The Best PS2 Games Of All Time

The PS2 has always produced the best games during its time. It was, and always will be one of the best game consoles because even though it was released in 2000, it still holds the title of the top selling video game console of all time, meaning that it has held that title for almost 11 years – and it looks like, it will be keeping it for another year or so.

When the PS2 was released it swiftly defeated its competitors –  Sega’s Dreamcast, Microsoft’s Xbox, and Nintendo‘s GameCube – and earned itself the biggest game library of all time, boasting over 10,000 titles and even more if you consider the console’s backwards compatibility with the PlayStation, or PSOne.

So what are the best PS2 games of all time, you ask? Let’s find out.

The history of PS2 games

The PS2′s original life span was set at 10 years, but according to Sony, its lifecycle will continue as long as developers continue making new games for the system; and as long as the console and its games continue to sell. So even though major developers have pulled support for the console, it is still receiving some game titles to this date.

As expected of a console of such magnitude and infamy, the PS2 has spawned multitudes of all kinds of top PlayStation 2 games, both great and wonderful. However, producing a list of just 10 best PS2 games out of several thousand titles is quite a daunting task, so there have to be some ground rules for such a list.

First, we are only going to take one title per franchise or consider two games as a single game in some instances. Secondly, the PS2 games are going to be judged solely on the basis of gameplay and story – the two most important aspects of any game. So the PS2 games that you may see on other lists out there solely on the basis of sales or graphics will not be included here. Lastly, the games have to be mind-numbingly good in order to make the list, so the order in which they appear in the list does not refer to their quality or rank in any way – each of these games are the best PS2 games, the cream of the crop, and must-haves for any gaming enthusiast.

So, with all that in mind, lets get to the good stuff, and feast your eyes upon the 10 best PS2 games of all time.

The Best PS2 Games #1. God of War II

There is no doubt that the God of War series is a masterpiece of the gaming world and one of the best ps2 games of all time. The first PS2 game set the stage for one of the most epic franchises in the history of gaming, with incredible graphics, addictive and enticing gameplay and engaging set piece moments. This left fans wondering whether the sequel would be able to surpass the first game, because even though the PlayStation 3 had seen its release, the developer decided to keep the franchise on the PS2 for the time being. This allowed Sony’s Santa Monica Studio to refine their technology and work on making the game better on the platform it was intended for instead of creating an entirely new engine to develop it for the PS3.

As for the earlier question posed by the fans, the answer is yes, the developers did succeed. They improved on the first PS2 game, which was universally acclaimed as the best PS2 games in history for the action genre, making the sequel bigger and better than the first chapter. The players got new weapons, more magical powers, and levels larger than life itself. God of War II was everything that the first game was and wasn’t at the game time, it improved on almost every aspect of the first game while building upon the mythology, rightfully taking it place among the best PS2 games of all time.

Starting off from where the God of War left off, the second coming in the God of War saga gives players a thrilling cliffhanger ending to Kratos’ mission of vengeance against Mount Olympus and Zeus, leaving them begging for the third and final instalment of the series, which ultimately came out on the PS3. God of War II is definitely a high point for the PS2, as it came out almost at the end of the PS2′s life cycle, and truly showcased what the hardware was actually capable of doing. Truly, God of War II may be called the best action PS2 game of all time. If you own a PlayStation 2, or PS3 as the game has now been re-released in HD for the console, you absolutely have to play this game.

The Best PS2 Games #2. Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 was originally meant to come out only on the Nintendo GameCube, but the outcry of the fans of the series and the PS2′s ever increasing sales made Capcom decide otherwise. Good thing they did, because their decision led to one of the best PS2 games for the platform. The game outdid the GameCube version in almost every manner, from the controls to the graphics. It also helped that the PS2 version got some extra perks like extra game modes and in-game costumes as well.

The game undoubtedly deserves praise as the best PS2 game in the Resident Evil series. Resident Evil 2‘s Leon Kennedy was back in the driver’s seat this time around, another plus for the fans who loved the second game. The PS2 game was revolutionary, as it completely got rid of the zombies, switching them out for the Las Plagas, a deadly parasitic life form that was laying waste to a small Spanish village, and effectively turning the entire franchise on its head. The game’s over-the-shoulder targeting system, quick time events and set piece moments make it an instant classic.

