There is hardly a true gamer that hasn’t played a single video game on the Legendary PlayStation 2. Almost every gamer worldwide has a lot of great memories with the PS2.
It is the most-selling video game console of all time with over 157 million sales. This old console holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers.
Today we will help you relive your childhood as we will provide you with our list of the 21 best games for PlayStation 2 and we are sure that nostalgia will hit you once you play these games again. So without any further delay let’s dive deep into our childhood.
Best PS2 Games Of All Time
1) God of War II
| Release Date | March 13, 2007 |
| Developer(s) | Santa Monica Studio |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Hack and Slash |
| Engine | Kinetica |
We’re starting our list with one of the most popular games of all time and that is God of War II. This game is the second installment in the God of War franchise and a sequel to the original God of War game that was released back in 2005.
Players are given control of a legendary character named Kratos(God of War).
The storyline of this game is set in ancient Greece where Kratos is betrayed by Zeus who drains his godly powers out of him.
Later Kratos gets dragged into hell but the Titan Gaia saves him and she instructs Kratos to find the Sisters of Fate as they can help him travel back in time and seek his deadly revenge.
The gameplay was something that made the players fall in love with this game. The gameplay is in a third-person perspective with a fixed camera angle. Players can perform numerous different moves and Kratos will acquire new weapons as players progress the story further.
Kratos has many different magical abilities as well. This game was praised by gamers and critics worldwide for such a major improvement over its predecessor.
We surely recommend every gamer to give this game a try even if you haven’t played the first installment this game will surely make you fall in love with the franchise.
This was it for the first game on our list and it is just the beginning as we have tons of games left to discuss with you all.
2) Tekken 5
| Release Date | November 15, 2004 |
| Developer(s) | Bandai Namco |
| Genre | Fighting, Action |
| Engine | System 258 |
Tekken 5 marks the 10 anniversary of the Tekken franchise and we are sure that most of you reading this have played at least one installment from the Tekken franchise. As the Release Date for Tekken 8 is approaching this might be the best time to take a look back at Tekken 5.
This game is set a few years after the events of Tekken 4 and the storyline of this game features a new character named Jinpachi who takes over the Zaibatsu forces but the story focuses on the franchise’s main protagonist Jin Kazama who faces numerous enemies from the G Corporation.
This is the first game in the Tekken series where players can customize characters with clothing, accessories, and other items.
The gameplay of this game was smoother and faster as compared to its predecessor.
Tekken 5 features 32 new characters out of which 26 are returning characters and 6 are newly introduced to the game. If you own a PlayStation 2 then we would advise you to play this game as it is really impressive.
3) Gran Turismo 4
| Release Date | December 28, 2004 |
| Developer(s) | Polyphony Digital |
| Genre | Racing, Vehicle Simulation |
| Engine | GT4P Engine |
Also known as GT4, Gran Turismo 4 is the fourth installment in the series. This game was officially set to release back in 2003 but the developers delayed the game for over a year and removed its online feature as well.
However, that did not stop this game from being among the best racing games ever. Gran Turismo 4 features over 721 cars from 80 manufacturers and 51 tracks out of which many of them are modified versions of the maps in the previous installment.
Gran Turismo 4’s gameplay was something that gamers still remember to this day as it was really impressive and responsive as well. The game featured a new photo mode which allowed players to take control of a virtual camera that can be used to take pictures.
The visual quality was a major improvement as compared to Gran Turismo 3. The tracks and vehicles are much more detailed in this game. This game was a critical and commercial success and this game should be on your list as well.
4) Downhill Domination
| Release Date | July 23, 2003 |
| Developer(s) | Incognito Entertainment, Santa Monica Studio |
| Genre | Racing, Sports |
| Engine | Kinetica |
If we are listing down the best PS2 games then we cannot forget Downhill Domination. This is a racing game where players need to choose a character, bike, and race downhill on their bikes.
There are two modes in this game and those are singleplayer and multiplayer. Players can punch, kick and harm their opponents during the race. Yes, harming your opponents to win the race is possible in this game.
The gameplay of this game is impressive and to mention fast as well which is a good thing as it is a racing game.
The game received generally positive reviews from fans around the world. This game is also really fun to play with via offline multiplayer mode.
Alright, this was it for Downhill Domination now we will move on to the next game on our list.
5) Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
| Release Date | December 5, 2001 |
| Developer(s) | Naughty Dog |
| Genre | Platform |
| Engine | Kinetica |
The fifth game on our list is Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy and it features a teenage protagonist named Jak as he tries to help his pal Daxter after he turns into an ottsel.
Later into the game Jak and Daxter realize that they must have their world from rogue sages who are planning to flood the whole world with Dark Eco (a strange substance that destroys everything it touches).
