The Playstation 2, also known as the PS2 has sold 157.68-million units since its birth in 2000, outselling the Nintendo DS by over 3-million units and the original PlayStation by over 55-million units.
This console is, for want of a better word, a colossus (hint to a possible game in this list there) and no matter where your gaming allegiances lie, you can’t deny its phenomenal success.
How do you delve into the 1.5-billion sales to pick the greatest, the fan favourites, and the legendary titles that have helped to shape gaming for years to come?
Call us crazy, but that’s just what we’ve done, showcasing our entire teams favourite PS2 games, ranging from racing games, to fighting games to adventure games.
With a combined 75+ years of gaming experience between our team, alongside many hours put into the PS2 since launch we’ve narrowed it down to the best 25.
This is a personal preference of course, so don’t take this as fact, it’s simply our professional opinions.
Table of Contents
1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)
Yes, the Number 1 spot deservedly goes to Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, one of the best stealth adventure games I have ever played.
If you’re an eagle-eyed reader, then you’ll know that I used to be pretty terrible at stealth games. Everything changed in Snake Eater, however. Something clicked, and I instantly became a tactical machine.
I reckon I could have applied for the S.A.S after completing this game, but writing seemed like a much safer profession. In true PlayStation fashion, this title takes place before all of the other games in the Metal Gear series and is set in 1964.
You play as Naked Snake, a character that may not have as cool a name as Solid Snake but certainly has all of the fighting spirt and ‘stealthy kill moves’… if that’s even a thing.
Ditching the urban city streets for a soviet jungle theme with hints of that Goldeneye level where you have to dodge Xenia with her AC-90, MGS3 sees you taking on a mission to destroy a super weapon while saving a rocket scientist. Talk about a hard day at work!
This game is a masterpiece and one of the pioneering games of the stealth/action genre. Everything about it from the graphics to the trademark humour make it a must-have for any PS2 fan.
2. Shadow Of The Colossus (2005)
Shadow of the Colossus features some of the biggest bosses I have ever come across in any video game. I remember coming up against my first one and thinking ‘how the… ?” before dying miserably over and over again.
Still, that’s what makes it such an epic adventure. And with beasts like the dude below to encounter, it certainly makes for one hell of a ride!
I’m a big fan of boss battles, but not the types that just require you to shoot endlessly. It’s why I like Zelda games so much, and the Colossi in this game all require you to think and find their weakspots if you ever stand a chance of bringing them down. There are 16 of the enormous giants to defeat in this game, but rather unusually, there are no ‘levels’ to complete.
You must travel through a mysterious land finding and defeating Colossi in an attempt to save the life of a mysterious girl.
There are no other characters to converse with or towns to explore; it’s just you, your horse, a sword, and a bunch of brutal goliaths who want to squash you flat. This girl better be grateful when she wakes up, that’s all I can say!
3. Final Fantasy X (2002)
I’m going to tell you two statements about Final Fantasy X that are both 100% true.
- I liked this game so much that I tried to dye my hair like the main character and it came out ginger.
- I lied to all of my friends that I was sick one Easter break so I could play it in peace without anyone else asking to have a go.
Yes, Final Fantasy X will forever be a game that changed my life, and thankfully my hair for only a short time which we will never speak of again. The detail in the levels, the fighting, the sub-quests; it was the stuff of legend, and it well and truly blew my mind.
As with many of the other Final Fantasy games in the series, the plotline is more complicated than solving a giant Rubik’s Cube made of red-hot iron.
You play as Tidus, a citizen of Spira who is on a mission to defeat Sin, a bad ‘ol mother that destroyed his home, Zanarkand. And yes, I do remember all of those names from back in the day; I told you this game had a big effect on me.
From RPG battling to showing off your skills in Blitzball, this game had it all and so much more. Be careful; it may cause you to alienate your friends and die your hair… if you have any anymore, that is.
4. Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal (2004)
If we’re going to start throwing the phrase ‘dynamic duo’ around, then we can’t go any further without including Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal.
The developers must have undoubtedly had a great time naming this game, and I certainly had a blast replaying it over and over again until I could play the levels with my eyes closed.
