Top PS2 Games: All-Time Favorites

As the PlayStation 2 approaches its 25th anniversary, we're taking a nostalgic journey through the iconic games that defined its legacy. From groundbreaking exclusives like Okami and Shadow of the Colossus to blockbuster hits such as Final Fantasy 10 and GTA: Vice City, the PS2 library is a treasure trove of gaming excellence. We've carefully curated a list of the 25 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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25. Guitar Hero 2

Image credit: RedOctane

Developer: 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, capturing the essence of rock and metal music with an unparalleled selection of tracks. Developed before the music game genre became saturated, it features an enviable lineup of songs from bands like Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, and The Rolling Stones. This game truly embodies the spirit of rock, making it a standout title on the PS2.

24. 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

Sly Cooper 2: Band of Thieves perfectly blends family-friendly action, stealth, and humor, setting itself apart within the franchise. With its engaging storyline and diverse worlds to explore, players can enjoy the unique abilities of Sly's crew, including the powerhouse Murray and tech-savvy Bentley. The game offers a thrilling experience that remains unmatched among Sony's first-party titles of the time.

23. ICO

Image credit: Sony

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

ICO redefines the escort mission genre with its masterful storytelling and puzzle design. Despite the genre's typical challenges, ICO creates a profound bond between its protagonists through minimalistic narrative techniques and the shared journey through its labyrinthine castle. This game is a testament to the power of video games as a storytelling medium.

22. 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, Vol. 2 delivers an arcade-style basketball experience that appeals to both casual and hardcore fans. With its flashy visuals, easy-to-execute game breakers, and a roster of street and NBA legends, it offers endless entertainment. The thrill of going head-to-head with friends and executing crossovers and slam dunks is unmatched.

21. 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 refines the series' combat system, introducing new magic, Keyblade forms, and dynamic combat for protagonist Sora. While it benefits from playing the first game, it deepens the mythology and character development, making it a standout sequel. Its world design, story, and gameplay encapsulate why fans adore the Kingdom Hearts series.

20. 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 expands on the series' strengths, offering a fun, campy story, a massive soundtrack, and deep customization features. Players can create their skater, park, and tricks, even unlocking characters like Iron Man. Despite mixed reactions to its humor, it remains a top-tier entry in the Pro Skater series.

19. 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 title with its isometric battlefields and diverse characters. Though it can be grind-heavy, its gothic themes, comical characters, and intricate combat system make it endlessly entertaining. It's a classic that invites players to revisit its Netherworld adventures.

18. 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

Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal is the series' most ambitious entry, introducing a plethora of new gadgets, mini-games, and a groundbreaking online mode. With its wacky weapons and lovable characters, it offers a fun-filled experience that showcases the series at its best.

17. Beyond Good & Evil

Image credit: Ubisoft

Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 11, 2003 | Review: IGN's Beyond Good & Evil review

Beyond Good & Evil combines action, exploration, and a rich narrative with a unique world filled with quirky characters. Its diverse settings, from dive bars to hovercraft repair shops, and its engaging story have kept fans eagerly awaiting a sequel for years.

16. Burnout Revenge

Image credit: EA

Developer: Criterion Games | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Release date: July 30, 2005 | Review: IGN's Burnout Revenge review

Burnout Revenge epitomizes high-speed racing with its intense gameplay and iconic crash mode. The game's short bursts of action and the thrill of Takedown-infused races make it a series highlight. Its crash mode, the last of its kind in the series, remains a beloved feature.

15. Psychonauts

Image credit: Majesco Entertainment

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

Psychonauts blends psychic powers with a summer camp setting, delivering a unique action-platformer experience. Its challenging gameplay, humorous narrative, and imaginative level design have left a lasting impact, culminating in the successful release of Psychonauts 2 in 2021.

14. 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 a landmark action game known for its challenging yet rewarding combat and engaging story. With its high skill ceiling and creative combat system, it remains one of the most influential and best action games ever created.

13. 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 simplicity and absurdity. Its core mechanic of rolling up objects to grow larger is both fun and addictive, wrapped in a world of whimsical chaos. Its enduring appeal has kept it beloved for over two decades.

12. 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: Renegade reinvents the series with its darker tone and new gameplay elements like gunplay and carjacking. Set in the seedy Haven City, it offers a thrilling adventure with dynamic storytelling and character development, making it the standout entry in the Jak and Daxter trilogy.

11. Bully

Image credit: Rockstar Games

Developer: Rockstar Vancouver | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release date: October 15, 2006 | Review: IGN's Bully review

Bully tackles themes of bullying and social dynamics in a school setting, offering a satirical and engaging coming-of-age story. With its streamlined progression and satisfying combat, it set a new standard for Rockstar's game design.

10. 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 with visually stunning boss fights, combining combat, puzzle-solving, and platforming into a gripping narrative. It laid the groundwork for one of the greatest action game series, driven by the protagonist's intense journey.

See our guide to playing the God of War games in order for more.

9. Okami

Image credit: Capcom

Developer: Clover Studio | Publisher: Capcom | Release date: April 20, 2006 | Review: IGN's Okami review

Okami's unique premise of a god-wolf using a celestial brush to paint and alter the world is both beautiful and innovative. Its painterly art style, compelling story, and engaging combat make it a timeless masterpiece on the PS2.

8. 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 revolutionized the series with its Sphere-grid leveling system and removal of the Active Time Battle system, making it more accessible. Its story, enhanced by realistic character models and memorable moments, continues to resonate with players.

7. 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 psychological horror experience that explores the protagonist's mental state through its unsettling environment. With multiple endings and a narrative that blurs reality, it remains a chilling classic, with a remake released in 2024.

6. 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 yet divisive game that challenges players' perceptions with its narrative twists and innovative gameplay. Despite initial backlash for replacing Solid Snake with Raiden, it has aged well and remains a top stealth game.

See our guide to the Metal Gear games in order for more.

5. 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

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City perfected the open-world formula with its compelling narrative, memorable characters, and iconic 80s-inspired setting. Its groundbreaking gameplay and legendary soundtrack make it a timeless classic, eagerly awaited in GTA 6.

See our guide to the GTA games in order for more.

4. 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 perspective and action-focused gameplay. Its eerie atmosphere and memorable enemies, like the Los Illuminados and Regenerators, ensure its status as a survival horror landmark, further solidified by its 2023 remake.

See our guide to the Resident Evil games in order for more.

3. 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 an awe-inspiring journey where players solve puzzles to defeat colossal creatures. Its melancholic tone, subtle storytelling, and dynamic music create an unforgettable experience, enhanced by the 2018 remake.

2. 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 series, expanding on its predecessor's systems with survival elements and clever boss fights. Its compelling narrative about honor and duty, along with the Subsistence re-release's enhancements, make it a standout title, with fans eagerly awaiting its upcoming remake.

1. 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

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a monumental leap in open-world gaming, featuring a vast, vibrant world inspired by California. Its introduction of RPG elements, like managing CJ's diet and fitness, along with its robust gameplay, make it the pinnacle of the PS2 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. Priced at $17.99/month, this tier offers access to over 300 games from PS3, PS2, original PlayStation, and PSP. 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 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 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.

The Best PS2 Games Of All Time