Games Like Persona For MAC Archives
Games Like Persona For MAC Archives
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The Sony PlayStation 2 is a nostalgia-inducing console. Several prominent video game series cut their teeth on the PS2, and the platform boasted thousands of games across every genre imaginable.
The PS2 is several generations old, surpassed by newer, more capable consoles. However, if you download and install a PS2 emulator you can relive the glory days of the PlayStation 2.
In this article we'll show you how to play PlayStation 2 games on your PC, allowing you to enjoy all of those classic PS2 games once again.
What Is an Emulator?
An emulator emulates software or hardware. A gaming emulator reproduces a gaming console, allowing users to play everything from a Super Nintendo to a Wii, and everything in between without the need for the console. And the PlayStation 2 is no exception. An emulator can read the game's disc image using special software that uses your computer and a display and storage system.
An emulator often has various benefits over classic gaming consoles. For example, many emulators allow enhanced resolutions, modern shaders and filters, third-party mods and tweaks, and much more besides. The extensive functionality of an emulator can enhance older games, as the emulator can also make use of the potential of a modern gaming rig.
To play a game using an emulator, you need a ROM (Read-Only Memory). ROMs are the equivalent of a game cartridge, compacting all of the game data into a readable and usable file. A PlayStation 2 ROM takes the form of an ISO, which is a disc image (which makes sense, as PS2 games were disc-based). The ISO file is a copy of the original game files, although you can use ISO files for several other reasons.
ISO files can be created from any CD or DVD you have lying around. They’re called "disc images" because they’re an exact image of a disc. An ISO file contains an exact representation of the contents of a disc, allowing you to create backup copies of discs and store them digitally. These ISO files can be used as if they were physical discs, making them particularly useful I you have a computer without a disc drive.
ROMs, through the emulator, allows users to play their games. However, the game doesn't just "play." The emulator mounts the ISO in a virtual disc drive, in a process known as mounting. Once the emulator mounts the ISO file, it can read the game data.
Some emulators, including PlayStation 2 emulators, require a BIOS file. A BIOS is a low-level software that starts when you boot your computer and is usually associated with your PC. A PlayStation 2 BIOS is slightly different from the one your PC uses and contains information that relates to the version of your PS2.
For instance, enabling a Japanese BIOS version will allow users to load PS2 games published in Japan. Some PS2 games will not load if the BIOS version doesn't match the correct region.
What Is the Best PS2 Emulator?
The quality of an emulator stems from stability. Not all emulators are the same. Some will allow for smoother gameplay, while others won't even run the game you want to play. Most gaming emulators are personal projects that attract other developers. The projects rely on the input, development, and programming skills of volunteers.
While there are several PlayStation 2 emulators available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, the most popular option is PCSX2, which is an open-source PlayStation 2 emulator. You can run PCSX2 on Windows, macOS, or Linux, making it a handy option for almost every user.
The PCSX2 team continues working on the emulator, issuing frequent updates that fix bugs, make performance tweaks, and ensure you can play through an entire PlayStation 2 game without fault. While this tutorial uses the latest stable version of PCSX2, the developer's version page features the latest updates.
You should also keep in mind that most emulators are console specific. You cannot fire up the GameCube's Super Smash Bros. on the PCSX2 PlayStation 2 emulator. Surprisingly, you CAN use PCSX2 to play your old PlayStation 1 games, although there are numerous PlayStation 1 emulators that handle performance and gameplay better.
How to Install PCSX2
The following tutorial uses Windows 10, but the PCSX2 installation and configuration are similar for macOS and Linux. First thing first: head to the PCSX2 website, then download and install the latest stable version of the emulator.
Download: PCSX2 for Windows | macOS | Linux (Free)
Once your download completes, install PCSX2.
When you meet the PCSX2 First Time Configuration screen, select your language, then continue. You'll meet a window with multiple dropdown menus, like so:
These are PCSX2 system configuration plugins. Ignore these for now. Fiddling with the plugins can cause stability and performance issues unless you know what the setting does. It does illustrate the extensive range of customization options available to PCSX2. Select Next and continue to the BIOS configuration page.
How to Configure the PCSX2 BIOS
You now need to configure your PlayStation 2 BIOS in PCSX2. The PS2 BIOS file dictates which PS2 games you can play. There are several geographical regions, including North America, Latin America, Japan, Europe, Africa, and so on.
Disclaimer: While there are PS2 BIOS files online, the only legal method of obtaining BIOS files is to rip the BIOS from your existing PS2. The program to do so is located on the PCSX2 website. Use the link provided at your own risk.
BIOS files for the PS2 range from nation to nation, year to year, console manufacturing date, console updates, and more. However, you only need the PS2 BIOS from your PS2 to get started.
