The Best PS2 Games Of All Time

As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the PlayStation 2, we reflect on the games that defined its legacy. From groundbreaking PS2 exclusives like Okami and Shadow of the Colossus to blockbuster hits like Final Fantasy 10 and GTA: Vice City, the PS2 boasts an incredible library of titles. We've curated a list of the top 25 PS2 games that not only pushed the boundaries of technology and culture during their time but continue to captivate players today.

Join us as we explore IGN's selection of 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 revolutionized party gaming, but it was Guitar Hero 2 that truly encapsulated the essence of the series. With a focus on iconic rock and metal tracks, this game was developed before the market was flooded with similar titles, allowing Harmonix to curate a stellar lineup featuring bands like Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, and Iron Maiden. Guitar Hero 2 remains a standout for its unadulterated rock experience.

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

The Sly Cooper series masterfully blends family-friendly action with stealth and humor, and Sly 2: Band of Thieves is the epitome of this formula. The game offers a compelling story set in diverse and engaging worlds, allowing players to control the entire crew, including the powerful Murray and tech-savvy Bentley. Its thrilling stealth mechanics and unique gameplay make it a standout title in the PS2 library.

23. ICO

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

ICO redefines the escort mission genre, turning a typically frustrating mechanic into a beautiful experience. Its success lies in the intricate puzzles and the deep emotional bond developed between the two main characters, conveyed through minimalist storytelling. ICO is a testament to the power of narrative in video games, making it a timeless classic.

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, Volume 2 epitomizes arcade-style basketball, appealing to both casual and hardcore fans. With flashy visuals and easy-to-master game breakers, the game offers an exciting loop of crossovers and slam dunks. Its diverse game modes and ability to unlock legendary players make it an endlessly engaging experience.

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, integrating magic, the iconic Keyblade, and Sora's form states. The game delves deeper into its mythology, providing a rich narrative experience. Its world design, story, and combat exemplify why the Kingdom Hearts series remains beloved by fans of Disney, Final Fantasy, and unique storytelling.

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 beloved series with a fun, campy story and a massive soundtrack featuring over 70 licensed tracks. The game's customization options for skaters, parks, and tricks are deep and user-friendly, making it a standout title despite mixed reactions to its humor.

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 character skills. Despite its grind, the game thrives on its gothic themes, humorous characters, and intricate combat, offering an endlessly entertaining experience that players can revisit anytime.

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 is the pinnacle of the series, introducing a plethora of new gadgets, mini-games, and an ambitious online mode. Its blend of lovable characters, expansive stories, and wacky weapons make it a must-play for PS2 enthusiasts.

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 unique blend of action, exploration, and a charming cast of characters. Its rich world, filled with intriguing locales and hidden lore, has earned it a dedicated fanbase eagerly awaiting a sequel.

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. Its short bursts of action are addictive, and the game's Takedown-infused racing and crash mode make it a thrilling experience that has 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 summer camp setting with psychic secret agents, delivering a challenging and hilarious action/platformer. Its memorable levels, innovative design, and engaging story have cemented its place as a beloved classic, now expanded into a franchise with Psychonauts 2.

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, offering challenging combat, a captivating story, and memorable cutscenes. Its high skill ceiling and creative combat system make it a benchmark for action games, influencing many titles that followed.

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 simplicity and absurdity, where players roll up everything in sight to grow a giant ball. Its whimsical scenarios and optimistic tone have captured hearts worldwide, making it a timeless and joyful experience.

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, traversal, and a darker narrative set in Haven City. Its mix of charm, detailed environments, and dynamic gameplay make it the best entry in the iconic 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 fresh take on the coming-of-age genre, allowing players to combat bullying and build social networks within a school setting. Its smart, satirical narrative and streamlined progression system set a new standard for Rockstar's games.

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, combining stunning visuals, engaging combat, puzzle-solving, and platforming with a compelling story. It laid the foundation for one of the greatest action game series, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.

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 a god-wolf using a celestial brush to paint and alter the world is both beautiful and innovative. Its painterly style, charming story, and engaging gameplay make it a must-play on any platform.

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 revolutionized the series with its Sphere-grid system and removal of the Active Time Battle system, making it more accessible. Its compelling story and memorable characters, along with the iconic question "Is Blitzball good?", have kept it beloved by fans.

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 masterclass in psychological horror, using unreliable narration and multiple endings to create a deeply unsettling experience. Its impact is so significant that a remake was released in 2024, yet the original remains the ultimate horror classic.

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 plays with player expectations through innovative storytelling and mechanics. Its themes of misinformation and its challenging gameplay have aged well, solidifying its status as a top stealth game.

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 with its engaging narrative, memorable characters, and iconic 80s soundtrack. Its impact on gaming is undeniable, and fans eagerly anticipate returning to this world 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 transformed the series with its over-the-shoulder perspective and action-focused gameplay, without losing the horror elements. Its iconic monsters and memorable phrases continue to resonate with players, especially with the recent remake.

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 a unique blend of puzzle and boss fight mechanics, delivering a melancholic yet awe-inspiring experience. Its understated storytelling, dynamic music, and epic battles have ensured its enduring legacy, further enhanced by the 2018 remake.

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: Snake Eater is widely regarded as the best in the franchise, with its survival elements, clever boss fights, and complex story of honor and duty. Its upcoming remake has fans eagerly awaiting its return.

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 set a new standard for open-world games with its expansive world, RPG elements, and memorable narrative. Its influence on gaming is unparalleled, making it the pinnacle of the PS2 experience.

What PS2 Games Are Available on PS5 in 2025?

While PS2 discs are not compatible with the PS5, you can access a selection of PS2 games through PlayStation Plus' Premium membership. For $17.99/month, this service offers over 300 games from PS3, PS2, original PlayStation, and PSP. For the latest list of available titles, visit our IGN Playlist page.

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 picks for the best PlayStation 2 games ever. What games made your list that weren't included here? Share your thoughts in the comments, or create your own Tier List below. Don't forget to check out the best games available on PS5 for your current gaming needs.

The Best PS2 Games Of All Time