As the PlayStation 2 celebrates its 25th anniversary, we're taking a nostalgic journey through the iconic games that defined this revolutionary console. From PS2 exclusives like *Okami* and *Shadow of the Colossus* to blockbuster hits such as *Final Fantasy 10* and *GTA: Vice City*, the PlayStation 2 boasts an impressive library. We've curated a list of 25 of the best PS2 games that not only pushed the technological and cultural boundaries of their time but continue to captivate gamers today.
So, without further ado, here is IGN's selection of the 25 best PS2 games of all time.
The Best PS2 Games Ever
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More on the best PlayStation Games of all time:
Best PS4 GamesBest PS3 GamesBest PS1 Games25. Guitar Hero 2
Image credit: RedOctaneDeveloper: Harmonix | Publisher: RedOctane | Release date: November 7, 2006 | Review: IGN's Guitar Hero 2 review
Guitar Hero 2 revolutionized the rhythm-action genre, becoming the epitome of the series during its peak. With a focus on classic rock and metal tracks, it offered an unparalleled experience of shredding on a plastic guitar. This was the last game in the series before the industry's realization of its lucrative potential, allowing Harmonix to curate an exceptional lineup featuring legendary bands like Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, Danzig, The Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, and Iggy and the Stooges. This game truly rocked.
Sly Cooper 2: Band of Thieves
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: Sucker Punch Productions | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: September 14, 2004 | Review: IGN's Sly 2: Band of Thieves review
Sly Cooper 2: Band of Thieves stands out as a gem in the franchise, masterfully blending family-friendly action, stealth, and humor. Its engaging storyline, diverse worlds, and the ability to switch between Sly and his crew—powerhouse Murray and tech-savvy Bentley—create a thrilling experience. This entry in the series delivers a unique and memorable adventure, setting it apart in the Sony first-party lineup.
ICO
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: SIE Japan Studio | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: September 25, 2001 | Review: IGN's ICO review
ICO is a groundbreaking game that defies the typical challenges of escort missions. Its success lies in the quality of its puzzles and the profound bond developed between the two main characters through minimalistic storytelling. Navigating the labyrinthine castle together, the game showcases the power of video game narratives and remains a standout example of storytelling in gaming.
NBA Street, Vol. 2
Image credit: EADeveloper: EA Canada | Publisher: Electronic Arts/NuFX | Release date: April 28, 2003 | Review: IGN's NBA Street, Vol. 2 review
NBA Street, Vol. 2 epitomizes arcade-style basketball, appealing to both casual and hardcore fans. With its visually stunning game breakers, superb ball handling, and an all-star lineup, this game offers endless entertainment. The ability to unlock street and NBA legends, combined with various game modes, creates an irresistible mix of style and competitive fun.
Kingdom Hearts 2
Image credit: Square EnixDeveloper: Square Enix | Publisher: Square Enix | Release date: December 22, 2005 | Review: IGN's Kingdom Hearts 2 review
Kingdom Hearts 2 exemplifies how sequels can surpass their predecessors. With enhanced combat, including magic, Keyblade, and form states for Sora, it offers a refined gameplay experience. The game delves deeper into the series' mythology, providing satisfying depth to characters and stories introduced in the original, making it a beloved title among Disney, Final Fantasy, and fans of the series.
Tony Hawk's Underground
Image credit: ActivisionDeveloper: Neversoft Entertainment | Publisher: Activision | Release date: October 27, 2003 | Review: IGN's Tony Hawk's Underground review
Tony Hawk's Underground elevates the series by adding a fun, campy story, a massive soundtrack with over 70 licensed tracks, and robust create-a-skater/park/trick features. Despite mixed reactions to its story mode, it remains the pinnacle of the Pro Skater series, offering an engaging and deep experience that stands the test of time.
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
Image credit: NISDeveloper: NIS | Publisher: Atlus (NA) | Release date: January 30, 2003 | Review: IGN's Disgaea: Hour of Darkness review
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness remains an iconic PS2 game, offering deep tactical gameplay on isometric battlefields with diverse characters. Despite its grind, the game's gothic themes, comical characters, and intricate combat system make it a timeless classic that players can return to anytime.