Once you rip your PS2 BIOS files, copy and paste the archive to the following directory: C:\Users\[User Name]\Documents\PCSX2\bios. This is the default directory for your BIOS files. To change this directory to one of your choosing, uncheck the Use default setting option and select your directory.
Once the archive finishes copying, extract the archive contents into the BIOS folder. Right-click the archive, then select your ZIP program and extract. Unsure what an archive and a ZIP program are? Read our guide to extracting files from common archives, then continue with this tutorial.
The PCSX2 emulator will only recognize BIOS files directly in the BIOS folder, not within another folder. Make sure you copy the contents of each archive into the root bios folder directly. Once you finish copying your BIOS files, select Refresh list in the BIOS configuration window.
Select the BIOS from your PlayStation 2, then select Finish.
How to Configure Controllers in PCSX2
Before firing up your favorite PS2 game, you should configure your controller. Head to Config > Controllers (PAD) > Plugin Settings. There are three controller settings tabs. The first tab, General, is an overview of universal controller settings for PCSX2. The other tabs allow you to change the controller inputs manually.
PCSX2 recognizes a decent range of controllers automatically. I have a wired Xbox 360 controller plugged in, and PCSX2 mapped the controller inputs automatically.
If you want to clear the controller inputs, select Pad 1, then Clear All. You're then free to map the controller as you see fit.
How to Play a PlayStation 2 Game Using PCSX2
Now that PCSX2 is ready, you can play your PS2 games. PlayStation 2 ISOs are freely available online. However, MakeUseOf cannot help you find them. Downloading ROMs or ISOs for video games that you do not own is piracy.
You can make ISOs from your old PS2 games the same way you might rip a DVD to your computer, but the output file must be an ISO, otherwise it won't load in PCSX2.
Once you have your PS2 game ISO file, you can fire it up in PCSX2. Head to CDVD > Iso Selector > Browse, then locate your PS2 game. If you have a library of PS2 games, it is best to copy them all into a single directory for easy access.
Then, head to System > Boot CDVD (Full). Your PS2 game should boot, barring a corrupt ISO file.
How to Play a PS2 Game from the Disc in PCSX2
You can also boot your PlayStation 2 games direct from the disc in PCSX2. I have found this method more unstable than booting a PS2 ISO file within PCSX2, but it is a handy option.
First up, put the PS2 game disc in your disc drive. Now, in PCSX2, head to Config > Plugin/BIOS Selector and select Plugins from the options. Locate CDVD > Configure, then select the correct drive letter for your disc drive.
Now, select System > Boot CDVD (Fast).
How to Configure PCSX2 Graphics Settings
One of the best things about booting up PS2 games on your PC is the extensive range of graphic options to choose from. There are several third-party PCSX2 graphics plugins to choose from, while the default GS plugin works well to enhance the overall quality of your game.
To access the PCSX2 plugins options, head to Config > Plugin/BIOS Selector and select Plugins from the options. The component selection page allows you to configure each plugin the emulator uses. These plugin options may seem overwhelming to begin with, but they are easy to configure, and it is simple to switch back if you don't like the changes.
With extensive tweaking, you can even play certain PS2 games on PCSX2 in 4K.
Other Emulators Worth Checking Out
The PlayStation 2 era was truly amazing. PS2 games have innovative gameplay, immersive stories, impressive graphics, and even multiplayer experiences. Now would be an excellent time to revisit the best PlayStation 2 RPGs ever made.
However, the PS2 isn't the only console worth emulating. There are similar projects available for almost all of the major consoles, bar the latest hardware. Here are the best Nintendo 64 emulators and how to emulate a Commodore Amiga on your PC.
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Gavin is a Senior Writer for MUO. He is also the Editor and SEO Manager for MakeUseOf's crypto-focused sister site, Blocks Decoded. He has a BA (Hons) Contemporary Writing with Digital Art Practices pillaged from the hills of Devon, as well as over a decade of professional writing experience. He enjoys copious amounts of tea.
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Originally released in Japan in 2016, Persona 5earned itself a place as one of the best JRPGs of the last decade and for many gamers, it is one of the greatest in the genre. The Personaseries is a spin-off from the mothership Shin Megami Tensei series. While it maintains many of the same themes from the mainline series, the Persona games implement visual novel and dating sim mechanics.
Despite being a spin-off series the Persona series has become Atlus’ best selling and most mainstream JRPG series. The SMT series is often associated with its difficulty which can be off-putting for many gamers. Though the Persona games are still challenging in their own right, they are far more accessible.
RELATED: 10 Things Fans Didn't Know Behind The Development Of The Persona Series
Persona 5's successhas lead to the release of an expanded version of the game called Persona 5 Royal. The new version functions as something of a director’s cut with its additional story and gameplay mechanics. However, as great as Persona 5 Royal is, the game does come to an end so we’ve put together a list of games that fans may want to try if the loved P5R.
