Currently stuck in 2004 (PS2 related)

[Dire 51]

I usually don't do recommendation threads, but it occurred to me the other day while looking through my small PS2 collection that the last original (in this case, meaning not a sequel or arcade/console comp) game I bought for it was released in 2004: Katamari Damacy.

Between 2004 and 2006 I missed a lot of what was going on with the PS2. I had sold mine, and as such didn't bother to keep up with what was coming out for it at the time. When I finally got a new system in 2006, I didn't bother too much with any new original titles, just the arcade comps and such that I missed. Since there have been so many games released since 2004, I decided to just ask those who would know about them, rather than slog my way through a massive amount of info.

So right now I'm looking for suggestions for any good PS2 titles* to keep an eye out for over the next few years. I'm personally not buying anything for it at the moment, but what with Christmas and my birthday coming up soon, someone might need a gift idea.

* Please don't list any of the following: RPGs, FPS, sports/racing, strategy/tactics/simulations, anything that requires that you be online or takes more than 10 hours to complete. Also: I have played Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Neo Contra, but was not impressed with either of them.

My current collection:

Gradius III & IV
Gradius V
Castlevania: Lament of Innocence
Contra: Shattered Soldier
Rygar: The Legendary Adventure
Katamari Damacy
Crazy Taxi
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Capcom Classics Collection Volume 1
Capcom Classics Collection Volume 2
Taito Legends
Taito Legends 2
Metal Slug Anthology
Sega Genesis Collection

[Cloud121]

Katamari Damacy was released in 2004, not 2003.

[Dire 51]

Katamari Damacy was released in 2004, not 2003.

Really? Damn, I must not be awake yet. I'll fix that now.

You've made this tough with your exclusions. But I shall offer some insight.

The Red Star
God Hand
We Love Katamari
Under the Skin
Okami (might break the 10-hour rule)
God of War I and II (might break the 10-hour rule)
Raiden III
Zone of the Enders 2: The Second Runner

Thanks, Oobgarm. I've been meaning to check out We Love Katamari for a while now: is it better than the first or what?

[Oobgarm]

Kinda. It's really more of the same. You can only do so much with that style of gameplay.

You need to check out Red Star for sure. It's a nice Contra/Bullet Hell hybrid.

[Dire 51]

I'll keep The Red Star in mind then. Would you say it's better than Neo Contra?

[Oobgarm]

I'd say so.

[Oobgarm]

You've made this tough with your exclusions. But I shall offer some insight.

The Red Star
God Hand
We Love Katamari
Under the Skin
Okami (might break the 10-hour rule)
God of War I and II (might break the 10-hour rule)
Raiden III
Zone of the Enders 2: The Second Runner

[8bitgamer]

I recommend Maximo Ghosts to Glory and Maximo Army of Zin, two vastly underrated games.

Classic Home Video Games 1972-1984

[Sothy]

wtf
/me hunts for red star

I thought it was canned.

[vincewy]

Looks like you're into shooters, for PS2, don't forget

R-Type Final
Raiden III (mentioned earlier but I'll reinforce it).

How about puzzle games? Many titles are cheap at half.com and amazon if you can't find them locally

Bombastic (sequel to Devil's Dice)
Aqua Aqua

PSOne has quite a few classic shooters published by Working Designs.

[Dire 51]

Man, I forgot all about this thread. Thanks for the updates and new suggestions, everyone (and thanks for reviving this, Mike).

[Sotenga]

Man, I forgot all about this thread. Thanks for the updates and new suggestions, everyone (and thanks for reviving this, Mike).

No prob, Rob. ^_^

Curiously, what games out of all that have been mentioned seem the most likely that you'll be getting next?

[Dire 51]

Honestly, I have no idea.