Waiting for the PlayStation 2 game for a few months over the GameCube version definitely paid out for the PS2 owners. Resident Evil 4 will consume your mind and body as a zombie would, but it will also consume your soul, making its own separate place in a corner of your heart where the best PS2 games are.

The Best PS2 Games #3. Metal Gear Solid 3 – Snake Eater / Subsistence

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater was a ray of hope for the PlayStation franchise and one of the best PS2 games at the same time. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty’s weird and conspiracy theory-based storyline made it a bust with the fans of the series, but thankfully, with the third PS2 game, everything was right in the world once again.

Metal Gear Solid 3 took the action all the way back to pre-Metal Gear 1964 and put players in the shoes of Big Boss or Naked Snake as he was then called. Snake Eater’s engaging story and survival-based gameplay put it above and beyond any other stealth action PS2 games on the console, making it one of the pinnacles of the PS2 experience.

The game was, however, missing a few key elements and Subsistence provided some much needed changes to the title, adding six new difficulty levels, a new camera perspective that improved gameplay and additional camouflage. It also introduced a demo theater for playing the cut scenes and changing the movies at will and also included the original Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2. A massive online mode completed the top PlayStation 2 game which was already brimming with content, and special edition owners got a three hour movie comprised of every cut scene from Snake Eater, making Snake Eater bigger and better than ever before.

The Best PS2 Games #4. Okami

In the world of gaming, Okami is a different kind of beast, and because of its emphasis on the player’s experience rather than the game element, it is an under-appreciated classic. The game is one of Capcom’s most innovative, enthralling and best PS2 games ever made.

The PS2 game is a fantastic blend of the action and RPG genres, with an unusual, and out of this world story that takes its roots from Japanese mythology. The players take on the wolf form of the sun goddess Amaterasu with a mission to bring back the world’s color, life, and prosperity to the world. Breathtaking visuals are the heart of this top PlayStation 2 game and seem to be painted on your television screen. The gameplay system is one of the most innovative ever seen in a game, making this game yet another masterpiece in the library of the best PS2 games of all time.

The game is beautiful, innovative, charismatic, engaging and one of the most original games that every PlayStation 2 owner should have in their collection.

The Best PS2 Games #5. Kingdom Hearts / Kingdom Hearts 2

The concept and premise of the Kingdom Hearts series sounds completely absurd on paper, yet these are the most popular and famous games on the PS2. It sounds completely ridiculous that Disney cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse are thrown in with Square Enix characters to make a new kind of action RPG, but the two franchises mix together incredibly well, almost like a marriage made in heaven, but for video games, thus right fully earning their spot on this list of the best games on PS2.

Sora, the protagonist’s adventure to find his friends takes him through various Disney worlds like Wonderland and you even befriend characters like Aladdin, and characters like Donald Duck and Goofy fight alongside you in your journey. There is definitely something for everyone in this series – secret endings and bosses, tournaments and collectables – truly the mark of great games.

This unlikely combination has created an instant classic and the second PS2 game integrated even more popular Disney and Square characters into the game and further improved the battle system. This is definitely another top PlayStation 2 game that should be on every gamer’s list.

The Best PS2 Games #6. Final Fantasy XII

Every gamer knows the Final Fantasy name and Final Fantasy XII truly shows the age and maturity of the series as the last instalment of the series on the PS2. It is an epic achievement in visuals, and featured a stunning world with fascinating characters, creatures and incredible secrets. The game was massive even by today’s standard and considering the side quests, it took more than a 100 hours to complete.

The game also had some of the best voice acting ever seen in the series and was revolutionary enough to lead to the current shape of the series. Player were now able measure up their opponents before a battle, putting an end to the random encounter system.

Final Fantasy XII was truly a wonderful and fantastic RPG game and blew all of its PS2 gaming competition out of the water. It certainly deserves a place in the hearts and shelves of every PS2 owner.