The game features many interesting and impressive missions, and puzzles and the gameplay is intriguing as well Jak possesses many unique abilities like Double jumping, rapid spinning kick, glide punching, etc.
The Game includes three bosses and players can only progress further after eliminating them. This game is really special and we hope that you will give it a try.
6) WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain
| Release Date | October 27, 2003 |
| Developer(s) | Yuke’s |
| Genre | Fighting, Sports |
| Engine | – |
WWE SmakDown! Here Comes the Pain is also known as Exciting Pro Wrestling in Japan and is a sequel to WWE Shut Your Mouth.
Every WWE fan loves this game as it lets players feel free to do almost everything. Have you ever thought about riding a bike in a backstage fighting match? well, that is possible with this game.
This game features numerous match modes like a single, tag team, triple threat, fatal four-way, ladder, and many more.
The gameplay mechanics of this game were vastly improved as compared to the previous games but one common thing is that the gameplay is still fast-paced which is a good thing.
This was the first game that introduced WWE Legends in a video game and there are over 50 wrestlers in this game for players to choose from.
SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain received exceptionally positive reviews from gamers and critics worldwide and also received a “Platinum” sales award from the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA).
This WWE game was a game-changer back in 2003.
7) Harry Potter and The Chamber Of Secrets
| Release Date | November 15, 2022 |
| Developer(s) | Electronic Arts |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Platform |
| Engine | Unreal Engine |
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second installment in the Harry Potter video game franchise. Many gamers worldwide consider this game the best installment in the whole franchise.
Players are given control of one of the most popular fictional characters known as Harry Potter and the storyline of the game takes place a few years after the events of the first game where Harry returns to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Harry faces a lot of issues while returning to Hogwarts but he makes it to the school safely with his friend Ronald Weasly. Harry must uncover what lies behind the Chamber of Secrets in Hogwarts Castle.
The gameplay of this game is quite impressive for its age but not as great as compared to and players can spend a lot of time enjoying this game. If you are a Potterhead then this game should be on your list.
8) Spider-Man 2
| Release Date | June 28, 2004 |
| Developer(s) | Treyarch |
| Genre | Open-World, Action, Adventure |
| Engine | Treyarch NGL |
Every Marvel fan loved the Spider-Man 2 movie but what if we tell you the video game was just as fascinating as the movie? Yes, it is true, this Spider-Man game was a masterpiece.
Numerous Spider-Man fans worldwide are waiting for the new Spiderman 2023 game and it is the best time you guys can enjoy this game while the Release Date for Marvel’s Spiderman 2023 gets closer.
The Storyline of this game takes place in New York and players control one of the most loved fictional characters Peter Parker (Spider-Man). We see Peter struggling to balance his civilian and superhero life as a result he cannot perform well at work and college.
This game features many villains from the Spider-Man comics like Black Cat, Puma, Dr. Otto Octavius, and Rhino.
The gameplay of this game is one of the greatest elements that made this game stand out from any other video game at that time as this was the first Spider-Man game where players could swing freely almost anywhere as Spider-Man.
The swinging mechanics were drastically improved than the previous games. The reviews that this game received were generally positive and this is also one of our favorite Spider-Man games ever made.
9) SSX 3
| Release Date | October 20, 2003 |
| Developer(s) | EA Vancouver |
| Genre | Racing, Sports, Simulation |
| Engine | – |
SSX 3 rightfully takes the 9th spot on our list as this game is set on a fictionalized mountain where snowboarders compete in the SSX championship. There are a wide variety of characters and locations for players to choose from.
Players will earn in-game money after winning races and can later use that money to upgrade the attributes of the character, purchase new attires, and even new boards.
The gameplay of this game is in a third-person perspective. This game also features a free-roam mode that lets players roam freely across the maps present in the game. Players will gain points by performing different tricks and stunts.
New areas in-game will be unlocked as players progress further in the game. This was it for SSX 3 and now we will move on to the tenth game on our stunning list of the Best Games PlayStation 2 Games.
10) Hitman Blood Money
| Release Date | May 26, 2006 |
| Developer(s) | IO Interactive |
| Genre | Stealth, Action, Adventure |
| Engine | Glacier Engine |
Next up on our list is arguably one of the Best Stealth Games of all Time, especially according to die-hard stealth game fans. Hitman Blood Money is the fourth installment in the Hitman franchise and takes place after the events of Hitman Contracts.
Players are given control of the fan-favorite Agent 47 and the storyline takes place as an American journalist named Rick Henderson visits the FBI’s former director.
Later the former FBI director reveals that the interview was just a way for him to be able to speak to him. The FBI director had a much bigger story to tell him and Yes he starts by telling Rick the tales of Hitman.
