As the PlayStation 2 approaches its 25th anniversary, we reflect on the games that defined its legacy. From groundbreaking exclusives like Okami and Shadow of the Colossus to blockbuster hits such as Final Fantasy 10 and GTA: Vice City, the PS2 boasts an extensive library of iconic titles. We've carefully selected 25 of the best PS2 games, each pushing the boundaries of technology and culture during their time, and many of which remain enjoyable 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 transformed the landscape of party games for a decade, and Guitar Hero 2 represents the pinnacle of the series. This title embraced the essence of rock and metal, featuring an unparalleled selection of songs from legends like Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, Danzig, The Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, and Iggy and the Stooges. It was the last rhythm-action game before music publishers realized the lucrative potential, allowing Harmonix to curate an exceptional playlist that 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
The Sly Cooper series is celebrated for its unique blend of family-friendly action, stealth, and witty humor, and Sly 2: Band of Thieves stands as the best example of this mix. The game's engaging narrative is enhanced by a diverse array of worlds to explore, and the ability to control Sly's entire crew, including the powerful Murray and tech-savvy Bentley. With its thrilling stealth mechanics, Sly 2 offers an unparalleled experience in the Sony first-party lineup of the time.
ICO
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: SIE Japan Studio | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: September 25, 2001 | Review: IGN's ICO review
Despite being built around the often-criticized escort mission mechanic, ICO is a remarkable game. Its success lies in both the quality of its puzzles and the deep emotional bond it fosters between the two main characters. Through the simple act of navigating a labyrinthine castle together, ICO tells a poignant story without relying on dialogue, showcasing the power of minimalist storytelling and demonstrating how video games can uniquely convey narratives.
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, Volume 2 epitomizes arcade-style basketball with its visually striking game breakers and easy-to-master mechanics, appealing to both casual and hardcore fans. With four game modes and the ability to unlock both street and NBA legends, the game offers a dynamic loop of crossovers and slam dunks filled with style and flair. Nothing beats the excitement of going head-to-head with a friend in a battle to "break ankles."
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. Building on the first game's foundation, it enhances combat with a blend of magic, the iconic Keyblade, and various form states for protagonist Sora. The game delves deeper into its mythology, enriching the narrative and characters introduced in the original. While it might not be the ideal starting point, Kingdom Hearts 2 showcases why fans of Disney, Final Fantasy, and zippers adore 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 elevated the series by expanding on its successful elements. With a fun and campy story, a massive soundtrack featuring over 70 licensed tracks, and intuitive create-a-skater/park/trick features, the game offers a deep and engaging experience. Despite mixed reactions to its story mode and humor, Tony Hawk's Underground remains the best Pro Skater game in all but name.
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 has become an iconic PS2 game, known for its isometric battlefields and diverse characters with unique skills and weapons. Though it can be grind-heavy, the game thrives with its flamboyant gothic themes, humorous characters, and intricate combat system. It's a classic that remains entertaining and rewarding to revisit.
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
The Ratchet & Clank series has always been exceptional, offering lovable characters, expansive stories, and an array of quirky weapons. Up Your Arsenal, the third installment, was the biggest yet, introducing a plethora of new gadgets and mini-games, along with one of the most ambitious online modes of its time. Who wouldn't enjoy turning enemies into bolts with a Suck Cannon?
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 stands out with its mix of action, exploration, and a unique, charming world inhabited by diverse characters. From dive bars filled with quirky monsters to a hovercraft repair shop run by reggae-loving rhinos, the game is brimming with lore and secrets. Its distinctiveness 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 you're racing through streets, weaving through traffic, or causing chaos in crash mode. The game's fast-paced action can consume hours as you strive for gold medals in every event. Its Takedown-infused racing and the last inclusion of crash mode make it a thrilling experience that remains unmatched.
Psychonauts
Image credit: Majesco EntertainmentDeveloper: Double Fine Productions | Publisher: Majesco Entertainment | Release date: April 19, 2005 | Review: IGN's Psychonauts review
Psychonauts blends a classic summer camp coming-of-age story with psychic-powered secret agents, creating a harmonious and unique narrative. As a challenging and humorous action/platformer, it features memorable levels that reflect the twisted psyches of its characters. The game's innovative design and storytelling have solidified its status, even leading to a sequel, Psychonauts 2, released in 2021.