The Best PS2 Games #7. ICO

Although it was not a big seller, ICO was one of the most visionary and innovative games on PS2, putting players in the shoes of a silent unnamed boy with horns on a journey to keep yourself alive as shadow beasts try to take your partner, a beautiful girl, away from you. The PS2 game’s popularity has recently led to its release on the PS3 along with Shadow of the Colossus in HD format.

Many were of the view that the game too short, but the game’s visuals, sound and puzzles laid all concerns to rest and made this game one of the best PS2 games of all time. Players can almost drown in the rich and detailed world. The goal of the game is never clear, and there is no story to speak of, but the game’s world presents a tale of its own and you move from one area to the next, solving puzzle after puzzle just because you the feeling that the next area will be worth seeing is constantly in your gut.

ICO is not only one of the best PS2 games, it is one of the best games in existence.

The Best PS2 Games #8. Shadow of the Colossus

Shadow of the Colossus can be put in the same category as ICO, being one of the best games on PS2 in the history of modern gaming, and because it was developed by the same team. The game is nothing short of a work of art, and its popularity has recently led to its release on the PS3 along with ICO in HD format. It simply tells the story of a man seeking to revive his true love from a comatose state or a death-like sleep, depending on how you perceive it.

The premise and concept of the game is so simple that it seems amazing that there are no other PS2 games that follow a similar structure, perhaps because it is also that this concept sounds the most risky on paper, but the game’s beauty lies in its simplicity. You will have to explore a massive landscape and fight gigantic enemies in the hauntingly beautiful world of the game. The game rids itself of all the unnecessary elements and focuses on only boss battles, each one of which can last up to an hour. You can see why once you lay your eyes on one of them.

Shadow of the Colossus is like a fairytale, as players are left to decipher the spaces left in the story on their own and find out their own reason for an event that is taking place on screen. The game is touching, mysterious, beautiful, magical desolate and even tragic, making it one of the most original and awe-inspiring games not only as the best PlayStation game but of all time.

The Best PS2 Games #9. Persona 3 FES

Persona 3 can be deemed the ultimate PS2 game for fans of Japanese role playing games. The game was a complete hit when it was first released on the PS2, but its popularity led to the release of Persona 3 FES, which adds an absurd amount of content to the already massive RPG.

The PlayStation 2 game combines the charm of dating-simulators and high school life in general with a dark story and world along with creature collecting, making players not only develop relationships with other characters, but also letting them collect various Personas to fight against the evil forces in this haunting yet beautifully crafted anime-style world.

Persona 3 is immensely deep, with an almost absurd replay value in both the dungeon crawling and social link directions. It is definitely one of the most enjoyable PlayStation 2 games.

The Best PS2 Games #10. Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition

The Devil May Cry series is one of the most fast paced and insane titles available in gaming, and Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening is not any different, earning a name as Capcom’s most over-the-top action PS2 game of the era it was released in. To top it all off, it was brutally hard, matching the levels of the notorious Ninja Gaiden series.

Armed to the teeth with his guns and sword, along with four styles to play, Dante makes his comeback with loads of attack combinations and moves. But most fans were put off by the difficulty level of the game.

Capcom finally struck a balance, pleasing both hardcore and casual fans of the series, with the Special Edition, giving players the option to take the difficulty level down a notch and still get to enjoy the game; all the while maintaining the deep and complex gameplay loved by the fans of the series. Also added was the ability to play through the game as Dante’s twin brother Virgil, adding more weapons and moves into the game, making it the best PS2 game of the series to date.

The Best PS2 Games – Conclusion

The PlayStation 2 might be an older generation console now, but each of these games deserve a top spot in the list and on the shelves of every self-respecting gamer. If some of you, by any chance, don’t own a PS2, you should buy one just to play any one of these games as they truly reflect the true power of the console. Or you could try playing PS2 games on your PC with this simple tutorial.

Did we miss out your favorite PS2 game? Do you think there should be some other games on the list? Let us know in the comments. Spread the love by sharing this post!