The PlayStation 2 fulfilled the potential of its predecessor and firmly established Sony as the largest console manufacturer in the world. Even several generations later, the PS2 is still the best-selling console of all time, and arguably also has the largest video game library of all time. Each genre had dozens and dozens of great representatives and each year produced several masterpieces that are still fondly remembered and cherished.
The 8 Most Influential PS2 Games, Ranked
As the best-selling video game console of all time, the PlayStation 2 was home to some of the most influential video games in history.
From 2000 to the early 2010s, the PS2 received thousands of games, and the console was still relevant years after the PS3 was launched. Honestly, there are too many amazing PS2 titles to cover them all, but let's still try to pick the best releases from each year of the console's life.
Since release dates complicate matters, games qualify for the year they debuted, regardless of region. We will also include several honorable mentions.
TimeSplitters (2000)
GoldenEye 007 for a new generation
The PS2 launch lineup may not have been perfect, but it did feature some solid titles such as Armored Core 2 or Tekken Tag Tournament. But most people who bought this console on day one wanted to play one game above all else: TimeSplittersby the creative minds at Free Radical Design.
The developers' previous experience working at Rare paid off as it looked like a worthy successor to similar titles Golden eye 007 or Perfect darkness: A unique shooter with satisfying mechanics, fun time travel levels and an addictive multiplayer component.
More great PS2 2000 games
- Armored Core 2
- Dead or Alive 2: Hardcore
- SSX
Silent Hill 2 (2001)
One of the best horror games ever
In less than a year, the PS2 catalog has already changed the industry with excellent games such as Grand Theft Auto 3, Metal Gear Solid 2, and How & Daxter. But of all it is Konami Silent Hill 2 was the best title released in all of 2001.
The story of James Sunderland's disturbing and depressing journey to Silent Hill quickly became one of the best video game stories ever made. The entire titular city has an eerie atmosphere that makes players feel uneasy, and the intense survival horror game can make anyone feel helpless. No wonder Silent Hill 2 is still considered one of the best representatives of the horror genre.
More great PS2 games from 2001
- Devil May Cry
- Grand Theft Auto 3
- Gran Turismo 3
- Ico
- Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
- Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
- Final Fantasy 10
Kingdom Hearts (2002)
Final Fantasy with Disney Magic
The Final Fantasy the franchise had been associated with the PlayStation brand for years, but Square was looking for the next big thing to attract the attention of an even larger demographic. That's when they joined forces with Disney to create a stunning The heart of the kingdom franchise.
The original game was a magical adventure like no other as Sora, Donald and Goofy traveled to different worlds based on classic animated films such as Aladdin, Hercules, and The Little Mermaid. With a beautiful soundtrack, an unforgettable story and accessible action combat, The heart of the kingdom was the start of a legendary new IP that ended up having a huge impact on the PS2.
More great PS2 games from 2002
- 007: NightFire
- Ape Escape 2
- Dark Cloud 2
- Final Fantasy 11
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- Hitman 2: Silent Assassin
- Ratchet & Clank
- Escape
Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando (2003)
The return of PS2's greatest mascots
Like its predecessor, the PS2 was popular with kids as it was home to some new and iconic platformer mascots. While Sly Cooper and Jak and Daxter they were really great Ratchet and Clank they were definitely the most popular mascots and basically became the faces of the entire console.
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Their second adventure, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando, was the perfect sequel with more crazy weapons to use, improved controls, better comedic writing, hilarious cutscenes, and timeless cartoon graphics. The first game was good, but Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando he really paved the way for the future of this franchise.
More great PS2 games from 2003
- Beyond Good & Evil
- Def Jam Vendetta
- Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
- Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly
- How 2
- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
- Silent Hill 3
- Soulcalibur 2
The perfect prequel
First Metal Gear Solid the game was a PS1 classic and its sequel was one of the best games of 2002 but Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater quickly became one of the best video games of all time because Hideo Kojima and his team took it as an opportunity to create a prequel that tells the story of Big Boss, and it paid off.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater it features an incredible story with deep characters and plenty of twists and turns that will shock players. The stealth gameplay has been improved and refined, with some really creative mechanics and innovative boss fights. Throw in some of that classic Hideo Kojima madness and this was a revolutionary game that every PS2 owner had to own.
More great PS2 games from 2004
- Burnout 3: Takedown
- Def Jam: Fight for NY
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- How 3
- Katamari Damacy
- Killzone
Shadow Of The Colossus (2005)
A giant among giants
2005 was one of the best years for the PS2: Resident Evil 4, Devil May Cry 3, Kingdom Hearts 2, and many other incredible titles were released during that year. But it was up to Sony and their legendary Team ICO to deliver what would become one of the most memorable console experiences: Shadow of the Colossus.
The concept is simple: defeat 16 giant colossi in 16 unique and epic boss fights, each of which will leave the player with goosebumps due to their sheer size. With an incredible soundtrack, incredible graphics and a gloomy atmosphere, Shadow of the Colossus is a masterpiece that proves that video games can definitely be art.
More great PS2 games from 2005
- Burnout Revenge
- Darkwatch
- God of War
- Killer 7
Okami (2006)
A true work of art
Eyes
- Released
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September 19, 2006
The PlayStation 3 was released at the end of November 2006, but that wasn't a problem for PS2 owners as the console continued to release amazing games throughout the year. and surprisingly Eyes it would end up looking much better than the PS3 could offer at the time, thanks to the timeless watercolor style graphics.
Eyes perfectly encapsulates the feeling of first-hand gameplay through a classic Japanese folklore legend, where players control the goddess Amaterasu on her journey to defeat the evil Orochi. This meant they would have to explore a vast open world filled to the brim with fun side quests and charming characters. Not to mention, it featured a creative Celestial Brush mechanic that made everything even more fun.
More great games for PS2 2006
- Black
- Tyrant
- Final Fantasy 12
- God's hand
- Hitman: Blood Money
God Of War 2 (2007)
Kratos keeps the PS2 relevant
Fans were confused when the first 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. This was the case with God of War 2and it turns out that Sony still believed in its console.
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This sequel improved on everything that was so great about the first installment God of War: Bigger bosses, bigger levels, more deadly weapons for Kratos to use, and a deeper story, but still retains the energetic combat system that made the series so popular. In 2007, PlayStation fans were having more fun with their PS2 than their PS3.
More great games for PS2 2007
- 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 was slowing down by 2008, but an unexpected exclusive was still released in the form of Personality 4 from Atlus. It was an excellent JRPG with a solid art style that was a huge hit with fans of the genre, cementing the PS2 as a console worth owning in 2008.
Personality 4 among other games in the genre, they really stood out with their colorful art style, catchy music, and mysterious plot that made use of its supernatural elements. The cast of characters is likable and memorable, and the turn-based combat perfected the formula of the series. This is a long game that most players don't mind spending many hours on.
More great games for PS2 2008
- Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2
- Guitar Hero World Tour
Secret Agent Clank (2009)
Fun spin-off
In the latter stage of its life cycle, the PS2 was still relevant as Sony ported numerous PlayStation Portable games to this home console as they shared similar hardware and was a good way to let gamers choose how they played their favorite handhelds. AND Secret Agent Clank was one of the selected titles.
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The Ratchet & Clank The IP once again showed how vital it was to the PS2 with a really fun spin-off featuring Ratchet's trusty robot companion Clank in a witty parody of the James Bond franchise. It may not be the best game in the series, but it has some great moments and it was great to see a solid first party game still coming out on the PS2.
More great games for PS2 2009
