The PlayStation 2 (PS2) isn’t just a console it’s a legend. With over 155 million units sold, it introduced gamers to groundbreaking stories, unforgettable characters, and genres that still influence modern gaming.
Even today, many PS2 games remain iconic, and thanks to remasters and backward compatibility, some are available on PS4 and PS5! Whether you’re reliving nostalgia or discovering these gems for the first time, here’s our ultimate list of the 25 best PS2 games of all time, including PS2 exclusives that defined a generation.
Why the PS2 Still Matters
The PS2’s library was a golden age of creativity. It pushed technical limits, delivered emotional narratives, and introduced franchises that dominate gaming today. Better yet, Sony has revived many classics, making PS2 games available on PS4 & PS5 through remasters like Shadow of the Colossus or backward compatible titles like GTA: San Andreas. This blend of nostalgia and modern accessibility keeps the PS2’s legacy alive.
How to Play PS2 Games Today
- PS4 and PS5 Compatibility: Select PS2 games are sold as “PS2 Classics” on the PlayStation Store. Titles like GTA: Vice City and Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter have HD upgrades for modern consoles.
- Physical Copies: While PS4 and PS5 don’t support PS2 discs, older PS3 models do. Dust off your old collection!
- Remasters: Games like Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX and Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster offer enhanced visuals and gameplay on PS4 and PS5.
The 25 Best PS2 Games of All Time
1. Shadow of the Colossus (2005)
This PS2 exclusive is a haunting tale of love and sacrifice. You play as Wander, tasked with defeating 16 towering colossi to revive a girl named Mono.
The game’s minimalist storytelling, vast empty landscapes, and emotional boss battles created a unique experience. Critics praised its artistry, and the 2018 PS4 remake modernized its visuals while keeping its soul intact. Available on PS4 with stunning 4K graphics.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 9.7/10 | 1.4 million | ~3.5 GB | Action-Adventure | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
2. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)
CJ’s journey through gang wars, betrayals, and ’90s hip-hop culture is legendary. With three cities, countryside, and endless side activities (like gym workouts and casino games), San Andreas set the bar for open world games. Its humor, radio stations, and cheat codes are iconic. The remastered Definitive Edition is available on PS4 & PS5, though purists still love the original.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 9.6/10 | 27.5 million | ~4.7 GB | Open-World Action | $49.99 | PS2 |
3. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)
Set during the Cold War, this prequel follows Naked Snake (Big Boss) on a mission to stop a nuclear weapon. The jungle environment introduced survival mechanics hunting animals, treating injuries, and using camouflage. Its gripping story, emotional ending, and innovative gameplay earned it perfect scores. A PS2 exclusive, it later got HD remasters for PS3 and Vita.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 9.5/10 | 6 million | ~4.2 GB | Stealth-Action | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
4. God of War II
Kratos’ brutal quest for vengeance against the Greek gods redefined action games. The first game introduced epic boss fights (like the Hydra), while God of War II expanded the story and scale. Both are PS2 exclusives with fast-paced combat, puzzles, and cinematic storytelling. The series’ PS4/PS5 reboot continues Kratos’ journey in Norse realms.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 9.5/10 | 4.2 million | ~4.1 GB | Hack-and-Slash | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
5. Final Fantasy X
The first Final Fantasy with voice acting, FFX follows Tidus and Yuna’s quest to defeat Sin. Its turn-based combat, sphere grid leveling system, and emotional story (that ending!) made it a classic. The HD remaster on PS4/PS5 includes updated visuals and bonus content, making it the best way to play today.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 9.3/10 | 8 million | ~3.9 GB | JRPG | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
6. Kingdom Hearts
Disney meets Final Fantasy in this magical adventure. Sora teams up with Donald and Goofy to battle the Heartless across worlds like Agrabah (Aladdin) and Halloween Town (The Nightmare Before Christmas). Its quirky charm, keyblade combat, and emotional depth spawned a massive franchise. The HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX collection is available on PS4.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 9.2/10 | 6.4 million | ~3.6 GB | Action RPG | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
