9 PS2 Metroidvanias You Can Finish in Under 10 Hours

As a massive fanboy of the Metroidvania genre, you'd think I instantly resonated with titles on the PS2, one of my favorite consoles of all time. But the truth is, despite one of the formative examples of the genre, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, releasing on the PS1 in 1997, the PS2 went through a long dry spell for the genre.

With that said, there were some examples of the genre on the console, though they might not be immediately apparent. These games tended to be more ARPG or platformer-styled games with expansive powerups and some backtracking. And yes, many of them were 3D, which usually is abhorrent to this fan of Metroidvanias, simply because I find they work so much better in a 2D format.

Still, there were a handful of compelling and creative games I would classify as Metroidvanias on this list. Some from series you'll know very well, others weird one-offs. Regardless, all of these quirky games are PS2 Metroidvanias that a determined gamer can finish in under 10 hours. Even a couple that claim they take a couple of hours more on HowLongToBeat.

9 BlowOut

Going Dutch

Blowout Action Released October 28, 2003 ESRB T // Blood, Violence Developer(s) Cavetap, Terminal Reality Publisher(s) Mirrorsoft Platform(s) PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox (Original), Xbox 360, GameCube, Windows Genre(s) Action

Most of you are probably familiar with the Alien and Metroid franchises. But how many of you are also fans of the super campy Starship Troopers movie from the late 90s? Well, BlowOut managed to mash all three together, along with simplistic Contra run-and-gun mayhem, and it was actually surprisingly fun.

While it may not sound much like a traditional Metroidvania, BlowOut does feature an impressive weapon variety, including the likes of Machine Gun, Flamethrower, Missile Launcher and Sonic Impulse Cannon, amongst others. And when all else fails, you can use your trusty jetpack to fly around to find well-hidden keys to open locked passages.

BlowOut also embraces the genre with main character John 'Dutch' Cane fighting his way through hordes of nasty mutants and some truly unnerving boss battles. While the game doesn't embrace much in the way of replay value, it's still a fun run-and-gun hybrid with some brief moments of brilliance.

8 Shadow Man: 2econd Coming

The Voodoo That You Do

Platform

PlayStation 2

Publisher

Acclaim Entertainment

Genre

Action Adventure

Release Date

February 28, 2002

It's not every day that a developer turns a comic book character into a video game, and it's even rarer for them to be successful. Growing up, most such adaptations were shovelware, before I even knew what the term even meant. Thankfully, that wasn't the case with Shadow Man: 2econd Coming.

Mike Leroi isn't a traditional hero. His poor choices leave his family murdered by the mob, and him transformed into an unwilling (and initially brainless) zombie. Then Mama Nettie gives him his mind back, while keeping him chained to her will. Thus, this reluctant, supernatural hit man is tasked with keeping the dead from destroying the land of the living. Though Shadow Man: 2econd Coming plays a lot like a shooter, there is a bit of exploration, as well as transforming between human and supernatural forms.

You'll also use tools like a fire axe to break obstructing boxes in your path, while blasting monsters with a variety of guns and even casting Voodoo magic to drain the life from hapless foes. You can even fast travel using a Teddy Bear, a common feature of many a Metroidvania (sans the bear). Definitely an unusual adventure, but one that appeals to both gamers and comic book fans, and one that's very easy to beat in a handful of hours.

7 Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim

Adol and the Romun Empire

Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim Action RPG Released September 27, 2003 ESRB T Developer(s) Nihon Falcom Publisher(s) Nihon Falcom, Konami Franchise Ys Steam Deck Compatibility Playable Platform(s) Windows, Steam, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable Genre(s) Action RPG How Long To Beat 12.5 Hours OpenCritic Rating Strong

I can already hear you complaining about me featuring Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim on this Metroidvania list. But bear with me for a second. Yes, it's an ARPG series at heart. But every game has featured different styles, and in this particular one, you'll do a lot of exploration, and use elemental swords to access different areas. Sounds more like a Metroidvania now, doesn't it?

This game proved that Konami was able to do justice to the massively popular series, and it gave fans a reason to be enthusiastic about where it was going. Adol and company continue their adventures here, pursued by the Romun Empire, and eventually exploring the mysterious Vortex.

Best of all, Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim features epic boss battles that will make you actually want to revisit them in the Boss Rush (another trademark of the genre). So if you haven't already played this quirky adventure, I'd find an excuse to get started!

6 Pitfall: The Lost Expedition

Retro Refresh

Pitfall: The Lost Expedition Released February 18, 2004 Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox (Original), GameCube, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Game Boy Advance

The original Pitfall was a pure platformer, and one that made us suffer. But in Pitfall: The Lost Expedition, they found some memorable ways to innovate on it. Features like 3D graphics, expansive areas to get lost in, and even items like rafts and slingshots kept everything fresh.

While the game is a platformer at heart, it's also a pretty well-balanced one. Though in case you need more from it, the game also features transforming into animals and racing your human body through temples, as well as an actual narrative.

Even though Pitfall: The Lost Expedition is a very fast burn, it's one that has just enough freedom to keep things interesting, and you'll get lost enough to remind yourself this is one weird PS2 Metroidvania adventure.

