PS2 recommendations: Heavy action games with a challenge

[Xexyz]

I've really been getting into my PS2 lately. Most of the time I'm just playing classic compilations like the Capcom Classics Collections, or modern updates to classic, arcade style IP's (I.E. Gradius V and the new Contras). But lately I've been having a blast with challenging 3rd person action games. Not just any 3rd person action games however, I'm talking about difficult action games, with arcade influenced scoring systems and/or rank achievemts. The title that really got me interested in this style of gaming is Nightshade.

Now, there are a few titles that fit the bill that I already know about. They're the Devil May Cry series (exluding #2 from what I hear), God Hand, Bujingai: The Forsaken City, Gungrave Overdose, and of course, Shinobi. What I'm looking for, from you gaming vets out there, are other PS2 action games that can really pose a challenge. Any recommendations?

[Snapple]

Check out Onimusha.

[theshizzle3000]

The Genji game is not half bad and it wont run you for too much money.

[gamesniper]

I found Blood Will Tell extremely entertaining, even though the challenge level isn't as high as Shinobi, Nightshade, or DMC 3. It may be my favorite PS2 title. Bujingai is a weak title, as is Nanostray, so I didn't play those two long enough to know if they are a challenge.

[cityside75]

GOD OF WAR

'nuff said

[chicnstu]

Does it have to be close combat? The Ratchet and Clank series has tons and tons of action.

[ubersaurus]

Oni was pretty tough. And I thought it was pretty fun, so maybe it's worth a looksee?

[Chadt74]

God of War like the other poster said!

[Cryomancer]

I like the Simple 2000 game Earth Defense Force (lots of AKA titles, but that's the english one i've seen around the most). I beleive it got a PAL release as Monster Attack. I'd look it all up better but the damn good site for this is gone.

There is a 360 version out in Japan this month too, hopefully we'll get that.

Basically you play as a lone soldier with some guns that you can choose, and fight swarms of giant ants, UFOs, giant monsters, etc. There are also tanks and helicoptors you can use. Pretty fun, but it can have some slowdown.

[Hwj_Chim]

chaos legion is good, and give dynasty warriors a try.

[Xexyz]

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys. R&C isn't my cup of tea, but thanks anyway chicnstu. And no, they don't have to be close combat games. Gungrave Overdose is all about gun shooting action, so I'm all up for that as well.

I'll probably skip the DW & SW Koei titles. The overwhelming hordes look cool, until you kill everyone on screen with one or two slashes. Just seems like too much of a button mashing snooze fest. BTW, that reminds me, how is Capcom's DW rip-off, Devil Kings? I've heard it's faster paced, which has me slightly interested, but does it pose any challenge?

Also, talking about 3D beat em ups, I just remembered two. Crimson Tears from Capcom, and Urban Reign from Namco. Are they any good? Challenging?

[roushimsx]

Also, talking about 3D beat em ups, I just remembered two. Crimson Tears from Capcom, and Urban Reign from Namco. Are they any good? Challenging?

Urban Reign isn't challenging, it's fucking impossible :(