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: Insomniac Games | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: November 2, 2004 | Review: IGN's Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal review
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal builds on the series' foundation with lovable characters, expansive stories, and an arsenal of wacky weapons. This third installment introduces numerous gadgets, mini-games, and one of the most ambitious online modes of its time, offering endless fun and excitement.
Beyond Good & Evil
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montpellier | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 11, 2003 | Review: IGN's Beyond Good & Evil review
Beyond Good & Evil is a standout classic on the PS2, combining action and exploration with a unique world and diverse cast. Its rich environment, filled with dive bars and quirky characters, offers a unique experience that has kept fans eagerly awaiting a sequel.
Burnout Revenge
Image credit: EADeveloper: Criterion Games | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Release date: July 30, 2005 | Review: IGN's Burnout Revenge review
Burnout Revenge is all about speed, whether racing through streets or causing chaos in crash mode. This game represents the apex of the series, with its thrilling Takedown-infused racing and the last appearance of the beloved crash mode, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.
Psychonauts
Image credit: Majesco EntertainmentDeveloper: Double Fine Productions | Publisher: Majesco Entertainment | Release date: April 19, 2005 | Review: IGN's Psychonauts review
Psychonauts blends summer camp coming-of-age tales with psychic secret agents, resulting in a challenging and hilarious action/platformer. Its memorable levels, creative designs, and engaging story have made it a beloved title that has since expanded into a franchise with Psychonauts 2.
Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
Image credit: CapcomDeveloper: Capcom Production Studio 1 | Publisher: Capcom | Release date: February 17, 2005 | Review: IGN's Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening review
Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening is a cornerstone of action gaming, offering challenging yet rewarding combat and a gripping story of familial bonds. Its high skill ceiling and creative combat system make it one of the most influential and best action games ever.
Katamari Damacy
Image credit: NamcoDeveloper: Namco | Publisher: Namco | Release date: March 18, 2004 | Review: IGN's Katamari Damacy review
Katamari Damacy embodies absurd chaos with its simple yet engaging gameplay of rolling up objects. Its ridiculous scenarios and optimistic tone create an endlessly joyful experience that has captured hearts for over two decades.
Jak 2: Renegade
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: Naughty Dog | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: October 14, 2003 | Review: IGN's Jak 2: Renegade review
Jak 2: Renegade reinvents the series while retaining its charm, moving from the colorful Sandover Village to the gritty Haven City. With new combat, traversal, and a deeper story, this sequel stands out as the best in the trilogy, offering a thrilling and satisfying adventure.
Bully
Image credit: Rockstar GamesDeveloper: Rockstar Vancouver | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release date: October 15, 2006 | Review: IGN's Bully review
Bully tackles the theme of bullying with a coming-of-age story that blends humor and satire. Its streamlined progression and satisfying combat set a new standard for Rockstar's games, offering a fresh and engaging experience.
God of War
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: Santa Monica Studio | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: March 22, 2005 | Review: IGN's God of War review
God of War is a technical marvel, offering visually stunning boss fights, a mix of combat, puzzle-solving, and platforming, all wrapped in a compelling story. This game laid the foundation for one of the greatest action game series, captivating players with its intense narrative and gameplay.
Okami
Image credit: CapcomDeveloper: Clover Studio | Publisher: Capcom | Release date: April 20, 2006 | Review: IGN's Okami review
Okami is a visually stunning game where you play as a god in the form of a wolf, using a celestial brush to bring paintings to life. Its beautiful art style, charming story, creative puzzles, and engaging combat make it a must-play classic.
Final Fantasy 10
Image credit: Square EnixDeveloper: Square | Publisher: Square Electronic Arts (NA) | Release date: July 19, 2001 | Review: IGN's Final Fantasy 10 review
Final Fantasy 10 made significant changes to the series, introducing the Sphere-grid system and removing the Active Time Battle system for a more accessible experience. Its well-told story and realistic character models, thanks to the PS2's hardware, have kept it beloved by fans, sparking debates over the merits of Blitzball.
