that playstation 2 It fulfilled the potential of its predecessor and firmly established Sony as the world's largest console manufacturer. Several generations later, the PS2 is still the best-selling console of all time, and an argument could be made that it also has the best video game library of all time. Every genre had dozens of outstanding representatives, and each year gave birth to several masterpieces that are still fondly remembered and revered.
The 8 Most Influential PS2 Games (Rank)
As the best-selling video game console of all time, the PlayStation 2 has been home to some of the most influential video games of all time.
From 2000 to the early 2010s, the PS2 received thousands of games, and the console was still relevant years after the PS3 was released. Let's be honest, there are too many great PS2 titles to cover them all, but let's pick out the best releases from each year of the console's life.
Regional release dates complicate matters, so games qualify in their debut year regardless of region. We'll also include a few honorable mentions.
Times Splitters (2000)
GoldenEye 007 for a new generation
The PS2's launch lineup may not have been perfect, but it did have some solid titles, including: Armored Core 2 or tekken tag tournament. But most people who bought this console on day one wanted to play one game more than anything else. time dividerBy the creative minds of Free Radical Design.
The developer's previous experience working at Rare paid off well, as it felt like a worthy sequel to titles like: GoldenEye 007 or perfect dark: A unique shooter with satisfying mechanics, fun time-traveling levels, and an addictive multiplayer component.
Other Great 2000 PS2 Games
- Armored Core 2
- Dead or Alive 2: Hardcore
- SSX
Silent Hill 2 (2001)
One of the best horror games of all time
Less than a year later, the PS2's catalog was already changing the industry with a following of outstanding games: grand theft auto 3, metal Gear Solid 2, and Jack & Dexter. But among them, Konami’s Silent Hill 2 It was the best title released in 2001.
James Sunderland's shocking and depressing tale of his journey through Silent Hill has quickly established itself as one of the best video game narratives ever created. The entire town of the title has a scary atmosphere that will unsettle players, and the intense survival horror gameplay can leave anyone feeling helpless. of course Silent Hill 2 To this day, he is still considered one of the best exponents of the horror genre.
Other great 2001 PS2 games
- Devil May Cry
- grand theft auto 3
- Gran Turismo 3
- Eco
- Jak and Daxter: Pioneer Legacy
- Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
- final fantasy 10
Kingdom Hearts (2002)
Final Fantasy with Disney Magic
that final fantasy Although the franchise has been associated with the PlayStation brand for many years, Square was looking for a next-generation product that would appeal to a much wider demographic. That's when they joined forces with Disney to create something amazing. Kingdom Hearts franchise.
The original game was a magical adventure like no other as Sora, Donald, and Goofy traveled through various worlds based on classic animated films such as: Aladdin, Hercules, and Little Mermaid. With a beautiful soundtrack, memorable story, and accessible action combat, Kingdom Hearts It was the start of a legendary new IP that would have a huge impact on the PS2.
Other great 2002 PS2 games
- 007:Nightfire
- monkey escape 2
- dark cloud 2
- final fantasy 11
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- Hitman 2: Silent Assassin
- Ratchet and Clank
- getaway
Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando (2003)
The return of PS2's biggest mascot
Like its predecessor, the PS2 was popular among children because it featured a new, iconic platform mascot. while cunning cooper and jack and dexter It was really great, Ratchet and Clank It was definitely the most popular mascot and almost became the face of the entire console.
8 PS2 games that most impressed gamers
The PS2 has one of the best libraries in all of gaming. Some of the most impressive titles of all time include:
their second adventure, Ratchet and Clank: Go Commando, It was the perfect sequel, with more crazy weapons available, improved controls, better comedic writing, fun cutscenes, and timeless cartoon graphics. The first game was good, but Ratchet and Clank: Go Commando It truly paved the way for the future of this franchise.
Other great 2003 PS2 games
- Beyond good and evil
- def jam vendetta
- Disgaea: Hours of Darkness
- Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly
- jack 2
- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
- Silent Hill 3
- Soulcalibur 2
perfect prequel
first metal gear solid The game was a PS1 classic and its sequel was one of the best games of 2002. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Hideo Kojima and his team took this as an opportunity to create a sequel that told the story of Big Boss, and it paid off.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater It features deep characters and an incredible story with many twists and turns that will shock players. Stealth gameplay has been refined and perfected with truly creative mechanics and innovative boss fights. Add in some classic Hideo Kojima madness, and this was a revolutionary game that every PS2 owner should own.
