Backwards compatibility is an odd topic these days. In an era of so many remasters and remakes, it seems to be getting less popular to digitally re-release an old game with the minimum necessary resolution and system-level upgrades. Apart from the fondly remembered Virtual Console of Nintendo’s Wii/Wii U days,Sonyalso made an effort to bring many PS1 and PS2 titles to the PS3 and PS4. Many will recall the PS1 Classics line for PS3, that included a fairly large number ofFinal Fantasygames,Spyro,Crash Bandicoot, and various other beloved games for that era. Sony took some steps to continue that line into thePS2era for the PS4, but stopped at an odd point.
As it stands, the list ofPlayStation 2titles for the PS4 include 54 games, the vast majority of which were re-released between 2015 and 2018. The two 2018 games were fighting games from SNK, and the lone 2019 title was Bandai Namco’sAce Combat 5: The Unsung War. Even more bizarrely, only six PS2 games were re-released in Japan, with most of the effort going into putting games out in North America and Europe. It has been over two years since a PS2 game has been re-released as an emulated title on a PlayStation system. With many of the PS2’s classics turning 20 this year, it’s about time for Sony to step up to bat with more old games.
Sony’s Back Catalogue Has Winners
One of the most surprising things to realize when looking back at the PS2 titles not on modern systems is how many iconic Sony titles are missing from the lineup.God of War 3 Remasteredand the 2018God of Warsoft reboot are the onlyGod of Wargames present on the PS4;God of War1and2being conspicuously absent. The originalRatchet & Clanktrilogy, including the first game,Going Commando, andUp Your Arsenal, are also absent on the PS4, despite the first game’sremake being there, andRift Apartcoming outsoon for PS5. All of these games have been released in past collections, but it’s prime time to bring them to modern consoles.
The originalSly Coopertrilogy, while not as relevant as those other games, is also missing from the PS4 despite its PS3 re-release. Having those games back would be a great leadup to a revival, as would Guerrilla Games’ classic first-person shooterKillzone.Killzone 1is dated, but a package ofKillzone1,2, and3would still drum up some hype for the old series.
Genji: Dawn of the Samuraiwould be a great game to remind players that there was another, better game in that infamously meme’d hack-and-slash franchise. Finally, it is a real shame thatICO’s last appearance was on a PS3 collection withShadow of the Colossus. The beautiful old puzzle platformer deserves new life on a console that can really let its visuals shine.
And Third-Parties to Celebrate
Of course, the PlayStation 2 was a massive system, sporting game variety fueled by developers all over the world. Third-party titles likeDragon Quest 8: Journey of the Cursed Kingand the originalBurnouttrilogy added a lot of spice to Sony’s already strong first-party offering, and it would be great to have them back.
Capcom could bring forward itsClover Studio classicsViewtiful JoeandGod Handto add a healthy dose of stylish action to the PS4 and PS5’s lineup. Ubisoft could bringRayman 2,3, andBeyond Good & Evilforward to delight many fans without too much hassle. Tecmo Koei’s olderNinja Gaidengames are finally reaching modern platforms, but some of the olderDynasty Warriorsgames, like3and4, deserve to come with them.
Namco Bandai has always been a very strong supporter of PlayStation platforms, and it could finally remasterSoul Calibur 2,Tekken Tag Tournament, andTales of Symphoniafor the PS4 and PS5. Atlus could bringPersona 3and4to the PS4 to stand besidePersona 5, and Konami could even give remasteringSilent Hill 2and3another shot. And of course,many a fan would kill to haveTimeSplitters 2on modern consoles, especially with online multiplayer. There is an incredible excess of great PlayStation 2 games that deserve to be brought to the PS4 and PS5, and many are hoping that Sony will start authorizing their releases once again.
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