High 100 Finest PS2 Video games of All Time

Sony discovered an instantaneous hit once they launched the very first PlayStation console again in 1995 (’94 in Japan). The disc-based console provided wonderful new graphics, stable soundtracks, and whole new worlds to play in. Firms like Sq. Enix even determined to make use of the brand new platform to carry celebrated collection akin to Ultimate Fantasy into the realm of 3D. As nice as Sony’s first foray into the online game scene was, it will be the corporate’s second console, the PS2, that will set information and really cement the PlayStation household in online game historical past. It at the moment sits because the best-selling online game console of all time and for good purpose because it had one of many strongest online game libraries ever.

Seeing as how the library is so darn good, we’ve determined to endure the arduous activity of selecting the 100 finest video games on the PS2. This was no straightforward activity, and after fairly a little bit of debating we’ve nailed down our alternatives. You’ll discover our picks for the easiest the PS2 needed to provide in alphabetical order (it will’ve been inconceivable to really rank these gems). Simply put together your self for a rush of nostalgia and a whole lot of “oh man, I cherished that sport” moments forward. 

Ace Fight 4: Shattered Skies

Launched in November of 2001, whereas the PS2 was nonetheless comparatively younger, Ace Fight 4 helped to indicate off simply what the console was able to whereas additionally offering one of the superior entries within the collection. Its cross between flight sim mechanics and extra arcade-style gameplay helped the title to really feel critical but accessible whereas providing stellar dogfights utilizing traditional jets in addition to real-world prototypes that had but to be absolutely launched to the world. The addition of anime-styled cutscenes and crew chatter helped to engross gamers into the motion.

Amplitude

Rhythm-based video games have been round for many years, however not many can stand as much as the frenetic enjoyable and colourful motion that was Amplitude. Managing a number of tracks whereas tackling more and more troublesome songs was way more enjoyable than we’d hoped for and issues simply bought even higher when multiplayer was thrown into the combo.

Baldur’s Gate: Darkish Alliance

There’s simply one thing about brutally forging by way of dungeons with associates that by no means will get previous. Baldur’s Gate: Darkish Alliance introduced deep, RPG-rooted gameplay to the PS2 alongside another consoles, and its story and intense motion saved gamers enthralled for hours on finish.

Past Good & Evil

Created by Michel Ancel (creator of the Rayman collection), Past Good & Evil introduced gamers a darker, action-packed expertise on the PS2. Its easy but participating motion, attention-grabbing protagonist, and tight visuals made it a cult traditional and we will solely hope that Ubisoft hits us with a sequel (which followers have been ready on for 14 years) someday quickly.

Black

Black was a reasonably commonplace first-person shooter in some ways when it launched in 2006 on the PS2 and Xbox, but it surely used a number of tips to be one of the lovely shooters on the market which actually helped gamers entrench themselves within the motion. Stunning graphics, destructible environments (which weren’t as widespread as we might’ve preferred in FPSs) and a extra cinematic strategy made for an attention-grabbing expertise that pushed the PS2 to its limits.

Brothers in Arms: Highway to Hill 30

Name of Responsibility: WWII will be the new hotness, however Brothers in Arms: Highway to Hill 30 was displaying gamers the ugly aspect of the good struggle over a decade in the past on the PS2. Commanding your individual groups and taking the combat to your enemies in giant battlefields was forward of its time, and the deep story made this one inconceivable to neglect.

Bully

What may’ve simply simply been a much less bloody GTA, ended up being one in all Rockstar Video games’ biggest titles. Set in and round Bullworth Academy, gamers should infiltrate the teenage cliques and take over the varsity. The gameplay consists of a number of totally different kinds together with stealth, exploration, fist-fighting, ranged fight, and extra situations which are particular to sure conditions. The town across the college is as energetic as you’d anticipate from Rockstar, and every of the characters leaves a memorable mark on the expertise.

You will not be working over pedestrians or capturing down helicopters, however Bully was not a watered-down model of its older, extra mature sibling. Every part you anticipate from the studio after which some was crammed into this highschool journey.

Burnout 3: Takedown

Burnout 3: Takedown is greater than only a typical sequel, it’s among the best racers ever made and it’s for good purpose. Criterion (who now works on Want for Velocity video games) put fast-paced enjoyable forward of realism and it led to one thing really particular. You raced by way of packed tracks slamming opponents and going impossibly quick as lethal obstacles whizzed previous you. It’s the right consultant of Burnout as an entire and simply the very best sport within the collection. In case you love arcade racers, there’s by no means been something higher than this.

Darkish Cloud 2

Darkish Cloud 2 was an motion RPG on the PS2 that blended tight gameplay, lovely visuals, and world constructing into one memorable expertise. Preventing by way of dungeons filled with evil monsters and watching your progress present itself by way of the world you rebuild your self was really one thing particular.