All of the iconic characters from the first Ratchet and Clank series return for a piece of the action, and we’re also introduced to Dr Nefarious, a new robotic villain and the games antagonist.
Ratchet and Clank marked a move towards a growing trend of shooting games as opposed to the typical platform games of old. It still has some brain-tickling elements, but it’s mainly about big weapons and blasting enemies. And don’t forget the online multiplayer!
This is one of the first games that I went online with back in the day. The servers have long since closed down, but there’s plenty of life left in this game without them. Just being able to climb into a vehicle and drive it around is worth the second-hand sales price alone! Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed.
5. Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy (2001)
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy follows Jak and his friend Daxter, the latter of which happens to get transformed into a cross between an Otter and a Weasel when he comes into contact with some dark magic. That’s an Ottsel, for anyone who is wondering…
Jak doesn’t talk, but Daxter more than makes up for it with his comedic ramblings throughout the game. They have to seek a dark sage to try and turn Daxter back into a human again. But as you might have guessed, that is easier said than done.
The worlds in this game are one of the main reasons why I love it so much. I still think about the Lurker guards from time to time and exploring these exciting levels.
It has that comedic value of Conker’s Bad Fur Day without any of the NSFW content, and critics the world over loved it for it’s perfectly-crafted storyline and the strong bond shared by our dynamic duo. I wish my best friend was an Ottsel!
6. God Of War II (2005)
Let’s move away from fancy words and get down to some hell-raising monster-slaying action.
God of War II is the next title in our list. It’s the second in the series but the sixth in the God of War timeline. If you’re not one to get bogged down with the ‘where and the when’ and just like to play a good game, however, then you can’t go wrong with this epic entry into the series.
Fans of Greek Mythology will be all over this game. You play as Kratos, the new God of War. He’s killed Ares, been sent to hell by Zeus, and then rescued by Gaia. It’s a good job I listened to Stephen Fry’s ‘Mythos’ recently, otherwise I’d be clueless!
Using ‘Athena’s Blades’, Kratos must fight his way back to Zeus, conquering beasts, demons, and time itself along the way.
Compared to the first God of War title, this game is bigger, tougher, and has way more action. There are four-times as a many boss battles for a start, and the puzzles are tougher than your nan’s Sudoku puzzles.
Honestly, this is one of my favourite games of all time, and it was tough choosing where to place it in this list. It has been ranked as the second best Playstation 2 game of all time by many critics, but this critic has some other favourites that pipped it to the post.
7. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)
90s LA is all well and good, but if you really want the best GTA experience, you need to head to the 80s in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
Vice City meets Miami Vice in a game with incredible music and gameplay that’s completely lawless; that’s the vibe we’re going for here.
I spent hours just milling around this city taking in the scenery. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Nikki Sixx on a motorbike in multiple places throughout the game too. If you loved Grand Theft Auto III, then Vice City ramps up everything tenfold. More action, more debauchery, more everything.
It went on to sell a whopping 10.25 million copies, surpassing the massive success of its predecessor. If that doesn’t give it a Retro Dodo badge of approval, then I don’t know what will.
Vice City is without a doubt the best GTA game on the PS2 and still a crowing jewel in the series. It might not be GTA V, but it’s pretty damn close!
8. Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution (2003)
The Virtua Fighter series needs no introduction, and Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution more than does the previous titles in this epic franchise justice.
You might have played these titles ever since the early Sega days or first come across the series on our list of the best Dreamcast games. Either way, Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution features all of the same button-mashing battle action and kick-ass fighters that you’ve come to know and love, along with a few extra surprises along the way.
As well as two new characters and better graphics, Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution adds new item collecting features, stores, and ring types. The game mechanics aren’t dissimilar from titles such as Street Fighter and Tekken, but man, is this a fun title to play!
Firstly, it looks incredible and is yet another mind-boggling example of the PS2’s ability to perform like a console way ahead of its time.
Secondly, you don’t tend to find that many fighting games with character customisation options, which instantly puts Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution as a strong contender in any list.