Updated by Michael Connor Smith on August 23rd, 2020: It's truly remarkable how Persona 5 singlehandedly brought JRPGs into the limelight atop the charts with other more popular game genres and became a worldwide phenomenon upon its release. As was done with Persona 3 and 4 before it, Atlus gave Persona 5 its second shot of glory with the updated version, Persona 5 Royal, adding new characters, story and gameplay changes, and graphical enhancements.
We've updated this list to include five additional games of varying RPG genres that have the same high points that make Persona 5 as wildly popular as it is. Since Persona 5 and Royal acted as such a great starting point for those looking to get into RPGs, giving those players as many game suggestions as possible is our main goal.
15 Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth
The sequel to the original Persona Q, the mix of Etrian Odyssey inspired dungeon crawling with Persona's style and characters brings in the fan-favorite cast from Persona 5 to allow characters from 3, 4, and 5 to fight alongside each other and share an absolute ton of cute dialog.
If you really felt a genuine bond forming with the P5 cast during your playthrough, there's no surprise that Persona Q2 will be right up your alley. The gameplay can differ pretty heavily from the Persona that you're used to, however, so make sure to do a bit of research before diving in.
14 Persona 3 and 4
It should go without saying that if gamers loved Persona 5 Royal and they haven’t played its predecessors then their first port of call should be the nearest gaming retailer to find copies of Persona 3 and Persona 4. Just like Persona 5 Royal, both titles have an extended version called Persona 3 FES, P3P, and Persona 4 Golden.
Originally released worldwide on the PlayStation 2 in 2007 and 2009 respectively by the time they made it to European territories Persona 3 and Persona 4 follow the same themes as P5R. Both entries in the series take place in modern-day high schools where relationship building and character development play a vital role.
13 Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga
Now that both Shin Megami Tensei V and Nocturne are both slated to release for the Switch in 2021, mainline SMT is more popular than it's been in quite a while, and there's no better time to jump in than the present.
What separates Digital Devil Saga from games like SMT IV or Nocturne is its greater focus on a character-driven narrative, which will allow Persona fans to feel right at home. DDS has a tight-knit cast of memorable characters, challenging and rewarding gameplay, and a sequel to flesh out its fantastically interesting story.
12 Danganronpa
Danganronpa and Persona are often mentioned in the same conversation on the internet as they do share a lot of similarities. This high school murder-mystery will definitely be enjoyed for those who got more out of Persona's slice-of-life side rather than its turn-based, demon-collecting combat.
The Danganronpa series are hefty visual novels that span quite a few games, meaning that there's a ton of content here to be enjoyed if this style of game is your cup of tea. Just be warned of how addictive these games can be, and the countless hours that they'll take off of your life.
11 Tokyo Xanadu
First released in 2015 for the PlayStation Vita, Tokyo Xanadu was later ported in an enhanced expanded version for the PlayStation 4 in 2017 called Tokyo Xanadu eX+. It was developed by Nihon Falcom the creators of the Ys and The Legend of Heroes series.
RELATED: 10 Best RPGs Set In The Modern Day, According To Metacritic
While Tokyo Xanadu doesn’t have the depth or the character relationship mechanics of a Persona game it does have an engaging story set in around modern-day Tokyo high school with interdimensional dungeons to explore. In addition, the game is split into chapters that do a great job of giving each character their chance to shine.
10 Final Fantasy XV
Looking for something a little more fast-paced that still retains the feel of forming unbreakable bonds with your party members? Final Fantasy XV is quite different when compared to any other game in the long-running franchise, straying away from turn-based combat and focusing on being a full-on action RPG.
FFXV's main cast of four is rather slim when compared to Persona 5's eleven main party members, but your road trip across Eos with Prompto, Gladio, and Ignis creates an unreal amount of bro-chemistry that's almost too heartwarming to be true.
9 Xenoblade Chronicles
First released on the Nintendo Wii in 2012 and then the New Nintendo 3DS in 2015, Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the best Japanese RPGs of the last decade. It developed by Monolith Soft, a studio comprised of the same member that created Xenogears for Square-Enix and the Xenosaga Trilogy for Bandai Namco.
Xenoblade Chronicles is an epic open-world RPG with a gripping story and a great turn-based combat system. Furthermore, there’s a bonding system in Xenoblade built around boosting the protagonist’s affinity with the other party members.It’s a system that fans of Persona should feel right at home with. Those looking to dive into Xenoblade Chronicles, however, should wait until the release of Xenoblade Chronicles: The Definitive Edition due in May 2020.
8 Etrian Odyssey
If you're the type of maniac that loads up a new Persona 5 Royal save file and turns the difficulty up to its highest setting, then Etrian Odyssey will definitely give you what you're looking for. If you've played Persona Q, you'll know exactly what to expect in terms of gameplay feel.
