A 10/10 Turn-Based Space Opera RPG From 2005 Is Currently Free With PlayStation Plus
The PlayStation 2 is one of the greatest consoles of all time, and remains the best-selling to this day. With such a huge library, it's little wonder it quickly became one of the best consoles for RPGs, offering up some of the most iconic and genre-defining releases of the early-to-mid 00s. If you're a PlayStation Plus gamer, it might interest you to know that one of the greatest RPGs of the PS2 generation is currently free with the subscription service, and it still absolutely holds up in 2026.
When it comes to PS2 RPGs, the competition is fierce. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King remains a masterpiece. Then there are some of the best Final Fantasy games ever made on the console. But looking beyond Square Enix for a moment, there's one turn-based PS2 RPG that simply doesn't get the love it deserves. That's why I'm urging you to check it out via your PlayStation Plus subscription.
PlayStation Plus Has Some Real Classics
The PlayStation Plus library of PS1 and PS2 games isn't quite as expansive as might have hoped, but that doesn't mean there aren't some serious bangers in there. Take, for instance, Rogue Galaxy. Developed by Level-5 (Ni no Kuni, Professor Layton), this 2005 sci-fi RPG remains a genuine 10/10 masterpiece. In fact, it's kind of remarkable just how well this hidden gem of an RPG has aged.
A huge part of that is down to the game's cel-shaded art style. Much like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Rogue Galaxy's decision to go for a more unique cartoon-inspired look has ensured it still looks great today. Its huge galaxy, made up of multiple planets, also remains a joy to explore.
Of course, an RPG is nothing without its story, and Rogue Galaxy delivers an epic tale with a charming cast of characters. It certainly isn't shy about its Star Wars influences, for one thing: The game begins with a young farmer who becomes involved in a galactic conflict, and ultimately becomes responsible for the fate of the cosmos. Sound familiar?
If you're looking for a sci-fi RPG that is a little more fantasy than science-fiction, I'd say Rogue Galaxy is very probably one of the best choices out there. Less serious than Mass Effect, but still able to deliver hard-hitting moments when it needs to, this is an interactive romp around the galaxy with a fun cast of characters. Alas, Rogue Galaxy never sold as well as the likes of Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy, but this is your chance to show it some love after 21 years.
This May Be One Of The Best Sci-Fi RPGs Around
If you can accept that this is ultimately a two-decade-old game that has visibly aged in some areas, what you'll get is a remarkable 40-hour adventure packed with things to do. Heck, if you really want to see and do everything Rogue Galaxy has to offer, you'd be looking at close to 100 hours. But who has the time for that in this day and age?
Frankly, it's been too long since the last truly great sci-fi RPG. Starfield never quite did it for me, and No Man's Sky isn't really about the story (although I do think that game is remarkable). With a new Mass Effect on the way alongside games like Exodus and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, a new golden age of sci-fi RPGs may be on the horizon. But for right now? Rogue Galaxy is one of the best of the genre you can play today, and you shouldn't miss out.