The Top Ten Games that Defined My Childhood
Sony's Playstation 2 was a turning point for me as a gamer. It was my first real console. I received it for Christmas as a gift from my parents when I was 7 in 2001. This would mark the start of my formative years of gaming, some amazing years with amazing memories! Let's take a trip down memory lane, as I share with you my top ten PS2 games of my childhood:
10. Spongebob Squarepants: Battle for Bikini Bottom
I've always loved Spongebob Squarepants, and the first four seasons of the show were a HUGE part of my childhood (and the many references that so many people in my generation share from this show). What was even more awesome, especially as a kid, was to be able to actually step into the world of Bikini Bottom! I loved this game for so many reasons, from the hysterical dialogue between the characters, to the ridiculous missions that had me laughing the whole time. What other game can you bungie jump as Spongebob by the waistband of his underwear, or snowboard down Sand Mountain with his tongue? This game stayed true to the essence of the show and it's characters, and was a necessary experience for any Spongebob fan to take.
9. Pac-Man World 2
I have put so many hours into this game. Albeit many frustrating ones, there were some great memories. This was such a great representation of the classic Pac Man games in three dimensional form, that it was a blast to play. From butt bouncing, to flying through the air chomping on a pac-dot chain, to defeating the ghost bosses, you were guaranteed a fresh take on the gaming classic. This game, while adorable and extremely easy in the first levels, actually grows to be difficult! It's unique qualities and increasing difficulty is what grants Pac Man World 2 a spot on this list.
8. Harvest Moon: It's a Wonderful Life Special Edition
I also put a lot of time into this game, but half of it was spent on loading screens! Harvest Moon: It's a Wonderful Life is in fact what it advertises in the title, a wonderful life to virtually live! I never knew that a game about farming could actually be enthralling until I played this. Farming itself was fun, but the real fun came in the relationships with others in the game. Wooing the possible bachelorettes in the game was so much fun, which is what has made Harvest Moon such a popular franchise as it is today. What was also fun were the subplots within the game, such a the sprites you discover while exploring your town. Adventure, dating, and farming- It's what makes up a truly wonderful virtual life.
7. Sonic Heroes
This is still my favorite sonic game (and I'm referring to the three dimensional installments in the series, not the classic side-scrollers). Sonic heroes combined really clever level designs, with the fun of being able to control multiple teams of characters from the sonic world. It was a very unique and extremely fun sonic experience that everyone should try out.
6. Spider-Man 2
If you ask any Spider-Man fan what game was their favorite- this will always be the answer (And we all know that I'm a huge Spider-Man fan). There was some magic in this game that still makes it reign supreme over so many installments, for so many fans. An open world new york, combined with great and rememberable boss battles, as well as a story line that well represents the movie is the recipe for a great Spider-Man game. Not to mention that web-swinging around New York really never gets old. Surprised this isn't my number one pick?
5. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
This game...This game. So many great memories. I am a huge Harry Potter fan, and out of all the games in the franchise that I have played, this is the best. And I have actually replayed this game fully over ten times. Although Harry and his friends have a very cartoonish representation in this installment, you get over it fast. You get the complete Hogwarts experience in this game, from hanging out in the Burrow, to buying your books and supplies in Hogsmead, to being in class, defeating Voldemort, and winning the house cup, this is a journey that any Harry Potter fan needs to take. Every aspect of the Harry Potter universe that we know and love is represented! The best part though? Being able to fly your Nimbus 2000 all throughout the grounds of Hogwarts, whenever you want. It's bloody brilliant.
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I had previously played installments of the Crash Bandicoot series on the first Playstation prior to getting this game, but this was my favorite. Cortex is back, and ready to lead you to your demise. What makes this game my favorite installment of the series are the unique levels that mix up the classic level styles. One in particular that was my favorite was the level when you get to roll around in a giant hamster ball on a bamboo track. The design of the game was also great, with 5 warp rooms with 5 levels and a boss in each. That makes 25 exciting, and sometimes controller-throwing levels to explore and love (or get frustrated with). Some of the bosses are difficult, and I'm talking early on in the game!
3. Kingdom Hearts 2
This is an obvious pick for any PS2 owner. Kingdom Hearts was the dream gaming franchise- an RPG with awesome original characters mixed with all of your favorite Disney and Final Fantasy characters. This game is near and dear to my heart, and my first really serious title in my gaming history. My favorite part about the game was the backstory with Roxas that you play in the beginning, it gave the game great depth to the storyline and characters. Not to mention how cool it was to see all of the characters grown up!
2. Tony Hawk's Underground
I have replayed this so many times I actually don't even have a number. I had (and still have) a weakness for skating games. This is also in my opinion one of the best of the best. I loved the Tony Hawk games, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 being my previous favorite. Underground had a great storyline, and made it so much fun to try to go pro. This would be my favorite game of all time, if not for one more that stole my heart...
1. Tony Hawk's American Wasteland
This is the best game, with the fondest memories. When I did my interview for GameStop, and was asked what my favorite game of all time was, I said THAM. And why? Four words: Open world Los Angeles. This was the first time in the series that loading screens were eliminated, by having you take a bus, and to go to other cities skating through alleyways and shopping mall hallways. You could skate Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills one minute, and then skate through the Santa Monica Pier. The storyline was really fun, with great original characters, and fun character customization. This is my favorite game of all time, and will always hold a big place in my heart. Not to mention the kick-ass soundtrack!
What were your favorite PS2 games? Let me know in the comments!
-Zoe
