused on the plot and made those sudden detours all the more powerful. Nigh on perfect character design led by a staple effeminate lead secured a story as noteworthy as the gameplay. An essential purchase.
Also recommended: Final Fantasy X-2
'Final Fantasy XII' (2007)
A second Final Fantasy in this list is a controversial choice, but its radical overhaul to the series deserves particular notice. The idea of an offline MMORPG doesn't sound too appealing, but FFXII gave you a convincingly lifelike party that would act on its own accord. With the right preparation, they could do anything without command - healing at low health or casting fire on ice enemies are basic but powerful examples. Any doubts of changing turn-based to real-time combat were instantly quashed, especially with the trappings of hundreds of quests to undertake. While it was a departure for the series - putting its strong storytelling stance on the backfoot - its gameplay was undoubtedly the finest yet.
Also recommended: Final Fantasy XI, Grandia II
'God Of War' (2005)
As far as hack-and-slash adventures go this comes out on top, on any system before or since. Turning Greek myth from dusty school subject to an exhilarating spectacle is a stroke of genius, going perfectly with the silly amounts of gore and death at every corner. The combat system is a godsend; its sound design and score put to excellent use; intelligent puzzles to rival Zelda for pacing and the use of surroundings; and its magnificent boss fights kept you constantly entertained. It's a thoroughly structured adventure that never tires from beginning to end. While the sequel is more of the same, you wouldn't wish for anything different - continuing an engaging story that climaxes with an insufferable cliffhanger that'll only be resolved with purchasing a PS3. Typical!
Also recommended: God Of War II, Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
'Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas' (2004)
GTA was the reason you bought a PS2, but there's more than enough reason to go back to it. Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories are now available after a brief stint on the PSP, giving you a chance to revisit those old haunts of your gaming youth with all new characters and objectives. And as much as we enjoyed Grand Theft Auto IV, it sure as hell sucked the fun out of everything; San Andreas allowed you to parachute from planes, hover across entire cities on jetpack, bounce in hydraulic cars, and pop to the gym to lift weights. You can't exactly put on twenty stone and jump from a commercial airliner over Xbox Live, can you?
Also recommended: Vice City, III, Liberty City Stories, Vice City Stories
'Gran Turismo 4' (2005)
What makes Gran Turismo 4 better than any other racing game is its unrelenting drive towards attention to detail. It has everything you loved from before, with the ability to meticulously tweak every facet of your motor from bumper to bumper, to that uncanny accuracy in which cars sound and feel. It's the ultimate racing package, with more tracks and challenges that you could possibly undertake in a lifetime. The addition of managing your race in B-Spec mode is a subtle but welcome addition, making those hardcore 24 hour races more tolerable for those who don't like the taste of energy drinks. While it's not always fun or fair, it commands respect with its ridiculous depth, and still looks completely gorgeous.
Also recommended: Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec
'Jak And Daxter: The Precursor Legacy' (2001)
After Naughty Dog cut its teeth with the excellent Crash Bandicoot trilogy, and before it went on to animate Nathan Drake's untucked shirt in Uncharted, they created Jak And Daxter. An incredibly solid platformer, it established a true sense of connectivity with its environments, a holistic adventure in the way it was styled and constructed. Although it became more action-orientated as the series progressed, its platforming roots still flourished and the polish was never spared - it's truely a beauty to behold and explore. It may have been in Ratchet & Clank's shadow, but it felt more consistent within its own universe, staying as a platformer no matter how many lasers were flung its way.
Also recommended: Ratchet & Clank, Sly Cooper, Beyond Good & Evil
'Kingdom Hearts' (2002)
While Super Smash Bros. has established itself as the ultimate video game collaboration, Kingdom Hearts is a true clash of characters. Mashing together pop culture icons and role-playing characters into one action RPG, putting Disney and Square Enix properties together shouldn't work,but it made for a consistent universe full of surprises and cameos at every turn. It cleverly created new leads and put our favourites as the supporting cast; Donald and Goofy tag along as your party, Squall and Cloud battle it out in the Coliseum, and Chip and Dale fix your ship, all in a bid to rescue princesses from the most evil Disney villains. It's a sweet idea that's never too sickly, with a simple but satisfying combat system to keep things ticking. A bizarre experiment that must be seen to believed.
Also recommended: Kingdom Hearts II, Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories
'Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater' (2005)
Anyone completely put off by Hideo Kojima's previous attempts to baffle with story and stealth will find solace with Snake Eater. While it still places a great emphasis on hiding in its jungle environments - perhaps even more so than before - the camouflage system ensures it's a more practical, engaging and tense exercise. Better still, its prequel status makes it a worthwhile standalone effort that does away with the heavy plot and codec conversations, but still has some of the most iconic moments in series history. And for those simply wanting to mess with guards in new and imaginative ways, this is the absolute pinnacle. The director's cut version, Subsistence, has a more manageable camera and added bonus features - if you can find it.
Also recommended: Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty
'Shadow Of The Colossus' (2006)
Not since Super Metroid has a game captured the feeling of isolation in a foreign and unexplored land so well. To revive a loved one, Wander must take on a fleet of colossi - ancient beasts in the form of towering giants - with only his faithful steed by his side. With no towns to visit or people to interact with, the game is effectively a series of boss battles with vast stretches of fields and cliffs between every one. When you finally reach the Colossus, each battle is a perfect blend of strategy, puzzle and exhilarating action, with a powerful orchestral score to cheer you on. The combination of overwhelming vistas to explore and imaginative beasts to conquer make for one the most unique and beautiful adventures ever made.
Also recommended: Ico
'Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4' (2009)
Shooting yourself in the head is generally not a good idea, but in Persona it comes highly recommended. Doing so releases a demon to use in battle, previously obtained by strengthening relationships in high school. Confused? Half social-simulator and half dungeon-crawler, by day you attend classes, hang out with your mates and go to the cinema to raise your academic and social abilities, and at night you pop a cap in your brain to take down demons in a towering dungeon. The two completely different styles work a charm, bouncing off each other to the point where you eagerly await playing the other at all times. Multi-faceted and full of complex but brilliant decisions, this is the exact reason why people still hang on to this tireless console.
Also recommended: Persona 3: FES, Dragon Quest VIII:Journey Of The Cursed King
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