Red Dead Redemption 2 has shaped up to be the most popular wild west action adventure title ever made, and Rockstar deserves their kudos for building such a gorgeous cinematic world, and a story that never lets up.
When the dust has settled and you’ve accomplished everything you’ve set out to do in the game, there are lots of other great titles to tackle. The PlayStation 2 has more than a few hits that RDR2 fans might love, and we’ve listed 10 that hit the bullseye, right here.
10 Red Dead Revolver
The logical choice would be to go back to the game that helped propel Rockstar’s spaghetti western franchise to the heights it currently enjoys. Red Dead Revolver brought the 1880s wild west to life in a way that other titles had failed to do, even if they came close.
While the “Redemption” titles would focus on an open world environment in the vein of Grand Theft Auto, Revolver was much more linear in approach and execution. Still, it laid the groundwork for what was later to come, in all of its cinematic glory.
9 Gun
Back in the day, one might be forgiven for thinking that Activision’s Gun would become the top dog of wild west video games. After all, it boasted high production values, an open world environment, and a stellar voice cast including Hollywood heavies like Thomas Jane, Kris Kristofferson, and Ron Perlman, to name a few.
Unfortunately, the goodness of Gun would never be duplicated in a full sequel, and any hopes for a franchise seem to have spun out, entirely. Fifteen years later, Gun still deserves a mountain of respect for doing what Rockstar wouldn’t attempt until much later.
8 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Nobody does open world games with as much attention to detail and heart as Rockstar, so it makes sense to take the PS2 version of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for a spin, yet again.
Not only is it one of the most detailed and deep of the GTA games, it signaled a major push forward for the franchise, beyond just carjacking and seeing how long one could last with a maximum felony rating.
7 Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 might be an open-world platformer like RDR2, but it’s built around an excellent story with a cinematic horror feel that never feels old. Like RDR2, Resident Evil 4 was a step forward in the franchise, chucking an outdated game engine out the window in favor of a robust new model.
It’s wise to play older Resident Evil titles before jumping into the fourth installment, as several scenes play on previous events in the franchise. Of course, that’s only if you’re one of the few people left on Earth who haven’t played the game yet.
6 God Of War II
Another game big on story, action, and immersion is God Of War II, which built on the original in almost every way and offered a much more rewarding play experience. Like RDR2, God Of War II sought to outdo its predecessor with more spectacle, turning the game into a Hollywood epic with you as the main lead.
It doesn’t offer anywhere near the same level of world-building or interactivity as Red Dead Redemption 2, but if you’re aching for an exciting story and great visuals, you won’t be disappointed.
5 Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Arthur Morgan and Naked Snake have a lot in common, not the least of which is stoicism dripping with masculinity and a penchant for dishing out violence with maximum precision.
What better game to play after beating Red Dead Redemption 2? Not only does Snake Eater deliver on almost every front, but it’s got the same kind of story-driven action movie motif, with all the traditional underpinnings. For the best experience, Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence is highly recommended.
4 Bully
Rockstar’s other, lesser-known game Bully hit the PS2 in 2006, and it was a significant departure from most titles of the time. This story-driven adventure took the focus away from clichéd video game settings and dropped the player into Bullworth Academy, where they must earn favor with the school’s several cliques.
Along the way, the player must assert their dominance in order to bring everyone in line, while combating a group of bullies out to sabotage his plans for social reform. It’s like Red Dead Redemption 2 without the gunfighting, illegal activities, or mass murder.
3 Max Payne
Red Dead Redemption 2 is all about gunfights. Lots of gunfights! Coincidentally, so is Max Payne, another anti-hero with a gritty, dark past who doesn’t have silver wings and a heart of gold.
Max Payne still shines as an exercise in sheer action adventure mayhem, and its use of Matrix-style bullet time remains its most clever parlor trick. Both the original and its sequel are top notch bets, with the third in close pursuit. Here’s hoping for a new Max Payne title with an open-world approach!
2 Hitman: Blood Money
Arthur Morgan is no do-gooder. He runs with a bad circle, and although he’s capable of dishing out kindness, that’s not enough to paint him as a straight shooter when it comes to anything except his gunfighting skills.
Depending on how one plays the Hitman games, Agent 47 can be a murderous psychopath, or a restrained professional who kills only when needed. That sounds an awful lot like the freedom of choice one has in Red Dead Redemption 2.
1 Yakuza
Red Dead Redemption 2 follows Arthur’s dealings with a criminal gang, which makes Yakuza familiar territory for those who want a change of scenery. In contrast to the rough, gritty, and uncoordinated gangs of RDR2, Yakuza draws from one of the most elaborate and sophisticated crime syndicates in history.
If crime is your thing (and RDR/Grand Theft Auto have plenty to spare), then the original PS2 version of Yakuza is certain to deliver. Don’t forget about Sega’s remake for the PS3 and PS4, entitled Yakuza Kiwami.
NEXT: Red Dead Redemption 2: The 10 Best Mods So Far