DDRMAX 2

Calling Dance Dance Revolution an enormous sport again within the 90s is an understatement. You couldn’t go to an arcade with out seeing the queue for this sport wrap round its station or see dozens of spectators watch as a participant exhibited their finest loopy legs. Even higher was going to a buddy’s home and seeing them whip out the management mat. DDRMAX 2 took that feeling and dialed it up for one of the memorable PS2 dance experiences ever. 

Useless to Rights

Useless to Rights took the bullet time craze and ran with it. It featured unimaginable gunfights that required gamers to take out enemies with the intention to keep armed. Because you relied on what was round you, it provided a little bit of technique as you systematically took out complete teams of foes and used their weapons to destroy their buddies. Additionally, you had a badass canine named Shadow who you may play as in some sections and who was a really lethal software towards a corrupt authorities.

Def Jam: Combat for NY

Usually video games with licensed content material aren’t superb. They have an inclination to stability sport mechanics with one thing that appears like a relentless commercial and that weighs on the expertise. But Def Jam: Combat for NY, which took the music firm’s largest stars and positioned them right into a combating sport with one severely good soundtrack, was only a rattling good combating sport with deep customization that also stands out at present.

Destroy All People! 2

Destroy All People! 2 took all the things that made the primary sport so pleasing and upped the ante. New weapons, new talents, and the choice to benefit from the story mode with a buddy made the act of enslaving the planet even higher. It additionally bought re-released for current-gen consoles. Does it maintain up nicely? You be the choose of that.

Satan Could Cry

This Hideki Kamiya (recognized for his work on Resident Evil, Viewtiful Joe, and Okami) creation began improvement as a Resident Evil title. Its exact motion and over-the-top fight earned itself its very personal identification that will go on to be one of the acknowledged collection on the PlayStation platform.

Satan Could Cry 3

Whereas the primary sport was nice for mixing horror themes with nice characters and stable motion, Satan Could Cry 3 upped the model issue that the collection is understood for and actually stepped up the problem. The truth is, the problem was so excessive that Capcom needed to re-release a particular version so many gamers may really beat it.

Disgaea

Tactical technique video games are sometimes complicated experiences, however Disgaea actually took issues to the following stage. With an absurd quantity of stats, fight guidelines, and ridiculous injury counters, Disgaea is a dream come true for hardcore technique fans. Even higher, it’s bought a enjoyable humorousness as you play by way of a narrative that flips tropes on their head as you play because the villain of the story.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3

One of the best entry within the Budokai collection, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 provided gamers one other alternative to play by way of DBZ’s unimaginable story line. It improved the expertise by including extra characters from exterior of DBZ (akin to from motion pictures, the unique Dragon Ball, and GT), and had the motion extra carefully resemble the anime.

Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King

Dragon Quest is likely one of the longest working JRPG collection round, and Dragon Quest VIII is well one in all its finest entries. The collection’ trademark attraction and elegance are ever current, whereas Dragon Quest VIII is the primary entry to completely render the world in 3D. A easy however deep fight system and likable major characters preserve this JRPG gem shifting ahead always.

Dynasty Warriors 5

Dynasty Warriors is likely to be the identical factor each single time, however, look, it’s entertaining all the identical. There’s very hardly ever been a sequel within the collection that didn’t enhance on one thing, and Dynasty Warriors 5 is unquestionably the very best PS2 model of this hack ‘n’ slash. You play an iconic historic Chinese language basic, and also you actually simply run across the battlefield getting combos as you kill hundreds of enemies. It’s timeless.

ESPN NFL 2K5

That is the one legit sports activities sport on this record and for good purpose. ESPN NFL 2K5 is the right soccer sport. Presentation, mechanics, consideration to element, it’s all there. It really nonetheless holds up fairly nicely to newer NFL video games and that’s saying one thing. It’s a disgrace that EA ended up getting full exclusivity to the license as a result of we might’ve had one thing nice to look ahead to yearly.

Ultimate Fantasy X

The discharge of the PS2 meant a whole lot of new, spectacular alternatives for traditional collection and one that basically took benefit of the brand new horsepower was Ultimate Fantasy X. The sport was completely beautiful and it advanced the video games into the model we see at present with higher character fashions, new leveling methods, and a brand new battling system with the introduction of the “Conditional Flip-Primarily based Battle” (CTB) system. The story was all the things we wished in a Ultimate Fantasy sport, and the brand new look confirmed that the franchise was keen to proceed evolving proper alongside know-how.

Ultimate Fantasy XI

The PS2 was additionally our first glimpse into what it will be wish to play Ultimate Fantasy with tens of millions of different folks, and it was really spectacular. Even for its time and the truth that it was working on a console, Ultimate Fantasy XI was beautiful and set a brand new commonplace for RPGs on house consoles.

God of Warfare

Who would’ve thought that an offended man coated in ash would turn into one in all Sony’s most iconic protagonists? Kratos took the world, and Olympus, by storm when he vowed vengeance on the god of struggle. The brutal fight that noticed blades swinging throughout the display screen and legendary creatures being torn to shreds will at all times stand out as a spotlight on the PS2.

