Top PS2 Games: All-Time Favorites

As the PlayStation 2 approaches its 25th anniversary, it's clear that this revolutionary console left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. From groundbreaking PS2 exclusives like Okami and Shadow of the Colossus to blockbuster hits like Final Fantasy 10 and GTA: Vice City, the PlayStation 2 offered an extensive library of unforgettable games. We've curated a list of the 25 best PS2 games that not only pushed the boundaries of technology and culture during their time but continue to captivate players even today.

So, without further ado, here is IGN's selection of the 25 best PS2 games of all time.

The Best PS2 Games Ever

26 ImagesMore 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 games for a decade, but Guitar Hero 2 truly captured the essence of the series at its peak. At its core, the franchise was all about playing "bitchin' rock/metal tracks" on a plastic guitar, and Guitar Hero 2 delivered just that. Before the music industry flooded the market with similar games, Harmonix had the luxury of choosing the best songs, resulting in a soundtrack featuring Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, Danzig, The Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, and Iggy and the Stooges. This game truly rocks.

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

The Sly Cooper series is renowned for its unique blend of family-friendly action, stealth, and humorous writing, and Sly 2: Band of Thieves exemplifies these qualities better than any other entry. The game's engaging story unfolds across varied and intriguing worlds, allowing players to control Sly's entire crew, including the powerhouse Murray and the tech-savvy Bentley. With thrilling stealth mechanics at its core, Sly 2 offers an original experience that stands out in the Sony first-party lineup.

23. 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-criticized escort mission mechanic, ICO is a remarkable achievement. Its success lies in the quality of its puzzles and the deep bond developed between its two main characters. Through their journey through a labyrinthine castle, the game conveys a profound personal connection without relying on dialogue. ICO stands as one of the finest examples of minimalist storytelling and showcases the unique storytelling capabilities 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, Volume 2 epitomizes arcade-style basketball at its finest. Its visually flashy yet accessible gameplay appeals to casual sports fans, while its superb ball handling and all-star lineup captivate hardcore basketball 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. Nothing beats the thrill of going head-to-head with a friend and breaking some ankles.

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 exemplifies how sequels can enhance their predecessors. While we recommend playing the first game for the full experience, Kingdom Hearts 2 offers the series' best combat, blending magic, the iconic Keyblade, and various form states for protagonist Sora. The game delves deeper into the mythology, enriching the ideas and characters introduced in the first game. Despite a lengthy intro, every aspect of Kingdom Hearts 2—from its world design to its story and combat—demonstrates why fans of Disney, Final Fantasy, and zippers have embraced the series.

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 elevated the series by expanding on its core elements. The game features a fun, campy story, an expansive soundtrack with over 70 licensed tracks, and easy-to-use yet deep create-a-skater/park/trick features. While the community had mixed feelings about its story mode and Jackass-inspired humor, Tony Hawk's Underground is the pinnacle of the Pro Skater series, offering an unmatched 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 an iconic game of the PS2 generation. Its isometric battlefields, filled with enemies and diverse characters wielding various skills and weapons, offer endless tactical possibilities. While it can be a grind at times, the game thrives with its flamboyantly gothic themes, comical characters, and intricate combat system, making it a timeless classic that players can revisit anytime.

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

The Ratchet & Clank series has always been exceptional, offering lovable characters, expansive stories, and an array of wacky weapons. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal, the third installment, is the biggest yet, introducing a plethora of new gadgets and mini-games, along with one of the most ambitious online modes of its time. What other game allows you to use a Suck Cannon to turn enemies into bolts? It's pure, fun gameplay at its best.

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 blend of action and exploration, set in a world filled with quirky dive bars, reggae-loving rhinos, and hidden secrets. Its diverse and charming cast adds to the game's appeal, making it a standout classic on the PS2. Fans have eagerly awaited a sequel, a testament to the game's enduring impact.

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 you're racing through its streets, dodging traffic, or causing chaos in crash mode. The game's short bursts of action can lead to hours of play as you strive for gold medals in every event. With its thrilling Takedown-infused racing and the last appearance of the beloved crash mode, Burnout Revenge remains the series' pinnacle, leaving fans hoping for a revival of its unique gameplay.

