Top PS2 Games Ever: A Definitive List

As the PlayStation 2 approaches its 25th anniversary, it's an opportune moment to celebrate the games that defined this revolutionary console. From iconic PS2 exclusives like Okami and Shadow of the Colossus to blockbuster hits such as Final Fantasy 10 and GTA: Vice City, the PS2 boasts an extensive library of unforgettable titles. We've carefully selected 25 games that not only pushed the boundaries of technology and culture during their time but also continue to captivate players today. Here's IGN's curated list 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 2 truly captured the essence of rock and metal music, offering an unparalleled experience in the rhythm-action genre. Released at a time when music games were on the cusp of mainstream popularity, it boasted a stellar selection of tracks from legendary bands like Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, and Iron Maiden. This game perfectly encapsulated the fun of playing "bitchin' rock/metal tracks" on a plastic guitar, setting the standard for what these games could be.

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 masterfully blends family-friendly action, stealth, and witty humor into a captivating experience. This installment stands out with its engaging story and diverse worlds, allowing players to explore as Sly's entire crew. The game's innovative stealth mechanics and the ability to switch between characters like Murray and Bentley offer a unique and enjoyable experience that was unmatched in Sony's first-party lineup 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 is a groundbreaking game that redefines the escort mission genre. Despite its simplicity, the game excels through its intricate puzzles and the emotional bond between its two protagonists, developed through shared navigation of a labyrinthine castle. ICO's minimalist storytelling and deep personal connections set a new standard for narrative in 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 an electrifying arcade-style basketball experience that appeals to both casual and hardcore fans. With its visually striking game breakers and a roster of NBA and street legends, this game offers a stylish and engaging loop of crossovers and slam dunks. Nothing beats the thrill of competing head-to-head with a friend to pull off those game-changing moves.

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 elevates the series with enhanced combat and deeper exploration of its mythology. Featuring a blend of magic, Keyblade combat, and Sora's various form states, the game offers a more refined experience than its predecessor. While it's recommended to play the first game for full context, Kingdom Hearts 2 is a testament to why fans adore this unique fusion of Disney and Final Fantasy.

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 series' strengths with an engaging story, a massive soundtrack of over 70 tracks, and robust create-a-skater/park/trick features. Despite mixed reactions to its narrative and humor, this game remains the pinnacle of the Tony Hawk series, offering an immersive and customizable 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 stands as a landmark title in the PS2 era, offering deep tactical combat and a flamboyant gothic aesthetic. Despite its grind-heavy nature, the game's humor, intricate mechanics, and engaging story make 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

Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal expands the beloved series with a vast array of gadgets, mini-games, and an ambitious online mode. The game's whimsical weapons and engaging gameplay make it a standout, offering a delightful blend of action and humor.

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 is a standout title with its unique world and diverse cast of characters. The game's mix of action, exploration, and humor, set against a backdrop of dive bars and hovercraft repair shops, creates an unforgettable experience. Fans have eagerly awaited a sequel, testament to its enduring appeal.

16. Burnout Revenge

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

Burnout Revenge epitomizes speed and excitement in the racing genre. With its fast-paced action and iconic crash mode, the game offers a thrilling experience that has yet to be replicated. It's the last in the series to feature crash mode, making it a cherished gem among fans.

15. Psychonauts

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

Psychonauts combines a coming-of-age tale with psychic-powered secret agents in a way that is both challenging and hilarious. The game's inventive levels and memorable moments showcase its creativity, making it a standout title that has since spawned a sequel.

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 a seminal action game known for its challenging combat, compelling story, and iconic cutscenes. Its high skill ceiling and creative combat system have cemented its place as one of the best action games ever made.

13. Katamari Damacy

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

Katamari Damacy offers a simple yet absurdly fun concept: roll up everything in your path to grow your ball. Its whimsical scenarios and relentless optimism have captivated players for over two decades, making it a timeless classic.

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 with a darker tone and new gameplay mechanics, including gunplay and vehicular action. Set in the gritty Haven City, the game offers a thrilling adventure with rich storytelling and dynamic characters, making it the best entry in the trilogy.

11. Bully

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

Bully is a clever take on the coming-of-age genre, blending satire with a streamlined progression system. Players navigate school life, combat bullies, and build social networks, all while engaging in a humorous and engaging story that showcases Rockstar's signature wit.

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 that combines intense combat, puzzle-solving, and platforming into a cohesive experience. Its compelling story and visually stunning boss fights laid the groundwork for one of the most acclaimed action series in gaming history.

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 is a visually stunning game that blends Japanese mythology with a unique celestial brush mechanic. Its beautiful art style, engaging story, and creative puzzles make it a must-play title that remains enchanting on both PS2 and modern 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 revolutionized the series with its Sphere-grid system and cinematic cutscenes. Its accessible gameplay and compelling narrative have made it a beloved entry, even if it has its share of meme-worthy moments. The game also introduced the infamous Blitzball, sparking debate among 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 is a haunting masterpiece that delves into psychological horror. Its unsettling atmosphere and multiple endings create a deeply personal experience that lingers long after playing. The 2024 remake only underscores its lasting impact, but 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 a bold and divisive game that challenges players' perceptions through its narrative and mechanics. Its themes of misinformation and the introduction of Raiden initially stirred controversy but have since aged well, solidifying its status as a stealth game 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

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City perfected the open-world formula with its engaging story, memorable characters, and iconic 80s soundtrack. Voiced by Hollywood talent, the game's satire and improved mechanics make it a timeless classic eagerly anticipated for a 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 transformed the series with its over-the-shoulder perspective and action-packed gameplay. Despite the shift, it retains its horror roots through its unsettling enemies and iconic moments, making it a landmark title that continues to resonate 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 an unforgettable experience that blends puzzle-solving with epic boss battles. Its melancholic tone and understated storytelling create a profound impact, making it a standout title that remains impressive even 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: Snake Eater is widely regarded as the best in the series, introducing survival elements and clever boss fights. Its compelling story of honor and duty not only stands on its own but also recontextualizes the entire franchise, making fans eagerly await 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

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a monumental achievement in open-world gaming, offering a vast and vibrant world to explore. With its introduction of RPG elements and survival mechanics, the game provides 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. This service, priced at $17.99/month, grants access to a catalog of over 300 games from PS3, PS2, original PlayStation, and PSP, alongside PS4 and PS5 titles. For an up-to-date list of available classics, 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. 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.

The Best PS2 Games Of All Time