The PlayStation 2, a revolutionary console, is nearing its 25th anniversary. To celebrate, we're revisiting the games that cemented its legendary status. From PS2 exclusives like *Okami* and *Shadow of the Colossus* to mega-hits such as *Final Fantasy X* and *Grand Theft Auto: Vice City*, choosing the best is no easy feat. Yet, we've curated a list of 25 titles that truly pushed technological and cultural boundaries, remaining relevant even today.

Here are IGN's top 25 PlayStation 2 games of all time:

The Best PS2 Games Ever

26 Images

More on the best PlayStation Games of all time:

Best PS4 Games Best PS3 Games Best PS1 Games

25. Guitar Hero 2

**Developer:** Harmonix | **Publisher:** RedOctane | **Release date:** November 7, 2006 | **Review:** IGN's Guitar Hero 2 review

Guitar Hero revolutionized party games, but Guitar Hero II represents the series' peak. Released when the franchise focused on "awesome rock/metal tracks," not diluted karaoke, it boasts an incredible selection of songs – Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, Danzig, The Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, Iggy and the Stooges – all delivering a truly rocking experience. It was the last major rhythm game before the music industry flooded the market, giving Harmonix unparalleled access to incredible music.

24. Sly Cooper 2: Band of Thieves

**Developer:** 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, stealth, and humor, and Sly 2: Band of Thieves excels. Its engaging story unfolds across diverse and captivating worlds. Players control Sly's entire crew, including the powerful Murray and tech-savvy Bentley. Thrilling stealth gameplay makes Sly 2 a unique and unforgettable experience, unlike anything else in Sony's first-party lineup at the time.

23. ICO

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

Despite being built around escort missions—usually a gaming no-no—ICO is exceptional. Its success stems from clever puzzles and the powerful bond between its two protagonists. The game conveys deep connection not through dialogue, but through shared navigation of its labyrinthine castle. It's a masterful example of minimalist storytelling, showcasing the unique narrative potential of video games.

22. NBA Street, Vol. 2

**Developer:** EA Canada | **Publisher:** Electronic Arts/NuFX | **Release date:** April 28, 2003 | **Review:** IGN's NBA Street, Vol. 2 review

NBA Street, Vol. 2 is arcade basketball at its finest. Visually stunning yet easy to pick up, its game-breaking moves appeal to casual players, while superb ball handling and an all-star roster enthrall hardcore fans. Four game modes and unlockable NBA and street legends create an addictive loop of crossovers and slam dunks, overflowing with style. Head-to-head competition is particularly exhilarating.

21. Kingdom Hearts 2

**Developer:** Square Enix | **Publisher:** Square Enix | **Release date:** December 22, 2005 | **Review:** IGN's Kingdom Hearts 2 review

Kingdom Hearts II exemplifies how sequels can surpass their predecessors. While playing the first game is recommended, Kingdom Hearts II boasts improved combat—a blend of magic, the Keyblade, Sora's forms—and deeper exploration of the mythology introduced in the first game. Despite a lengthy intro, the game's world design, story, and combat solidify its place in the hearts of Disney, Final Fantasy, and Kingdom Hearts fans.

20. Tony Hawk's Underground

**Developer:** Neversoft Entertainment | **Publisher:** Activision | **Release date:** October 27, 2003 | **Review:** IGN's Tony Hawk's Underground review

Tony Hawk's Underground enhanced the series' strengths. A fun, campy story, a massive soundtrack (over 70 licensed tracks), and intuitive create-a-skater/park/trick features add depth (and unlockable Iron Man!). While the story mode and humor were divisive, Tony Hawk's Underground remains a top-tier skateboarding game.

19. Disgaea: Hour of Darkness

**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. Its isometric battlefields, diverse characters with unique skills and weapons, and tactical possibilities provide endless entertainment. Though grindy at times, its gothic themes, humorous characters, and intricate combat make it a timeless classic.

18. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal

**Developer:** Insomniac Games | **Publisher:** Sony Computer Entertainment | **Release date:** November 2, 2004 | **Review:** IGN's Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal review

The Ratchet & Clank series consistently delivered charming characters, galactic stories, and wacky weapons. Up Your Arsenal, the largest installment yet, features a wealth of gadgets, mini-games, and an ambitious online mode—a rarity for the time. The Suck Cannon, turning enemies into bolts, exemplifies its unique and fun gameplay.

17. Beyond Good & Evil

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

Blending action and exploration, Beyond Good & Evil stands out with its unique world and diverse, charming cast. Its world is packed with memorable locations and lore, making it a truly unforgettable experience. The long-awaited sequel's release only further cements its classic status.

16. Burnout Revenge

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

Burnout Revenge is all about speed—street racing, traffic dodging, and maximum-destruction crash mode. Short bursts of intense action lead to hours of gameplay, striving for gold medals. The takedown-infused racing is thrilling, but the inclusion of crash mode—absent in later titles—makes this the series' peak.