15. 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 secret agents, creating a harmonious narrative. This challenging yet hilarious action/platformer takes players through incredible levels that reflect the twisted psyches they explore. Full of memorable moments and innovative designs, Psychonauts has left a lasting impression, 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 not only one of the most influential action games of all time but also one of the best. It offers challenging yet rewarding combat, a compelling story of dark familial bonds, and entertaining cutscenes. The game's combat system has a high skill ceiling, allowing for immense creativity, making Devil May Cry 3 a standout title in the action genre.

13. 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. Its simple yet engaging mechanic of rolling up objects into a ball is paired with a wildly imaginative world. The game's endless optimism and ridiculous scenarios capture hearts, and its fun gameplay has kept players engaged 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 without losing its charm. From the colorful world of Sandover village to the gritty Haven City, the game introduces new combat, traversal, and a story filled with intrigue and dynamic characters. The addition of gunplay, carjacking, and hoverboarding, along with the introduction of Dark Jak, creates an ultimate power fantasy that evolves over time. Jak 2 is a thrilling adventure and the best in its 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 unique take on school life, where players fight back against bullying and build social networks. With a coming-of-age story that blends classic themes with modern satire, Bully is both smart and funny. It introduced a streamlined progression system and satisfying combat, setting new standards for Rockstar's games.

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 is a technical marvel, featuring visually stunning boss fights, a mix of combat, puzzle-solving, and challenging platforming, all wrapped in a compelling story of a very angry man. This game laid the foundation for one of the greatest action game series, setting a high bar for future installments.

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 concept of playing as a god in the form of a wolf, using a celestial brush to bring paintings to life, is brilliantly executed. Its painterly style, charming story, creative puzzles, and engaging combat make Okami a must-play on the PS2 or modern PlayStation consoles.

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 made significant changes to the series, introducing the Sphere-grid leveling system and removing the Active Time Battle system. These changes made the game more accessible, and its story was easier to follow. The game's in-game cutscenes featured realistic character models, and its narrative remains beloved, despite some meme-worthy moments. It also famously posed the question: "is Blitzball good?".

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 is a haunting experience that lingers long after playing. It presents a nightmarish town as a reflection of the protagonist's mental state, using unreliable narration and multiple endings to create unease. The game's impact is so profound that Konami released a remake in 2024, yet the original remains unmatched.

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 is both divisive and brilliant, constantly shifting player expectations. Its theme of misinformation was reflected in its marketing, and despite initial backlash over the protagonist change to Raiden, it has aged well. Widely regarded as one of the best stealth games, MGS2 remains a classic.

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

While Grand Theft Auto 3 revolutionized open-world gaming, Vice City perfected it. It introduced a compelling narrative, expert 80s satire, and a memorable cast voiced by Hollywood stars like Ray Liotta and Burt Reynolds. With improved mechanics and one of the best video game soundtracks, Vice City remains a gaming classic, eagerly anticipated to return in 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 shifted the series to an over-the-shoulder perspective, focusing more on action without losing its horror roots. Its unforgettable monsters and the iconic phrase "what're ya buyin?" have kept the game popular, especially with the 2023 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 is a puzzle game disguised as a boss-fight adventure. Its melancholic take on slaying giant monsters for love leaves a lasting impact. With its bleak world, clever puzzles, understated storytelling, and dynamic music, the game's legacy continues with its 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 refined the series with survival elements like hunger and camouflage, along with some of the cleverest boss fights ever. Its story of honor, duty, love, and patriotism is both self-contained and integral to the series' narrative, eagerly anticipated for its 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

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas represents a monumental leap in open-world gaming. Its vast, vibrant state, inspired by Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas, offers a playground for players to engage in gang shootouts, police chases, and heists. Introducing RPG and survival elements, San Andreas remains one of the most robust and memorable games on the PS2, setting a benchmark for the series.

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. This membership costs $17.99/month and provides access to over 300 games from PS3, PS2, original PlayStation, and PSP. For an updated list of available titles in 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 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 SoftwareThose are our picks for the best PlayStation 2 games ever. Which games made your list that didn’t make 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.

The Best PS2 Games Of All Time