Silent Hill 2
Image credit: KonamiDeveloper: Konami | Publisher: Konami | Release date: September 25, 2001 | Review: IGN's Silent Hill 2 review
Silent Hill 2 is a haunting experience that lingers long after playing. It masterfully blends the mundane with the horrific, using unreliable narration and multiple endings to create a deeply unsettling atmosphere. Its legacy continues with a 2024 remake, but the original remains unmatched.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Image credit: KonamiDeveloper: KCEJ | Publisher: Konami | Release date: November 13, 2001 | Review: IGN's Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty review
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is both divisive and brilliant, constantly challenging players' perceptions. Its themes of misinformation and innovative gameplay, despite initial backlash for introducing Raiden, have aged well, cementing its status as a top stealth game.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Image credit: Rockstar GamesDeveloper: Rockstar North | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release date: Oct 29, 2002 | Review: IGN's GTA: Vice City review
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City perfected the open-world genre with its compelling narrative, memorable characters, and iconic soundtrack. Its 80s-inspired satire and gameplay improvements make it one of the best PS2 games and a gaming legend, eagerly anticipated in GTA 6.
Resident Evil 4
Image credit: CapcomDeveloper: Capcom Production Studio 4 | Publisher: Capcom | Release date: January 11, 2005 | Review: IGN's Resident Evil 4 review
Resident Evil 4 transformed the series with its over-the-shoulder perspective and action-focused gameplay, while maintaining its horror roots. Its memorable monsters and iconic dialogue have kept it a landmark title, further enhanced by its recent remake.
Shadow of the Colossus
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: SIE Japan Studio | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: October 18, 2005 | Review: IGN's Shadow of the Colossus review
Shadow of the Colossus is an unforgettable experience, blending puzzle-solving with epic boss fights. Its melancholic narrative, clever puzzles, and stunning visuals have left a lasting impact, further highlighted by its 2018 remake.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Image credit: KonamiDeveloper: KCEJ | Publisher: Konami | Release date: November 17, 2004 | Review: IGN's Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater review
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is widely regarded as the best in the franchise, expanding on its predecessor's mechanics with survival elements and ingenious boss fights. Its compelling story of honor and duty, along with the anticipation for its upcoming remake, solidifies its legacy.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Image credit: Rockstar GamesDeveloper: Rockstar North | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release date: October 21, 2004 | Review: IGN's GTA: San Andreas review
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas represents a monumental leap in open-world gaming, offering a vast, vibrant world with three cities inspired by Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. Its introduction of RPG and survival elements, combined with its robust gameplay, makes it the pinnacle of the PS2 gaming experience.
What PS2 Games Are Available on PS5 in 2025?
Unfortunately, PS2 discs are not compatible with the PS5, but you can still enjoy some PS2 classics through PlayStation Plus' Premium membership. This service, priced at $17.99/month, provides access to over 300 games from PS3, PS2, original PlayStation, and PSP, alongside a catalog of PS4 and PS5 titles. For an up-to-date list of available games, check out our IGN Playlist page below.
PlayStation Plus Classic Games Catalog
This is an up-to-date listing of the entire PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog. You can browse, sort, and tag the titles and use them to build your own playlists. Sort by "Recently Added" to see the newest additions to the catalog. See All
Star Ocean: The Last HopeTri-Ace
Dragon's Crown ProVanillaware
Twisted Metal 2Singletrac
Star Ocean: First Departure RSquare Enix
Star Ocean: Till the End of TimeTri-Ace
Gravity Crash PortableJust Add Water Developments
Twisted MetalEat Sleep Play
Herc's AdventuresLucasArts
Killzone: LiberationGuerrilla Games
WormsTeam17 Software
These are our picks for the best PlayStation 2 games ever. What made your list that wasn't on ours? Let us know in the comments, or rank these games on your own Tier List below. And be sure to check out the best games on PS5 for what to play right now.
### The Best PS2 Games Of All Time
