The Best PS2 Games Of All Time

The PlayStation 2, a console that revolutionized gaming, is nearing its 25th anniversary. To celebrate, we're revisiting the titles that cemented its legendary status. From PS2 exclusives like *Okami* and *Shadow of the Colossus* to mega-hits such as *Final Fantasy X* and *Grand Theft Auto: Vice City*, choosing the best is a delightful challenge. We've curated a list of 25 games that pushed technological and creative boundaries, remaining relevant and enjoyable today.

Here are IGN's top 25 PlayStation 2 games of all time:

The Best PS2 Games Ever

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25. Guitar Hero 2

**Developer:** Harmonix | **Publisher:** RedOctane | **Release date:** November 7, 2006 | **Review:** IGN's Guitar Hero 2 review

Guitar Hero redefined party games, but Guitar Hero II was the series' peak. Its focus was pure, unadulterated rock and metal fun, a refreshing contrast to later iterations. Released before the music licensing frenzy, it boasts an incredible tracklist featuring Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, Danzig, The Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, and Iggy and the Stooges – a true rock 'n' roll anthem.

24. Sly Cooper 2: Band of Thieves

**Developer:** Sucker Punch Productions | **Publisher:** Sony Computer Entertainment | **Release date:** September 14, 2004 | **Review:** IGN's Sly 2: Band of Thieves review

The Sly Cooper series masterfully blends family-friendly action, stealth, and humor. Sly 2: Band of Thieves exemplifies this perfectly. Its engaging story unfolds across diverse and captivating worlds. Playing as Sly's entire crew – including the powerful Murray and the tech-savvy Bentley – adds depth and variety. The thrilling stealth mechanics make this a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

23. ICO

**Developer:** SIE Japan Studio | **Publisher:** Sony Computer Entertainment | **Release date:** September 25, 2001 | **Review:** IGN's ICO review

Despite relying heavily on the often-maligned escort mission mechanic, ICO is a masterpiece. Its success stems from both its clever puzzles and the powerful bond developed between its two protagonists. The game masterfully conveys a deep connection through subtle actions, showcasing minimalist storytelling at its finest.

22. NBA Street, Vol. 2

**Developer:** EA Canada | **Publisher:** Electronic Arts/NuFX | **Release date:** April 28, 2003 | **Review:** IGN's NBA Street, Vol. 2 review

NBA Street, Vol. 2 is arcade basketball at its finest. Visually stunning and easy to pick up, it appeals to casual and hardcore fans alike. With multiple game modes and a roster of NBA legends and streetball stars, it’s a stylish and endlessly replayable experience, perfect for head-to-head competition.

21. Kingdom Hearts 2

**Developer:** Square Enix | **Publisher:** Square Enix | **Release date:** December 22, 2005 | **Review:** IGN's Kingdom Hearts 2 review

Kingdom Hearts II significantly improves upon its predecessor. While playing the first game is recommended, Kingdom Hearts II boasts refined combat, incorporating magic, the Keyblade, and Sora's various forms. Its deeper exploration of the mythology adds satisfying layers to the characters and concepts introduced in the original.

20. Tony Hawk's Underground

**Developer:** Neversoft Entertainment | **Publisher:** Activision | **Release date:** October 27, 2003 | **Review:** IGN's Tony Hawk's Underground review

Tony Hawk's Underground elevates the series with a fun and over-the-top story, a massive soundtrack featuring over 70 licensed tracks, and incredibly intuitive create-a-skater/park/trick features (including the ability to play as Iron Man!). Despite mixed reactions to its story mode, it's considered a high point in the series.

19. Disgaea: Hour of Darkness

**Developer:** 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 title. Its isometric battlefields, diverse characters, and strategic depth provide endless tactical possibilities. While it can be grindy, its gothic aesthetic, humorous characters, and intricate combat system make it a timeless classic.

18. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal

**Developer:** Insomniac Games | **Publisher:** Sony Computer Entertainment | **Release date:** November 2, 2004 | **Review:** IGN's Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal review

The Ratchet & Clank series consistently delivers charming characters, epic stories, and wacky weaponry. Up Your Arsenal expands on this formula with a massive amount of new gadgets, mini-games, and one of the most ambitious online modes of its time.

17. Beyond Good & Evil

**Developer:** Ubisoft Montpellier | **Publisher:** Ubisoft | **Release date:** November 11, 2003 | **Review:** IGN's Beyond Good & Evil review

Beyond Good & Evil blends action and exploration seamlessly within a unique world populated by a diverse and memorable cast. Its world is filled with secrets and lore to uncover, making it a truly unique and enduring classic.

16. Burnout Revenge

**Developer:** 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 traffic or wreaking havoc in Crash mode, the short bursts of intense action are incredibly addictive. Its takedown system adds another layer of excitement, making it the series' high point and a game still fondly remembered for its innovative crash mode.

15. Psychonauts

**Developer:** Double Fine Productions | **Publisher:** Majesco Entertainment | **Release date:** April 19, 2005 | **Review:** IGN's Psychonauts review

Psychonauts uniquely blends a coming-of-age story with psychic secret agents. Its challenging and hilarious action-platforming gameplay is complemented by its memorable levels and compelling narrative, making it a standout title that has only grown in popularity since its sequel's release.

14. Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening

**Developer:** 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 is one of the most influential action games ever created. Its challenging yet rewarding combat, compelling story, and entertaining cutscenes make it a timeless classic. Its highly skilled combat system remains unmatched in its creativity and depth.

13. Katamari Damacy

**Developer:** Namco | **Publisher:** Namco | **Release date:** March 18, 2004 | **Review:** IGN's Katamari Damacy review

Katamari Damacy is pure, absurd fun. Its simple yet addictive gameplay – rolling up objects to create giant Katamaris – is coupled with an incredibly imaginative and hilarious presentation. Its optimistic tone and unique charm make it a truly unforgettable experience.

12. Jak 2: Renegade

**Developer:** Naughty Dog | **Publisher:** Sony Computer Entertainment | **Release date:** October 14, 2003 | **Review:** IGN's Jak 2: Renegade review

Jak II successfully reinvents the series while retaining the charm of its predecessor. The shift to Haven City introduces new combat, traversal, and a more intricate story. The addition of Dark Jak adds a compelling power fantasy element.

11. Bully

**Developer:** Rockstar Vancouver | **Publisher:** Rockstar Games | **Release date:** October 15, 2006 | **Review:** IGN's Bully review

Bully cleverly tackles themes of bullying and social dynamics within a charming coming-of-age narrative. Its satirical humor, streamlined progression, and satisfying combat set a new standard for Rockstar's games.

10. God of War

**Developer:** 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, featuring stunning boss fights, and a compelling blend of combat, puzzles, and platforming. It laid the foundation for one of gaming's greatest action franchises.

9. Okami

**Developer:** Clover Studio | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release date:** April 20, 2006 | **Review:** IGN's Okami review

Okami's unique premise – playing as a wolf god whose paintings bring life – is brilliantly executed. Its stunning painterly style, charming story, creative puzzles, and engaging combat make it a true masterpiece.

8. Final Fantasy 10

**Developer:** Square | **Publisher:** Square Electronic Arts (NA) | **Release date:** July 19, 2001 | **Review:** IGN's Final Fantasy 10 review

Final Fantasy X revolutionized the series with its Sphere Grid leveling system and streamlined battle system. Its accessible story and improved visuals made it a landmark entry, sparking countless discussions about its memorable story and infamous minigame, Blitzball.

7. Silent Hill 2

**Developer:** Konami | **Publisher:** Konami | **Release date:** September 25, 2001 | **Review:** IGN's Silent Hill 2 review

Silent Hill 2 is a disturbing and unforgettable horror experience. Its unsettling atmosphere, unreliable narration, multiple endings, and masterful blend of the mundane and horrific create a truly unnerving journey.

6. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

**Developer:** KCEJ | **Publisher:** Konami | **Release date:** November 13, 2001 | **Review:** IGN's Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty review

Metal Gear Solid 2 is both brilliant and divisive, constantly subverting expectations. Its meta-narrative and innovative gameplay mechanics were ahead of their time, making it a landmark title in the stealth genre.

5. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

**Developer:** 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 formula established by GTA III. Its compelling story, memorable characters (voiced by Hollywood stars), improved mechanics, and iconic 80s soundtrack make it an all-time classic.

4. Resident Evil 4

**Developer:** Capcom Production Studio 4 | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release date:** January 11, 2005 | **Review:** IGN's Resident Evil 4 review

Resident Evil 4 revitalized the series with its over-the-shoulder perspective and action-focused gameplay. Its unsettling atmosphere and memorable enemies created a deeply unsettling experience that remains highly influential.

3. Shadow of the Colossus

**Developer:** 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 a unique experience, blending puzzle-solving with epic boss battles. Its melancholic atmosphere, clever puzzles, understated storytelling, and iconic colossi create a truly unforgettable journey.

2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

**Developer:** KCEJ | **Publisher:** Konami | **Release date:** November 17, 2004 | **Review:** IGN's Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater review

Metal Gear Solid 3 is widely considered the best in the series. It expands on previous mechanics, adds survival elements, and features some of the most innovative boss fights ever designed. Its complex and emotionally resonant story is a masterpiece.

1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

**Developer:** Rockstar North | **Publisher:** Rockstar Games | **Release date:** October 21, 2004 | **Review:** IGN's GTA: San Andreas review

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas represents a massive leap forward in open-world design. Its vast and diverse world, engaging story, and innovative RPG elements make it one of the most memorable and influential open-world games ever made.

What PS2 Games Are Available on PS5 in 2025?

PS2 discs aren't compatible with PS5, but many PS2 games are available via PlayStation Plus Premium ($17.99/month). This tier includes a catalog of over 300 games from PS3, PS2, PS1, and PSP. For the most up-to-date list, visit our IGN Playlist page.

PlayStation Plus Classic Games Catalog

This is a current list of the PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog. Browse, sort, and tag titles to create playlists. Sort by "Recently Added" for new games. See All

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These are our top PS2 games. What are your favorites? Share in the comments or create your own tier list. Also, check out the best PS5 games for current releases.

The Best PS2 Games Of All Time

The Best PS2 Games Of All Time