9. God Of War (2005)
The first God of War game had to be featured! We wouldn’t have Kratos and his mad revenge adventures without it!
This action game has some incredible puzzle-solving action, the kind of thing that you’d expect in a Zelda game. The difference is that Kratos is a vengeful god hellbent on killing, not a Hylian child raised by the Great Deku tree.
Wield the dual Blades of Chaos while knocking back insane beasts at every turn. Rack up killer combos to earn more red orbs from each battle..
Points win prizes, or in this case, red orbs buy upgraded weapons, abilities, and moves, making Kratos even more powerful. He can even use magic spells over time too… I guess he is a legendary figure, after all.
Any guy that can wield a decapitated Gorgon’s head as a weapon is a winner in my book. Kratos is one of the best PS character ever made, and the series is one of my all time favourites on Sony’s fantastic console range!
10. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001)
Few games keep me awake at night as much as Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. It’s one of those titles that I just can’t stop thinking about once I start playing, making me walk around the house wearing a tie around my head just to feel like Raiden.
For fans of the series as a whole, Sons of Liberty is Hideo Kojima’s fourth foray into the Metal Gear world and the seventh title in the series. In addition, it’s also the sequel to the very first MGS title. Still with me? Good, let’s continue.
This game sold a whopping 7-million copies. Can you believe that, 7 million!
It’s also one of the deepest games of the console too, covering topics such as existentialism and freedom of thought. While critics thought these areas might be too much for the standard gamer to cope with, I guess 7-million people proved them wrong.
The graphics, storyline execution, gameplay, and characters in this game are second-to-none. It’s a thrilling ride from start to finish with plot elements that fans of 1984 may find interesting. I’ll say no more!
11. Timesplitters 2 (2002)
Next is one of the most iconic shooting titles of all time.
Before Destiny and Overwatch, Timesplitters 2 was the go-to-game for multiplayer madness and a storyline that was, quite literally, ahead of its time. It was also behind its time too, but I suppose you’ll get that if you’re a time traveller.
Timesplitters 2 has a very Goldeneye-esque feel to it. Considering that Bond features in our best N64 games ever made, then that can only be a good thing.
You play as one of two space marines trying to stop the Timesplitters from messing around with time. The ten levels spread from as far back as the Wild Wild West (not with Will Smith) to the far-off future, and the game is jam-packed full of explosive action and more guns than you’d find in Iron Man’s bathroom.
But the best part of this game is undoubtedly the multiplayer. My mates and I had hours and hours of fun playing this game, and you will too!
12. Sly 2: Band of Thieves (2004)
I’ve always enjoyed Sly games; the stealth features are much easier to deal with than some of the other spy/stealth games in this list, making for a less stressful gaming experience.
Twinned with epic platformer elements and graphics akin to Spyro and Banjo-Kazooie, Sly 2 is a cracking game that players of all ages can enjoy and I say that purely because I’m in my 30s and still love it. If it’s written down, it’s law.
Band of Thieves boasts a different style of level from the first Sly game, adding enough new features to draw fans back for another bite of the cherry.
Sly, Bentley, and Murray are after pieces of Clockwerk, the antagonist from the first game. Players can choose to use one of the three characters in a number of exciting missions, knocking back guards while watching that all important health bar.
Each character has different skills to help players in their missions. Bentley is stealthy and has computer-hacking skills, Sly can pickpocket guards, and Murray smashes everything in sight. No prizes for guessing which character I use on a regular basis… Murray… it’s Murray.
Fans of the first Sly game need to give this a try. It’s been fine tuned to 11 and provides an immersive action-packed adventure that gamers can lose themselves in after a long day at the office.
13. Resident Evil 4 (2005)
I’m going to stick with the horror theme for a little while longer as we take a look at the next title in our list, Resident Evil 4.
If you’ve ever picked up a game controller in your life, then I can probably assume that you know all about the Resident Evil series, even if you’ve never played them. Evil virus comdems all of the citizens of Racoon City to wander around as ugly undead cronies. Big monsters, abandoned buildings, and with a freak-out factor of 11. Got it? Good!
