Top PS2 Games: All-Time Classics

As the PlayStation 2 approaches its 25th anniversary, it's a perfect time to reflect on the iconic games that defined its legacy. From exclusive titles 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 the 25 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 epitomized the series at its peak, focusing on "bitchin' rock/metal tracks that are fun to play on a plastic guitar." With a stellar selection of songs from Suicidal Tendencies to Iron Maiden, it was the last rhythm-action game before the genre became oversaturated, making it a standout 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 is renowned for its blend of family-friendly action, stealth, and humor. Sly 2: Band of Thieves showcases this mix brilliantly, offering a diverse set of worlds to explore and the ability to play as Sly's entire crew, providing a unique and engaging experience.

23. ICO

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

Despite being built around the often-dreaded escort mission, ICO is a masterpiece. It excels in its puzzles and the deep bond it develops between its characters, showcasing minimalist storytelling at its finest and demonstrating 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, Volume 2 delivers arcade-style basketball with flair. It appeals to both casual and hardcore fans with its flashy visuals, easy-to-execute game breakers, and a roster of street and NBA legends, making it an endlessly fun loop of crossovers and slam dunks.

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 the series with improved combat mechanics and a deeper exploration of its mythology. It's a testament to how sequels can build upon their predecessors, offering a rich experience for fans of Disney, Final Fantasy, and the series itself.

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 create-a-skater/park/trick features. Despite mixed reactions to its story mode, it remains the pinnacle of the Pro Skater series.

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 battlefields and a diverse cast of characters. Its gothic themes and intricate combat system make it a classic that's enjoyable to revisit.

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. Its wacky weapons and charming characters make it a standout title 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 stands out with its unique world and diverse cast of characters. Its mix of action, exploration, and humor makes it a classic that fans have eagerly awaited 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 traffic or causing chaos in crash mode. It's the last Burnout game to feature crash mode, making it a memorable entry in the series.

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 summer camp coming-of-age story with psychic secret agents, delivering a challenging and humorous action/platformer. Its memorable levels and designs continue to impress even today.

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 challenging yet rewarding combat and a captivating story. Its high skill ceiling and creative combat system have made it one of the best action games ever.

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 mix of absurdity and fun. Its simple mechanic of rolling up objects into a ball, combined with its optimistic and humorous tone, has captured hearts for over two decades.

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 while maintaining its charm. It introduces new combat, traversal, and a darker story, making it a thrilling adventure and the best game in the Jak and Daxter 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 coming-of-age story with biting satire and a streamlined progression system. It's a smart and funny game that showcases Rockstar's ability to raise the bar with its engaging combat and narrative.

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 compelling mix of combat, puzzles, and platforming. It laid the groundwork for one of the greatest action game series of all time.

9. Okami

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

Okami is a beautiful and cohesive work of art, where you play as a god in the form of a wolf using a celestial brush. Its painterly style, charming story, and creative puzzles 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 leveling system and more accessible storytelling. Its compelling narrative and iconic moments have kept it beloved over the years.

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 game that stays with players long after playing. Its exploration of the protagonist's mental state through an unsettling narrative and atmosphere makes it a timeless 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. Its themes of misinformation and innovative gameplay have aged well, cementing it as a top stealth game.

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 its compelling story, memorable characters, and iconic soundtrack. It remains one of the greatest games of all time, eagerly anticipated in future iterations.

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-heavy gameplay while maintaining its horror elements. Its memorable monsters and iconic phrases continue to resonate with players.

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 disguised as a boss-fight experience. Its melancholic atmosphere, clever puzzles, and dynamic music create an unforgettable journey that stands tall even today.

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 widely regarded as the best in the franchise. It expanded on previous systems, introduced survival elements, and delivered a complex story that enhances the entire series.

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 a monumental leap forward in open-world gaming. Its vast world, RPG elements, and memorable gameplay make it the pinnacle of the PS2 experience and one of the greatest games ever made.

What PS2 Games Are Available on PS5 in 2025?

Unfortunately, PS2 discs are not compatible with the PS5, but you can still stream some PS2 games through PlayStation Plus' Premium membership. This membership costs $17.99/month and provides access to over 300 games from PS3, PS2, original PlayStation, and PSP, in addition to PS4 and PS5 titles. To see the latest additions to 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 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