The Best PS2 Games Of All Time

Which are the best PS2 games of all time? The Sony PlayStation was one of the most revolutionary consoles ever. With an emphasis on 3D graphics and expanded levels due to increased memory, Sony decided to go take this even further with the PlayStation 2 that came several years later.

The PS2 came with much higher RAM, an incredibly more powerful processor and graphics card, and the capability to play DVD discs over CD-ROMs, which allowed much more assets and detail to be included in its games. While the PS1 was revolutionary, the PS2 was simply iconic due to these factors. So, here is a list of the best PS2 games of all time.

BEST PS2 GAMES OF ALL TIME

1. Resident Evil 4 – best ps2 games

Resident Evil 4 is, simply put, one of the best PS2 games you can ever play. Despite toying around with some survival horror ideas for the new generation, Capcom ultimately decided to embrace the ‘camp’ of the series by dialling everything up to 11. This is how we got amazing moments such as the Krauser knife fight, the exaggerated karate moves, Saddler’s entire schtick, or even “Where’s everybody going, bingo?” Resident Evil 4’s switch to over-the-shoulder perspective also works heavily in its favour as a more action-oriented title, allowing you to see more of each scene as events unfold, something that video games would make heavy note of in the years to come.

2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater – best ps2 games

Hideo Kojima found his form with the widely successful Metal Gear series. Developed as a prequel to the whole series, Snake Eater brought in a new protagonist and overhauled some of the stealth systems with new features such as camouflage and close-quarters combat. Fans preferred this over Sons of Liberty due to its better story and more interesting protagonist, while others also enjoyed the closer links to the first Metal Gear Solid. It’s one of the best stealth PS2 games for sure.

3. Burnout 3: Takedown – best ps2 games

Racing sims can be fun, but sometimes you just want to make the genre as bonkers as possible. That’s where the Burnout series comes in. This is a series that emphasises aggressive driving and risking danger when racing. You’d even receive rewards for it. Burnout 3: Takedown took this even further, capitalising on the chaos aspect of the series with additional modes and mechanics that made crashing your vehicle a fun thing to do. The game’s crash mode, in which you attempt to rack up as much damage as possible, makes Burnout 3 one of the best PS2 games to waste your time on.

4. The Simpsons Hit and Run – best ps2 games

Of course this was going to make the list, do you think we’re amateurs? Growing up as a child in a household that banned Grand Theft Auto, I was left to seek out an alternative. Luckily, The Simpsons Hit and Run was there. Not only does it exist as a “GTA-lite”, but also puts itself forward as a genuinely great open world adventure game. It contains countless great references to the show, and serves as a great conversion from screen to video game. It’s also surprisingly deep for what it promises, offering many collectibles, side missions and secrets that you simply would not expect in a game like this. When people talk about the best PS2 games, this is easily right near the top.

5. Yakuza 2

The Yakuza series really excels at having tight, small open worlds for you to freely explore. Kamurocho is filled with activities for you to take part in too, and has so many vibrant characters and side stories that it’s difficult to really “beat” one of these games to 100%. There’s just so much to do. Yakuza 2 comes out the stronger one of the two PS2 Yakuza games, having a stronger story, characters and activities to do. In the current year, you’re probably better off playing its remake, Yakuza Kiwami 2, but this one is still worth a mention in our list.

Be sure to check the next page for the rest of our best PS2 games list!