Top Ten Best PS2 Games Of All Time

A look at the list of consoles that Devil May Cry is playable on is your first clue into the iconic nature of the title. This horror game was originally meant to be a sequel in the Resident Evil franchise, yet because of the action-heavy combat, it became its own series. That was a brilliant move, as the entry kicked off a massively popular series in its own right. By taking elements of Resident Evil and merging them with new concepts, including silky melee combat, a grading system, and a mission-driven storyline, Devil May Cry created an entirely new view of the horror genre that other games have since worked to perfect. That is influence.

9. Final Fantasy XII (PS2, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC)

This may be a controversial placement, but I stand by it. The storyline for Final Fantasy XII, while intriguing at times, is not the strength of the entry, as previous games from the iconic franchise, and many even identify this as the end of the Final Fantasy golden era. That, however, does a major disservice to the entry itself and its impact on RPGs moving forward. The new combat system, using gambits and a more action-inspired command delivery, shifted the series forever. Add in the huge open regions, a massive quest system, and the largest amount of content in the single-player franchise history, and the game deserves applause.

8. God of War (PS2)

God of War is another gaming entry that started an iconic franchise, one that has littered previous Top Ten lists. One of the few PlayStation exclusives that has remained that way without branching into wider ports or remasters, God of War set the standard for hack-and-slash genre games. Although the genre itself had already established itself, God of War took what worked and refined what did not, and informed an entire community of exactly what a dynamic hack-and-slash could be. Setting the stage for the entire genre, and five later sequels, God of War shows its influence even in 2025.

7. Okami (PS2, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Wii, Switch, PC)

What makes Okami so unique is how poorly it sold upon release, yet how well received it has been ever since, as evidenced by the successful HD ports on later-generation consoles. Its poor reception had nothing to do with the game itself, as it is an utterly brilliant entry and one of the most underrated games of all time. The plot is wonderfully creative, but what makes the game memorable is the artistic direction of the visuals. Adding in strong puzzlework and unique action combat that, in part, allows players to turn art into life, the game becomes an instant, memorable classic that stands all on its own.

6. Resident Evil 4 (PS2, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Gamecube, Wii, Switch, PC, iOS, Android, Meta Quest 2)

I mean, just look at the list of consoles that the game is available on in some capacity. That only happens if the game is truly iconic. And that is very true about Resident Evil 4. The game has collected a metric ton of awards over the years and has been acknowledged near the top of all-time best video game lists. Originally a GameCube exclusive, RE4 eventually ported to other systems, and thank goodness it did. The additional content added to an already brilliant game makes this action horror, which already defined the entire horror genre forever, and an even more welcome and critically acclaimed entry.

5. Shadow of the Colossus (PS2, PS3, PS4)

Imitation is the highest form of flattery, and in this case, Shadow of the Colossus has been imitated time and time again. The game appears to be a boss-fighting romp, but it is so much deeper than that. Sure, the boss fights against giants are uniquely memorable and something many games have since tried to replicate. But the atmosphere of the game, a melancholy mood hidden among a romance storyline, artful soundtrack, and brilliant puzzles, all add up to a near-perfect game that still holds up today. Even with imitations, Colossus stands above the pack.

4. Silent Hill 2 (PS2, Xbox, PC)

Silent Hill 2 is memorable because of the absolute mind warp that is the concept. This era is the height of horror gaming, and Silent Hill 2 may be the best of the bunch. The concept takes players into the manifestation of horror inside the protagonist’s mind, a novel idea that truly digs into the human experience.

As IGN describes, “Silent Hill 2 pitches its central nightmarish town as a manifestation of its protagonist’s mental state, embracing unreliable narration, multiple endings, and the uneasy juxtaposition of the mundane with the horrific. Its hold on your nerves can be best evoked with that famous call to action: jump down the hole? You have, of course, no choice but to accept.” Brilliant, in every way. This game earned a remake for a reason.

3. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater/Subsistence (PS2, 3DS)

Another game with an upcoming remake, Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater, took everything exciting about Metal Gear Solid 2 and took it to the next, iconic level. All systems were still in place, but the new entry added survival elements such as hunger and stealth. The updated Subsistence also added QOL updates, such as better camera movement. The title stands out most, however, when the storyline becomes the focal point. It is this storyline that essentially established the entire timeline of the franchise. Add in fun combat and interesting boss battles, and the game earns the hype it has been given.

2. Final Fantasy X (PS2, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Switch, PC)

Final Fantasy did not do everything perfectly, but what carries it so high on this list is everything it attempted. The graphics were revolutionary at the time, and were so stunning that they still hold up today. The music was beautiful. The game added voice acting for the first time in the series, and even with the cringeworthy performances, it allowed players to engage in never-before ways. The combat and sphere grid were brilliant gameplay designs. Some of the mini games were painful, tedious, or clunky, but it does not ruin the game. And the storyline still brings fans to tears every time they play. The legacy of Final Fantasy is only bolstered by the entry of X.

1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2)

Once again, it is a Rockstar entry that takes the number one spot. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a wonderful example of the franchise taking an open world concept and executing it to perfection. The sprawling open world is enhanced by the new mechanical additions of RPG elements and survival elements. Characters were memorable and engaging, and the staples of the general concept and storyline of Grand Theft Auto remained in full force. San Andreas remains one of the best open-world games on the market, all these years later, which makes its legacy hard to top.

Final Thoughts

So many more games could have been mentioned in the list, but there simply is not enough space for it all. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Jak 2: Renegade, Tekken 5, Psychonauts, Madden NFL 2K4, Tony Hawk Pro Skater Underground, Virtual Fighter 4, and Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec are all among the most popular games in their respective categories. With a library so vast, it is no wonder that so many different games stand out. Even today, players can dive into these two-decade-old classics and enjoy them as if they came out only yesterday. That marks a true, classic, revolutionary entry.