As the PlayStation 2 celebrates its 25th anniversary, it's the perfect time to revisit the games that defined its legacy. From the artistic brilliance of 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 iconic titles. We've curated a list of 25 of the best PS2 games that not only pushed the boundaries of technology and culture during their time but 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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Guitar Hero 2
Image credit: RedOctaneDeveloper: Harmonix | Publisher: RedOctane | Release date: November 7, 2006 | Review: IGN's Guitar Hero 2 review
Guitar Hero 2 epitomizes the zenith of the series, capturing the essence of rock and metal music through an engaging gameplay experience. Unlike later iterations that leaned more towards karaoke, this game focused purely on the thrill of playing rock classics on a plastic guitar. Featuring an impressive lineup of songs from Suicidal Tendencies to Iron Maiden, Guitar Hero 2 truly rocked and transformed the rhythm-action genre before it became saturated with similar titles.
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 humor into an unforgettable adventure. The game's diverse worlds and the ability to control Sly's entire crew, including the formidable Murray and the tech-savvy Bentley, provide a rich and varied experience. The engaging storyline and thrilling stealth elements make Sly 2 a standout title in the Sony first-party lineup.
ICO
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: SIE Japan Studio | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: September 25, 2001 | Review: IGN's ICO review
ICO transforms the often-dreaded escort mission into a compelling narrative about companionship and exploration. Its minimalist storytelling and intricate puzzles are masterfully executed, showcasing the power of video games to convey deep emotional connections without heavy dialogue. ICO remains a benchmark for storytelling in gaming.
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 arcade basketball at its finest, appealing to both casual and hardcore fans. Its flashy visuals and easy-to-execute game breakers make it a joy to play, while the ability to unlock street and NBA legends adds depth. Nothing beats the excitement of a head-to-head match that's all about style and swagger.
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 improved combat mechanics and deeper exploration of its mythology. Combining magic, the iconic Keyblade, and new form states for protagonist Sora, the game offers a dynamic and satisfying experience. While best enjoyed after playing the first game, Kingdom Hearts 2 exemplifies the series' appeal to fans of Disney, Final Fantasy, and adventure gaming.
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 and an extensive soundtrack of over 70 licensed tracks. Its robust create-a-skater/park/trick features and the ability to play as Iron Man add to its charm. Despite mixed reactions to its story mode, it remains the pinnacle of the Pro Skater series.
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 a cornerstone of the PS2 era with its tactical depth and gothic charm. The game's intricate combat system and humorous characters keep players engaged throughout their journey with Demon prince Laharl. Despite its grind, Disgaea's enduring appeal lies in its replayability and unique style.
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 stands out with its expansive world, innovative gadgets, and ambitious online mode. The game's whimsical weapons, like the Suck Cannon, add to the fun and make it a memorable entry in the beloved series.
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 captivates with its unique blend of action, exploration, and a charming cast of characters. The game's richly detailed world, filled with quirky locations like dive bars and hovercraft repair shops, sets it apart. Its enduring popularity has fans eagerly awaiting a sequel.
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 and chaos, whether you're racing through streets or causing mayhem in crash mode. As the last Burnout game to feature crash mode, it holds a special place in fans' hearts, offering a thrilling and addictive gameplay experience.
Psychonauts
Image credit: Majesco EntertainmentDeveloper: Double Fine Productions | Publisher: Majesco Entertainment | Release date: April 19, 2005 | Review: IGN's Psychonauts review
Psychonauts seamlessly blends a summer camp coming-of-age story with psychic secret agents, delivering a challenging and hilarious platforming experience. Its inventive levels and memorable designs continue to impress, making it a standout title that has now expanded into a franchise with Psychonauts 2.
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 action game, renowned for its challenging yet rewarding combat and compelling narrative about familial bonds. Its high skill ceiling and creative combat system have cemented its status as one of the greatest action games ever made.
Katamari Damacy
Image credit: NamcoDeveloper: Namco | Publisher: Namco | Release date: March 18, 2004 | Review: IGN's Katamari Damacy review
Katamari Damacy's absurd yet joyful premise of rolling up objects into a ball captivates players with its simple yet engaging mechanics. Its whimsical scenarios and optimistic tone have made it a beloved classic that continues to charm audiences decades later.
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 its charm, moving from the colorful Sandover village to the darker Haven City. New combat mechanics, traversal options, and a more intricate story elevate Jak 2 to the best entry in this iconic trilogy.
Bully
Image credit: Rockstar GamesDeveloper: Rockstar Vancouver | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release date: October 15, 2006 | Review: IGN's Bully review
Bully offers a smart and funny take on school life, combining a coming-of-age story with biting satire. Its streamlined progression system and satisfying combat mechanics set a new standard for Rockstar's future games.
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 delivers a technical marvel with visually stunning boss fights and a mix of combat, puzzles, and platforming. Its compelling story of rage and redemption set the stage for one of the most acclaimed action game series in history.
See our guide to playing the God of War games in order for more.
Okami
Image credit: CapcomDeveloper: Clover Studio | Publisher: Capcom | Release date: April 20, 2006 | Review: IGN's Okami review
Okami's unique concept of a divine wolf using a celestial brush to paint the world into existence is both beautiful and innovative. Its painterly visuals, charming story, and engaging combat make it a must-play on the PS2 or any modern PlayStation console.
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 fully voiced cutscenes. Its accessible gameplay and compelling story have made it a fan favorite, sparking debates over its minigame Blitzball's merits.
Silent Hill 2
Image credit: KonamiDeveloper: Konami | Publisher: Konami | Release date: September 25, 2001 | Review: IGN's Silent Hill 2 review
Silent Hill 2's haunting atmosphere and psychological horror delve deep into the protagonist's psyche, creating a disorienting experience that lingers. Its innovative storytelling and multiple endings have solidified its place as a horror classic, even with the 2024 remake.
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 challenges players with its themes of misinformation and innovative gameplay. Initially divisive, it has aged beautifully, offering a profound stealth experience that remains unparalleled.
See our guide to the Metal Gear games in order for more of the series.
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 introduced by GTA 3, delivering a compelling narrative and expert satire of 80s culture. Its memorable characters, improved mechanics, and iconic soundtrack make it a timeless classic eagerly anticipated in GTA 6.
See our guide to the GTA games in order for more.
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. Its unsettling atmosphere and iconic enemies, like the chainsaw man, have made it a landmark survival horror game, further enhanced by its 2023 remake.
See our guide to the Resident Evil games in order for more.
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 offers a unique blend of puzzle-solving and epic boss battles, set in a hauntingly beautiful world. Its understated storytelling and dynamic music create an unforgettable experience that has only been enhanced by its 2018 remake.
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 hailed as the best in the series, with its survival elements and complex narrative about honor and duty. Its clever boss fights and the Subsistence re-release's mechanical updates have kept it a fan favorite, with an upcoming remake eagerly awaited.
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 set a new standard for open-world gaming with its vast, vibrant world and innovative RPG elements. From gang shootouts to high-speed chases, it offers an unparalleled experience that remains the pinnacle of the PS2 era.
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, priced at $17.99/month. This tier provides access to over 300 games from PS3, PS2, original PlayStation, and PSP, alongside a catalog of PS4 and PS5 titles. For an up-to-date list, check 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
These 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.
