As the PlayStation 2 approaches its 25th anniversary, it's the perfect time to revisit the games that cemented its legacy. From iconic exclusives like Okami and Shadow of the Colossus to blockbuster hits like Final Fantasy 10 and GTA: Vice City, the PS2 boasts an unparalleled library. We've curated a list of 25 of the best PS2 games that not only pushed the boundaries of technology and culture but continue to captivate players 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 revolutionized party gaming, but Guitar Hero 2 epitomized the series at its finest. Developed during a time when the franchise focused on "bitchin' rock/metal tracks fun to play on a plastic guitar," it offered a stellar selection of songs before the genre became saturated. From Suicidal Tendencies to Iron Maiden, Guitar Hero 2 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 brilliantly combines family-friendly action, stealth, and witty writing, with Sly 2: Band of Thieves exemplifying this blend at its best. Its engaging story unfolds across diverse and intriguing worlds, allowing players to control Sly's entire crew, including the powerhouse Murray and tech-savvy Bentley. With thrilling stealth mechanics at its core, Sly 2 delivers a unique and unforgettable experience.
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 stands out as a masterpiece. Its success lies in the quality of its puzzles and the deep bond developed between its two protagonists, conveyed through their journey through a labyrinthine castle. ICO is a prime example of minimalist storytelling and innovative game design.
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 delivers the ultimate arcade-style basketball experience. Its visually stunning yet accessible gameplay appeals to casual and hardcore fans alike, featuring a superb lineup of players and game modes. From crossovers to slam dunks, NBA Street offers endless entertainment, especially when competing against 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 exemplifies how sequels can surpass their predecessors. With enhanced combat featuring magic, Keyblade techniques, and Sora's form states, it builds upon the original while deepening the mythology. Though it has a lengthy intro, every aspect, from world design to storytelling, showcases why fans adore the Kingdom Hearts 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 took the beloved series to new heights by enhancing its core elements. With a campy yet fun storyline, an extensive soundtrack, and deep customization features, it offered a comprehensive skateboarding experience. Despite mixed reactions to its humor, Tony Hawk's Underground remains the pinnacle of the Pro Skater series.
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, known for its tactical depth and flamboyant gothic themes. Its isometric battlefields and diverse characters keep players engaged, despite occasional grind. The game's comical characters and intricate combat system make it a timeless classic.
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 is renowned for its lovable characters and wacky weapons, and Up Your Arsenal is the epitome of this. With a plethora of new gadgets, mini-games, and one of the most ambitious online modes of its time, it offers a fun and expansive adventure.
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 world filled with diverse characters. From dive bars with strange creatures to reggae-loving rhinos running hovercraft repair shops, its world is brimming with secrets and charm, leaving 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, dodging traffic, or causing mayhem in crash mode. Its short, action-packed bursts keep players hooked, with the Takedown-infused racing offering thrills unmatched by other games. It remains the last Burnout game to feature the beloved crash mode.
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 story with psychic-powered espionage, delivering a challenging and hilarious action/platformer. Its imaginative levels, each reflecting the twisted psyche of its inhabitants, showcase incredible design and storytelling that still impress today. The release of Psychonauts 2 in 2021 cemented its status as a franchise.
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. Its challenging yet rewarding combat, dark story of familial bonds, and entertaining cutscenes set a high bar. Its deep combat system, with a high skill ceiling, allows for unparalleled creativity.
Katamari Damacy
Image credit: NamcoDeveloper: Namco | Publisher: Namco | Release date: March 18, 2004 | Review: IGN's Katamari Damacy review
Katamari Damacy is a masterpiece of absurdity and joy. Its simple mechanic of rolling up objects to grow a ball is paired with an insane layer of creativity, resulting in a parade of ridiculous scenarios and endless optimism. Its fun and 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 retaining its charm, moving from the colorful Sandover Village to the gritty Haven City. With new combat, traversal, and a more intriguing story, it introduces gunplay and vehicle mechanics alongside the traditional platforming and physical combat. Jak 2 stands out as the best in its trilogy.
Bully
Image credit: Rockstar GamesDeveloper: Rockstar Vancouver | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release date: October 15, 2006 | Review: IGN's Bully review
Bully offers a unique experience where players fight back against bullying, build social networks, and face consequences for skipping class. Its coming-of-age story is smart and funny, showcasing Rockstar's biting satire. With streamlined progression and satisfying combat, Bully raised the bar for the studio's future games.
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, puzzles, and platforming, all wrapped in a compelling story of rage. It laid the groundwork for what would become one of the greatest action game series, with its impact still felt today.
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 a god-wolf using a celestial brush to bring paintings to life is both unique and captivating. Its stunning painterly style, charming story, creative puzzles, and engaging combat make it a must-play on both the PS2 and 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 system and removing the Active Time Battle system for greater accessibility. Its story is well-told, with memorable characters and moments, including the iconic question, "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 lingers long after playing. Its nightmarish town reflects the protagonist's mental state, using unreliable narration and multiple endings to create unease. The game's impact is so profound that a 2024 remake was released, yet the original remains unbeatable.
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 both divisive and brilliant, constantly subverting expectations. Its themes of misinformation and innovative mechanics were ahead of their time, despite initial backlash over the protagonist switch to Raiden. It has aged gracefully and is regarded as one of the best stealth games ever.
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
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City perfected the open-world formula introduced by GTA 3. With a compelling narrative, expert satire, memorable characters voiced by Hollywood stars, and an unparalleled soundtrack, it remains one of the best PS2 games and a gaming classic. 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 revolutionized the series with its over-the-shoulder perspective and action-focused gameplay. Its unsettling atmosphere, iconic monsters, and memorable lines like "What're ya buyin'?" have made it a landmark in survival horror, further solidified by its 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 a masterful blend of puzzle and boss-fight gameplay, leaving players in awe long after the credits roll. Its melancholic tone, clever puzzles, and understated storytelling, combined with its dynamic music and epic colossi, make it a timeless classic, enhanced 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 refined the series' mechanics, adding survival elements like hunger and camouflage, and delivering some of the cleverest boss fights. Its story of honor, duty, love, and patriotism is both self-contained and crucial to the series' overall narrative, eagerly anticipated in its 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
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas represents a monumental leap forward in open-world gaming. Its vast world, RPG elements like tracking CJ's diet and exercise, and a variety of activities from gang shootouts to heists make it one of the most robust and memorable games on the PS2, setting a high standard for the genre.
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. Priced at $17.99/month, this tier provides access to over 300 games from PS3, PS2, original PlayStation, and PSP, alongside a catalog of PS4 and PS5 titles. Visit our IGN Playlist page for an updated list of available games in the Classic Catalog.
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. Which games made your list that we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments, or rank these games on your own Tier List below. And don't forget to check out the best games on PS5 for what to play right now.
### The Best PS2 Games Of All Time