God of Warfare II

God of Warfare II stepped issues up a bit whereas nonetheless conserving the rage-fueled motion on the forefront of the expertise. New talents akin to the usage of Icarus’ wings open up the gameplay and make for even bigger set-pieces than the primary sport had. Plus, Problem of the Titans was a good way to check your may.

The collection noticed a revival with the 2018 reboot and a sequel in 2022, proving that Kratos nonetheless has some life in him but.

Gran Turismo 4

Gran Turismo is likely one of the finest driving sims you may get on console, and there was a time when it was the clear king of the highway with no person coming even shut. Top-of-the-line examples of the admirable consideration to element and wonderful gameplay was the PS2’s Gran Turismo 4.

Grand Theft Auto III

There usually are not many video games that obtain reputation throughout the complete globe, however GTA as a franchise has achieved simply that. It was all nice when it was a top-down, 2D mayhem-fest, however the gaming panorama modified once we noticed Claude strolling down the streets of Liberty Metropolis for the primary time. All of the vehicular madness, the large armory, and the loopy occasions we watched pulled off by cute sprites had been lastly accessible in full 3D and different video games have been attempting to duplicate its greatness ever since.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Whereas the entire GTA video games pushed to place you in management, San Andreas was when the collection actually began taking part in with RPG mechanics. You might change CJ’s look by altering hair and tattoos and even altering how his physique seems by figuring out and consuming horribly. Stats revolved round use as nicely, letting gamers enhance their expertise by way of precise gameplay akin to having the ability to bounce increased on bikes, run for longer, or maintain their breath whereas swimming.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice Metropolis

Vice Metropolis is taken into account by many to be the very best GTA ever launched. It simply did so many issues proper. For starters, you may really fly on this one, which was teased in GTA III with the hidden dodo plain. There was extra selection to automobiles, you had tons of clothes choices (a lot of which completely match the ’80s Miami-inspired backdrop) and the soundtrack is simply good. The sport was like Scarface on steroids and it’s nonetheless spoken about with excessive reward to the current day.

Guitar Hero 3

There’s one thing extremely satisfying about strumming away on a plastic instrument as iconic rock songs blast out of your TV and your rating racks up. Guitar Hero 3 not solely had a modern presentation and provided extra of the compelling rhythm motion that followers had come to know and love, but it surely additionally had a stellar tracklist. Significantly, there’s one thing for everybody right here from Slipknot to Kaiser Chiefs and all the things in-between.

Harvest Moon: A Great Life

Few video games provide an expertise as endearing and rewarding as Harvest Moon: A Great Life does. You’re not solely given the whole freedom to construct and run your farm as you see match, however you’ll additionally need to construct a profitable household life with one of many romance choices. Whereas farm life may not sound interesting, A Great Life gives one of the compelling gameplay experiences you’ll discover on the PS2. The extra you play, the more durable it’ll turn into to tug your self away, so that you higher have loads of time spare.

Harvest Moon: Save the Homeland

Harvest Moon holds a particular place in lots of hearts, however Save the Homeland particularly has a heartfelt story that has gamers not simply working to ascertain themselves as a farmer, however to actually save their homeland from an organization who needs to place a resort there. With a number of endings, your decisions grew to become paramount as you went about your farming life, offering ample purpose to start out another time as soon as the credit rolled.

Hitman 2: Silent Murderer

The primary Hitman sport was undoubtedly onto one thing, but it surely was nonetheless a bit tough across the edges. The second installment, Hitman 2: Silent Murderer added extra selection to Agent 47’s missions and rewarded gamers for his or her play model. It additionally maintained what made the unique so nice by conserving within the high-pressure assignments that basically left you scratching your head.

ICO

Ico is the primary sport that gave us a style of what great adventures may come from the thoughts of Fumito Ueda. The gameplay was easy at a look, because it was a platformer with some environmental puzzles. Nonetheless, it was the story of Ico that basically left this sport burned into the reminiscence of gamers. Escorting Yorda, a younger lady who you possibly can’t even perceive, coping with the shadows throughout the mysterious, deserted citadel, and discovering why it exists was achieved by way of memorable artwork course and a gripping narrative that saved dialogue to a minimal. It was a masterclass in storytelling and nonetheless holds as much as this present day.

Indigo Prophecy

Often called Fahrenheit in different elements of the world, Indigo Prophecy was one of many first occasions that David Cage’s imaginative and prescient for a really player-controlled story manifested itself. It’s a sport that performs in contrast to the rest on the PS2 and gives an immersive narrative that takes your whole actions and determination under consideration as you turn between the playable characters whereas fixing a thriller. It was, and nonetheless is, fairly distinctive and much forward of its time, making it a standout on the PS2.

Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy

Earlier than Nathan Drake or Ellie and Joel, there was Jak and Daxter. The duo of the younger Jak and his ottsel buddy Daxter introduced tons of charisma to the display screen, but it surely additionally showcased what a shocking platformer that balances platforming, fight, assortment, and puzzles may be.

Jak II

Jak II took a really totally different strategy to gameplay when in comparison with its predecessor and it labored exceptionally nicely. It was nearly as if GTA and the primary sport collided to make one thing that was really distinctive and downright enjoyable.

Karaoke Revolution

Karaoke Revolution was the very best get together sport to have owned, after Mario Celebration and earlier than Rock Band. It turned karaoke on its head by scoring the singers based mostly on how carefully they’ll sing alongside to the likes of Michelle Department and Hoobastank. It wasn’t only a enjoyable sport, although, it additionally boasted a ton of wonderful hits, masking a variety of genres and tastes. It’s a disgrace the collection fell off as a result of it completely made everybody’s PS2 a karaoke machine at house.

Katamari Damacy

Katamari is an odd one. The gameplay revolves round rolling up a whole lot of object right into a ball in order that your father, King of all Cosmos, can rebuild the celebrities and planets that he unintentionally destroyed. It’s easy and that’s what actually makes it a standout as you simply peacefully roll issues collectively.

Kessen II

RTS video games are usually reserved for PCs as a result of they lend themselves finest to mouse and keyboard. That’s, apart from Kessen II. This sport must be revered alone for its accomplishment in making the controls work nicely on a PS2. It was Complete Warfare for those who didn’t have the flamboyant laptop, and its issue actually provided a problem to gamers.

Killer 7

A sport that solely Suda51 may assume up, Killer 7 had an attention-grabbing noir plot tied with crisp cel-shaded visuals. It was an action-adventure sport, but it used first particular person and rail capturing mechanics to offer a singular expertise on the PS2 in addition to the GameCube.

Kingdom Hearts

Kingdom Hearts is an ideal instance of one thing that most likely shouldn’t work, working higher than anybody may’ve imagined. Combining the works of Sq. Enix with the worlds of Disney, Kingdom Hearts offered gamers with an motion RPG that was constructed from our very childhoods. Leaping into motion pictures to do battle with evil whereas stumbling throughout iconic Ultimate Fantasy characters was trippy but it one way or the other all clicked completely.

I by no means thought I’d totally take pleasure in a sport the place Goofy and Donald Duck adopted me round, however Kingdom Hearts helped cement the magic of Disney and the expertise of Sq. Enix by kicking off among the best RPG franchises ever.

Kingdom Hearts II

Kingdom Hearts II took all of the marvel of the primary sport and dialed the gameplay up fairly a bit. Because of the introduction of the Drive Gauge, gamers had much more choices in fight which added some much-needed depth and technique. This additionally allowed for Sq. Enix to up the problem fairly a bit because you now had means to take care of more durable foes (although Sephiroth was nonetheless tougher within the first sport).

LEGO Star Wars II

It could be troublesome to consider, however there was a time the place LEGO video games weren’t a standard prevalence. But, through the early 2000s, Traveller’s Tales together with LucasArts determined to strive it out utilizing one of many largest leisure franchises ever, Star Wars. What resulted was an extremely enjoyable sport that was straightforward to select up and play and mixed a beloved childhood toy with area battles and a splash of humor. The sequel determined to squeeze in the complete authentic trilogy letting us face off towards a blocky Darth Vader and luxuriate in all these units we couldn’t afford as youngsters.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

It’s like some form of unwritten rule that licensed video video games have to be horrible. However from time to time there comes a insurgent that decides to snub their nostril at such a foolish requirement and ship one thing really pleasing. The Lord of the Rings video games had been amongst this unique membership (as had been a whole lot of EA’s licensed video games on the time truthfully) however the third entry, The Return of the King, was the very best. Switching between the totally different characters whereas reliving epic scenes from the movie was a blast.

Manhunt

Manhunt wasn’t with out its controversy which just about noticed the sport not releasing because of its graphic violence which had you executing enemies in horrifyingly lifelike methods. It offered a palpable pressure in every of its “scenes” providing up a singular tackle horror.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2

Capcom and Marvel every have unimaginable rosters with regards to nice characters who’re good for a combating sport, so it was a no brainer that they’d pit them towards each other. The second installment in what would turn into a beloved franchise is arguably the very best. Its lineup of characters will not be as giant as newer installments, but it surely had an ideal stability and provided some nice frenetic motion.

Max Payne

Max Payne’s story will not be essentially the most authentic factor on this planet, however the gritty backdrop and copious use of bullet-time made for among the best third-person shooters on the PS2 and helped to place Treatment Leisure (Alan Wake, Quantum Break) on the map.

Medal of Honor: Frontline

Saying there have been a whole lot of navy shooters set throughout World Warfare II is an understatement, however not many captured the second nice struggle in addition to EA did with Medal of Honor Frontline. It wasn’t a prettied up expertise and that lent itself nicely to the sport’s attraction.

Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction

Mercenaries was simply pure enjoyable. It’s a sandbox that permits you to play the way you need and the buildings on this planet are absolutely destructible. Positive there’s a narrative, but it surely’s not what’s going to preserve you engaged for hours on finish.

Metallic Gear Strong 2: Sons of Liberty

Sons of Liberty initially caught a whole lot of flack for not having gamers management Strong Snake for the complete sport. He was within the cowl artwork and was used within the opening part, however then you got Raiden. Wanting previous the entire switcheroo, although, what you might have is likely one of the most stable entries within the collection, providing one other zany story that has you questioning what’s actual, an attention-grabbing forged of enemies, and a few lovely areas to discover. New weapons and sport mechanics made this a step above its predecessor, and after the sourness of watching Snake not be managed by you wears off, there’s one thing really nice right here.

Metallic Gear Strong 3: Snake Eater

Snake Eater took the “tactical espionage motion” and threw a wholesome dose of survival gameplay in there that had you searching, utilizing disguises and camouflage, therapeutic, and simply being a straight up badass. Taking it again in time was a great contact too, as you bought to see why Large Boss is held in such excessive regard and uncover the origins of lots of the collection’ central characters.

Midnight Membership 2

Is there something that Rockstar can’t do? On high of the critically acclaimed GTA collection, Rockstar Video games additionally created a collection of racing video games that had been all about model and customization. With some lush visuals and wonderful gameplay as well, Midnight Membership 2 was an arcade-y various to the Gran Turismo collection.

Mortal Kombat: Armaggedon

Mortal Kombat: Armageddon saved up with the enhancements that Halfway was bringing to the violent combating collection. One of many largest additions was the flexibility to create your individual fighter and check their mettle towards the franchise’s deadliest warriors.

NBA Avenue: Vol. 2

NBA Avenue was an prompt hit, however the second sport within the collection launched legends akin to Michael Jordan (who was nearly by no means in video video games). It saved up the model and enjoyable, trick-filled gameplay too, making this vital sequel.

Want for Velocity Underground 2

Want for Velocity was among the best arcade racing collection you may get on consoles, however the builders actually stepped it up when it got here to Underground. This collection was all about conserving it to the streets and customizing your dream journey full with all the newest tendencies and a stable soundtrack in addition to some stellar races.

Odin Sphere

Vanillaware makes video games that appear like residing work and are full of difficult fights that push gamers to their limits. One among their finest, Odin Sphere, discovered a house on PS2 and was so good that it will definitely bought ported to PS3, PS Vita, and the PS4.

Okami

Controlling Amaterasu on this lovely sport as you solved puzzles, explored the world, and did battle with enemies was like watching a murals rework earlier than your eyes. We’re nonetheless ready on Capcom to do a full remake profiting from present {hardware}, however the authentic nonetheless holds up exceptionally nicely.

Oni

Oni was really developed by Bungie West, a studio that was a part of Bungie (which went on to create Halo and Future) and printed by Rockstar Video games. It blended third-person capturing with fast-paced motion and beat ’em up gameplay for one of the frenetic and enjoyable video games on the PS2.

Onimusha 3: Demon Siege

Onimusha 3 was only a marvel to behold because of visuals that didn’t appear doable on the console and easy, fast-paced motion. Leaping from Feudal Japan to modern-day France whereas switching between the 2 characters was a pleasant contact that provided new mechanics to the collection. However the core fight and talent to make use of supernatural talents in addition to improve your weapons made positive that followers may nonetheless discover what they had been on the lookout for right here.

Persona 3: FES

Persona 3 was a wild departure from 1 and a pair of, and the complete Shin Megami Tensei collection itself. Being the primary entry to introduce the Social Hyperlink system, Persona 3 provided up a joyous mixture of enjoyable, turn-based JRPG gameplay and a extra visible novel-like social/relationship simulator. The character improvement right here is on level, and the story will get its hooks into you fairly rapidly.

Persona 3 FES improved upon the unique launch by including extra occasions, Social Hyperlinks, and a model new marketing campaign known as The Reply, which offered closure to the principle story.

Persona 4

Because the follow-up to the wildly standard Persona 3, Persona 4 ended up bettering upon a whole lot of the mechanics launched in its predecessor, and it’s arguably the preferred entry within the collection to this point. The actual draw of Persona 4 is its core forged of characters – all of whom are distinctive, likable, and every provides a captivating taste to the group dynamic. The Social Hyperlinks and character aspect tales had been vastly improved upon as nicely, making the NPCs really feel extra lifelike and relatable.

Although the story was much more light-hearted than something SMT followers had been used to, Persona 4 proved to be a feel-good JRPG with a gripping plot and enjoyable gameplay that holds up even at present.

Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones

Ubisoft’s first stab at Prince of Persia was a incredible entry, and whereas Warrior Inside has its detractors, it’s additionally nonetheless a worthy title. Two Thrones was the studio but once more hitting a house run, capping off the trilogy with a reasonably earned and satisfying conclusion. Switching between the Prince and his darkish counterpart is nice in fight, and the parkour is as dazzling as ever. A return to the extra lighthearted aesthetic of Sands of Time permits for a captivating rapport between our lead character and the returning Farah, and it’s arduous to not be enchanted by the visible design and music. All good issues should come to an finish, and this was fairly a great one.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is on a whole lot of players’ high lists, and with good purpose. It was not solely a extremely good platformer, but it surely introduced one thing new to the desk by permitting gamers to govern time to make sure their survival. The story was participating, as well. Not simply while you die and Prince must be all, “No, that’s not the way it went.” However its complete storyline proper right down to the ending made the already enjoyable journey even higher.

Pyschonauts

In case you’ve but to play Psychonauts, do your self a favor and go achieve this proper now. It was wonderful on many ranges from its mechanics to how every world was somebody’s thoughts and you may uncover little particulars about them simply by observing your environment. The story is cute and humorous whereas additionally providing a little bit of darkness, serving to this title stand out amongst most of Double High quality’s different video games.

Radiata Tales

Printed by Sq. Enix again in 2005, this tri-Ace developed motion RPG follows the adventures of Jack throughout a time of struggle between people and non-humans. The gorgeous visuals, great musical rating, giant roster of characters, and enjoyable gameplay made this a standout on the PS2.

Ratchet & Clank III

The Ratchet & Clank franchise has confirmed to be persistently entertaining because it first arrived on the scene, however the third entry within the collection continues to be arguably the very best in its existence. Merely put, it was simply enjoyable to journey across the galaxy blasting robots and monsters with all kinds of weapons that allowed for experimentation, together with some intelligent challenges and boss fights. Put in some multiplayer and the collection’ trademark problem mode, and there’s little question that Up Your Arsenal continues to be a benchmark for the collection. The one draw back, really, is that there hasn’t been a remaster/remake in the identical vein as the 2016 sport but.

Crimson Faction 2

Crimson Faction 2 was a step above its predecessor that additional solidified the collection’ place in shooter historical past. The Geo-Mod idea was nonetheless coming into its personal, but it surely was helpful, and the cut up display screen multiplayer made for memorable gaming periods.

Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 was a turning level for the franchise. It’s when the collection began going for extra of an motion strategy. It was one thing that was decried by many followers, however 4 is the entry that did the transition nicely. It maintained the sense of horror and thriller, whereas conserving significant puzzles in impact. If solely its successors adopted swimsuit. Fortunately RE7 has given us a return to the collection’ roots.

Resident Evil CODE: Veronica X

CODE: Veronica X is the PS2 model of the Dreamcast entry that provides new cutscenes and improved visuals. It acquired essential acclaim because of its genius puzzles and higher fight, all with out sacrificing the horror that earlier entries within the collection had been praised for.

Resident Evil Outbreak

Whereas not a typical Resident Evil sport, Outbreak utilized upgrades that had been launched within the Resident Evil remake from the Nintendo GameCube. It switched the motion right into a situation mode which dropped gamers into dicey conditions with little ammo, their wits, and a listing of aims to finish. It was a unique tackle the survival horror style that labored exceptionally nicely and saved gamers embedded within the gory motion. The addition of on-line made all the things even higher and even allowed gamers to create their very own eventualities. 

REZ

REZ didn’t appear like a lot at first look. Simply form of a trippy, musical, cyber journey. Nonetheless, it mixed attention-grabbing visuals, a robust soundtrack, and a cross between rhythm and capturing that simply meshed completely.

Rogue Galaxy

Rogue Galaxy is an enormous space-faring RPG that comes courtesy of Stage-5, additionally recognized for Darkish Cloud and Professor Layton. You play as Jaster Rogue, a younger man who will get mistaken for a well-known bounty hunter and units off with a bunch of pirates on an intergalactic journey. A stunning artwork model, enjoyable and well-developed characters, and fast-paced motion fight system preserve the sport shifting ahead always. It’s actually a prolonged quest, however one which at all times retains you .

Shadow Hearts

Shadow Hearts was a masterpiece for quite a lot of causes: its darkish however compelling story, its completely killer soundtrack, the witty characters, and the revolutionary Judgment Ring system. Fight is turn-based, however in the event you really wish to land your assaults, you’d must clear the Judgment Ring mini sport. A hoop seems on display screen with a number of hit areas, and you need to press a button at any time when a rotating needle enters these areas. It’s basically a quick-time occasion, however the Judgment Ring at all times felt satisfying (with every hit space akin to a success in your combo string), and it tied on to the way you carried out in battle.

