Iconic PS2 Classics: The Definitive Top 25 Games

The PlayStation 2 redefined gaming, and as its 25th anniversary nears, we celebrate the titles that cemented its legacy. From exclusive gems like Okami and Shadow of the Colossus to blockbusters like Final Fantasy 10 and GTA: Vice City, the PS2 boasts a vast library of unforgettable games. We’ve curated a list of 25 standout titles that pushed creative and technical boundaries, remaining timeless even today.

Here’s our selection of the 25 greatest PS2 games ever made.

The Greatest PS2 Games of All Time

Explore more top PlayStation titles:

25. Guitar Hero 2

Guitar Hero 2 redefined rhythm gaming, capturing the raw energy of rock and metal with tracks that were a blast to play on a plastic guitar. Unlike later entries that leaned toward karaoke, this sequel stayed true to its roots, delivering a pure, electrifying experience. With a stellar lineup featuring Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, Danzig, The Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, and Iggy and the Stooges, it’s a hard-rocking masterpiece that still resonates.

24. Sly Cooper 2: Band of Thieves

Sly Cooper 2: Band of Thieves blends family-friendly action, stealth, and sharp humor into a vibrant package. Its engaging story unfolds across diverse worlds, letting you control Sly and his crew, including the brawny Murray and clever Bentley. With thrilling stealth mechanics at its core, this sequel delivers a unique, polished experience that stands out in Sony’s first-party lineup.

23. ICO

ICO transforms the often-criticized escort mission into a captivating adventure. Its intricate puzzles are matched by a heartfelt bond between its two protagonists, conveyed not through words but through shared navigation of a sprawling castle. This minimalist storytelling, paired with its unique approach to narrative, makes ICO a shining example of video games as an art form.

22. NBA Street, Vol. 2

NBA Street, Vol. 2 delivers arcade basketball with flair, blending flashy moves for casual players with precise controls for dedicated fans. Its four game modes and unlockable street and NBA legends create an addictive loop of crossovers and dunks. Packed with style and swagger, it’s a thrilling one-on-one showdown that’s hard to beat.

21. Kingdom Hearts 2

Kingdom Hearts 2 elevates its predecessor with refined combat, blending magic, Keyblade attacks, and Sora’s transformative forms. Despite a lengthy intro, its deeper mythology and vibrant world design captivate fans of Disney, Final Fantasy, and beyond, making it a standout sequel that delivers on every front.

20. Tony Hawk's Underground

Tony Hawk's Underground builds on the series’ strengths with a playful story, a massive 70+ track soundtrack, and deep customization options for skaters, parks, and tricks. Despite mixed reactions to its humor, it’s a high-energy evolution of the Pro Skater formula, complete with unlockable characters like Iron Man.

19. Disgaea: Hour of Darkness

Disgaea: Hour of Darkness remains a tactical RPG legend, with its isometric battlefields and diverse characters offering endless strategic depth. Follow Demon Prince Laharl through the Netherworld in a grind-heavy but rewarding adventure, elevated by gothic flair, witty characters, and intricate combat that’s as engaging now as ever.

18. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal

Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal delivers vibrant characters, cosmic adventures, and quirky weapons like the Suck Cannon. Its ambitious online mode and array of gadgets and mini-games make it the series’ boldest entry, offering endless fun and creativity in a galactic playground.

17. Beyond Good & Evil

Beyond Good & Evil blends action, exploration, and a quirky cast in a vibrant world filled with dive bars, reggae-loving rhinos, and hidden secrets. Its unique charm and engaging gameplay make it a PS2 classic that still captivates, leaving fans eager for a sequel.

16. Burnout Revenge

Burnout Revenge thrives on high-octane racing, weaving through traffic or causing chaos in crash mode. Its fast-paced action and addictive quest for perfection make it the pinnacle of the series, with its iconic crash mode still unmatched in racing games today.

15. Psychonauts

Psychonauts weaves a psychic-powered adventure with a summer camp twist, delivering a hilarious and challenging platformer. Its imaginative levels, tied to the minds of its characters, create a visually stunning and memorable experience that remains a standout, even with its sequel’s release.

14. Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening

Devil May Cry 3 sets the standard for action games with its challenging yet rewarding combat, gripping story of family ties, and stylish cutscenes. Its deep, creative combat system offers unmatched replayability, making it a timeless classic that still shines.