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 is not only one of the most influential action games ever but also one of the best. It offers challenging yet rewarding combat, a dark and twisted story of familial bonds, and entertaining cutscenes. With a high skill ceiling and creative combat system, Devil May Cry 3 remains a benchmark for action games.
Katamari Damacy
Image credit: NamcoDeveloper: Namco | Publisher: Namco | Release date: March 18, 2004 | Review: IGN's Katamari Damacy review
Katamari Damacy is a delightful blend of simple mechanics and absurd chaos. Rolling up objects into an ever-growing ball, the game presents a parade of ridiculous scenarios and hilarious sights, all infused with endless optimism. Its simple yet engaging gameplay 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 reinvents the series while maintaining the charm of the original Jak and Daxter. Moving from the colorful Sandover village to the gritty Haven City, the game introduces new combat, traversal, and a more intriguing story. With gunplay, carjacking, hoverboarding, and the introduction of Dark Jak, Jak 2 offers a thrilling adventure and stands as the best game in this iconic trilogy.
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 fighting against bullying while building social networks and emphasizing the importance of attending class. With its smart and funny coming-of-age story, the game showcases Rockstar's biting satire and introduces a streamlined progression system and satisfying combat, setting new standards for the studio's future titles.
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 that combines visually stunning boss fights with a mix of combat, puzzle-solving, and challenging platforming, all wrapped in a compelling story about Kratos, a very angry man. This game laid the groundwork for what would become one of the greatest action game series ever.
See our guide to playing the God of War games in order for more.
Okami
Image credit: CapcomDeveloper: Clover Studio | Publisher: Capcom | Release date: April 20, 2006 | Review: IGN's Okami review
Okami's concept of playing as a wolf god who brings paintings to life with a celestial brush is both innovative and captivating. Its beautiful painterly style, charming story, creative puzzles, and engaging combat make it a must-play, whether on the PS2 or modern PlayStation consoles.
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 leveling system and removing the Active Time Battle system, making it more accessible. Its story is well-told and memorable, and the in-game cutscenes showcased the PS2's graphical capabilities. The game also famously asked, "Is Blitzball good?"
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 delves into the protagonist's psyche, blending the mundane with the horrific. Its multiple endings and unreliable narration create a disorientating nightmare that lingers long after playing. The game's impact is evident with the release of a remake in 2024, yet the original remains unparalleled.
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 is a groundbreaking game that constantly shifts the player's understanding through its narrative and mechanics. Initially divisive for replacing Solid Snake with Raiden, it has aged well and is now recognized as one of the best stealth games ever made.
See our guide to the Metal Gear games in order for more of the series.
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
While GTA 3 revolutionized the open-world genre, Vice City perfected it. With a compelling narrative, memorable characters voiced by Hollywood stars, and an iconic soundtrack, Vice City remains a classic. Its influence is still felt today, and fans eagerly await its return in GTA 6.
See our guide to the GTA games in order for more.
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 reinvented the series with its over-the-shoulder shooting and action-focused gameplay, yet retained its horror roots. Its memorable monsters and iconic phrases like "what're ya buyin?" have kept it popular, especially with the recent remake.
See our guide to the Resident Evil games in order for more.
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 more than just a series of giant boss fights; it's a puzzle game with a melancholic narrative that leaves a lasting impact. Its bleak world, clever puzzles, and dynamic music continue to impress, especially with 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 refined the series by adding survival elements like hunger and camouflage, and featuring some of the most innovative boss fights. Its story of honor, duty, love, and patriotism is compelling and sets the stage for the entire series, making fans excited for the upcoming remake.
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
GTA: San Andreas represents a monumental leap in open-world gaming with its vast, vibrant world inspired by Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. Introducing RPG and survival elements, the game offers a robust and memorable experience, cementing its status as the pinnacle of PS2 gaming.
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. For $17.99/month, you gain access to over 300 games from PS3, PS2, original PlayStation, and PSP, alongside the PS4 and PS5 catalog. To see the latest additions to the Classic Catalog, 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 SoftwareThose 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.