The story is actually full of mature themes, and Shadow Hearts isn’t afraid to get down and soiled with points like faith, cannibalism, and parental care gone awry. The plot gained’t be for everybody, however in the event you like well-written characters and tongue-in-cheek humor, don’t miss out on this cult traditional.

Shadow of the Colossus

Shadow of the Colossus is arguably the very best mission to return out of Workforce Ico. For starters, the sport was beautiful, showcasing vast open expanses and towering colossi backed by a fantastic soundtrack. What actually made this so memorable, although, was the twist within the story that left you fascinated about the hours you poured into Wander’s journey. It’s no shock that this sport is commonly discovered on biggest video games of all time lists.

Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne

Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne is likely one of the hardest JRPGs you’ll ever play. However in the event you do determine to provide it a strive at some point, know that the payoff is price it. Nocturne accommodates a whole lot of components that will probably be acquainted to Persona followers. The demon fusion system is as complicated and satisfying as ever, and the negotiation system opens a whole lot of potentialities with regards to get together constructing and different vital facets of battle.

Like previous video games within the SMT collection, Nocturne options a number of endings, and so they all rely on the participant character’s alignment with order, chaos, and neutrality. It additionally options Dante from Satan Could Cry. What extra may you need?

Silent Hill 2

Resident Evil helped push the survival-horror style into the mainstream, however Silent Hill 2 is kind of presumably the very best consultant of the style. It didn’t depend on jump-scares or loud noises however as an alternative left you with disturbing imagery, a distrust of your environment, and your individual ideas to drive terror proper into your very core.

Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus

Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus is on this record for 2 causes. The primary is that it’s a severely wonderful sport that helped uplift the collect-a-thon sub-genre. Its incredible cel-shaded visuals and responsive gameplay made it an absolute pleasure to leap into. The second is that the sport’s title is totally superb.

Sly 2: Band of Thieves

Simply while you thought nothing may presumably be extra enjoyable than taking part in an anthropomorphic raccoon with a penchant for thievery, Sucker Punch determined to throw in additional playable characters (a turtle and a hippo) that every provided recent takes on the heist gameplay.

SOCOM II

Whereas shooters had been simply beginning to turn into actually standard on consoles and on-line console gaming was nonetheless in its relative infancy, Zipper Interactive pushed the envelope by making a stellar lifelike, tactical, on-line, team-based shooter that allow you to step into the muddy boots of a US Navy Seal.

Soulcalibur 2

Soulcalibur as a collection has misplaced its luster through the years, however there was a time when it was one of many fighters to beat. Soulcalibur 2 is likely one of the pinnacles of the franchise and making issues even higher was the truth that every platform had an unique character. Within the PS2’s case that character was Heihachi from the Tekken collection, and he proved simply how terrifying a foe he’s within the new setting.

Spider-Man 2

Top-of-the-line superhero video games ever made, Spider-Man 2 is a good licensed film title and an excellent Spider-Man sport. It’s proof that video games starring the beloved web-crawler don’t need to suck and why NYC makes for a really mesmerizing sandbox.

Splinter Cell: Chaos Idea

To be trustworthy, the entire Splinter Cell video games on PS2 are price taking part in. They took a darker strategy to the stealth gameplay that was made extraordinarily standard on the time by the Metallic Gear Strong collection. The third entry, Chaos Idea, doubled down on the darkness by permitting Sam Fisher to be much more deadly when earlier video games had been extra anti-confrontational and targeted extra on knocking enemies out.

SSX Difficult

EA Sports activities Large was round for a majority of the 2000s providing extra excessive variations of EA’s regular choices. Top-of-the-line video games to return out of the writer was EA Canada’s SSX Difficult, an over-the-top, hyper-stylized model of its snowboarding franchise that was equal elements model and substance.

Star Wars Battlefront II

You actually can’t go improper with a Star Wars sport, however Star Wars Battlefront II was a dream expertise for followers. Getting in on the motion in among the largest battles the franchise has ever seen and attending to play as all the things from a random insurgent to one of many collection’ many Jedi Masters and Sith Lords is what all of us wished for as youngsters and this sport introduced that to life.

Suikoden III

Though it could not attain the heights of Suikoden II, Suikoden III is one other worthy entry within the long-running franchise. Essentially the most spectacular factor about Suikoden III was its mature story advised in a singular means. You noticed the occasions of the sport by way of three totally different viewpoints, swapping between characters and having the ability to view occasions from a number of sides. Not less than we’re getting a revival of kinds with Eiyuden Chronicle.

Tekken Tag Match

Relying on who you ask, Tekken is both nonetheless a fantastic fighter or has been going downhill because the third installment in Namco’s combating franchise. But, nearly all followers can agree that the primary Tekken Tag Match was simply what the collection wanted to maintain followers engaged. Tag group battles and a bunch of multiplayer minigames made for a good fighter and oddly enjoyable get together sport.