5 Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy

Me and My Mummy

Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy Action-Adventure Released November 10, 2003 ESRB t Developer(s) Eurocom Publisher(s) THQ Engine engineX Platform(s) GameCube, PC, Switch, PS2, Xbox (Original) Genre(s) Action-Adventure OpenCritic Rating Weak

One of the only downsides of the PS2 was that there were so many games on the console, you were bound to miss a few. And one that far too many gamers haven't played was Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy. It was originally going to be a movie, but instead translated to a funny, creative and surprisingly epic Metroidvania with action adventure elements.

Gameplay is split between the titular Sphinx and the mummy Tutankhamun. The former can explore and attack, whereas Tut can only solve puzzles. On the plus side, he's unkillable, so you never have to worry too much about him.

If that wasn't enough, Sphix will gain the ability to double jump, move heavy objects and can even extend his health with Ankhs. Truly a great Metroidvania, and one that thankfully got a modern remaster in recent years.

4 Rygar: The Legendary Adventure

Tartarus Triumphant

Platform

PS2, Wii

Publisher

Tecmo

Genre

Action Adventure

Release Date

November 24, 2002

Though the original Rygar shared a lot in common with Ninja Gaiden, Rygar: The Legendary Adventure shares more with God of War. It's top-down, features an expansive plot, and you'll get many chances to upgrade to your powerful Diskarmor. Not only does that allow you to customize and level up your attack style, but also to reach previously unreachable vistas.

Other ambitious elements you'll benefit from are increasing your base stats, and even acquiring powerful Familiars to summon. As for the story, it features monstrous Titans escaped from Tartarus, a captured princess and a hero suffering from amnesia.

There are actually a lot of fun twists on Greek myths in Rygar: The Legendary Adventure, all of which are supplemented by a cartoony visual style and decent music. And if you're looking for a short PS2 Metroidvana, you should be able to experience this one in a short handful of hours.

3 Castlevania: Lament of Innocence

Leon's Tragedy

Castlevania: Lament of Innocence Action-Adventure Released October 21, 2003 ESRB rp Developer(s) Konami Publisher(s) Konami Engine unity Franchise Castlevania Platform(s) PS2, PS3 Genre(s) Action-Adventure How Long To Beat 8 Hours

It's fair that the 3D Castlevania games don't get as much respect as the 2D ones. The N64 entries, for example, were painful to play, despite some fun visual design. By contrast, though, Castlevania: Lament of Innocence was a worthy attempt at something new. And though it doesn't eclipse the greatness of the various Igavanias, it's perhaps the first solid 3D Metroidvania in the series.

Leon Belmont is the beginning of the clan's tragic history when his beloved gets kidnapped. He follows her to a mysterious castle, and fights his way through countless monsters until finally discovering who is behind it all. And while the 3D style made the exploration elements of the game less satisfying, they make the boss battles feel surprisingly epic.

Though pretty linear, Castlevania: Lament of Innocence is a fast-paced and enjoyable PS2 Metroidvania, and it even offers robust replay value in two additional playable characters. Best of all, you'll learn the origin of the legendary Vampire Killer in this adventure.

2 Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2

Raziel's Plight

Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver 2 Action Adventure Released October 31, 2001 ESRB m Developer(s) Crystal Dynamics Publisher(s) Crystal Dynamics Engine RenderWare Platform(s) PC, PS2 Genre(s) Action, Adventure How Long To Beat 10 hours

While I might still prefer the first Soul Reaver for the overall story, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2 feels a bit more like a Metroidvania. Vampire turned wraith Raziel has all the powers he acquired in the first game, and he's bound and determined to use them to defeat Kain and learn the truth about his past.

Those powers include the ability to glide, climb walls and fire bolts of arcane energy. But even more integral to this adventure is shifting between material and spectral realms. You're not really dead, even if you take too much damage, you just shift to the spectral realm. But if you're defeated there, you'll respawn at the nearest checkpoint instead.

On top of demons and other threats, Raziel will also have to worry about the nefarious Sarafan, vampire hunters who pose a real threat, as well as the monstrous Sluagh and vicious Thralls. If only the game had a more satisfying ending, it would have fully eclipsed the original adventure.

1 Ratchet & Clank

Buddies Forever

Ratchet & Clank Third-Person Shooter Platformer Released November 6, 2002 ESRB Teen // Mild Violence Developer(s) Insomniac Games Publisher(s) Sony Computer Entertainment Engine Kinetica Franchise Ratchet & Clank Number of Players 1 Platform(s) PlayStation 2 Genre(s) Third-Person Shooter, Platformer How Long To Beat 12 Hours

The PS2 had its fair share of game mascots, but one of the most satisfying was Ratchet & Clank. And the original game that released on PS2 was a massive success. Perhaps more surprising, it's nominally a Metroidvania, since you'll gather a variety of powerful tools.

You can explore using Clank as a jetpack, and can use your OmniWrench 8000 and Bomb Gloves to explore a variety of environments. The story of the game is about stopping a space tyrant from ruining the universe, and there is a surprising amount of ribald humor to enjoy.

Really, this adventure showed the range of Insomniac, who had previously created the Spyro series. Ratchet & Clank might not immediately strike you as a Metroidvania, but it succeeds as one with nuanced gameplay and a variety of upgrades. A game that still holds up some two decades later.