Resident Evil 4 differs from the other titles slightly with the arrival of the new ‘over the shoulder’ shooting view when battling enemies. The gameplay revolves less around survival horror elements as it did in the previous games and more about action-filled gunfights and mass-zombie-culling.
The villagers in this game can work together to try to eat you alive. They are capable of wielding weapons and throwing projectiles too, so you better keep your wits about you. In a new development for the series, you can shoot different body parts with different results too. If you want my advice, however, then just go for the head.
Resident Evil 4 was originally meant to be a GameCube release only, but has since gone on to sell 10-million copies over multiple platforms!
14. Silent Hill 2 (2001)
Featuring one of the weirdest yet most iconic villain characters from any series and a storyline straight out of the therapy books, Silent Hill 2 is one that you won’t forget in a hurry! Konami sure knows how to make great survival horror games, and this is one of the weirdest and best around.
You play as James Sunderland, a guy who, let’s face it, is going through some weird stuff. He’s received a letter from his dead wife telling him she’s waiting for him, and everywhere he turns, Pyramidhead is waiting to cleave him into minuscule pieces.
(N.B Retro Dodo will not be held responsible for any pant wetting experienced while playing this game).
Silent Hill is psychological horror at its best. Critics praised the way that the subject matter was handled, including the metaphors, symbolism, and taboo topics that Konami threw into the mix.
From storyline elements such as Jame’s wife’s letter slowly disappearing to an alternative ending where a dog is the main antagonist, this game is a bonafide mind-melter. If you’re a fan of films like Memento or games such as Hellblade, then you’re going to love Silent Hill 2.
15. Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
When the first 2 games in a series are top-down titles that, while good, aren’t wild like the GTA adventures we know today, it’s no surprise that people weren’t expecting huge things from Grand Theft Auto III. It wasn’t billed as a mad ride either, in fact it came without any hype bulling it up or anything.
To be fair, that was to be the downfall of Killzone, so maybe Guerilla Games should have taken a leaf out of RockStar’s book here. Once people started playing and discovered just how raucous GTA III was however, the lack of marketing didn’t really matter. It created it’s own publicity and sent shockwaves through the gaming world.
Gaming in third-person, detailed levels, and mad action that was like nothing we’d seen before (especially from this angle). And it just shows hoe much us law abiding citizens love to go on a rampage, because this game sold over 8 million copies. That’s a whole lot of depravity going on!
16. Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening (2005)
The PS2 had some great hack and slash titles in its repertoire, but perhaps none as exciting as Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening.
If you have followed the series or played the original Devil May Cry game, then this third instalment is set before the events of the first game. (With me so far?).
You follow Dante, but a younger version of the character that many of you will know and love. The story follows the turbulent relationship he has with his brother, Virgil, and is jam-packed full of demon slashing goodness to keep you occupied for hours on end.
I’m a big fan of the cutscenes in this game; it felt like I was watching a movie when I first played it, which was pretty exciting for back in the late 00’s. It also used some pre-rendered Full Motion Video clips. Dante’s Awakening has tonnes of puzzle-solving and platforming-style tasks to complete as you make your way through this Dark Souls-esque gothic castle.
Speaking of which; if you’re a Dark Souls fan, then you’ll be well prepared for this game. It’s as hard as nails to complete, one of the most difficult I’ve played, in fact. Thank goodness for those mid-level checkpoints in the Special Edition!
17. Jak 3 (2004)
Jak 3 has to be my second favourite Jak and Daxter title for the PS2, which means there’s another coming further down this list for you to enjoy. Another open world game, Jak 3 brings all of the features that gamers love about the dynamic duo to a brand new adventure brimming with crazy weapons and exciting items.
Missions make up the majority of this game, with specific challenges requiring completion in order to progress. Racing, gunning down enemies, and solving brain-teasers are the keys to success, accompanied all by the while by Daxter’s trademark humour.
New characters appear for gamers to interact with as they move around the unique Jak and Daxter universe. Creating an Ottsel wasn’t the only thing Naughty Dog got right in this series; the world looks phenomenal and is a joy to play through.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; the levels in these games are so richly textured and vibrant that it feels like you could climb through your TV and enter them!
