The PlayStation 2, a revolutionary console, is approaching its 25th anniversary. To celebrate, we're revisiting the games that solidified its legendary status. From PS2 exclusives like *Okami* and *Shadow of the Colossus* to bestsellers such as *Final Fantasy X* and *Grand Theft Auto: Vice City*, choosing the best is a tough task. But we've curated a list of 25 titles that pushed technological and cultural boundaries and remain relevant today.
Here are IGN's 25 best PS2 games of all time:
The Best PS2 Games Ever
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25. Guitar Hero II
Guitar Hero changed party games, but Guitar Hero II perfected the formula. Its focus on "bitchin' rock/metal tracks" was a winning strategy, offering a killer soundtrack featuring Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, Danzig, The Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, and Iggy and the Stooges – a truly rocking experience. It arrived before the music licensing frenzy, giving Harmonix unparalleled song selection.
24. Sly Cooper 2: Band of Thieves
A delightful blend of family-friendly action, stealth, and humor, Sly Cooper 2 is the series' best. Its engaging story unfolds across diverse and intriguing worlds, allowing players to control Sly's crew, including Murray and Bentley. Thrilling stealth mechanics and unique gameplay made it a standout Sony title.
23. ICO
Despite the often-maligned escort mission format, ICO excels. Its quality puzzles and masterful development of the bond between its two protagonists, conveyed through gameplay rather than dialogue, make it a minimalist storytelling triumph. It showcases the unique narrative potential of video games.
22. NBA Street V2
NBA Street V2 is arcade basketball at its finest. Visually stunning yet easy to play, it appeals to both casual and hardcore fans. Four game modes, unlockable legends, and stylish gameplay make for an endlessly replayable experience, especially head-to-head against friends.
21. Kingdom Hearts II
Kingdom Hearts II is a prime example of a superior sequel. While playing the first game is recommended, the sequel boasts improved combat, incorporating magic, the Keyblade, Sora's forms, and more. It expands on the mythology of the first game, offering satisfying depth to its characters and ideas. Its world design, story, and combat are key reasons for the series' enduring popularity.
20. Tony Hawk's Underground
Tony Hawk's Underground enhances the series' strengths. A fun and campy story, a massive soundtrack with over 70 licensed tracks, and deep create-a-skater/park/trick features (including Iron Man!) make it a standout, despite mixed reactions to its story mode.
19. Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness remains an iconic PS2 title. Its isometric battlefields, diverse characters, and tactical possibilities offer endless replayability. While it can be grindy, its gothic themes, humor, and intricate combat make it a timeless classic.
18. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal expands on the series' charm, storytelling, and wacky weapons. It features a wealth of new gadgets, mini-games, and an ambitious online mode (for its time).
17. Beyond Good & Evil
Blending action and exploration, Beyond Good & Evil boasts a unique world and memorable cast. Its world is filled with quirky characters and secrets, making it a truly unique and beloved PS2 experience.
16. Burnout Revenge
Burnout Revenge is all about speed. Whether racing, weaving through traffic, or causing mayhem in Crash mode, the short bursts of action and pursuit of gold medals provide hours of thrilling gameplay. Its takedown system and Crash mode are highlights of the series.
15. Psychonauts
Psychonauts cleverly blends a coming-of-age story with psychic secret agents. Its challenging and humorous action/platformer features incredible level design and memorable moments, solidifying its status as a classic.
14. Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
Devil May Cry 3 is an influential and exceptional action game. Its challenging combat, compelling story, and entertaining cutscenes are highlights. Its deep and creative combat system remains unmatched.
13. Katamari Damacy
Katamari Damacy is absurd and chaotic fun. Its simple mechanics—rolling up objects to create a giant ball—combined with its outlandish visuals and optimistic tone make it a truly unique and joyful experience.
12. Jak II: Renegade
Jak II reinvents itself while retaining the charm of the original. Its shift to Haven City introduces new combat, traversal, and a more intricate story. The addition of Dark Jak enhances the power fantasy aspect of the game.
11. Bully
Bully offers a unique take on the coming-of-age story, combining satire with satisfying gameplay. Its streamlined progression and combat mechanics set a new standard for Rockstar.
10. God of War
God of War is a technical marvel with impressive boss fights, combining combat, puzzles, and platforming within a compelling story. It laid the foundation for one of gaming's greatest action series.
9. Okami
Okami's unique concept—playing as a wolf god whose paintings come to life—is brilliantly executed. Its beautiful art style, charming story, creative puzzles, and action-driven combat make it a masterpiece.
8. Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X significantly changed the series, introducing a new leveling system and removing the Active Time Battle system. Its accessible story, improved visuals, and memorable characters contribute to its enduring popularity.
7. Silent Hill 2
Silent Hill 2 is a disturbing and unforgettable horror game. Its nightmarish town reflects the protagonist's mental state, utilizing unreliable narration and multiple endings to create a deeply unsettling experience.
6. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Metal Gear Solid 2 is a brilliant and divisive game, constantly subverting expectations. Its use of misinformation in its marketing and gameplay is thematically relevant, making it a forward-thinking title.
5. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City perfected the open-world formula. Its compelling story, memorable characters (voiced by Hollywood stars), improved mechanics, and iconic soundtrack make it an all-time classic.
4. Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 revolutionized the series with its over-the-shoulder perspective and action-focused gameplay. Its memorable monsters and unsettling atmosphere maintain its horror elements.
3. Shadow of the Colossus
Shadow of the Colossus is a unique puzzle game disguised as a giant-boss-fight experience. Its bleak world, clever puzzles, understated storytelling, and memorable colossi create a lasting impact.
2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid 3 is widely considered the best in the series. It expands on previous mechanics, adds survival elements, and features clever boss fights. Its complex and emotionally resonant story is a key highlight.
1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas represents a massive leap forward for open-world games. Its vast world, diverse activities, and addition of RPG elements make it a memorable and influential title.
What PS2 Games Are Available on PS5 in 2025?
PS2 discs aren't compatible with PS5, but some PS2 games are available via PlayStation Plus Premium. This subscription service provides access to a catalog of PS3, PS2, PS1, and PSP games. For an updated list, check the IGN Playlist page.
PlayStation Plus Classic Games Catalog
This is an up-to-date listing of the PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog. You can browse, sort, and tag titles to create playlists.
These are our picks for the best PlayStation 2 games. Share your favorites in the comments!
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