15. Psychonauts

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

Psychonauts cleverly blends a classic summer camp story with psychic secret agents. It's a challenging and humorous action-platformer with a great story and incredible level design, each reflecting the twisted psyches of the characters. Its memorable moments and impressive visuals continue to impress, especially with the release of Psychonauts 2.

14. Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening

**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 one of the most influential and best action games ever. Challenging yet rewarding combat, a compelling story of twisted familial bonds, and entertaining cutscenes make it stand out. Its combat system boasts a high skill ceiling and encourages creative gameplay.

13. Katamari Damacy

**Developer:** Namco | **Publisher:** Namco | **Release date:** March 18, 2004 | **Review:** IGN's Katamari Damacy review

Katamari Damacy is absurd chaos at its best. Its simple mechanic—rolling up objects to create a giant ball—is combined with wildly imaginative scenarios. Its ridiculousness and endless optimism make it a joyful and unforgettable experience.

12. Jak 2: Renegade

**Developer:** Naughty Dog | **Publisher:** Sony Computer Entertainment | **Release date:** October 14, 2003 | **Review:** IGN's Jak 2: Renegade review

Jak II reinvents itself while retaining the charm of its predecessor. The move from Sandover Village to Haven City introduces new combat, traversal, and a more intriguing story. The addition of gunplay, carjacking, hoverboarding, and Dark Jak creates a satisfying power fantasy.

11. Bully

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

Bully tackles themes of bullying, social networks, and the importance of education with a charming coming-of-age story. Its satire, streamlined progression, and satisfying combat raised the bar for Rockstar's future games.

10. God of War

**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 impressive boss fights, combat, puzzle-solving, platforming, and a compelling story. It laid the groundwork for one of gaming's greatest action series.

9. Okami

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

Okami's concept—a wolf god whose paintings come to life—is unique and works brilliantly. Its painterly style, charming story, creative puzzles, and action-driven combat make it a must-play.

8. Final Fantasy 10

**Developer:** Square | **Publisher:** Square Electronic Arts (NA) | **Release date:** July 19, 2001 | **Review:** IGN's Final Fantasy 10 review

Final Fantasy X made significant changes to the series, introducing a Sphere Grid leveling system and a more accessible story. Its improved graphics and compelling narrative remain popular today.

7. Silent Hill 2

**Developer:** Konami | **Publisher:** Konami | **Release date:** September 25, 2001 | **Review:** IGN's Silent Hill 2 review

Silent Hill 2 is a disturbing and unforgettable horror game. Its nightmarish town reflects the protagonist's mental state, using unreliable narration, multiple endings, and unsettling juxtapositions.

6. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

**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 and divisive game, constantly subverting expectations. Its use of misinformation in marketing and gameplay was ahead of its time, even if initially controversial. It remains a top stealth game.

5. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

**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 established by GTA III. Its compelling story, memorable characters (voiced by Hollywood stars), improved mechanics, and iconic soundtrack make it a timeless classic.

4. Resident Evil 4

**Developer:** Capcom Production Studio 4 | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release date:** January 11, 2005 | **Review:** IGN's Resident Evil 4 review

Resident Evil 4 revolutionized the series, shifting from traditional survival horror to an over-the-shoulder shooter. Its intense action and unforgettable monsters created a deeply unsettling experience.

3. Shadow of the Colossus

**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 a puzzle game disguised as a giant-boss-fight experience. Its melancholic atmosphere, clever puzzles, understated storytelling, dynamic music, and epic boss battles remain impactful.

2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

**Developer:** KCEJ | **Publisher:** Konami | **Release date:** November 17, 2004 | **Review:** IGN's Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater review

Metal Gear Solid 3 is considered the best in the series. It expands on previous mechanics, adds survival elements, and features clever boss fights. Its complex story of honor, duty, love, and patriotism is both self-contained and crucial to the series' overall narrative.

1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

**Developer:** Rockstar North | **Publisher:** Rockstar Games | **Release date:** October 21, 2004 | **Review:** IGN's GTA: San Andreas review

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas represents a massive leap forward for open-world games. Its vast world, diverse activities, and introduction of RPG elements make it one of the most robust and memorable open-world games ever created.

What PS2 Games Are Available on PS5 in 2025?

PS2 discs aren't compatible with PS5, but PlayStation Plus Premium offers streaming access to many PS2 games, along with PS3, PS1, and PSP titles. For an updated list, visit our IGN Playlist page.

PlayStation Plus Classic Games Catalog

[This section would contain a dynamically updated list of games, which cannot be replicated here.] The text implies a sortable and searchable list, viewable via a link. The provided images are examples.

Tri-Ace Vanillaware Singletrac Square Enix Tri-Ace Just Add Water Developments Eat Sleep Play LucasArts Guerrilla Games Team17 Software

These are our top PS2 games. What are your favorites?

The Best PS2 Games Of All Time

The Best PS2 Games Of All Time