The gameplay of this game was spectacular and included many fun elements like disguise, weapon pickup, and a lot more.
The visuals on the other hand were also really impressive considering the time this game was released. If you own a PS2 and haven’t tried this game then you are missing out on a lot of action.
Also Read: How To Play PS3 Games On Steam Deck: The Complete Guide (2024)
11) Bully
| Release Date | October 17, 2006 |
| Developer(s) | Rockstar Vancouver |
| Genre | Open-world, Action |
| Engine | RenderWare, Gamebryo |
It would be a shame if we did not include Bully in our list of the Best games for PS2. The storyline of this game starts in the fictional town of Bullworth and players are given control of a 15-year-old notorious problem child named James “Jimmy” Hopkins.
Jimmy is sent to one of the town’s most prominent boarding schools (Bullworth Academy) for a year while his mother and her new husband enjoy their honeymoon.
After being expelled from seven different schools in the past Jimmy finally got admission to Bullworth Academy where he meets the Principle. The school was okay but one thing that struck Jimmy was that it was filled with loads of bullies in every corner.
Jimmy then decides to put a stop to the bullying that is happening all around the school by rising through the ranks of the school system.
The Gameplay is played from a third-person perspective and players can skate, fight, and run around the school. Well, you wouldn’t wanna take on a fight with someone twice your size so be careful if you decide to play this game.
Bully received exceptionally positive reviews from gamers and critics worldwide and was also ported to many different platforms in the future with updated visuals.
12) Grand Theft Auto III
| Release Date | October 22, 2001 |
| Developer(s) | Rockstar North |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Crime |
| Engine | RenderWare |
The next game on our list is Grand Theft Auto III and I believe that this game needs no explanation as it was the game that took the GTA franchise to new heights.
GTA I and II were stunning but the developers did something really impressive and different with this game as this was the first 3D game in the franchise where players could explore the open world however their heart desires.
The game starts as the protagonist Claude is performing a bank robbery with his girlfriend Catalina who later betrays him by shooting him on their way out. Claude then later gets arrested but manages to escape the cops while being escorted to the prison.
Claude now needs to start from scratch build his name up and take revenge on his ex-girlfriend as well. The gameplay in this game was a massive improvement over its predecessor as players can now explore the open-world 3D environment.
Players can now use different weapons such as SMG, AR, Sniper, etc. We highly recommend you play this game if you haven’t. This was it for Grand Theft Auto III.
13) WWE SmackDown Vs Raw 2011
| Release Date | October 26, 2010 |
| Developer(s) | Yuke’s |
| Platforms | PSP, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii |
| Engine | – |
Who doesn’t enjoy playing fighting games with their friends? WWE SmackDown Vs Raw might be the perfect choice if you’re looking for a good fighting game that gives you complete control of the game.
In WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, the world is yours which means you can do a lot of stuff and as soon as you start the game you’ll realize that this game is going to be stunning.
There are tons of match modes available in this game such as singles, tag team, hell in a cell, and steel cage, however, I personally love the Road To WrestleMania mode as players can play as one of the best characters in WWE and win the WrestleMania title.
The Best part about the WrestleMania mode is that players can free roam backstage and can pick fights with any wrestler they come across, this was a cool feature that is lacking in the new WWE games today.
Players in this game can create their character and fully customize it according to their tastes and preferences.
14) Star Wars Battlefront
| Release Date | September 21, 2004 |
| Developer(s) | Pandemic Studios |
| Platforms | PS2, PC |
| Engine | Zero |
The next game on our list is for all the Star Wars fans out there, The game features battles between four main factions from the Star Wars movies. Each faction in the game consists of five classes out of which 4 are common in every faction and one of them is unique.
This game is focused on playing as a conquest game and it even includes many different locations from the Star Wars movies.
Players in this game need to eliminate the enemy forces or they can even capture every command post for 20 seconds. Star Wars Battlefront also features more than 25 vehicles that players can use.
15) Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
| Release Date | December 1, 2005 |
| Developer(s) | Ubisoft |
| Platforms | PS2, PC, PSP, PS3, Wii, GameCube, Xbox |
| Engine | Jadeo |
Prince of Persia The Two Thrones is another one of the greatest PS2 games ever made and it takes place right after the events of Prince of Persia Warrior Within where Prince finally eliminates Dhaka and Kaileena heads back to Babylon.
Upon arrival, Prince finds out that his city is ravaged by war and then their ship is hit by a cannon which separates Prince and Kaileena Later Prince wakes up and sets out to find Kaileena and put an end to the menace in his city.
The gameplay is quite similar to the previous installment but with a few minor upgrades and the game is narrated by Kaileena, unlike the other games in the franchise.
