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 mega-hits such as *Final Fantasy X* and *Grand Theft Auto: Vice City*, choosing the best PS2 games is a delightful challenge. We've curated a list of 25 titles that pushed technological and cultural boundaries, and remain captivating today.
Here are IGN's top 25 PlayStation 2 games of all time:
The Best PS2 Games Ever
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25. Guitar Hero II
Guitar Hero redefined party games, but Guitar Hero II was the series' peak. It focused on delivering awesome rock and metal tracks perfect for plastic guitar shredding. Released before the music industry fully capitalized on the rhythm game boom, Harmonix curated an incredible soundtrack boasting Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, Danzig, The Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, and Iggy and the Stooges – a true rock legend's lineup.
24. Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus
The Sly Cooper series masterfully blends family-friendly action, stealth, and humor. Sly 2: Band of Thieves is the best example, boasting a captivating story, diverse worlds to explore, and playable characters including Murray and Bentley. Thrilling stealth mechanics underpin this unique and unforgettable Sony experience.
23. ICO
Despite the often-maligned escort mission structure, ICO is a masterpiece. Its success stems from cleverly designed puzzles and the powerfully conveyed bond between its two protagonists. The deep emotional connection is built not through dialogue, but through shared experiences navigating a labyrinthine castle. It’s a prime example of minimalist storytelling, demonstrating the unique narrative potential of video games.
22. NBA Street V2
NBA Street, Volume 2 is arcade basketball at its finest. Visually stunning and easy to pick up, it appeals to casual and hardcore basketball fans alike. Four game modes and unlockable NBA and street legends create an addictive loop of crossovers and slam dunks, offering unparalleled style and swagger. Head-to-head competition provides ultimate bragging rights.
21. Kingdom Hearts II
Kingdom Hearts II exemplifies how sequels can surpass their predecessors. While playing the first game is recommended, Kingdom Hearts II boasts superior combat, incorporating magic, the Keyblade, Sora's various forms, and more. It expands on the mythology of the first game, adding depth to characters and concepts. From world design to story and combat, it encapsulates the series' charm.
20. Tony Hawk's Underground
Tony Hawk's Underground elevates the series with a fun and campy story, an expansive soundtrack featuring over 70 licensed tracks, and intuitive yet deep create-a-skater/park/trick features (including Iron Man!). Despite mixed reactions to its story mode, it's a top-tier skateboarding game.
19. Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness remains an iconic PS2 title. Its isometric battlefields, diverse characters, and tactical possibilities provide endless entertainment. While it can be grindy, its gothic themes, humorous characters, and intricate combat make it a timeless classic.
18. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
The Ratchet & Clank series consistently delivers charming characters, expansive stories, and creative weaponry. Up Your Arsenal is the biggest installment yet, packed with gadgets, mini-games, and an ambitious online mode. The sheer fun factor is undeniable.
17. Beyond Good & Evil
Blending action and exploration, Beyond Good & Evil features a unique world and memorable characters. Its world is rich with lore and secrets, offering a truly unique gaming experience.
16. Burnout Revenge
Burnout Revenge is all about speed. Whether racing through traffic or causing maximum destruction in crash mode, the short bursts of intense action are highly addictive. The takedown system adds another layer of excitement, making this the series' peak and a game that still holds up today.
15. Psychonauts
Psychonauts cleverly blends a coming-of-age story with psychic secret agents. It's a challenging and humorous action-platformer with incredible level design and memorable moments. The release of Psychonauts 2 cemented its status as a beloved franchise.
14. Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
Devil May Cry 3 is one of the most influential and best action games ever. It features challenging combat, a compelling story, and entertaining cutscenes. Its high skill ceiling and creative combat system remain unmatched.
13. Katamari Damacy
Katamari Damacy is absurd and chaotic fun. The simple gameplay of rolling up objects to create a giant ball is combined with incredibly imaginative and hilarious scenarios. Its optimism and silliness make it a truly unique and memorable experience.
12. Jak II: Renegade
Jak II reinvents the series while retaining the charm of the original. It introduces new combat, traversal, and a more intricate story. The addition of Dark Jak provides a satisfying power fantasy.
11. Bully
Bully offers a unique take on the coming-of-age story, blending satire with satisfying gameplay. Its streamlined progression and combat system were a significant step forward for Rockstar.
10. God of War
God of War is a technical marvel, featuring impressive boss fights, combat, puzzles, and platforming. Its compelling story and groundbreaking visuals laid the foundation for one of gaming's greatest franchises.
9. Okami
Okami's unique concept—playing as a wolf god whose paintings come to life—is brilliantly executed. Its stunning visuals, charming story, creative puzzles, and fun combat make it a timeless classic.
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 and improved visuals made it a landmark entry in the franchise.
7. Silent Hill 2
Silent Hill 2 is a disturbing and unforgettable horror game. Its nightmarish town reflects the protagonist's mental state, creating a deeply unsettling and memorable experience.
6. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
A brilliant and divisive game, Metal Gear Solid 2 constantly subverts expectations. Its use of misinformation and the replacement of Solid Snake with Raiden were bold choices that have aged well, solidifying its status as a stealth masterpiece.
5. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City perfected the open-world formula established by GTA III. Its compelling story, memorable characters, and incredible soundtrack make it a gaming classic.
4. Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 revolutionized the series with its over-the-shoulder perspective and action-oriented gameplay. Its unsettling atmosphere and memorable enemies remain terrifying.
3. Shadow of the Colossus
Shadow of the Colossus is a unique puzzle game disguised as a giant boss battle. Its melancholic tone, clever puzzles, and unforgettable colossi make it a truly impactful experience.
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 some of the most clever boss fights ever designed. Its complex and emotionally resonant story is a masterpiece.
1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas set a new standard for open-world games. Its massive world, diverse activities, and innovative RPG elements make it one of the most memorable and influential games ever created.
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 ($17.99/month). This membership includes a catalog of over 300 games from PS3, PS2, PS1, and PSP. For an updated list, visit our IGN Playlist page.
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!
These are our picks for the best PlayStation 2 games. What are your favorites?
