Top PS2 Games Ever: A Definitive List

The PlayStation 2, a revolutionary console now celebrating its 25th anniversary, has left an indelible mark on gaming history with its iconic lineup of games. From PS2 exclusives like Okami and Shadow of the Colossus to blockbuster hits like Final Fantasy 10 and GTA: Vice City, the console's library is vast and varied. We've curated a list of 25 of the best PS2 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

26 ImagesMore on the best PlayStation Games of all time:

Best PS4 Games Best PS3 Games Best PS1 Games 25. Guitar Hero 2

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

Guitar Hero 2 stands out as the pinnacle of the series, capturing the essence of rock and metal with a selection of tracks that are both fun and challenging to play on a plastic guitar. This was the last game in the rhythm-action genre before music publishers realized its lucrative potential, allowing Harmonix to curate an unforgettable lineup featuring bands like Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, Danzig, The Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, and Iggy and the Stooges. It 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

Sly Cooper 2: Band of Thieves is a standout in the franchise, blending family-friendly action, stealth, and humorous writing into a seamless experience. The game's engaging story is enhanced by a diverse set of worlds to explore and the ability to play as Sly's entire crew, including the powerhouse Murray and the tech-savvy Bentley. The thrilling stealth mechanics at its core make Sly 2 a unique and memorable entry in Sony's 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, ICO is a masterpiece. Its success lies not only in its well-designed puzzles but also in the deep, personal connection developed between the two main characters as they navigate the labyrinthine castle together. ICO's minimalist storytelling and emotional depth showcase the unique narrative power 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, Vol. 2 epitomizes arcade-style basketball with its visually striking gameplay and easy-to-execute game breakers that appeal to casual players, while its superb ball handling and all-star lineup attract hardcore fans. The game offers four modes and the ability to unlock both street and NBA legends, making it an addictive blend of crossovers and slam dunks, perfect for competitive play.

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 the first game is recommended for full context, Kingdom Hearts 2 boasts improved combat with a mix of magic, the iconic Keyblade, and various form states for protagonist Sora. The game delves deeper into its mythology, enriching the characters and story, making it a beloved entry in the series that resonates with fans of Disney, Final Fantasy, and unique fashion.

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 enhances the beloved series with a fun, campy story, a massive soundtrack featuring over 70 licensed tracks, and extensive create-a-skater, park, and trick features. While the community had mixed feelings about its story mode and humor, Underground remains the pinnacle of the Pro Skater series, even offering the chance to play as Iron Man.

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 PS2 game with its isometric battlefields and diverse characters, offering endless tactical possibilities. Despite its grind, the game's gothic themes, comedic characters, and intricate combat system make it a timeless classic that players can enjoy and revisit at their leisure.

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 elevates the series with its lovable characters, expansive galaxy-spanning stories, and an array of wacky weapons. The third installment is the largest yet, featuring new gadgets, mini-games, and one of the most ambitious online modes on console at the time. Using the Suck Cannon to turn enemies into bolts is just part of the fun.

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 mix of action and exploration, unique world, and a diverse, charming cast of characters. The game's world is filled with intriguing locations like dive bars with weird monsters and a hovercraft repair shop run by reggae-loving rhinos, making it a beloved classic that fans have eagerly awaited a sequel for.

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 racing through its streets or causing chaos in crash mode. The game's short bursts of action can easily consume hours as players strive to gold medal every event. The Takedown-infused racing is thrilling, and the last Burnout game to feature crash mode remains a high point in the series, with its magic yet to be replicated.

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 classic summer camp coming-of-age story with psychic-powered secret agents, creating a harmonious blend of action and platforming. The game's challenging levels, memorable moments, and incredible designs stand the test of time, with Psychonauts 2's release in 2021 solidifying its status as a beloved franchise.

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 landmark in action gaming, offering challenging and rewarding combat, a compelling story of dark familial bonds, and entertaining cutscenes. Its high skill ceiling and creative combat system make it one of the best action games ever, influencing countless others in the 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 chaos and simplicity, where players roll up objects to grow their ball amidst absurd and hilarious scenarios. Its optimistic tone and fun mechanics have captured hearts since its release, remaining a beloved game over two decades later.

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 while retaining the charm of the original Jak and Daxter. The game transitions from the colorful Sandover village to the gritty Haven City, introducing new combat, traversal, and a more intricate story. The addition of gunplay, carjacking, and hoverboarding, along with the introduction of Dark Jak, creates a thrilling and satisfying adventure that stands out 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 offers a unique take on school life, allowing players to fight back against bullying and build social networks. Its coming-of-age story is both smart and funny, showcasing Rockstar's signature satire. The game's streamlined progression and satisfying combat set a new standard for the studio's future titles.

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 and a perfect blend of combat, puzzle-solving, and platforming. Its compelling story about a vengeful protagonist laid the groundwork for one of the greatest action game series of all time.

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 unique concept of playing as a god-wolf using a celestial brush to bring paintings to life is executed beautifully. Its painterly style, charming story, creative puzzles, and fun combat make it a must-play on both the PS2 and 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 introduced significant changes to the series, including the Sphere-grid leveling system and the removal of the Active Time Battle system, making it more accessible. Its story is well-told, and the upgraded graphics brought characters to life like never before. Despite its memorable moments, the game remains beloved for its narrative and the question it poses: "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 masterfully uses unreliable narration and multiple endings to create a nightmarish atmosphere, blending the mundane with the horrific. Its impact is so profound that Konami released a remake in 2024, yet the original remains unbeatable.

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 challenging player expectations with its themes and mechanics. Initially criticized for replacing Solid Snake with Raiden, it has aged well and is considered one of the best stealth games ever, with or without vampires.

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 established by its predecessor. With a compelling narrative, expert 80s satire, and a cast voiced by Hollywood legends like Ray Liotta and Burt Reynolds, it improved on every aspect of gameplay. Its soundtrack remains one of the best in gaming history, making Vice City a timeless classic eagerly anticipated 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 revolutionized the series with its over-the-shoulder perspective and action-focused gameplay. Despite the shift, it maintained its horror roots with unforgettable monsters and introduced a sense of weirdness that made "what're ya buyin?" iconic. The 2023 remake reaffirmed its status as a landmark survival horror game.

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 more than a boss-fight game; it's a puzzle game wrapped in an emotional narrative. Its melancholic take on heroism, clever puzzles, and understated storytelling leave a lasting impact, with the 2018 remake enhancing its legacy.

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' mechanics, adding survival elements like hunger and camouflage, and featuring some of the most memorable boss fights. Its complex story of honor, duty, love, and patriotism not only stands alone but also enriches the entire series, with fans eagerly awaiting 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 state of San Andreas, with three distinct cities, offers endless opportunities for action, from gang shootouts to high-speed chases. The introduction of RPG and survival elements, like CJ's diet and fitness, makes it the most robust and memorable entry in the series, epitomizing the PS2 gaming experience.

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, costing $17.99/month, provides access to over 300 games from PS3, PS2, original PlayStation, and PSP, alongside a catalog of PS4 and PS5 titles. For an updated list of available games, 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 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.