The Two Thrones also introduces the speed kill option where Prince can sneak up on his enemies and eliminate them quickly. We highly recommend you try out this game if you guys have played the previous installments.
16) Resident Evil 4
| Release Date | January 11, 2005 |
| Developer(s) | Capcom |
| Platforms | PS2, PS4, PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii, GameCube, Mobile |
| Engine | – |
Are you a true Resident Evil fan? If yes then you must’ve heard about Resident Evil 4 as it is one of the greatest entries in the whole RE franchise.
The storyline of this game starts with Leon S. Kennedy (protagonist) who is on a mission to rescue the missing daughter of US President Ashley Graham.
Leon is later stuck in one of the villages and needs to find Ashley and a way out of the village quickly. The gameplay of this staggering game is quite impressive and the visuals are good for a game this old.
The game received a lot of positive reviews from gamers and critics worldwide and is still considered one of the best games ever developed by Capcom.
17) Kingdom Hearts
| Release Date | March 28, 2002 |
| Developer(s) | Square, Disney Interactive Studios |
| Platforms | PS2 |
| Engine | – |
Next up on our list is Kingdom Hearts and it is the first entry in the Kingdom Hearts franchise developed for the PlayStation 2.
This game contains characters from different Disney animated series/movies and also from the Final Fantasy series Kingdom Hearts contains action, hack, and slash elements.
18) Grand Theft Auto Vice City
| Release Date | October 29, 2002 |
| Developer(s) | Rockstar Games |
| Platforms | PC, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Mobile, GameCube |
| Engine | RenderWare |
We assume that almost every gamer must’ve played this game once as it is surely one of the greatest video games ever made. Players in this game assume the role of Tommy Vercetti who is a two-bit gangster.
The storyline of the game starts with a drug deal going down south and Tommy is involved in it later Tommy decides to find out the people behind the mishappenings along with his new friend Ken Rosenberg.
The gameplay of this game was drastically improved as compared to the previous installment in the franchise where Tommy can now ride bikes, boats, and even helicopters.
Tons of gamers worldwide enjoyed the setting in Miami and still considered this to be the greatest entry in the Grand Theft Auto franchise. If you’re a fan of the GTA series and haven’t yet played this game then you’re missing out on a lot of action-packed storyline and gameplay.
19) Silent Hill 2
| Release Date | September 24, 2001 |
| Developer(s) | Konami, Team Silent, Creature Labs, Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |
| Platforms | PS2, PS3, PC, Xbox, Xbox 360 |
| Engine | – |
Silent Hill 2 is a supernatural horror game where players take on the role of James Sunderland who heads out to the town of Silent Hill after he receives a letter from his dead wife.
The letter that James receives from his wife states that she’s waiting for him in the town of Silent Hill. The gameplay of this game was pretty impressive for the time it was released and the development of this game started back in 1999.
The visuals on the other hand were also pretty good thanks to the PlayStation 2 gamers were able to play the game without any problems back in the day.
The game received positive reviews and a remastered version of Silent Hill 2 is around the corner and will be released soon as well.
20) Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 3
| Release Date | October 4, 2007 |
| Developer(s) | Spike |
| Platforms | PS2, Wii |
| Engine | – |
One of the greatest fighting games ever made is called Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 3 and if you ask a true PlayStation gamer about the best PS2 video games then this game will surely cross their mind.
The Storyline of this game showcases the events of Dragon Ball Z anime where Raditz kidnaps Gohan and later Goku and Picollo team up to stop Raditz from performing his menacing activities.
The gameplay of this game is just sublime with a lot of characters having different transformations such as Frieza, Goku, Vegeta, Cell, and more.
The combo moves, power-ups and ki blasts look exquisite and if you own a PS2 and haven’t played this game, you’re surely missing out on a lot of great stuff.
21) Ford Racing 2
| Release Date | October 3, 2003 |
| Developer(s) | Razorworks |
| Platforms | PS2, PC |
| Engine | – |
We decided to end our list with one of the best car simulator games of all time known as Ford Racing 2 and if you’re a true racing game fan then you surely must’ve played this game in your childhood with your friends or family.
There are two games present in this game and those are the Ford Challenge and the Ford Collection. The Ford Challenge contains over 30 challenges for players to complete and the Ford Collection gives players the liberty to create customizable challenges.
The gameplay of this game was way ahead of its time and the visuals on the other hand are breathtaking for a game this old. Do check out Ford Racing 2 for amazing car racing gameplay.
This was our list of the Best PlayStation 2 games of all time. We hope that the nostalgia must have hit all of you guys by now.
If you have any doubts regarding the information we have provided about the games above, feel free to write them down below.
