Top PS2 Games: All-Time Favorites

As the PlayStation 2 approaches its 25th anniversary, it's the perfect time to celebrate the 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 boasts an impressive library. 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.

So, 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: 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, capturing the essence of rock and metal with a stellar selection of tracks. Developed before the music industry fully embraced rhythm games, it offered an unparalleled choice of songs from bands like Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, and The Rolling Stones. This game truly rocked, setting a high bar for the genre.

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 standout in the franchise, blending family-friendly action, stealth, and humor seamlessly. With a compelling story and diverse worlds to explore, playing as Sly and his crew, including Murray and Bentley, offers a unique and thrilling 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 redefines the escort mission genre with its captivating puzzles and deep emotional connection between its characters. Through minimalist storytelling and cooperative navigation of a labyrinthine castle, ICO showcases the power of video games to tell profound stories without relying on dialogue.

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 delivers arcade-style basketball at its finest, appealing to both casual and hardcore fans. With flashy visuals, easy-to-execute game breakers, and a roster of street and NBA legends, it offers an engaging mix of crossovers and slam dunks that's perfect for competitive play.

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 Sora's form states. Its deep exploration of the series' mythology and engaging world design make it a beloved entry for fans of Disney, Final Fantasy, and the franchise's unique style.

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 elevates the series with a fun, campy story, a massive soundtrack, and deep customization options. Despite mixed reactions to its narrative, it remains the best Pro Skater game, offering an immersive and entertaining experience.

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 tactical, isometric battles and diverse characters. Despite its grind, the game's gothic themes, humor, and intricate combat system make it a timeless classic that players can enjoy repeatedly.

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 expands the series with new gadgets, mini-games, and an ambitious online mode. The game's wacky weapons, like the Suck Cannon, add to the fun, making it a standout entry in the beloved franchise.

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, exploration, and a unique world filled with memorable characters. Its rich lore and secrets have kept fans eagerly awaiting a sequel, cementing its status as a PS2 classic.

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 traffic or causing chaos in crash mode. As the last Burnout game to feature crash mode, it remains a thrilling experience that has yet to be replicated successfully.

15. Psychonauts

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

Psychonauts blends a coming-of-age story with psychic secret agents, delivering a challenging and humorous action/platformer. Its imaginative levels and memorable designs have made it a lasting favorite, now expanded 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 compelling story, and entertaining cutscenes. Its high skill ceiling and creative combat system have made it one of the most influential games 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 chaos. Rolling up objects to grow your ball is both fun and endlessly optimistic, capturing hearts and maintaining its charm over two decades later.

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, while retaining the charm of the original. The introduction of Dark Jak and the shift to Haven City make it 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 coming-of-age story and biting satire. Its streamlined progression and satisfying combat set a new standard for Rockstar's games, making it a standout title.

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, featuring stunning boss fights and a mix of combat, puzzles, and platforming. Its compelling story and innovative gameplay laid the foundation 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's unique concept of a god-wolf using a celestial brush to bring paintings to life is beautifully executed. Its painterly style, charming story, and engaging combat make it a must-play on both PS2 and modern consoles.

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 more accessible gameplay. 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 haunting masterpiece that delves into the protagonist's psyche, creating a disorienting and unforgettable experience. Its multiple endings and psychological horror have made it a classic, with a 2024 remake further cementing its legacy.

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 through its narrative and mechanics. Its themes of misinformation and innovative gameplay have aged well, making it one of the best stealth games ever.

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

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 compelling narrative, memorable characters, and iconic soundtrack. Its 80s-inspired satire and gameplay improvements make it a timeless classic, eagerly anticipated 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. Its memorable monsters and iconic phrases have kept it a beloved horror experience, further enhanced by its 2023 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 puzzle game wrapped in epic boss battles, leaving players in awe. Its melancholic tone, clever puzzles, and dynamic music create an unforgettable experience, enhanced by its 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 expanded mechanics, survival elements, and some of the cleverest boss fights. Its complex story of honor and duty sets up the entire series, with fans eagerly awaiting its upcoming remake.

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 is a monumental leap in open-world gaming, offering a vast, vibrant world with RPG and survival elements. Its engaging story, diverse gameplay, and robust mechanics make it the pinnacle of the PS2 gaming 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. This membership, priced at $17.99/month, provides access to over 300 games from PS3, PS2, original PlayStation, and PSP, alongside a catalog of PS4 and PS5 titles. For an updated list of available games, 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 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.

The Best PS2 Games Of All Time