Launched in March 2000, the PlayStation 2 is now 25. This console was truly a phenomenon. 

With over 160 million units sold worldwide, it became the best-selling home console of all time, and for a good reason. 

Its library is a sprawling, diverse universe of legendary titles that defined an entire generation of gaming. 

How We Ranked this List

Our list of best PlayStation 2 games comes from a variety of sources. 

We've compiled data from IMDb, professional critics at IGN and GamesRadar, combined with massive community polls from Reddit and GameFAQs.

Also, the selection comes from the personal lists of the RetroFam community and other gamers. 

Let’s have a look at the top PS2 titles!

20. Shadow Hearts: Covenant

• Release Date: February 2004

Shadow Hearts: Covenant, a distinctive JRPG that shows how weird and wonderful the PS2 could be.

• Why Among the Top Ranked:
  
  

• Unique, horror-infused storyline

• Refined, engaging combat system

• Incredible character designs

• Hauntingly beautiful soundtrack

19. Xenosaga Episode III: Also Sprach Zarathustra

Release Date: August 2006

This massive JRPG closed out the Xenosaga trilogy with style. 

• Why It’s Still Loved:
  
  

• Rich, complex sci-fi narrative

• Stunning cinematic cutscenes

• Satisfying conclusion to trilogy

• Memorable characters and mechs

18. Devil May Cry

• Release Date: October 2001

The first Devil May Cry was an instant landmark. 

It also gave us Dante, a protagonist who quickly became one of gaming’s most iconic characters.

• Why Among the Top Ranked:
  
  

• Redefined the stylish action genre

• Pioneering, fluid combat

• A great gothic atmosphere

• Set a new benchmark for action

17. Grand Theft Auto III

• Release Date: October 2001

Grand Theft Auto III completely changed the landscape of gaming. 

It was the first time players could freely explore a living, breathing 3D city, setting the template for modern open-world games and inspiring countless titles that came after it.

• What Makes it Worth Playing Today:
  
  

• Revolutionary 3D open-world

• Defined a new genre

• Unparalleled player freedom

• Still a joy to explore

16. Silent Hill 2

• Release Date: September 2001

This one sticks with you long after you put down the controller. 

Silent Hill 2 gave the world Pyramid Head, one of the most chilling figures in gaming, and showed just how powerful video game storytelling could really be.

• Why Among the Top-Ranked PS2 Games:
  
  

• Psychological horror at its finest

• Deep, emotional narrative

• Unforgettable, iconic monsters

• Masterclass in atmosphere design

15. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3

• Release Date: August 2006

A truly unique hybrid of JRPG and life simulation.

It’s no wonder Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 kicked off a cultural phenomenon that continues to this day.

• Why Among the Top Ranked:
  
  

• Innovative life-sim elements

• Stylish, slick presentation

• Compelling social links system

• Excellent turn-based combat

14. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

• Release Date: October 2002

This was the game that built on GTA III’s breakthrough formula and turned it into something unforgettable. 

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is still considered by many to be the definitive GTA experience on the PS2.

• Standout Features:
  
  

• Iconic 1980s setting

• Unbelievable radio station soundtrack

• Rich, immersive atmosphere

• Fantastic gangster-movie story

13. God of War II

• Release Date: March 2007

How do you follow up a masterpiece? By making something even bigger and more epic. 

God of War II took everything that made the original so great and supercharged it. 

• Why Among the Top Ranked:
  
  

• Sequel that improved everything

• Epic, cinematic boss battles

• Visually stunning on PS2

• Concludes a spectacular story

12. Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening

• Release Date: February 2005

The original laid the groundwork, but Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening is where the series truly hit its stride. 

With its steep learning curve and deeply satisfying combat, it became a fan favorite and cemented its reputation as one of the PS2’s standout action games.

• At a Glance
  
  

• Perfected the stylish action

• Legendary, satisfying challenge

• Ultimate hack-and-slash combat

11. Okami

• Release Date: April 2006

It’s a Japanese folk tale brought to life with a stunning, watercolor-inspired visual style. 

Okami deserves to be in the conversation for the best PlayStation 2 games for its sheer creativity and beauty alone.

• Why Among the Top PS2 Titles:
  
  

• Visually breathtaking art style

• Unique Celestial Brush gameplay

• Engaging Japanese folklore story

• A true work of art

10. God of War

• Release Date: March 2005

The first God of War delivered a brutal and cinematic adventure that didn’t hold back on its intensity. 

It quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the PlayStation lineup and remains one of the defining titles of the PS2 era.

• Why Among the Top Ranked:
  
  

• Set the blueprint for modern hack-and-slash

• Visceral, satisfying combat

• Epic Greek mythology story

• A flagship exclusive franchise

9. Kingdom Hearts

• Release Date: September 2002

The idea seemed insane on paper: a JRPG crossover between Disney and Final Fantasy. But Kingdom Hearts worked spectacularly. 

It was a testament to the power of a great concept and a truly magical experience.

• Why Worth Playing:
  
  

• Magical Disney/Final Fantasy crossover

• Emotional, heartfelt storytelling

• Unique and vibrant worlds

8. Kingdom Hearts II

• Release Date: March 2006

Taking everything from the original and leveling it up, Kingdom Hearts II was a dream for fans of the series. 

• Standout Features
  
  

• Refined and exciting combat

• More complex, engaging plot

• Broader Disney and Final Fantasy

• A definitive action RPG

7. Final Fantasy XII

• Release Date: October 2006

Final Fantasy XII took the series in a bold new direction, introducing fresh mechanics and a more mature style of storytelling. 

It felt ahead of its time on release and still stands out today as one of the PS2’s most memorable RPGs.

• Why Among the Best PlayStation 2 Games:
  
  

• Unique real-time combat system

• Expansive zones that feel open-world for the era

• More mature, political storyline

• Pushed JRPG boundaries

6. Resident Evil 4

• Release Date: October 2005

By shifting to an over-the-shoulder perspective, Resident Evil 4 redefined survival horror and made every encounter more intense and cinematic. 

• Why it still holds up:
  
  

• Revolutionized survival horror

• Iconic over-the-shoulder camera

• Relentless, pulse-pounding action

• Remains influential to this day

5. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

• Release Date: October 2004

This game is the pinnacle of the PS2 sandbox experience. 

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a massive, content-rich adventure that still feels special.

• Why Among the 5:
  
  

• A massive, state-sized world

• Deep character customization

• Rich and engaging storyline

• The definitive GTA experience

4. Shadow of the Colossus

• Release Date: October 2005

16 towering boss fights with no filler: Shadow of the Colossus feels like an interactive work of art.

Its haunting atmosphere makes it one of the most unforgettable experiences the PS2 ever offered.

• Why Among the Top 5:
  
  

• Unparalleled artistic design

• Unique, minimalist gameplay

• Emotional, heartbreaking story

3. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

• Release Date: November 2001

No game on this list has a more famously complex and mind-bending narrative than Metal Gear Solid 2. 

It’s a true piece of art, a bold experiment, and a stunning entry in the series.

• Why Among the Top 3:
  
  

• Groundbreaking narrative and plot

• Stunning fidelity for 2001; rain and particle effects still impress

• Detailed, living environments

• Pushed boundaries of storytelling

2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

• Release Date: November 2004

While MGS2 was a wild trip, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater was pure perfection that respects its history while innovating on its own.

• Why Ranked #2:
  
  

• Flawless stealth gameplay

• Iconic Cold War-era setting

• Best story in the series

• Survival mechanics added depth

1. Final Fantasy X

• Release Date: December 2001

For many, Final Fantasy X is the definitive JRPG. 

The strategic combat system was a return to form, and the colorful world of Spira captured the hearts of millions. 

It's not just a classic; it's a perfect game, and the very best of the PS2's legendary library.

• Why Ranked #1:
  
  

• First mainline Final Fantasy with voice acting

• Emotional, gripping story

• Strategic, fun turn-based combat

• Breathtaking cinematic quality

Saying It All About the Best PlayStation 2 Games

The PlayStation 2 gave us a generation of unforgettable stories and pioneering experiences. 

The PS2 classics we’ve covered are nostalgic throwbacks that showcase the creativity and ambition of their creators.

From the larger-than-life storytelling of God of War to the artistic beauty of Okami, the PlayStation 2’s legacy remains unmatched.

At RetroFam, we offer the best PlayStation 2 games in fully cleaned and tested condition.

Explore our wide range of collections and get your favorite titles.

Don’t forget to grab the original PS2 and slim model in expertly refurbished condition.

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