I’ll have to make do with Persona 4 for that feeling for the time being, however…
If you’re a fan of the series, then it won’t surprise you to know that the duo get into more trouble than I’ve seen in a lifetime and have to fight their way out of tonnes of sticky situations. If you’re a fan of platformers, big hair, and Ottsels, then grab a copy immediately.
18. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas remains one of the most impressive games I’ve ever played. If you’ve never played it before, it’s lewd, debaucherous, and filled with insanity. So it obviously sold incredibly well!
This games takes players back to LA in the 90s. Well, imagine San Andreas was a real part of LA filled with gangs, cars, women, guns, more cars, more guns, and drugs.
It wouldn’t be a GTA game without them, and every title in this series is designed to shock us and push boundaries. I’m going to say 3 words – hot coffee mod.
Just wait till you hear about some of the voice actors in this game too. We’ve got Ice T, Samuel L. Jackson, and David Cross lending their talents to the game.
Young Maylay takes the voice of the main role and absolutely smashes it too. If you want to live life like a Viking on the mean streets of San Andreas, pillaging everyone and everything in sight, then this is the game for you.
19. Half-Life (2001)
Valve really smashed it out of the park with Half Life. A company made by employees that had left Microsoft making its first game that went on to become one of the most influential titles of all time. Not a bad story, is it?
The thing I love about this game the most is that it’s clever. It’s not just a mindless shooting title like Doom; you have to solve problems, complete puzzles, and stealthily survive as you try to figure out what the heck is going on.
The main protagonist is Gordon Freeman, a scientist trying to flee a research lab that has been overrun with weird aliens out for blood.
A lot of people found the 1st person view very strange at first, but seeing the game through Gordon’s eyes is all part of the game’s charm. And it makes it a whole lot scarier at times.
Half Life won more Game of the Year awards than I’ve had hot dinners. Valve nailed the storyline, the graphics, the fact that the gameplay drives forwards all the time with only one tiny cutscene in the whole game. We salute Half Life, which is why it featured in our best 90s games list!
20. SoulCalibur II (2003)
SoulCalibur II is not only one of the best PS2 games of all time, but it’s one of the best fighting games of all time, period!
If I’m being honest, I first got into SoulCalibur II back on the GameCube when Nintendo announced Link was joining the fight. I’m a humongous Zelda nerd and couldn’t wait to battle up close and personal using the Master Sword.
Since then, I’ve bought all of the games to get the other bonus fighters, and I truthfully don’t know which one I prefer the most!
For those not in the know, the PS2 version of SoulCalibur II came with Tekken legend Heihachi Mishima. GameCube gamers finally had the chance to use Link in epic battles, and Xbox users held the power of Spawn in their hands.
Players battle a series of characters in the story mode, unlocking new weapons and costumes as they go. Each character has a Soul Edge weapon that causes devastating damage but also drains health at the same time.
Nightmare and Astaroth are the two best characters for bludgeoning everything in sight. There’s Ivy with her whip and Voldo with his strange claws, along with a host of other unlockable characters to find while playing through the game.
If you still have friends to play couch co-op with, then SoulCalibur II is an amazing title to kick back with on a Saturday afternoon while tucking into a pizza. The levels are great, the weapons are gnarly, and there aren’t a tonne of complicated moves to remember.
21. Bully (2006)
This open world GTA-style free-for-all is a cracking title and another that needs to be in your collection. The jury was definitely out at to whether punters would like Bully.
Violence and risqué content looked set to hamper sales, though 1.5 million people flocked to buy it. Can’t have been that bad then, eh? Players control James Hopkins, known through the game as Jimmy. He’s unwillingly been sent to Bullworth Academy for a year, and he’s on a one-boy-mission to stop bullying.
He goes about this by beating people up, completing missions, and rising to the top of the school popularity system. Sounds a bit like bullying with missions to me, but who am I to judge?
This is a great game for all those people who wished Harry Potter would lay the Smackdown a little more instead of getting Hermione to fight all his battles for him (she’s the real kick-ass character in those books!).
