The PlayStation 2 is a landmark video game console that still stands as the best-selling system of all time. Developers were able to cram so much more into their games than ever before, and the result was an abundance of classic titles across virtually all genres.
The PS2 is home to some of the greatest games of all time, some of which are more perfect than others. With stealth games like Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, action-horror titles like Resident Evil 4, and RPGs like Final Fantasy X, the PlayStation 2’s library is packed with 10/10 titles.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Has Addicting Time Mechanics
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time features the titular Prince navigating a foreign palace that has been overrun by monsters. The monsters were unleashed by the Prince at the behest of the Vizier, who turns out to have ulterior motives for his actions.
Among all Ubisoft games, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is one of the easiest to go back to. This is thanks to the game’s nifty rewinding mechanic, which allows players to correct any errors they make on their journey. This aids the game’s immensely enjoyable yet challenging combat and platforming mechanics.
Kingdom Hearts II Is One of the Greatest Action RPGs
Kingdom Hearts II sees main protagonist Sora, along with Donald Duck and Goofy, having to clean up the messes caused by Organization XIII, who are responsible for unleashing an army of Nobodies across various Disney worlds. They will face off, and even ally with, other Disney characters along the way.
The game boasts plenty of exciting boss fights relative to other Kingdom Hearts titles. It also has satisfying and intuitive combat mechanics, and an epic story that served as the true beginning to the expansive Dark Seeker Saga.
Shadow of the Colossus Answers if Video Games Are Art
Shadow of the Colossus concerns the adventures of Wander, who’s on a quest to revive Mono, a young lady who was sacrificed. He alone must take on the colossi, giant monsters whose powers may be key to resurrecting his love.
Few other games have hard bosses like Shadow of the Colossus, which only works to help players come to appreciate the game’s craft. Players have to utilize the game’s intricate mechanics, which are all puzzle-based, despite the title, on the surface, looking like it’s all about action.
Silent Hill 2 Is an Emotional Survival Horror Game
Silent Hill 2 takes place in the titular town in the U.S. state of Maine. Compared with the previous installment’s more linear structure, this game concerns the inner psyches of each of the characters, including main protagonist James Sunderland, who is grieving the loss of his wife.
That the game has such an emotional edge compared to most other survival horror titles is only one reason to like Silent Hill 2. This emotional edge also helps to amplify the game’s horror atmosphere, with every wrong move players take only further spiraling James into madness.
Katamari Damacy Is Pure Chaos and Fun
Katamari Damacy sees the King of All Cosmos, ruler of all the universe, accidentally destroying the Earth’s moon and all the other celestial bodies surrounding it. He sends the Prince, the game’s protagonist, to Earth to collect enough materials that can help recreate the Moon and the stars.
One of the biggest cult classic games of the 2000s, Katamari Damacy’s premise is just as ridiculous and fun as its gameplay. The goal of each level is to roll the titular katamari ball onto as much trash and other objects as possible. It is one of those games that beg to be replayed for hours on end.
Resident Evil 4 Is Action-Horror Goodness
Resident Evil 4 sees special agent Leon S. Kennedy in Spain to search and rescue the President’s daughter, who is being held captive in a small rural region. As it turns out, the region in question is overrun by deranged cultists, who want to sacrifice the President’s daughter in order to unleash a force of evil.
Originally released for the GameCube, Resident Evil 4 fits right at home on the PS2. The game’s controls have been refined so that it feels far more comfortable to shoot at enemies and use melee weapons.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Changed the Game For Open-World Titles
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas sees Carl Johnson returning home to Los Santos to help his gang reclaim their territory throughout the city. This simple task takes a swift and absurd turn as Carl finds himself in cahoots with other criminal organizations, entangled in government conspiracies, and becoming the kingpin of all San Andreas.
If it’s not obvious by the game’s premise, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a wild title that holds up better than one might think. The game’s long yet replayable story helps matters, but there are also many side quests and an emphasis on exploration that give the game a unique quality.
Okami Is the PS2’s Answer to The Legend of Zelda
Okami is set in a mythologized version of ancient Japan. Here, Ōkami Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, works to return Japan to its brightened state. Taking the form of a white wolf, she squares off against Orochi, who is responsible for Japan’s darkened present.
Beyond simply having a beautiful story and aesthetic, Okami’s gameplay is just as lovely. This is especially the case with the game’s core Celestial Brush mechanic, which allows players to literally draw up solutions. It makes one wonder what the official Okami sequel will entail.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is a prequel to every other Metal Gear game. Here, players control Naked Snake, known in other installments as the villainous Big Boss. This title serves as his origin story, as the brave hero has his eyes opened to the truths of the world, and comes out the other side a changed man.
With a thrilling, politically charged, and just goofy enough plot, Metal Gear Solid 3 is bound to leave players on the edge of their seats. The only thing more thrilling than the plot is the game’s bosses. Among them is The End, a sharpshooter who offers one of the most unique challenges in all of gaming.
Final Fantasy X Tells One of the Greatest RPG Stories Ever
Final Fantasy X follows a group of adventurers on a pilgrimage across the land of Spira, as Tidus seeks to work out the mystery behind how he ended up here, while Yuna prepares to sacrifice her life to stop the destructive Sin. With a beautifully written romance, a thoughtful critique of organized religion, and plenty of creative twists, FFX has one of the best stories of any RPG.
If there was a game that put Final Fantasy VII’s innovations to shame, it would be Final Fantasy X. In addition to having full-fledged voice acting, the game introduced a flexible combat system that allows players to take their time plotting their next move. It doesn’t necessarily make the game easier, but it does make it more enjoyable.