Top PS2 Games: All-Time Favorites

As the PlayStation 2 approaches its 25th anniversary, we celebrate the iconic games that defined its legacy. From exclusive titles like Okami and Shadow of the Colossus to blockbuster hits such as Final Fantasy 10 and GTA: Vice City, the PS2 boasts a rich catalog of unforgettable games. We've carefully selected 25 titles that not only pushed the boundaries of gaming during their era but also continue to captivate players today. Here's IGN's list of the 25 best PS2 games of all time.

The Best PS2 Games Ever

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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 stands out as a pinnacle of the series, capturing the essence of rock and metal in a way that few games have managed. Released at a time when the franchise focused purely on the joy of playing rock anthems on a plastic guitar, it offered an unparalleled selection of songs from legends like Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, and Iron Maiden. This game not only defined party gaming for a generation but also remains a testament to the pure fun of rhythm-action games before the genre became oversaturated.

24. 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 encapsulates the charm of the series with its blend of family-friendly action, stealth, and witty storytelling. This game excels with its diverse worlds and the ability to control Sly's entire crew, including the strong Murray and the tech-savvy Bentley. With thrilling stealth gameplay at its core, Sly 2 offers a unique experience that was unmatched among Sony's first-party titles at the time.

23. ICO

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

ICO transformed the typically dreaded escort mission into a captivating journey. Its success lies not only in its engaging puzzles but also in the deep, emotional bond formed between its protagonists as they navigate the labyrinthine castle. With minimal dialogue, ICO masterfully tells a compelling story, showcasing the unique storytelling potential of video games.

22. 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 delivers arcade-style basketball with flair and excitement. It appeals to both casual players with its visually stunning game breakers and hardcore fans with its detailed ball handling and star-studded lineup. With multiple game modes and the chance to unlock legendary players, NBA Street offers endless fun and competitive gameplay.

21. 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 significantly enhances its predecessor with refined combat mechanics, including magic, the iconic Keyblade, and various form states for protagonist Sora. While a long intro might deter new players, the game's rich mythology and world design make it a standout title, beloved by fans of Disney, Final Fantasy, and the series itself.

20. 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 builds on the beloved Tony Hawk series with a fun, campy story, a massive soundtrack, and extensive create-a-skater/park/trick features. Despite mixed reactions to its narrative and humor, this game remains the best in the series, offering a comprehensive and enjoyable skateboarding experience.

19. 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 staple of the PS2 era with its deep tactical gameplay and vibrant gothic themes. While it can be grind-heavy, the game's intricate combat, humorous characters, and engaging story make it a timeless classic, perfect for revisiting at any time.

18. 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 expands on the series' beloved formula with new gadgets, mini-games, and one of the most ambitious online modes of its time. The game's whimsical weapons, like the Suck Cannon, add to the fun, making it a standout entry in the franchise.

17. 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 unique world and engaging mix of action and exploration. Its cast of characters and rich lore make it a classic PS2 title, beloved by fans who eagerly await a sequel.

16. 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 or causing chaos in crash mode. As the last Burnout game to feature crash mode, it remains a thrilling experience that has yet to be replicated successfully.

15. Psychonauts

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

Psychonauts blends a summer camp setting with psychic powers to create a unique and memorable action/platformer. Its inventive levels, engaging story, and lasting impact on the gaming community make it a standout title, now expanded with the release of Psychonauts 2 in 2021.

14. 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 renowned for its challenging yet rewarding combat and compelling story of familial bonds. Its high skill ceiling and creative combat system make it one of the most influential action games ever.

13. Katamari Damacy

Image credit: NamcoDeveloper: Namco | Publisher: Namco | Release date: March 18, 2004 | Review: IGN's Katamari Damacy review

Katamari Damacy combines simple mechanics with absurdly entertaining scenarios, making it a joy to play. Its optimistic tone and fun gameplay have kept it beloved by fans for over two decades.

12. 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 and detailed environments. The transition to Haven City introduces new combat, traversal, and a more intricate story, making it the best game in the iconic trilogy.

11. Bully

Image credit: Rockstar GamesDeveloper: Rockstar Vancouver | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release date: October 15, 2006 | Review: IGN's Bully review

Bully offers a fresh take on coming-of-age stories with its focus on fighting bullying and building social networks. Its smart satire and streamlined progression system showcase Rockstar's storytelling prowess.

10. 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 impresses with its technical prowess and mix of combat, puzzles, and platforming. Its compelling story laid the foundation for one of the greatest action game series ever.

See our guide to playing the God of War games in order for more.

9. 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 wolf god with a celestial brush results in a stunningly beautiful and cohesive game. Its painterly art style, engaging story, and innovative puzzles make it a must-play on any platform.

8. 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 and more accessible gameplay. Its well-told story and memorable moments, including the infamous Blitzball, keep it beloved by fans.

7. Silent Hill 2

Image credit: KonamiDeveloper: Konami | Publisher: Konami | Release date: September 25, 2001 | Review: IGN's Silent Hill 2 review

Silent Hill 2 remains a chilling horror experience that delves deep into its protagonist's psyche. Its unsettling atmosphere and multiple endings make it a classic that continues to haunt players, even with the 2024 remake.

6. 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 challenges players with its shifting narrative and innovative mechanics. Despite initial controversy over its protagonist switch, it has aged beautifully and remains a top stealth game.

See our guide to the Metal Gear games in order for more of the series.

5. 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

GTA: Vice City perfected the open-world formula with its compelling narrative, memorable characters, and iconic soundtrack. It remains a landmark title in gaming history, eagerly anticipated in the upcoming GTA 6.

See our guide to the GTA games in order for more.

4. 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 perspective and focus on action, yet maintained its horror roots. Its unforgettable monsters and iconic phrases continue to resonate, especially with the recent remake.

See our guide to the Resident Evil games in order for more.

3. 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 blends puzzle-solving with epic boss battles, creating an unforgettable experience. Its melancholic tone and innovative gameplay continue to stand out, even with the 2018 remake.

2. 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 refines the series' mechanics and introduces survival elements, all while delivering a captivating story of honor and duty. Its clever boss fights and narrative depth make it the best entry in the franchise, with fans eagerly awaiting the upcoming remake.

1. 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 and RPG elements. From gang shootouts to high-speed chases, it offers a robust and memorable experience, cementing its place 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, priced at $17.99/month. This membership provides access to over 300 games from PS3, PS2, original PlayStation, and PSP, alongside a catalog of PS4 and PS5 games. Visit our IGN Playlist page for an up-to-date list of available titles 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 AllStar Ocean: The Last HopeTri-AceDragon's Crown ProVanillawareTwisted Metal 2SingletracStar Ocean: First Departure RSquare EnixStar Ocean: Till the End of TimeTri-AceGravity Crash PortableJust Add Water DevelopmentsTwisted MetalEat Sleep PlayHerc's AdventuresLucasArtsKillzone: LiberationGuerrilla GamesWormsTeam17 Software

These are our picks for the best PlayStation 2 games ever. What games made your list that weren't included here? Share your thoughts in the comments or rank these games on your own Tier List below. Don't forget to explore the best games on PS5 for current gaming recommendations.

The Best PS2 Games Of All Time