Here is page 2 of what we’ve picked for our best PS2 games list.
6. Bully
Having found great success in the open world formula with the GTA games, Rockstar found a way to bring those design principles to a completely different style of game with Bully. In it, you play as a teenage rebel attending Bullworth Academy. You can attend classes, fight with rival students, and explore the school and surrounding town completing side activities. The premise of “GTA but you’re in school” is carefully considered all throughout, with similar gameplay mechanics organically converting over without it ever feeling like a tired imitation. Rockstar, we need a sequel!
7. Silent Hill 2
Dubbed among certain circles as one of the greatest horror games of all time, Silent Hill 2 took us on a macabre journey into the psyche of James Sunderland, a widower journeying to the eponymous town to get closure on his wife’s death. What follows is a terrifying and mind-bending descent into the horrors of James’ mental state, brought to life through the other characters and monsters he encounters along the way. The best part about it? It hasn’t aged a day since its original 2001 release, and is well worth a go today.
8. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Sadly, nobody really talks about Prince of Persia anymore. But The Sands of Time was an incredible idea for the time with excellent execution. At the time, very few 3D platformers had incorporated the climbing and wall-running mechanics this game had, and when combined with the time-bending systems that allowed you to reverse any decision you made, you had something that felt truly fun to play. It allowed for some truly creative puzzles to solve, and it even made the combat encounters very interesting to toy around with. It’s a shame we don’t really have anything like this nowadays. Even the upcoming Sands of Time remake doesn’t show signs of releasing anytime soon.
9. Guitar Hero 2
The PS2-era was a time filled with experimental hardware, and peripherals for rhythm games were no stranger to that. The Guitar Hero series was pretty much an instant banger from Day 1, with a custom guitar-shaped controller and plenty of iconic songs that made it perfect for parties. When it comes to selecting the best game in the series, you’ve really got to go with which one had the best soundtrack. And with a setlist that includes “Carry On Wayward Son”, “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and “Heart-Shaped Box”, you really can’t knock it.
10. Shadow of the Colossus
Following the success of its predecessor, Team Ico’s Shadow of the Colossus employed the same “subtracted design” the studio is now famous for. Useless systems that do nothing but bloat the game experience were removed, and all mechanics were focused on enriching the story. That empowering feeling the first time climbing and defeating a colossi will be forever etched into my brain. This, combined with appealing visuals, haunting soundtrack and emotional story only touches the surface of what makes Shadow of the Colossus a work of art.
Be sure to check the next page for the rest of our best PS2 games list!