13. Katamari Damacy

Katamari Damacy is a joyous, chaotic adventure where rolling a ball to gather objects creates absurdly fun gameplay. Its whimsical scenarios and optimistic tone make it irresistibly charming, ensuring it remains a beloved classic over two decades later.

12. Jak 2: Renegade

Jak 2: Renegade reinvents the series with a darker, urban setting in Haven City, introducing gunplay, hoverboarding, and a gripping story. Enhanced by the powerful Dark Jak transformation, its thrilling platforming and combat make it the trilogy’s finest chapter.

11. Bully

Bully tackles bullying head-on, blending a heartfelt coming-of-age story with sharp satire. Its streamlined progression and satisfying combat elevate Rockstar’s signature style, creating a smart, funny adventure that connects diverse social groups in a memorable school setting.

10. God of War

God of War is a technical triumph, blending epic boss battles, intricate puzzles, and intense platforming with a gripping tale of rage. Its groundbreaking action laid the foundation for one of gaming’s greatest series, delivering a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

See our guide to playing the God of War games in order for more.

9. Okami

Okami casts you as a wolf god wielding a celestial brush to bring paintings to life, creating a breathtaking, cohesive masterpiece. Its stunning art style, engaging story, creative puzzles, and dynamic combat make it a timeless PS2 gem that shines on any platform.

8. Final Fantasy 10

Final Fantasy 10 revolutionized the series with its Sphere-grid leveling and accessible combat, paired with lifelike cutscenes. Its heartfelt story and iconic moments, like the Blitzball debate, keep it beloved, proving its lasting impact on the RPG genre.

7. Silent Hill 2

Silent Hill 2 is a haunting masterpiece, weaving a nightmarish town that reflects its protagonist’s psyche. With unreliable narration, multiple endings, and a chilling blend of the mundane and horrific, it’s a horror classic that lingers long after playing, even with its 2024 remake.

6. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Metal Gear Solid 2 challenges expectations with its bold narrative on misinformation, initially divisive for swapping Solid Snake for Raiden. Its innovative stealth mechanics and prescient themes have aged brilliantly, cementing it as one of the greatest stealth games ever made.

See our guide to the Metal Gear games in order for more of the series.

5. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City perfected the open-world formula with a vibrant ‘80s-inspired story, unforgettable characters voiced by stars like Ray Liotta, and a stellar soundtrack. Its refined mechanics and satirical edge make it a timeless classic, still revered across platforms.

See our guide to the GTA games in order for more.

4. Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 redefined survival horror with its over-the-shoulder perspective and intense action in a eerie Spanish village. Its unforgettable monsters and iconic lines like “what’re ya buyin?” blend horror with The Weird, ensuring its legacy endures, bolstered by its 2023 remake.

See our guide to the Resident Evil games in order for more.

3. Shadow of the Colossus

Shadow of the Colossus is a haunting puzzle game disguised as epic boss battles, turning monster-slaying into a melancholic journey. Its stark world, subtle storytelling, and towering colossi create an unforgettable experience, reinforced by its stunning 2018 remake.

2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater refines its predecessor’s stealth with survival elements like hunger and camouflage, alongside ingenious boss fights. Its poignant story of honor, love, and duty stands alone while enriching the series, making it a fan-favorite with a remake on the horizon.

1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas redefined open-world gaming with its sprawling, vibrant state and three distinct cities. CJ’s journey through gang wars, heists, and high-speed chases, enriched by RPG elements like fitness and skills, makes it the PS2’s ultimate masterpiece.

What PS2 Games Are Available on PS5 in 2025?

While PS2 discs won’t work on the PS5, PlayStation Plus Premium ($17.99/month) offers streaming access to over 300 classic games from PS2, PS3, PS1, and PSP. Check out our IGN Playlist page for the latest Classic Catalog updates.

PlayStation Plus Classic Games Catalog

This is an up-to-date listing of the entire PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog. You can browse, sort, and tag the titles and use them to build your own playlists. Sort by "Recently Added" to see the newest additions to the catalog.See AllTri-AceVanillawareSingletracSquare EnixTri-AceJust Add Water DevelopmentsEat Sleep PlayLucasArtsGuerrilla GamesTeam17 Software

These are our top PlayStation 2 picks. What games made your list? Share in the comments or create your own Tier List below. Also, explore the best PS5 games for today’s top titles.