The Timeless Classics: Best PlayStation 2 Games Ranked

From PS2 exclusives like Okami and Shadow of the Colossus to best sellers like Final Fantasy X and GTA: Vice City, when it comes to picking the best PlayStation 2 games, there’s no shortage of titles to choose from. Sony’s second console, the PS2, boasts an extensive game library and a rich history. It was released in the US on October 26, 2000, and nearly one month later in Europe and Australia, marking the dawn of a new millennium. Alongside consoles like the Nintendo Gamecube, Sega Dreamcast, and the original Xbox, the PS2 played a pivotal role in video game history, revolutionizing the gaming experience by bringing it online and making it more accessible to a broader audience. The PS2 was not only revolutionary in terms of hardware but also in its massive library of games, birthing enduring franchises and preserving classics for generations to come. With a reign of about 12 years and nearly 2,000 games in its catalog, the PS2 has left us with dozens of timeless classics that remain enjoyable to this day. In celebration of the 23rd anniversary of the PlayStation 2, we’ve ranked our top picks for the best PS2 games of all time.

**Guitar Hero 2: Rocking Out Like Never Before**
Guitar Hero may have changed party games for the next decade, but Guitar Hero 2 was the series at its best. Developed when the franchise’s core concept was all about “bitchin’ rock/metal tracks that are fun to play on a plastic guitar,” Guitar Hero 2 offered an incredible playlist. Featuring tracks from Suicidal Tendencies, Megadeth, Danzig, The Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, and Iggy and the Stooges, it delivered a rocking experience. This game was a defining moment for rhythm-action gaming.

**Sly 2: Band of Thieves – A Masterpiece of Stealth and Humor**
The Sly Cooper series is a unique blend of family-friendly action, stealth, and humor, and Sly 2: Band of Thieves exemplifies this better than any other entry in the franchise. With an engaging story and a variety of worlds to explore, players can take control of Sly’s entire crew, each with their own unique skills. The game’s stealth mechanics make it stand out, offering an original experience that was unlike anything else in Sony’s first-party lineup at the time.

**ICO: A Masterpiece of Minimalist Storytelling**
ICO, a game centered around escort missions, defied expectations and turned out to be amazing. Its success can be attributed to its quality puzzles and, more importantly, its ability to build a deep personal connection between the two main characters without relying on traditional dialogue. ICO stands as one of the finest examples of minimalist storytelling in video games.

**NBA Street, Volume 2: An Arcade-Style Slam Dunk**
NBA Street, Volume 2, brings arcade-style basketball to its peak. With visually flashy and easy-to-execute game breakers, it catered to both casual and hardcore basketball fans. Featuring four game modes and the chance to unlock “street” and NBA legends, NBA Street delivers crossovers and slam dunks with style and swag, making it perfect for head-to-head battles with friends.

**Kingdom Hearts II: A Sequel That Outshines Its Predecessor**
Kingdom Hearts II is a prime example of how sequels can improve upon their predecessor. It offered series-best combat, a mix of magic, Keyblade action, different form states for the protagonist Sora, and a deep exploration of the mythology introduced in the first game. While it may not be the best starting point, Kingdom Hearts II excels in world design, story, and combat, capturing the hearts of Disney, Final Fantasy, and action game fans.

**Tony Hawk: Underground – The Best Pro Skater Game**
Tony Hawk: Underground (THUG) took the best elements of the Tony Hawk series and expanded upon them. It offered a fun and campy story, a massive soundtrack with over 70 licensed tracks, and a user-friendly create-a-skater/park/trick system. THUG was the best Pro Skater game in everything but name and introduced features that became essential to the franchise’s future.

**Disgaea: Hour of Darkness – A Classic Tactical RPG**
Disgaea’s initial release left a lasting impact, offering isometric battlefields filled with enemies and a variety of characters with unique skills and weapons. While it can be a grind at times, Disgaea: Hour of Darkness thrives due to its flamboyant gothic themes, comical characters, and intricate combat, making it an endlessly entertaining classic.

**Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal – Fun and Wacky**
The Ratchet & Clank series has been exceptional from the start, featuring lovable characters, engaging stories, and a wide range of wacky weapons. The third installment, Up Your Arsenal, introduced a plethora of new gadgets, mini-games, and an ambitious online mode. Who wouldn’t want to use a Suck Cannon to turn an army of enemies into bolts? It’s good, clean fun.

**Beyond Good & Evil: A Unique and Captivating Adventure**
Beyond Good & Evil stands out with its mix of action and exploration, a unique world, and a diverse and charming cast of characters. With dive bars, Reggae-loving rhinos, and a rich lore to uncover, the game offers an unforgettable experience. Fans have eagerly awaited a sequel to this exceptional title.

**Burnout Revenge: Pure Adrenaline on Wheels**
Burnout Revenge is all about speed. Whether racing through streets, causing chaos in traffic, or aiming for gold medals in crash mode, this game is a high-octane thrill ride. The Takedown-infused racing and crash mode in Burnout Revenge are unmatched, making it a standout entry in the series.

**Psychonauts: A Hilarious and Mind-Bending Adventure**
Psychonauts combines a classic summer camp coming-of-age tale with psychic-powered secret agents, creating a harmonious blend of challenge and humor. This action/platformer tells an engaging story and features incredible levels that delve into the minds of its characters. With the release of Psychonauts 2 in 2021, it has become a beloved franchise.

**Devil May Cry 3: A Masterpiece of Action Gaming**
Devil May Cry 3 is not only one of the most influential action games of all time but also one of the best ever. It offers challenging yet rewarding combat, a dark and twisted story, and entertaining cutscenes. Its combat system has a high skill ceiling and allows for incredible creativity. Devil May Cry 3 sets a standard for action gaming.

**Katamari Damacy: Rolling Up Fun and Absurdity**
Katamari Damacy is a joyful chaos of rolling a ball to collect objects and grow larger. Its absurdity is matched by its endless optimism. The simple yet addictive gameplay has made it a timeless classic that continues to charm players.

**Jak 2: A Sequel That Retains Its Charm**
Jak 2 reinvents the series without losing the charm of the original Jak and Daxter. It introduces new combat, traversal mechanics, and a story filled with intrigue and dynamic characterization. The transition from the colorful world of Sandover village to the seedy underbelly of