Players move around this massive game on bikes, go-karts, and skateboards while working their way to the top of the Bullworth social ladder. It’s a great title and one that will go down in history as one of the greatest.
22. Jak 2 (2003)
Jak 2 is up next. It’s my third favourite Jak title and is a cracking game in it’s own right, even if you haven’t played The Precursor Legacy.
Why is it my third favourite? Well, it’s hard as nails for starters, but I do love the sort of eerie ‘Jet Force Gemini’ feel to the levels and the Dark Eco theme running through the game.
Jak becomes Dark Jak for the first time too after collecting enough Dark Eco. He gets enhanced skills and goes full on goth for a short amount of time… where do I get some of this Dark eco from?
Guns play much more of a pivotal role in Jak 2. I’m not sure whether this was to keep the duo up to date with other shooting games on the console or not. Still, it took a step away from the platformy feel of the first title while focusing on individual missions and hoverboard riding.
Oh yeah, I said hoverboard alright. Take the duo for a ride around some stunning levels, blasting enemies into next week while doing everything you can to stay alive.
It’s a beauty of a game alright with some of the best NPCs in any PlayStation adventure game. And, 101% completion nerds will love searching for all of the Precursor Orbs to get that fully finished save file.
23. Kingdom Hearts II (2005)
Kingdom Hearts II brings classic Disney characters into the world of role-play-gaming!
Huh, Donald Duck in an RPG? What gives?
Surprisingly, this weird mixture of characters from the Final Fantasy universe and Disney’s back catalogue works incredibly well. Play as a chap wielding a big key as a sword as you search for King Mickey. Ok, I admit it’s weird…
Still, having Disney characters from Bambi to Tron helping you on your adventure is a pretty cool gimmick, and both the plot and graphics are superb.
Players travel between worlds fighting ‘Nobodies’ and the ‘Heartless’. It’s all pretty deep stuff, though the hack-and-slash RPG gameplay is second to none, with players diving into some pretty gnarly battles that really wouldn’t feature in a Goofy cartoon.
Enjoy spotting Disney favourites and pulling out epic moves such as calling spirits into battle and giving enemies a bit of keyhole surgery (remember the Key Sword comment from above… it’s funny if you did…)
24. Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3 (2001)
Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3 is a game that never left my PS2. We all know how good these games are, and the formula was pretty much solidified by the third title.
Play against your friends in Trick Attack or the classic Graffiti modes, either in the same room or online! This was a big moment for multiplayer gaming and saw fans all over the globe challenging their mates to see who could pull off the best grabs and longest grinds.
With new courses, new moves, and new skaters, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 felt fresh and exciting, not like every Fifa game that pretty much feels like the same as the one that came before.
Play as Rodney Mullen, Elissa Steamer, Bam Margera, and many more awesome skaters from Tony Hawk’s world. You can even make your own character and give them some of your attributes such as hair, beard, tattoos, and your awesome dress sense (providing it’s in the options list…).
The course feel more open, there’s more to find, and the music is just as epic as always. Unlock Darth Maul, grind a surfboard with Kelly Slater, and most importantly, pull off moves you could never do in real life.
25. Kingdom Hearts (2002)
Kingdom Hearts is one of the most intriguing games on the PS2 by far. An amalgamation of Final Fantasy and Disney characters, with a main character heading out with a sword in the shape of a key. Yes, you’re in for a wild ride with this one.
Confusing time travel, a storyline that rivals Final Fantasy titles for its intensity, and Donald and Goofy tagging along for the ride.
Square Enix and Disney put everything into this collaboration. It’s an RPG that continuously surprises the player, with cameos from all your favourite Disney movies appearing to help drive the story along.
On paper, it’s a crossover that really shouldn’t work, especially because Mickey Mouse was only licensed to be in one scene. A Disney collab without much Mickey in it… what’s that all about.
The game is beautiful; it’s one of the most in-depth titles on the console without a doubt. Check out more about this absolute Goliath in our article on the story of how Kingdom Hearts 1 came together.