The Bouncer

It’s true that beat ’em ups have come a good distance since The Bouncer launched on PS2, however on the time it was a fantastic instance of what may very well be. Its visuals had been refined in a means that’s anticipated of Sq. and the fight was enjoyable. Whereas it did have its points, there was no denying that popping this disc into your console would result in a great time.

The Getaway

Whereas so many studios had been attempting to be the following GTA, Workforce Soho was busy making a gritty, lifelike take a look at London’s felony underground and it was nice. Combining difficult motion segments with nail-biting driving sections, you needed to work to get again on the gang that’s ruining your life.

The Mark of Kri

San Diego Studio has lengthy been one in all Sony’s finest, and The Mark of Kri is simply one other occasion of their exemplary work. A deep story and stable gameplay made proudly owning a PS2 in 2002 a particular expertise.

The Simpsons: Hit & Run

No, this isn’t a joke entry, The Simpsons: Hit & Run is a severely good online game and in the event you ever had a PS2 you wanted this title. Whereas many video games have tried to repeat GTA’s success, Radical Leisure completely spoofed the favored collection whereas bringing the Simpsons and all their associates completely into the gaming universe.

The Warriors

You’ll have seen that there are lots of Rockstar titles on this record, however they had been really on high of their sport within the early 2000s. Tackling the traditional movie of the identical identify, Rockstar created a gritty world that was lovely to have a look at whereas additionally capturing the despair of the movie.

Time Disaster II

Whereas it’s not as standard now because it was once (although we’re hoping VR modifications that), capturing at your display screen through the PS2 period was the bees knees, and no sport did it higher than Time Disaster II. A tacky story, nice visuals, and quickly blasting away at your TV with a GunCon 2 controller was a good way to spend your after-school hours.

TimeSplitters 2

TimeSplitters 2 is kind of presumably the very best shooter of its era. Its artwork model stood out among the many competitors, it was one in all, if not the, smoothest shooters on the PS2, and its multiplayer rivaled the rest on consoles. Though, it did lack on-line performance.

Tony Hawk’s Underground 2

The Tony Hawk collection was turning into a bit boring after 4 entries and it was time for Activision to combine issues up. Enter Tony Hawk’s Underground and its sequel which allow you to create your individual skater and go on a real journey. Stuffed with superior competitions, tons of customization, and a world ready to be tricked on and you’ve got simply among the best entries in the complete franchise. Now if solely they determined to provide us a 3rd sport…

Ty the Tasmanian Tiger

What may very well be extra enjoyable than taking part in as a boomerang-wielding Tasmanian Tiger? Little or no it seems. Gamers are tasked with amassing magical talismans all through the world with the intention to free the opposite Tasmanian Tigers. With a spread of various boomerangs to make use of to your benefit and 16 totally different ranges to combat your means by way of Ty the Tasmanian Tiger was a enjoyable, albeit reasonably straightforward platformer and a hidden gem on the PS2.

Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria

Valkyrie Profile was a little bit of a shock hit for Sq. on the PS1, and Valkyrie Profile 2 features on PS2 as a prequel. The story revolves round two characters, Silmeria and Alicia, trapped in the identical physique. The 2 should work collectively to cease a disaster that will trigger a struggle between people and gods. Valkyrie Profile 2 let gamers discover its world and cities rather more than the primary sport, and featured a fascinating and fast-paced fight system. It actually simply improved on all the things the primary Valkyrie Profile did, whereas translating the collection into 3D.

Viewtiful Joe

Initially a GameCube unique, Viewtiful Joe was among the best Capcom video games of the PS2 period. It was quick, difficult, and downright entertaining as your display screen lit up with varied varieties of enemies and also you pulled off candy combos and talents. Model was of the utmost significance with Joe pulling off completely “viewtiful” assaults to take down highly effective foes. The PS2 model even allow you to play as Dante, Capcom’s first really fashionable protagonist.

Virtua Fighter 4

In case you’re into actually technical fighters then one in all Virtua Fighters’ many entries might have crossed your display screen through the years. Virtua Fighter 4 on PS2 maintained the precision combating however was a bit extra accessible for newcomers, whereas additionally transforming evades to be each extra rewarding and punishing. It additionally removed the totally different stage designs from its predecessor to maintain issues truthful always.

X-Males Legends II: Rise of  Apocalypse

The X-Males haven’t had the best monitor file with video video games, particularly lately. However, as soon as upon a time, X-Males video games had been legitimately enjoyable, such because the video games on Sega Genesis or the wonderful X-Males Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse which noticed a launch on PS2. You might create your individual group by selecting from a decent pool of choices and their powers would work collectively to create new results. Boss fights had been epic and the multiplayer part was nice. It’s no shock that Activision determined to capitalize on the stable recipe to create Marvel: Final Alliance.

Yakuza 2

The Yakuza collection is a really particular one. It combines a critical narrative with simply the correct amount of humor and tight motion gameplay. The second entry on the PS2 introduced extra romance and a much-improved combating engine which made for among the best experiences of controlling Kiryu.