The Best PS2 Games Of All Time

The PlayStation 2, a revolutionary console, is nearing 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 blockbuster hits such as *Final Fantasy X* and *Grand Theft Auto: Vice City*, selecting the best PS2 games is no easy feat. However, we've curated a list of 25 titles that pushed technological and cultural boundaries, remaining relevant even today.

Here are IGN's 25 best PS2 games of all time:

The Best PS2 Games Ever

More on the best PlayStation Games of all time:

Best PS4 Games Best PS3 Games Best PS1 Games

25. Guitar Hero II

Developer: Harmonix | Publisher: RedOctane | Release date: November 7, 2006 | Review: IGN's Guitar Hero 2 review

Guitar Hero redefined party games, but *Guitar Hero II* perfected the formula. Its focus on "bitchin' rock/metal tracks" predated the genre's saturation, allowing Harmonix to curate an incredible setlist featuring artists like Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, and The Rolling Stones. It remains a rocking good time.

24. Sly Cooper 2: Band of Thieves

Developer: Sucker Punch Productions | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: September 14, 2004 | Review: IGN's Sly 2: Band of Thieves review

This charming blend of action, stealth, and humor showcases the Sly Cooper series at its finest. Varied environments, playable characters (Sly's crew), and thrilling stealth sequences make *Sly 2* a unique and memorable experience.

23. ICO

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

Despite relying on the often-maligned escort mission mechanic, *ICO* excels through its clever puzzles and deeply moving portrayal of the bond between its two protagonists. Minimalist storytelling and innovative gameplay make it a timeless classic.

22. NBA Street Vol. 2

Developer: EA Canada | Publisher: Electronic Arts/NuFX | Release date: April 28, 2003 | Review: IGN's NBA Street, Vol. 2 review

Arcade basketball at its finest, *NBA Street Vol. 2* balances flashy visuals with accessible gameplay. Its diverse modes, unlockable legends, and head-to-head competition make it a consistently engaging experience.

21. Kingdom Hearts II

Developer: Square Enix | Publisher: Square Enix | Release date: December 22, 2005 | Review: IGN's Kingdom Hearts 2 review

A superior sequel, *Kingdom Hearts II* refines the combat with enhanced magic, Keyblade abilities, and Sora's form changes. It expands on the mythology of the first game, offering satisfying depth and captivating world design.

20. Tony Hawk's Underground

Developer: Neversoft Entertainment | Publisher: Activision | Release date: October 27, 2003 | Review: IGN's Tony Hawk's Underground review

Building on the Tony Hawk series' success, *Underground* delivers a fun, campy story, a massive soundtrack (70+ licensed tracks), and deep create-a-skater/park features. Even with mixed reactions to its story, it's considered a top-tier Pro Skater game.

19. Disgaea: Hour of Darkness

Developer: NIS | Publisher: Atlus (NA) | Release date: January 30, 2003 | Review: IGN's Disgaea: Hour of Darkness review

An iconic PS2 title, *Disgaea: Hour of Darkness* features tactical combat with diverse characters and skills. While grindy at times, its gothic themes, humor, and intricate combat make it an endlessly replayable classic.

18. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal

Developer: Insomniac Games | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: November 2, 2004 | Review: IGN's Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal review

This entry in the beloved series expands on its formula with an abundance of gadgets, mini-games, and an ambitious online mode. The wacky weapons and charming characters make it a standout platformer.

17. Beyond Good & Evil

Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 11, 2003 | Review: IGN's Beyond Good & Evil review

Blending action and exploration, *Beyond Good & Evil* features a unique world and memorable characters. Its rich lore and secrets make it a captivating and unforgettable experience.

16. Burnout Revenge

Developer: Criterion Games | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Release date: July 30, 2005 | Review: IGN's Burnout Revenge review

Built on speed, *Burnout Revenge* offers intense racing, thrilling takedowns, and chaotic crash mode. It's considered the pinnacle of the series, especially for its iconic crash mode.

15. Psychonauts

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

A unique blend of coming-of-age story and psychic action/platforming, *Psychonauts* features memorable moments and inventive level design. Its enduring appeal led to a successful sequel.

14. Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening

Developer: Capcom Production Studio 1 | Publisher: Capcom | Release date: February 17, 2005 | Review: IGN's Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening review

An influential action game, *Devil May Cry 3* boasts challenging combat, a compelling story, and entertaining cutscenes. Its high skill ceiling and creative combat system remain unmatched.

13. Katamari Damacy

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

Absurd and endlessly optimistic, *Katamari Damacy* is simple yet captivating. Its ridiculous scenarios and hilarious visuals create an unforgettable gaming experience.

12. Jak II: Renegade

Developer: Naughty Dog | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: October 14, 2003 | Review: IGN's Jak 2: Renegade review

A unique sequel, *Jak II* shifts the setting and gameplay while retaining the charm of the original. The introduction of new combat, traversal, and the Dark Jak power fantasy makes it a thrilling adventure.

11. Bully

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

A smart and funny coming-of-age story with satisfying combat and a streamlined progression system. *Bully* showcases Rockstar's satirical wit.

10. God of War

Developer: Santa Monica Studio | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: March 22, 2005 | Review: IGN's God of War review

A technical marvel with visually impressive boss fights, *God of War* expertly blends combat, puzzles, and platforming. Its compelling story laid the foundation for one of gaming's greatest franchises.

9. Okami

Developer: Clover Studio | Publisher: Capcom | Release date: April 20, 2006 | Review: IGN's Okami review

The unique concept of a wolf-god wielding a celestial brush brings a beautiful and cohesive world to life. Its painterly style, charming story, and creative gameplay make it a must-play.

8. Final Fantasy X

Developer: Square | Publisher: Square Electronic Arts (NA) | Release date: July 19, 2001 | Review: IGN's Final Fantasy 10 review

A groundbreaking entry in the series, *Final Fantasy X* introduced a new leveling system and story accessibility. Its well-told narrative and memorable characters remain beloved by fans.

7. Silent Hill 2

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

A disorienting and unsettling horror classic, *Silent Hill 2* uses the town as a manifestation of the protagonist's mental state. Its unreliable narration and multiple endings create a deeply unsettling experience.

6. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Developer: KCEJ | Publisher: Konami | Release date: November 13, 2001 | Review: IGN's Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty review

A brilliant and divisive game, *Metal Gear Solid 2* constantly subverts expectations. Its use of misinformation and thematic depth make it a landmark title in the stealth genre.

5. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Developer: Rockstar North | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release date: Oct 29, 2002 | Review: IGN's GTA: Vice City review

Refining the open-world formula, *GTA: Vice City* delivers a compelling story, memorable characters (voiced by Hollywood stars), and an iconic soundtrack. It remains a gaming classic.

4. Resident Evil 4

Developer: Capcom Production Studio 4 | Publisher: Capcom | Release date: January 11, 2005 | Review: IGN's Resident Evil 4 review

A significant departure for the series, *Resident Evil 4* introduced over-the-shoulder shooting and a sprawling Spanish village setting. Its memorable monsters and unsettling atmosphere remain impactful.

3. Shadow of the Colossus

Developer: SIE Japan Studio | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: October 18, 2005 | Review: IGN's Shadow of the Colossus review

A masterful blend of puzzle-solving and boss battles, *Shadow of the Colossus* delivers a melancholic and unforgettable experience. Its bleak world, clever puzzles, and iconic colossi stand the test of time.

2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Developer: KCEJ | Publisher: Konami | Release date: November 17, 2004 | Review: IGN's Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater review

Often considered the best in the series, *Metal Gear Solid 3* expands on previous mechanics with survival elements and clever boss fights. Its complex story of honor, duty, and love is a standout.

1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Developer: Rockstar North | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release date: October 21, 2004 | Review: IGN's GTA: San Andreas review

A massive leap forward for open-world games, *GTA: San Andreas* features a vast and vibrant world, diverse gameplay, and RPG elements. It remains one of the most memorable open-world experiences ever created.

What PS2 Games Are Available on PS5 in 2025?

While PS2 discs aren't compatible with PS5, PlayStation Plus Premium offers streaming access to a catalog of PS2, PS3, PS1, and PSP games. 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?

The Best PS2 Games Of All Time

The Best PS2 Games Of All Time