As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the PlayStation 2, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the games that defined this iconic console. From groundbreaking PS2 exclusives 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 titles. We've carefully curated a list of 25 games that not only pushed the technological and cultural boundaries of their time 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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Guitar Hero 2
Image credit: RedOctaneDeveloper: Harmonix | Publisher: RedOctane | Release date: November 7, 2006 | Review: IGN's Guitar Hero 2 review
Guitar Hero transformed the landscape of party games for years to come, but it was Guitar Hero 2 that truly captured the essence of the series. Developed when the focus was squarely on delivering "bitchin' rock/metal tracks that are fun to play on a plastic guitar," this game avoided the dilution that later entries experienced. With an enviable selection of songs from bands like Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, Danzig, The Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, and Iggy and the Stooges, Guitar Hero 2 remains a standout title that truly rocks.
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 stands out for its unique blend of family-friendly action, stealth, and humor, and Sly 2: Band of Thieves is the pinnacle of this franchise. With a compelling story, diverse and intriguing worlds to explore, and the ability to play as Sly's entire crew—including the powerful Murray and tech-savvy Bentley—this game delivers an unforgettable experience. Its thrilling stealth mechanics set it apart as a standout title in the Sony first-party lineup at the time.
ICO
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: SIE Japan Studio | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: September 25, 2001 | Review: IGN's ICO review
Despite its reliance on the often-criticized escort mission, ICO is a remarkable game. Its success lies in the quality of its puzzles and the profound bond developed between its protagonists, conveyed through their shared journey through the labyrinthine castle. ICO is a prime example of minimalist storytelling and a testament to the unique narrative possibilities that video games offer.
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 epitomizes arcade-style basketball. Its visually striking game breakers appeal to casual fans, while its superb ball handling and all-star lineup attract hardcore enthusiasts. With four game modes and the ability to unlock both street and NBA legends, NBA Street offers an engaging loop of crossovers and slam dunks, filled with style and swagger. The thrill of head-to-head competition against friends is unparalleled.
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. While it's recommended to play the first game for full context, Kingdom Hearts 2 offers enhanced combat with a mix of magic, the iconic Keyblade, and various form states for protagonist Sora. The game delves deeper into the series' mythology, enriching the narrative and character development, even if its intro section is lengthy. Kingdom Hearts 2 embodies the charm that has endeared fans to the Disney, Final Fantasy, and distinctive style of the 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 elevated the Tony Hawk series to new heights. With a fun and campy story, an extensive soundtrack featuring over 70 licensed tracks, and deep customization options for skaters, parks, and tricks, this game is a standout. Despite mixed reactions to its story mode and 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 a cornerstone of the PS2 era. Its isometric battlefields, diverse characters, and tactical gameplay offer endless possibilities as you guide Demon prince Laharl through the Netherworld. Despite some grinding, the game's gothic themes, comedic characters, and intricate combat system make it a timeless classic that invites repeated play.
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 has always delivered lovable characters, expansive stories, and inventive weapons, and Up Your Arsenal is no exception. As the third installment, it boasts a wealth of new gadgets, mini-games, and an ambitious online mode. The Suck Cannon, which transforms enemies into bolts, adds a fun and quirky element to the gameplay.
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 blend of action, exploration, and a unique, charming world filled with diverse characters. From dive bars with peculiar monsters to a hovercraft repair shop run by reggae-loving rhinos, the game is brimming with lore and secrets. Its originality has kept 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 you're racing through streets, weaving through traffic, or causing mayhem in crash mode. The game's short bursts of action can lead to hours spent trying to achieve gold medals in every event. Its Takedown-infused racing and unique crash mode represent the series at its peak, and the absence of crash mode in later games has left a void that hasn't been successfully filled.
