Top PS2 Games: All-Time Favorites

The PlayStation 2, a groundbreaking console, is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and we're revisiting the games that defined its legacy. From PS2 exclusives like Okami and Shadow of the Colossus to blockbuster hits like Final Fantasy 10 and GTA: Vice City, the console boasts a rich catalog of unforgettable titles. We've carefully 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. Here are IGN's picks for the 25 best PS2 games of all time.

The Best PS2 Games Ever

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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, perfectly capturing the essence of rock and metal music. It offered players a chance to shred to iconic tracks from bands like Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, and Iron Maiden. This was the last game in the genre before music publishers flooded the market, giving Harmonix the freedom to choose the best songs that truly rocked.

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 delightful blend of action, stealth, and humor. It stands out with its engaging story and diverse worlds, allowing players to control Sly's entire crew, including the powerful Murray and the tech-savvy Bentley. This game offers a unique experience that was unmatched among Sony's first-party titles at the time.

23. ICO

Image credit: SonyDeveloper: SIE Japan Studio | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: September 25, 2001 | Review: IGN's ICO review

ICO transforms the typically dreaded escort mission into a compelling journey. The game's success lies in its intricate puzzles and the profound bond between its characters, conveyed through their shared navigation of a labyrinthine castle. It's a masterclass in minimalist storytelling and a testament to the unique narrative potential 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 brings arcade-style basketball to its peak, appealing to both casual and hardcore fans. With its flashy visuals and easy-to-execute game breakers, the game features multiple modes and unlockable legends, making it a thrilling blend of style and competition.

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 enhances its predecessor with refined combat mechanics, including magic, Keyblade transformations, and form states for protagonist Sora. The game delves deeper into its mythology, enriching the narrative and characters, making it a beloved entry in the series.

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 expands on the series with a fun, campy story and a massive soundtrack. Its create-a-skater, park, and trick features are both deep and user-friendly, making it the best Tony Hawk game in all but name.

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 a staple of the PS2 era with its tactical battles and gothic humor. Its complex combat system and memorable characters make it a timeless classic, despite its occasional grind.

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 amplifies the series with new gadgets, mini-games, and an ambitious online mode. The game's unique weapons, like the Suck Cannon, add to its playful charm.

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 combines action and exploration with a unique world and charming characters. Its rich lore and secrets keep players engaged, making it a standout title that fans eagerly await 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 streets or causing chaos in crash mode. It's the last game in the series to feature the beloved crash mode, making it a memorable entry.

15. Psychonauts

Image credit: Majesco EntertainmentDeveloper: Double Fine Productions | Publisher: Majesco Entertainment | Release date: April 19, 2005 | Review: IGN's Psychonauts review

Psychonauts offers a unique blend of psychic powers and summer camp adventures. Its challenging gameplay and memorable levels make it a standout title, now expanded with a sequel.

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 action game with its challenging combat and deep narrative. Its high skill ceiling and creative combat system set it apart as one of the best 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 simple mechanics and absurd humor. Its optimistic tone and fun gameplay have made it a beloved classic.

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 with new combat and traversal mechanics, moving from the colorful Sandover village to the gritty Haven City. It's a thrilling and satisfying adventure.

11. 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, with a streamlined progression system and engaging combat. It's a satirical masterpiece from Rockstar.

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 with stunning boss fights and a mix of combat, puzzles, and platforming. It set the stage for one of the greatest action game series.

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 is a stunning work of art, where players control a wolf god using a celestial brush. Its beautiful visuals and engaging gameplay make it a must-play.

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 system and more realistic character models. Its compelling story and memorable moments keep it beloved.

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 horror experience that delves into the protagonist's psyche. Its narrative depth and unsettling atmosphere make it a classic, now remade for modern audiences.

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 a brilliant and divisive game that challenges players' perceptions. Its innovative stealth mechanics and thematic depth have aged well, cementing its place in gaming history.

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

GTA: Vice City perfected the open-world formula with a compelling story, memorable characters, and an iconic soundtrack. It remains a landmark game in the series and in gaming as a whole.

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-packed gameplay. Its enduring horror elements and iconic phrases keep it relevant.

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 offers a unique blend of puzzle-solving and epic boss battles. Its minimalist storytelling and emotional depth make it a timeless masterpiece.

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 is often considered the best in the series, with its survival elements and clever boss fights. Its complex story of honor and duty is both self-contained and integral to the series' lore.

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

GTA: San Andreas is the pinnacle of the PS2 gaming experience, with its vast open world and RPG elements. Its robust gameplay and memorable story make it a landmark title.

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 tier, priced at $17.99/month, offers access to over 300 games from PS3, PS2, original PlayStation, and PSP. To stay updated on the Classic Catalog, 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

These are our selections for the best PlayStation 2 games ever. What titles made your list that weren't included here? Share your thoughts in the comments or create your own Tier List below. And don't forget to check out the best games on PS5 for your current gaming needs.

The Best PS2 Games Of All Time

The Best PS2 Games Of All Time