Gaming’s greatest strength is that it’s an ever-evolving medium, and looking back reminds us how much innovation, risk-taking, and pure fun have gone into shaping today’s industry. On this day in history, some unforgettable titles hit store shelves and pushed their genres forward, while others remain hidden gems waiting to be rediscovered. Let’s take a closer look at the titles that left their mark.
TimeSplitters: Future Perfect (PS2, 2005)
The TimeSplitters series was always the FPS connoisseur’s choice—an irreverent, fast-paced shooter built on the DNA of GoldenEye 007 and Perfect Dark, thanks to the ex-Rare developers at Free Radical Design. Future Perfect, the third entry in the series, doubled down on what made its predecessors great: wacky characters, a deep map editor, and the tightest gunplay the PS2 could muster.
The Best Multiplayer You (Probably) Missed
While Halo 2 was soaking up all the online FPS attention in 2005, Future Perfect quietly delivered one of the most creative, chaotic, and endlessly replayable multiplayer modes of its generation. Bots, custom matches, and an array of weapons made for an endlessly entertaining experience—even if it never quite got the mainstream love it deserved.
The addition of online play on PS2 was a game-changer, though it never reached its full potential due to Sony’s inconsistent network services. However, split-screen and LAN play ensured that Future Perfect remained a couch multiplayer favourite for years.
Easter Eggs & Trivia
- – The game’s story, starring the wisecracking Cortez, played with time-travel tropes in a way that felt ahead of its time (pun intended).
- – A secret minigame called “Anaconda” was hidden within, inspired by Snake from old-school Nokia phones.
- – Free Radical had originally planned a TimeSplitters 4, but it never materialized due to financial troubles.
Where to Play It Today
Sadly, Future Perfect never got an HD remaster. Your best bet is tracking down a PS2 copy on eBay Australia.
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (PSP, 2007)
Insomniac’s Ratchet & Clank franchise made its first portable leap with Size Matters, a game that, despite being developed by High Impact Games rather than Insomniac itself, successfully translated the series’ fast-paced platforming and weaponry to the PSP.
How Well Did It Hold Up?
While not as polished as its PS2 brethren, Size Matters proved that handhelds could handle full-fledged 3D platformers without compromise. Its tight controls and inventive weapons (hello, Bee Mine Glove!) made it a worthy entry in the series.
Its major drawback was the PSP’s lack of a second analog stick, which made camera control clunky compared to the mainline series. Despite this, the game’s humour, varied level design, and upgradeable arsenal kept it engaging.
Where to Play It Today
No digital re-release exists, so eBay is your best option: eBay Australia.
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (PS3, 2008)
Polyphony Digital’s Gran Turismo 5 Prologue was an unusual release—a glorified demo that still sold like a full game. While some balked at paying for what was essentially a teaser for GT5, its breathtaking visuals and meticulous handling model made it an essential experience for racing sim enthusiasts.
A Taste of What Was to Come
With fewer cars and tracks than a full Gran Turismo title, Prologue nevertheless showcased what the PS3 hardware could do. It introduced online play and improved physics that would later define GT5.
Where to Play It Today
Since the full Gran Turismo 5 superseded it, Prologue is mostly a curiosity now. If you want it for your collection, check eBay Australia.
Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath (PC, 2008)
The Wrath of Kane: A Nod to Strategy Greatness
Few strategy franchises hold the legendary status of Command & Conquer, and Kane’s Wrath built upon the success of C&C 3: Tiberium Wars by giving players a chance to command the charismatic leader of the Brotherhood of Nod himself, Kane. This expansion refined the real-time strategy (RTS) mechanics with new sub-factions, epic units, and a much-loved Global Conquest mode, delivering a rich, asymmetric warfare experience.
Why It Was Special
Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath deepened the asymmetric gameplay between GDI, Nod, and the alien Scrin. The introduction of sub-factions—like the heavy-hitting Black Hand and the stealthy Marked of Kane—offered fresh strategic depth, while the Global Conquest mode let players engage in a turn-based world domination campaign unlike anything the series had done before.
Core Memory: The Brotherhood Calls
I remember booting up Kane’s Wrath on launch day, drawn in by the ever-magnetic Joe Kucan reprising his role as Kane. His campy-yet-brilliant full-motion video (FMV) performances added gravitas to an already gripping campaign. The moment my Black Hand flamethrowers reduced a GDI base to ashes? Pure RTS bliss.