Psychonauts
Image credit: Majesco EntertainmentDeveloper: Double Fine Productions | Publisher: Majesco Entertainment | Release date: April 19, 2005 | Review: IGN's Psychonauts review
Psychonauts masterfully blends a classic summer camp coming-of-age story with psychic-powered secret agents. This challenging and humorous action/platformer features incredible levels that reflect the twisted psyches of their creators. Its memorable moments and innovative design continue to impress, and with the release of Psychonauts 2 in 2021, it has become a beloved 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 a landmark in action gaming, offering challenging yet rewarding combat, a compelling story of dark familial bonds, and entertaining cutscenes. Its combat system boasts a high skill ceiling, allowing for unparalleled creativity, making it one of the 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 delightful blend of absurdity and joy. With its simple yet addictive gameplay of rolling up objects to grow a ball, combined with its whimsical and optimistic scenarios, it captures hearts effortlessly. Over two decades later, Katamari Damacy remains a beloved 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 retaining the charm of the original. Moving from the colorful Sandover village to the gritty Haven City, this sequel introduces new combat, traversal, and a deeper, more intriguing story. The addition of gunplay, carjacking, and the Dark Jak power fantasy enhances the experience, making Jak 2 the best game in this iconic trilogy.
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 the coming-of-age narrative, focusing on fighting back against bullying and building social networks. With its smart and funny satire, streamlined progression, and satisfying combat, Bully set a new standard for Rockstar'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, featuring visually stunning boss fights and a mix of combat, puzzle-solving, and platforming. Its compelling story about an enraged protagonist laid the foundation for one of the greatest action game series of all time.
Okami
Image credit: CapcomDeveloper: Clover Studio | Publisher: Capcom | Release date: April 20, 2006 | Review: IGN's Okami review
Okami's innovative concept of a god in wolf form using a celestial brush to bring paintings to life is brilliantly executed. Its painterly art 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 introduced significant changes to the series, including the Sphere-grid leveling system and the removal of the Active Time Battle system. Its more accessible gameplay, compelling story, and realistic character models thanks to the PS2's capabilities have made it a fan favorite. The game also sparked debates about the merits of Blitzball.
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 playthroughs. Its portrayal of a nightmarish town as a manifestation of the protagonist's mental state, coupled with unreliable narration and multiple endings, creates a deeply unsettling atmosphere. The 2024 remake has further cemented its legacy, but the original remains unparalleled.
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 a groundbreaking game that constantly subverts expectations. Its themes of misinformation and its innovative gameplay mechanics were ahead of their time. Despite initial backlash for replacing Solid Snake with Raiden, MGS2 has aged well and remains a top stealth game.
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
While GTA 3 revolutionized open-world gaming, Vice City perfected it. With a compelling story, memorable characters voiced by Hollywood stars, and an iconic soundtrack, Vice City is a timeless classic. Its influence continues to be felt, especially as fans eagerly await 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 shifted the series towards action while maintaining its horror roots. Its over-the-shoulder perspective and memorable enemies like the Los Illuminados and Regenerators have made it a landmark survival horror game. The 2023 remake reaffirms its enduring popularity.
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 puzzle game wrapped in a boss-fight experience. Its melancholic tone, clever puzzles, and understated storytelling create an unforgettable journey. The 2018 remake has only enhanced its status as a timeless classic.
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 streamlined the series while introducing survival elements like hunger and camouflage. Its complex story of honor, duty, love, and patriotism is both self-contained and integral to the broader series narrative. Fans eagerly anticipate the 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
GTA: San Andreas pushed the boundaries of open-world gaming with its expansive map, vibrant cities, and innovative RPG and survival elements. From gang shootouts to high-speed chases, San Andreas offers a robust and memorable experience, cementing its place as the pinnacle of the PS2 gaming era.
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 titles through PlayStation Plus' Premium membership. Priced at $17.99 per month, this tier provides access to over 300 games from PS3, PS2, original PlayStation, and PSP, alongside a catalog of PS4 and PS5 games. To see the latest additions to the Classic Catalog, 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 made your list that wasn’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.
