As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the PlayStation 2, a console that revolutionized gaming, we take a nostalgic journey through its iconic library. From groundbreaking PS2 exclusives like Okami and Shadow of the Colossus to blockbuster hits such as Final Fantasy 10 and GTA: Vice City, the PlayStation 2 boasts an impressive catalog. We've meticulously curated a list of 25 games that not only pushed the technological and cultural boundaries of their time but also continue to captivate players today.
Without further ado, here is IGN's selection of the 25 best PS2 games of all time.
The Best PS2 Games Ever
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More on the best PlayStation Games of all time:
- Best PS4 Games
- Best PS3 Games
- Best PS1 Games
Guitar Hero 2
Image credit: RedOctane
Developer: Harmonix | Publisher: RedOctane | Release date: November 7, 2006 | Review: IGN's Guitar Hero 2 review
Guitar Hero may have transformed party games for the next decade, but Guitar Hero 2 represents the pinnacle of the series. Developed during a time when the franchise's core was "bitchin' rock/metal tracks that are fun to play on a plastic guitar," it stands out from later iterations that leaned more towards karaoke. Guitar Hero 2 was the last rhythm-action game before the music industry realized its lucrative potential, allowing Harmonix to curate an exceptional selection of songs. From Suicidal Tendencies to Iron Maiden, the game's soundtrack is a rock enthusiast's dream.
Sly Cooper 2: Band of Thieves
Image credit: Sony
Developer: 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 masterfully blends family-friendly action, stealth, and humor, and Sly 2: Band of Thieves epitomizes this blend. Its engaging story is enhanced by diverse and intriguing worlds to explore, along with the ability to play as Sly's entire crew, including the powerhouse Murray and the tech-savvy Bentley. With thrilling stealth mechanics at its core, Sly 2 offers a unique and memorable experience that stood out among Sony's first-party titles.
ICO
Image credit: Sony
Developer: 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 remarkable achievement. Its success lies in the quality of its puzzles and the deep bond developed between its two main characters, conveyed through their journey through a labyrinthine castle. ICO is a prime example of minimalist storytelling and showcases how video games can tell stories in unique ways.
NBA Street, Vol. 2
Image credit: EA
Developer: EA Canada | Publisher: Electronic Arts/NuFX | Release date: April 28, 2003 | Review: IGN's NBA Street, Vol. 2 review
NBA Street, Volume 2 is the epitome of arcade-style basketball. Its visually striking game breakers appeal to casual players, while its superb ball handling and all-star lineup attract hardcore basketball fans. 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, perfect for competitive play against friends.
Kingdom Hearts 2
Image credit: Square Enix
Developer: 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 it's recommended to play the first game for the full experience, Kingdom Hearts 2 offers superior combat with a mix of magic, the iconic Keyblade, and different form states for protagonist Sora. Its exploration of the series' mythology adds depth to the characters and story, making it a beloved entry in the franchise.
Tony Hawk's Underground
Image credit: Activision
Developer: Neversoft Entertainment | Publisher: Activision | Release date: October 27, 2003 | Review: IGN's Tony Hawk's Underground review
Tony Hawk's Underground builds on the greatness of the Tony Hawk series by adding a fun, campy story, a massive soundtrack with over 70 licensed tracks, and deep create-a-skater/park/trick features. Despite mixed reactions to its story mode and humor, it remains the best Pro Skater game, even if not in name.
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
Image credit: NIS
Developer: 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. While it can be a grind, its gothic themes, comical characters, and intricate combat system make it an endlessly entertaining classic that players can revisit anytime.
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
Image credit: Sony
Developer: 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, and Up Your Arsenal is no exception. With a plethora of new gadgets, mini-games, and one of the most ambitious online modes of its time, it offers a fun and expansive experience. Who else can use a Suck Cannon to turn enemies into bolts?
Beyond Good & Evil
Image credit: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 11, 2003 | Review: IGN's Beyond Good & Evil review
With its unique blend of action, exploration, and a charming cast of characters, Beyond Good & Evil is a standout PS2 classic. Its world is filled with intriguing locations and secrets, making it a game that fans have eagerly awaited a sequel for.
Burnout Revenge
Image credit: EA
Developer: Criterion Games | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Release date: July 30, 2005 | Review: IGN's Burnout Revenge review
Built on speed, Burnout Revenge offers thrilling racing and crash modes that can consume hours of gameplay. As the last Burnout game to include a crash mode, it remains a high point in the series, with no other game successfully replicating its magic.
Psychonauts
Image credit: Majesco Entertainment
Developer: 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, resulting in a challenging and hilarious action/platformer. Its memorable levels and innovative designs continue to impress, and with the release of Psychonauts 2 in 2021, it has become a beloved franchise.
Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
Image credit: Capcom
Developer: 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 but also one of the best. Its challenging yet rewarding combat, compelling story, and entertaining cutscenes set it apart. The game's high skill ceiling and creative combat system make it a timeless classic.
Katamari Damacy
Image credit: Namco
Developer: 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 mechanic of rolling up objects to grow a ball is combined with a whimsical and optimistic world. The game's fun and engaging gameplay has captured hearts for over two decades.
Jak 2: Renegade
Image credit: Sony
Developer: Naughty Dog | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: October 14, 2003 | Review: IGN's Jak 2: Renegade review
Jak 2 reinvents the series while retaining the charm of the original. Moving from the colorful Sandover village to the gritty Haven City, it introduces new combat, traversal, and a more intricate story. The addition of Dark Jak adds a thrilling power fantasy, making Jak 2 the best game in the trilogy.
Bully
Image credit: Rockstar Games
Developer: 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. 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.
God of War
Image credit: Sony
Developer: 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, offering visually stunning boss fights, a mix of combat, puzzle-solving, and platforming, all wrapped in a compelling story. It laid the foundation for one of the greatest action game series, captivating players with its intense narrative and gameplay.
Okami
Image credit: Capcom
Developer: Clover Studio | Publisher: Capcom | Release date: April 20, 2006 | Review: IGN's Okami review
Okami is a beautiful and cohesive work of art, where players control a god in the form of a wolf using a celestial brush to bring paintings to life. Its painterly style, charming story, creative puzzles, and engaging combat make it a must-play on any PlayStation console.
Final Fantasy 10
Image credit: Square Enix
Developer: 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. Its story is well-told and memorable, and the game's upgraded visuals brought characters to life like never before. It remains a beloved entry in the franchise.
Silent Hill 2
Image credit: Konami
Developer: Konami | Publisher: Konami | Release date: September 25, 2001 | Review: IGN's Silent Hill 2 review
Silent Hill 2 is a haunting and disorienting experience that lingers long after playing. Its nightmarish town reflects the protagonist's mental state, using unreliable narration and multiple endings to create unease. The game's impact is so profound that a remake was released in 2024, yet the original remains unmatched.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Image credit: Konami
Developer: 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 brilliant and divisive game that constantly challenges players' perceptions. Its themes of misinformation and innovative mechanics were ahead of their time. Despite initial backlash for replacing Solid Snake with Raiden, it has aged well and remains one of the best stealth games ever made.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Image credit: Rockstar Games
Developer: 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, GTA: Vice City perfected it. With a compelling narrative, memorable characters voiced by Hollywood stars, and an iconic soundtrack, it remains one of the best PS2 games and a gaming classic. Fans eagerly await its return in GTA 6.
Resident Evil 4
Image credit: Capcom
Developer: 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 shooting and action-focused gameplay. Despite the shift, it retained its horror elements with unforgettable monsters and eerie atmosphere. The game's impact is evident with the success of its 2023 remake.
Shadow of the Colossus
Image credit: Sony
Developer: 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 unique puzzle game disguised as a boss-fight experience. Its melancholic tone and understated storytelling leave a lasting impact. The game's bleak world, clever puzzles, and dynamic music, along with its 2018 remake, continue to stand tall in gaming history.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Image credit: Konami
Developer: KCEJ | Publisher: Konami | Release date: November 17, 2004 | Review: IGN's Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater review
Metal Gear Solid 3 is widely regarded as the best in the franchise. It expanded on its predecessor's systems, adding survival elements and clever boss fights. Its story of honor, duty, love, and patriotism is both self-contained and integral to the series, making fans excited for the upcoming remake.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Image credit: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar North | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release date: October 21, 2004 | Review: IGN's GTA: San Andreas review
GTA: San Andreas represents a monumental leap in open-world gaming. Its vast, vibrant world, RPG and survival elements, and engaging gameplay make it one of the most robust and memorable games ever. It stands as the pinnacle of 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, priced at $17.99/month, offers access to over 300 games from PS3, PS2, original PlayStation, and PSP, alongside a catalog of PS4 and PS5 games. For an updated list of available titles, 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 All
Star Ocean: The Last HopeTri-Ace
Dragon's Crown ProVanillaware
Twisted Metal 2Singletrac
Star Ocean: First Departure RSquare Enix
Star Ocean: Till the End of TimeTri-Ace
Gravity Crash PortableJust Add Water Developments
Twisted MetalEat Sleep Play
Herc's AdventuresLucasArts
Killzone: LiberationGuerrilla Games
WormsTeam17 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.