Where To Play It Today
- Available on: EA App, Steam
- Or Get It On eBay: Search for C&C 3: Kane’s Wrath
Condemned 2: Bloodshot (Xbox 360, 2008)
Psychological Horror in First-Person Brutality
Following in the footsteps of Condemned: Criminal Origins, Condemned 2: Bloodshot upped the ante in first-person horror, blending investigative crime-solving with some of the most visceral melee combat of its era. You played as Ethan Thomas, an ex-FBI agent whose life had spiralled into alcoholism and paranoia following the events of the first game.
Why It Was Special
The game’s brutal, weighty hand-to-hand combat system remains its defining feature. Brawling against unhinged enemies with makeshift weapons like pipes and boards nailed Condemned 2 as one of the most satisfyingly savage experiences of its time. The eerie sound design and oppressive atmosphere cemented it as a cult horror favourite.
Core Memory: The Mannequin Horror
No one who played Condemned 2 can forget the infamous mannequin scene. Walking through a dilapidated shopping mall, you’d hear soft shuffling behind you—turn around, and the mannequins had moved. It was a stroke of psychological horror genius that still haunts players today.
Where To Play It Today
- Not available on modern platforms. Emulation or Xbox 360 backward compatibility required.
- Or Get It On eBay: Search for Condemned 2: Bloodshot
God of War: Chains of Olympus (PSP, 2008)
Kratos Goes Portable
Before God of War: Ragnarok cemented Kratos as a tragic father figure, Chains of Olympus gave PSP owners a thrilling prequel adventure. Developed by Ready at Dawn, it proved that console-quality action could thrive on handhelds, with a story set before the main trilogy.
Why It Was Special
Despite being a handheld entry, Chains of Olympus retained the series’ grand scale and signature brutality. It introduced mechanics like the Sun Shield for parrying and some of the most emotional storytelling the franchise had seen at the time.
Core Memory: Taking Down Persephone
Battling Persephone in the game’s final act remains one of Chains of Olympus’ standout moments. The emotional weight of Kratos’ sacrifice—choosing duty over his lost daughter—hinted at the character depth that would define later entries.
Where To Play It Today
- Available on: PlayStation Plus Premium (via God of War Collection on PS3/PS Vita/PS4)
- Or Get It On eBay: Search for God of War: Chains of Olympus
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (Arcade, 2012)
The King of Tag-Team Fighters Returns
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 refined the beloved tag mechanics introduced in the original TTT, bringing back nearly every character in franchise history. Its silky-smooth combat and deep customization made it a fan favourite.
Why It Was Special
TTT2 featured the most polished tag mechanics in any fighting game. The “Tag Assault” system allowed for creative, extended combos, and the addition of unique team-based throws and juggles added unprecedented depth.
Core Memory: The Chaos of 2v2
Few things felt as rewarding as mastering tag combos and watching opponents struggle to keep up. The sheer character variety made this a dream game for series veterans.
Where To Play It Today
- Not officially available digitally. Requires an original arcade board or PS3/Xbox 360 copies.
- Or Get It On eBay: Search for Tekken Tag Tournament 2
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (PS4/XO, 2014)
Hideo Kojima’s Ground Zeroes was an experiment in open-world stealth, but its biggest controversy wasn’t its mechanics—it was its length. Many players were frustrated that what was essentially a prologue to The Phantom Pain was being sold as a standalone game. However, its depth of approach, intricate AI, and stunning Fox Engine visuals proved that Kojima’s vision was groundbreaking.
Why It Was More Than Just a “Paid Demo”
Despite its short main mission, Ground Zeroes was a stealth sandbox filled with secrets, side ops, and hidden narrative breadcrumbs. The way it encouraged experimentation—whether sneaking, creating diversions, or going in guns blazing—was a glimpse into The Phantom Pain’s limitless possibilities. The game’s interrogation system, enemy routines, and vehicle usage all laid the groundwork for what came next.
The chilling implications of Ground Zeroes’ ending, which set up The Phantom Pain’s darker themes, left a lasting impact on longtime Metal Gear fans. Love it or hate it, this game undeniably pushed the series into new territory.
Where to Play It Today
Easily available on modern digital stores, including the PlayStation Store AU and Microsoft Store AU.