7. Resident Evil 4
Leon Kennedy’s mission to rescue the president’s daughter from a parasitic cult reinvented horror games. The over-the-shoulder camera, intense action, and creepy villagers (“¡Detrás de ti, imbécil!”) made it a masterpiece. Originally a PS2 exclusive, the 2023 PS5 remake modernized its visuals and controls.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 9.6/10 | 10.4 million | ~4.5 GB | Survival Horror | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
8. Silent Hill 2
James Sunderland’s search for his dead wife in the foggy town of Silent Hill is a masterclass in dread. The game uses symbolism (like Pyramid Head) to explore guilt and trauma. Its atmospheric sound design and morally gray story still terrify players. Sadly, no official remaster exists, but the PS2 version remains unmatched.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 9.1/10 | 1.7 million | ~3.2 GB | Psychological Horror | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
9. Okami
This PS2 exclusive lets you play as Amaterasu, a sun goddess in wolf form, who uses a magical brush to restore nature. Its cel-shaded art style, inspired by Japanese ink paintings, and creative puzzles make it a cult classic. The Okami HD remaster on PS4 adds widescreen support and motion controls.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 9.0/10 | 1.3 million | ~3.7 GB | Action-Adventure | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
10. Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening
This prequel stars a younger Dante battling his brother Vergil in a demon-infested tower. With its combo-driven combat, multiple weapons, and campy humor, it’s considered the series’ peak. The Special Edition on PS4/PS5 adds playable Vergil and turbo mode.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 9.3/10 | 2.3 million | ~1.4 GB | Stylish Action | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
11. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
The pinnacle of skateboarding games, THPS3 introduced revert tricks to extend combos across ramps, rails, and half-pipes. Levels like the Airport and Tokyo kept players grinding for high scores. The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 remake on PS4/PS5 includes THPS3’s best tracks.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 9.2/10 | 7.2 million | ~1.8 GB | Sports | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
12. Persona 4
Balancing high school life and dungeon crawling, Persona 4 follows a group of teens solving murders in a supernatural TV world. Its turn-based combat, social links, and catchy soundtrack earned it a devoted fanbase. The Golden Edition remaster is available on PS4 with extra content.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 9.1/10 | 2.1 million | ~4.0 GB | JRPG | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
13. Gran Turismo 4
With over 700 cars and 50 tracks, GT4 was a technical marvel. Its realistic physics, photo mode, and endurance races (like the 24-hour Nürburgring) set a new standard. While newer Gran Turismo titles exist on PS4/PS5, GT4 remains a fan favorite.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 9.4/10 | 11.7 million | ~4.8 GB | Racing Sim | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
14. Bully
Rockstar’s schoolyard adventure lets you play as Jimmy Hopkins, a troublemaker navigating classes, cliques, and pranks at Bullworth Academy. Its humor, mini-games (like bike races and chemistry class), and rebellious spirit make it timeless. Sadly, no remaster exists, but the PS2 version still shines.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 8.9/10 | 1.5 million | ~3.6 GB | Open-World | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
15. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
This third entry added online multiplayer and tighter shooting mechanics to the duo’s intergalactic adventure. Weapons like the Rift Inducer and hilarious villains (Dr. Nefarious) kept the chaos fresh. The 2016 PS4 reboot reimagined the first game with PS5-level visuals.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 9.0/10 | 3.5 million | ~3.4 GB | Action-Platformer | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
16. Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
Naughty Dog’s colorful platformer introduced Jak and his wisecracking ottsel sidekick, Daxter. The seamless open world, collectible hunting, and quirky characters laid the groundwork for Uncharted. The Jak and Daxter Collection is available on PS4.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 8.9/10 | 4.1 million | ~2.9 GB | Platformer | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
17. Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus
Sly Cooper, a master thief, reclaims his family’s stolen legacy in this cel-shaded heist adventure. Its clever stealth puzzles, mini-games, and charming villains (like Clockwerk) made it a hit. The trilogy is playable on PS4/PS5 via PlayStation Now.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 8.8/10 | 2.6 million | ~2.7 GB | Stealth-Platformer | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
18. Burnout 3: Takedown
Crash into rivals at 200mph in this high-speed racer. The “Takedown” mechanic rewarded aggressive driving, and crash mode let you cause spectacular pileups. Its adrenaline-pumping gameplay remains unmatched.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 9.3/10 | 5.1 million | ~3.3 GB | Racing | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
19. Ico
From the creators of Shadow of the Colossus, Ico follows a boy guiding a mysterious girl through a crumbling castle. Its minimalist design, haunting atmosphere, and hand-holding mechanics inspired games like Inside. The Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection is on PS3, but PS4/PS5 players can stream it.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 8.7/10 | 1.2 million | ~2.8 GB | Puzzle-Adventure | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
20. Guitar Hero II
This game turned plastic guitars into a cultural phenomenon. With tracks like Free Bird and Message in a Bottle, it defined party gaming. While later entries expanded the setlist, GHII’s simplicity and challenge keep it beloved.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 9.0/10 | 3.9 million | ~2.5 GB | Rhythm | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
21. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
The Prince uses a dagger to rewind time, solve puzzles, and battle sand monsters in this cinematic reboot. Its parkour-inspired platforming and clever narration influenced games like Assassin’s Creed. A PS5 remake is in development.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 9.2/10 | 4.4 million | ~3.1 GB | Action-Adventure | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
22. SSX 3
This snowboarding gem let you carve down an entire mountain, pulling off insane tricks and exploring hidden paths. Its open-world design, customizable gear, and killer soundtrack (by DJ Atomica) made it a standout.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 9.1/10 | 3.2 million | ~3.0 GB | Sports | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
23. Tekken 5
With smooth combat, a huge roster (including Devil Jin), and the return of arcade-perfect gameplay, Tekken 5 revived the series. The Dark Resurrection update later came to PS3, but the PS2 original is still a blast.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 9.0/10 | 6.3 million | ~3.8 GB | Fighting | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
24. Katamari Damacy
Roll a sticky ball (“katamari”) to collect everything from thumbtacks to skyscrapers in this absurd Japanese hit. Its quirky humor, colorful visuals, and catchy soundtrack (“Na naaaa…”) made it a cult classic. Play the Reroll version on PS4.
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 8.9/10 | 1.1 million | ~2.3 GB | Puzzle | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
25. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
| Release Year | Rating | Sold Units | Size | Type | Price (Original) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 9.2/10 | 4.9 million | ~4.4 GB | JRPG | $49.99 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) |
This cel-shaded epic follows a hero cursed by Dhoulmagus. With a vast world, turn-based battles, and Akira Toriyama’s art (of Dragon Ball fame), it’s a JRPG gem. The 3DS and mobile versions added new content, but the PS2 original is still magical.
Best PS2 Exclusives You Can’t Miss
The PS2’s exclusives were its crown jewels. Games like Shadow of the Colossus, God of War, and Jak and Daxter pushed the console’s limits and offered experiences you couldn’t find elsewhere. Many remain available on PS4/PS5, ensuring new generations can enjoy them.
Relive the PS2 Era on Modern Consoles
From GTA: San Andreas to Kingdom Hearts, Sony has revived dozens of classics. While not every PS2 game is playable on PS4 and PS5, the growing library of remasters and PS2 Classics means you can still experience these timeless titles.
Final Thoughts
The PS2’s library is a treasure trove of innovation and nostalgia. Whether you’re battling colossi, grinding high scores in Tony Hawk, or exploring Silent Hill’s foggy streets, these 25 best PS2 games offer endless fun. Fire up your PS2 (or PS4 & PS5!) and dive into the golden age of gaming.
