10 Failed PS2 Games That Became Cult Classics

3. God Hand

Shadow of rome
Capcom

Ever wanted to know what it feels like to lose your goddamn mind? Then play God Hand.

God Hand is madness piled upon madness which is then topped off by some of the most satisfying beat-em-up combat ever put to code. You will fight knock-off power ranger midgets, you will fight gorillas wearing luchador masks, you will fight burly purple dudes in military combat gear. And the game's response to the madness is just "okay next".

This is what cost God Hand anything resembling mainstream appeal. There is simply no port in the storm in this madcap adventure, no bastion of sanity to hold onto. The game is mad as a hatter and will not wait for you to catch up.

Fortunately, the game is fun as all hell to play, so there's no trouble continuing on despite that.

Sure, the movement controls have definitely shown their age, but when you get into the rhythm of it, there are few games as satisfying to play as God Hand. Just try to keep your brain from leaking out your ears when you fight a big fat demon Elvis.

Contributor
Contributor

John Tibbetts is a novelist in theory, a Whatculture contributor in practice, and a nerd all around who loves talking about movies, TV, anime, and video games more than he loves breathing. Which might be a problem in the long term, but eh, who can think that far ahead?