Other Great 2004 PS2 Games
- Burnout 3: Takedown
- Def Jam: Fight for New York
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- jack 3
- Katamari Damashi
- killzone
Shadow of the Colossus (2005)
giant among giants
2005 was one of the best years for the PS2. resident evil 4, Devil May Cry 3, kingdom Hearts 2, Many other amazing titles were released that year. But it was up to Sony and their legendary team ICO to deliver what would become one of the most memorable experiences on the entire console. shadow of the colossus.
The concept is simple. Defeat 16 gigantic colossi in 16 unique and epic boss battles, each of which will give players goosebumps thanks to their sheer size. Featuring an amazing soundtrack, incredible graphics, and a moody atmosphere. shadow of the colossus A masterpiece that proves that video games can be art.
Other Great 2005 PS2 Games
- burnout revenge
- dark watch
- god of war
- killer7
Okami (2006)
a true work of art
Okami
- released
-
September 19, 2006
The PlayStation 3 was released in late November 2006, but that didn't really matter to PS2 owners. Because those consoles still have amazing games released all year long. And surprisingly, Okami Thanks to its timeless watercolor-style graphics, it will look much better than anything the PS3 had to offer at the time.
Okami It perfectly encapsulates the feeling of playing a classic Japanese folk legend yourself, as players control the goddess Amaterasu on her journey to defeat the evil Orochi. This meant they had to explore a vast, open world filled with fun side quests and charming characters. Not to mention that it features a creative ethereal brush mechanism that makes everything even more fun.
Other Great 2006 PS2 Games
- black
- teaser
- final fantasy 12
- hand of god
- Hitman: Blood Money
God of War 2 (2007)
Kratos Stays Relevant on PS2
Fans were dismayed when a first-party sequel to one of Sony's most popular IPs was released for the PS2 in 2007, even though the PS3 had already been on the market for several months. There was a case like this god of war 2This showed that Sony still believes in the console.
17 of the Rarest PS2 Games (And Their Values)
The most expensive PS2 games collectors can buy can change over time, and here are the rarest games in 2025.
This sequel improves on everything that was good about the first. god of war: There are bigger bosses, bigger levels, deadlier weapons for Kratos to use, and a deeper storyline, but it still retains the vibrant combat system that made the franchise so beloved in the first place. In 2007, PlayStation fans were having a better time with the PS2 than with the PS3.
Other Great 2007 PS2 Games
- Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
- Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
Persona 4 (2008)
The best JRPG on the system
The PS2 slowed down in 2008, but it still had some unexpected exclusives released. persona 4 by Atlas. It was an excellent JRPG with a solid art style that made it a huge hit among fans of the genre, and solidified the PS2 in 2008 as a console worth owning.
persona 4 The colorful art style, catchy music, and mysterious plot utilizing supernatural elements really made it stand out among other games in the genre. The cast of characters was likable and memorable, and the turn-based combat perfected the series' formula. This is a long game that most players won't mind spending a lot of time on.
Other Great 2008 PS2 Games
- True Warriors: Gundam 2
- Guitar Hero World Tour
Secret Agent Clank (2009)
fun spin-off
In later stages of its life cycle, the PS2 remained relevant as Sony ported numerous PlayStation Portable games to this home console, as they shared similar hardware, and it was a great way for players to choose how to play their favorite portable experiences. and Secret Agent Clank It was one of the titles chosen.
23 PS2 games that support 2 or more players
If you want to play classic PlayStation 2 games with friends, this game supports 2 or more players.
that Ratchet and Clank The IP once again showed how important it was to the PS2 with a really fun spinoff starring Ratchet's loyal robot companion Clank, a fun parody of the James Bond franchise. It might not be the best game in the series, but it had some great moments, and it's nice to see a solid first-party game still released on the PS2.
Other Great 2009 PS2 Games
