As the PlayStation 2 celebrates its 25th anniversary, it's the perfect time to reflect on the games that defined its legacy. From groundbreaking PS2 exclusives like Okami and Shadow of the Colossus to blockbuster hits such as Final Fantasy 10 and GTA: Vice City, the console boasts an impressive library. We've carefully selected 25 of the best PS2 games that not only pushed the boundaries of technology and culture during their time but also remain relevant and enjoyable today.
Without further ado, here is IGN's list 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 epitomized the peak of the series, capturing the essence of rock and metal with a stellar selection of tracks. At a time when the franchise focused on delivering "bitchin' rock/metal tracks" for players to enjoy on a plastic guitar, Guitar Hero 2 stood out as the best in its class. With an unmatched song list featuring 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 showcases the series' unique blend of family-friendly action, stealth, and humor. With its engaging story, diverse worlds, and the ability to play as Sly's entire crew—including the powerhouse Murray and tech-savvy Bentley—this game delivers an unmatched experience in the Sony first-party lineup. The thrilling stealth elements and the trilogy's best gameplay make it a standout title.
ICO
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: SIE Japan Studio | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: September 25, 2001 | Review: IGN's ICO review
Despite being centered around the often-dreaded escort mission, ICO is a masterpiece. Its success lies in the quality of its puzzles and the deep bond it develops between the two main characters, achieved through minimal dialogue and their shared journey through the labyrinthine castle. ICO is a prime example of minimalist storytelling and a showcase of how video games can convey powerful 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, Vol. 2 offers the ultimate arcade-style basketball experience. Its visually striking game breakers appeal to casual players, while the superb ball handling and all-star lineup draw in hardcore fans. With four game modes and the ability to unlock both street and NBA legends, NBA Street delivers an exciting blend of crossovers and slam dunks, perfect for competitive play with friends.
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 builds on its predecessor, offering enhanced combat with a mix of magic, Keyblade action, and Sora's form states. While it's recommended to play the first game for the full story, Kingdom Hearts 2 delves deeper into the series' mythology, enriching characters and world design. It's a testament to why the series has captivated fans of Disney, Final Fantasy, and unique storytelling.
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 enhances the beloved series with a fun, campy story and an expansive soundtrack featuring over 70 licensed tracks. The create-a-skater, park, and trick features are user-friendly yet deep, and the chance to play as Iron Man adds to the excitement. Despite mixed reactions to its humor, this game is a standout in the Tony Hawk franchise.
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 a beloved PS2 title, known for its isometric battlefields and diverse characters. Despite the occasional grind, its gothic themes, comedic characters, and intricate combat system make it endlessly entertaining. This classic is perfect for picking up and playing at any time.
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 is the pinnacle of the series, featuring lovable characters, expansive stories, and an array of wacky weapons. With new gadgets, mini-games, and one of the most ambitious online modes of its time, this game offers pure, unadulterated fun—complete with the Suck Cannon turning enemies into bolts.
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 vibrant, diverse cast of characters. Its unique world, filled with quirky locations like dive bars run by reggae-loving rhinos, has captivated fans for years. The anticipation for a sequel is a testament to its enduring appeal.
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, dodging traffic, or causing chaos in crash mode. Its short, intense bursts of action lead to hours of gameplay as players strive for gold medals in every event. The Takedown-infused racing and the last appearance of crash mode make it a thrilling experience.
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 coming-of-age summer camp story with psychic secret agents, creating a harmonious and engaging narrative. This challenging yet hilarious action/platformer features memorable levels and designs, making it a standout title that has since become a franchise with the release of Psychonauts 2 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 a landmark action game, renowned for its challenging yet rewarding combat, compelling story, and entertaining cutscenes. Its combat system offers a high skill ceiling and encourages creativity, making 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 is a delightfully chaotic game, combining a simple mechanic—rolling up objects with a ball—with wildly imaginative scenarios. Its endless optimism and fun gameplay have captured hearts for over two decades, making it a timeless classic.
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 maintaining its charm, moving from the colorful Sandover village to the gritty Haven City. With new combat, traversal, and a more intricate story, this game offers a thrilling adventure. The introduction of Dark Jak adds a new layer of power fantasy, making Jak 2 the best in the 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 back against bullying with a modern coming-of-age story. Its smart, funny narrative and biting satire showcase Rockstar's prowess, while the streamlined progression and satisfying combat elevate the gameplay 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, and a compelling story about Kratos. It set the stage 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's unique premise of playing as a god-wolf who brings paintings to life through a celestial brush is both innovative and beautiful. Its painterly style, engaging story, creative puzzles, and action-driven combat make it a must-play on any PlayStation console.
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 revolutionized the series with its Sphere-grid system, removal of the Active Time Battle system, and more realistic character models. Its well-told story and memorable moments, including the debate over Blitzball, have kept it beloved by fans.
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, reflecting the protagonist's mental state through its eerie town and narrative. Its multiple endings, unreliable narration, and the juxtaposition of the mundane with the horrific make it a horror classic that lingers long after playing. The 2024 remake only adds to its legacy.
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, challenging players' perceptions with its narrative and gameplay. Its themes of misinformation and innovative mechanics have aged well, cementing its status as one of the best stealth games ever.
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 concept introduced by its predecessor, with a compelling narrative, memorable characters, and an iconic soundtrack. Its improvements in mechanics and gameplay have made it a timeless classic, eagerly anticipated in its upcoming sequel, 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 unforgettable monsters and iconic phrases have made it a landmark survival horror game, further solidified 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 a unique blend of puzzle and boss-fight gameplay, leaving players in awe with its melancholic narrative and stunning world. Its clever puzzles, understated storytelling, and dynamic music continue to resonate, especially with the 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 refined the series with survival elements, camouflage, and innovative boss fights. Its compelling story of honor, duty, love, and patriotism stands out, setting up the entire franchise's narrative arc. The anticipation for the upcoming remake speaks to its lasting impact.
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 is the pinnacle of the PS2 era, offering a vast, vibrant world with three cities inspired by Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. Its introduction of RPG and survival elements, alongside thrilling gameplay, makes it one of the most memorable open-world games ever created.
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. For the latest list of available titles, visit 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
Those are our picks for the best PlayStation 2 games ever. What games made your list that weren'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
