The PlayStation 2, a console that revolutionized gaming, is nearing its 25th anniversary. To celebrate, we're revisiting the titles that cemented 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 creative boundaries, remaining relevant and enjoyable even 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 perfected the formula. Its focus on exhilarating rock and metal tracks, before the market became saturated, allowed Harmonix to curate an incredible soundtrack featuring artists like Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, and The Rolling Stones. A true rock anthem.
24. Sly Cooper 2: Band of Thieves
The Sly Cooper series masterfully blends family-friendly action, stealth, and humor. Sly 2 excels, boasting a captivating story, diverse environments, and the ability to play as Sly's entire crew. A thrilling stealth adventure unlike any other in Sony's lineup.
23. ICO
Despite relying on the often-maligned escort mission mechanic, ICO is a masterpiece. Its success stems from clever puzzles and the deeply moving bond between its two protagonists, conveyed without dialogue. A minimalist storytelling triumph.
22. NBA Street Vol. 2
NBA Street Vol. 2 is arcade basketball at its finest. Its flashy visuals and accessible gameplay appeal to casual fans, while skilled ball handling and an all-star roster satisfy hardcore players. Unlocking street and NBA legends adds endless replayability.
21. Kingdom Hearts II
Kingdom Hearts II elevates its predecessor with refined combat, enhanced by magic, the Keyblade, and Sora's different forms. The expanded mythology adds satisfying depth to characters and ideas introduced in the first game.
20. Tony Hawk's Underground
Tony Hawk's Underground builds upon the series' strengths, adding a fun and campy story, an expansive soundtrack (over 70 licensed tracks!), and user-friendly yet deep create-a-skater/park/trick features. Even unlocking Iron Man!
19. Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness remains an iconic PS2 title. Its isometric battlefields, diverse characters, and tactical combat offer endless possibilities. While grindy at times, its gothic aesthetic, humor, and intricate combat make it a timeless classic.
18. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
The Ratchet & Clank series consistently delivers charming characters, epic stories, and wacky weapons. Up Your Arsenal expands on this with a vast array of gadgets, mini-games, and an ambitious online mode.
17. Beyond Good & Evil
Blending action and exploration, Beyond Good & Evil features a unique world and memorable characters. Its richly detailed world, filled with secrets and lore, remains captivating.
16. Burnout Revenge
Burnout Revenge is all about speed. Whether racing through traffic or causing mayhem in Crash mode, the intense, short bursts of action provide hours of thrilling gameplay. The last Burnout game with Crash mode.
15. Psychonauts
Psychonauts cleverly blends a coming-of-age story with psychic secret agents. Its challenging and humorous gameplay, combined with incredible level design, makes it a standout title.
14. Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
Devil May Cry 3 is one of the most influential action games ever created. Its challenging combat, compelling story, and entertaining cutscenes remain unmatched. A high skill ceiling and creative combat system.
13. Katamari Damacy
Katamari Damacy is absurd fun. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, combined with its hilariously surreal visuals, creates an endlessly optimistic and joyful experience.
12. Jak II: Renegade
Jak II reinvents the series while retaining the charm of its predecessor. The shift to Haven City introduces new combat, traversal, and a more intricate story. The introduction of Dark Jak enhances the power fantasy.
11. Bully
Bully cleverly satirizes classic coming-of-age themes. Its streamlined progression, satisfying combat, and sharp wit elevate Rockstar's signature style.
10. God of War
God of War is a technical marvel, boasting impressive visuals, challenging combat, puzzle-solving, and platforming. A compelling story about a very angry man.
9. Okami
Okami's unique concept – a wolf god whose paintings come to life – is brilliantly executed. Its painterly style, charming story, creative puzzles, and action-driven combat make it a true masterpiece.
8. Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X revolutionized the series with its Sphere Grid leveling system and updated battle system. Its accessible story and realistic character models were groundbreaking for the time. Is Blitzball good?
7. Silent Hill 2
Silent Hill 2 is a disturbing and unforgettable horror experience. Its nightmarish town, unreliable narration, multiple endings, and unsettling atmosphere create a deeply unsettling journey.
6. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
A brilliant and divisive title, Metal Gear Solid 2 constantly subverts expectations. Its use of misinformation and its thematic depth make it a landmark stealth game.
5. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City perfected the open-world formula. Its compelling story, memorable characters (voiced by Hollywood stars!), and improved mechanics make it a timeless classic. One of the best video game soundtracks ever.
4. Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 revitalized the series with its over-the-shoulder perspective and action-packed gameplay. Its unsettling atmosphere and memorable monsters remain terrifying.
3. Shadow of the Colossus
More puzzle than action, Shadow of the Colossus is a breathtaking experience. Its melancholic tone, clever puzzles, and epic boss fights create an unforgettable journey.
2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid 3 is widely considered the best in the series. Its expanded mechanics, survival elements, and clever boss fights are complemented by a gripping story of honor, duty, and love.
1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas represents a monumental leap forward in open-world gaming. Its vast world, diverse activities, and introduction of RPG elements make it a landmark title.
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. This subscription service ($17.99/month) offers access to 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 top PS2 games. What are your favorites?
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