The PlayStation 2 is a beloved era in the history of video games as it saw the rise of Sony in the console space while also seeing the introduction of some of the biggest gaming franchises that still are popular to this day. However, there were so many games on the console that it's easy to forget about some that came out.
When looking back at this generation, simulation games were not at their height nor very popular. Therefore, there are quite a few experiences in the genre that are easy to forget about nearly two decades since they first came out.
7 All-Star Baseball 2002
Before San Diego Studio began its journey of being the sole developer of the premier MLB game, there were other studios that had some time working with the highly valuable license. Among them was the now defunct Acclaim Sports, which made games like All-Star Baseball 2002.
A critically forgettable entry in the plethora of baseball video games, the entry features all 30 teams that players are able to use in exhibition games as well as full seasons. The unique feature of this game was its Hall of Fame team, which included famous retired players who had been inducted into Cooperstown.
6 Bass Strike
While it tends to be a smaller mechanic within games nowadays, fishing games seemed to be more popular and frequent when the PlayStation 2 was around. One of the less popular simulators to come out during that era was Bass Strike.
Published by the original THQ, Bass Strike advertised itself as a game that took fishing to the next level with its "beautiful graphics" as well as high-stakes action that was the Bass Masters Tournament Trail, which challenged players to try to be the very best in the sport.
5 Dog's Life
Technically an adventure game, Dog's Life is one of the few games out there that actually put players in control of a normal dog doing things that normal dogs do, hence why the game felt like a simulation as well.
The story revolves around Jake on his journey to save fellow dogs who have been getting kidnaped randomly while trying to find the exact reason why it is happening. Along the way, he will dig up bones, find random food items to eat, and partake in challenges that will ultimately make him a hero.
4 The Urbz: Sims In The City
Among the more popular simulation games out there is EA's The Sims series. For years, the series made its name on PC, but during the early 2000s, it began releasing some spin-off games exclusively on consoles. The Urbz: Sims In The City was among them.
Unlike most Sims games, The Urbz actually had a story that revolved around the player character's rise in popularity and taking on villains in each district of the game's setting. Plus, the game features both the members of Black Eyed Peas as characters and some original music sung by the group that was translated into Simlish.
3 City Crisis
It's always fun to be the hero in dangerous situations, but it is rare that players get to do that while always inside a helicopter. City Crisis provided the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the aircraft and also do some truly wild things with it.
The premise of City Crisis has players in control of a rescue helicopter that can do almost anything. Missions include putting out fires using an attachment that sprays water down and also rescuing people from serious situations. The goal of each mission varies, and there is a time limit, meaning the pressure is on to understand a situation and accurately tackle it.
2 Sky Odyssey
A lot of forgotten simulation games on the PlayStation 2 are those that did not get a good reception upon launch, but Cross' Sky Odyssey actually was so well-received that some outlets even argued that the game should be a must-have in someone's library.
The game follows a mission-based structure, requiring players to fly through fictional locations in borderline dangerous conditions. While this is happening, objects such as artifacts and pieces of a map can be found throughout the area. There are many modes, ranging from free flight to Sky Canvas mode, which tasks players with writing words in the sky.
1 Sub Rebellion
With multiple games featuring aircraft covered, it is worth noting that there were a couple of PS2 games that came out involving the exact opposite: underwater traversal. One of the most intriguing titles with a deeper than usual storyline is Sub Rebellion.
A spiritual successor to the arcade game In The Hunt, Sub Rebellion focuses on exploring the undersea area collecting weapons and using them to attack enemies that are attempting to bring down the submarine that the player is controlling. It takes place in 2145 in a world that is nearly completely underwater, thanks to apocalyptic events.