Etrian Odyssey is peculiar in the fact that most of its games allow you the choice of either creating your very own party members or playing through a story with a set cast. This flexibility may come as a refreshing change of pace for Persona fans that spend tens and hundreds of hours with the same characters.
7 Bully
Developed by Rockstar the studio behind the Grand Theft Autoseries, Bully is an action-adventure game set in a high school and its fictional town Bullworth. While it’s not an RPG like the Persona series those that enjoyed the social interactions around a school environment will find a lot to enjoy in Bully.
The game was first released on the PlayStation 2 in 2006 and was remastered for the Xbox 360 in 2008. Just like the GTA series, Rockstar’s Bully was also the recipient of a great deal of controversy upon its release due to the game’s satirical nature being misunderstood by the media. Bully was actually a coming of age story about social hierarchy, cliques, relationships, and the general struggles of growing up.
6 Yakuza 0
First released in 2015 for the PlayStation 4 Yakuza 0 was later released on Xbox One and PC in 2020. It’s an open-world action-RPG that places the player in the shoes of a young Yakuza named Kiryu Kazama and his long time rival Goro Majima.
While the game doesn’t have much in common with the Persona series in terms of combat or a high school setting, fans will definitely enjoy the contemporary setting of a 1980s Tokyo. Furthermore, Yakuza 0 features friendship sub-stories where the protagonists are building relationships with several NPCs throughout the city. Where Yakuza 0 shines, however, is its flawless character development and mature storylines this theme continues throughout the entire series. Being a prequel, Yakuza 0 is the perfect starting point.
5 Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore
First released on the Nintendo Wii U in 2015, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is a crossover JRPG between Shin Megami Tensei and the Fire Emblem series. It wasdeveloped by Atlus so the game shares a lot of similarities to the Persona series in terms of its themes and modern-day Tokyo locations to explore.
The narrative isn’t quite as dark or as complex as the Persona series and it can be quite predictable as a whole. However, the side stories and interactions with other party members and the Fire Emblem characters who appear in the form of Mirages are very Persona-like in their gameplay mechanics. An enhanced remaster for the Nintendo Switch called Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore was released in early 2020.
4 Attack On Titan 2: Final Battle
Attack on Titan 2 was released on the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC, and the Xbox One in 2018, and released on the Google Stadia platform in 2019. It’s action RPG developed by Omega Force based on the Attack on Titananime and manga series.
RELATED: 10 Great Anime Games No One Talks About
It’s expansion Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle was released in 2019 and the physical disc version adapts all three seasons of the series. AoT2 is a fast action game where just like the series it is based on the player has to take down gigantic titans that feed on humans. While that’s the departure from Atlus’ series, the relationship and friendship building mechanics in the game will definitely appeal to Persona fans.
3 Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalpyse
Released in 2016 on the Nintendo 3DS, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is an alternate version of the fourth entry in the mainline series. For the developers Atlus, Apocalypse seems like another chance for them to rectify many of the original game’s issues and is a much better game.
Despite having some connections to the original, Apocalypse is designed so that newer players can jump right into it. It’s not as narratively driven as the Persona series as the gameplay, demon hunting, and world-building take precedence. However, the writing, story, and character development is superb and Persona fans should still feel at home with the mechanics.
2 Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Released in 2019, Fire Emblem: Three Housesis a Nintendo Switch exclusive. It’s tactical RPG developed by Intelligent Systems who also created the highly regarded Advance Wars strategy series. Interestingly Three Houses was co-developed by Koei Tecmo who also worked on Fire Emblem Warriors and Attack on Titan 2 which was included on this list.
RELATED: Fire Emblem Three Houses: The 10 Most Useful Gifts (& Where To Find Them)
In addition to the strategic combat, Three Houses place a significant emphasis on socializing with other characters between missions, developing relationships, and building bonds that directly affect a character's actions on the battlefield.
1 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel Series
First released for the PlayStation 3 and the Vita in 2015, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel was the beginning of a new trilogy in the Trails arc. It was eventually released in 2019 for the PlayStation 4 along with its sequel Trails of Cold Steel II. The third game was released in the west in 2020.
The player is cast as a new student called Rean Swcharzer at an elite military academy. Similarly to the Persona series much of the player’s time will be tasked with building relationships which in turn unlocks new abilities in combat. The world-building and character development in the trails series on another level compared to most games. It would also be worth seeking out the Trails in the Sky trilogy too due to their deep narrative connections.
NEXT: The 10 Best Video Game Sequels Of The Decade (According To Metacritic)
Writer for GameRant, The Gamer, The Sportser, and ScreenRant. Gaming, wrestling and film fan for over 35 years. He's a Schwarzenegger and Stallone fanatic that considers himself something of an expert in all things RPGs and cheesy action films from the 80s and 90s.
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