The PlayStation 2 (popularly called PS2) is the best-selling console in the history of video game.

With over 150 million units sold, PS2 is surely a magnificent device for gaming.

For those of you who played this console in the past, I bet you would be interested to get to know the best PS2 games of all time.

Some of you (90s kids) will probably remember (or even still playing) the best PS2 games on this list.

See also: Best PSP Games & Best Floor Gaming Chairs

#100. Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007

Konami, 2007 Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim

Synopsis Two mega-popular soccer franchises fuse into one for this exciting title that brings Europe’s most beloved sport into the PlayStation 2 era.

Short Review The Pro Evolution franchise gives players complete control over the ball, with some of the best feeling soccer gameplay on the system. You can select from a large roster of teams, including a slew of both national and premier league teams. A handful of new modes keep things exciting, including Random Match and International Challenge. You’ll love how smooth the gameplay feels in this excellent soccer title.

#99. SoulCalibur III

Namco, 2005 Action » Fighting » 3D

Synopsis Choosing from a vast roster of characters equipped with weapons, you’ll compete in viscous fights. Exciting new modes keep this fantasy fighting franchise alive in this third iteration.

Short Review This game features awesome one-on-one fights, featuring imaginative characters with unique weapons. Players can choose from a roster of over 20 characters, or create a custom fighter! There are tons of awesome modes to choose from, including the story-focused Tales of Souls. Fans of more strategic fighting will enjoy the Chronicles of the Sword mode, which takes your custom fighter on an epic adventure. There’s also plenty of multiplayer fun to be had, providing hours of casual fighting fun.

#98. Kingdom Hearts

SquareSoft/SCEE, 2002 Role-Playing » Action RPG

Synopsis A young boy named Sora goes on an unforgettable journey to rescue his friends and uncover the secret of his past. Enjoy a rich adventure that fuses the worlds of Disney and the Final Fantasy franchise.

Short Review This memorable PlayStation 2 exclusive game puts players directly into their favorite Disney movies. Playing as the spiked hair Sora, you’ll travel on a quest to defeat the ominous enemies known as the Heartless. You’ll meet up with characters from movies like Tarzan, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Little Mermaid, and much more! Don’t be fooled though, this is a challenging game with plenty of action!

#97. ESPN NHL Hockey

Kush Games/Sega, 2003 Sports » Team » Ice Hockey » Sim

Synopsis Sticks will clash in this exciting hockey simulation title that brings the National Hockey League to the PlayStation 2.

Short Review This excellent hockey game contains various real-life teams from the 2003 – 2004 season, allowing players to choose their favorite athletes. The improved “franchise” mode will provide dozens of hours of managerial fun, while the new mini-games and skill games add a bit of arcade fun. The entire experience is branded well with the ESPN name, giving you the feeling of playing an actual NHL broadcast. Often considered one of the best sports games on the entire PlayStation 2 console, this is one hockey title you won’t want to miss.

#96. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones

Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2005 Action Adventure » Linear

Synopsis Despite his attempts to destroy the Sands of Time, the Prince of Persia must fight through the city of Babylon after his actions alter the flow of time. Possessed by the “Dark Prince”, our protagonist will fight both enemies and himself in order to save the world.

Short Review This action game is full of awesome combat, unique gameplay mechanics, and unforgettable characters. Acting as the third and final game in the Prince of Persia trilogy, this sequel adds some new gameplay mechanics as well. Players can eject themselves off of walls as they parkour around the environment, stringing together awesome platforming maneuvers. Combat is both challenging and straightforward, and the ability to manipulate time makes everything much more fun.

#95. WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain

Yuke's, 2003 Sports » Individual » Combat » Wrestling

Synopsis This wrestling title was the final “SmackDown!” exclusive, featuring all your favorite wrestlers from the iconic wrestling program. Fans will be able to compete for a variety of title belts on their journey to become a WWE legend.

Short Review You’ll be able to pick from over 50 unique WWE Superstars, taking them into the ring and delivering the pain. Players can enjoy a variety of modes, including competitive multiplayer and the enhanced “Season” mode. You can also play as a variety of WWE Legends, including The Undertaker. Players can also make their very own wrestler, choosing from a large pool of cosmetics.

#94. We Love Katamari

Now Production/Namco, 2005 Action » General

Synopsis The King of the Cosmos and his son have begun to receive more and more fan mail, asking the pair to create giant balls of cosmic goodies. The unique requests send them on an adventure across space and time to roll up balls of random items.

Short Review In this wacky sequel, you roll up everything in sight as you attempt to create the galaxy’s biggest ball of random junk! The new cooperative play allows two players to roll together, adding a new degree of challenge and excitement. In addition to the lengthy single-player campaign, players can also face off in intense ball-rolling competitive matches! You’ll love the wild and colorful world of this quirky PlayStation 2 adventure.

#93. Medal of Honor Frontline

EA LA/Electronic Arts, 2002 Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade

Synopsis Experience harrowing battles from World War II as Jimmy Patterson, an American soldier charging into battle. This war story combines the personal perspective of a singular soldier with the large-scale conflict of the Second World War.

Short Review In this exciting first-person shooter, you’ll fight your way through a variety of missions behind enemy lines. From beaches to bridges, you’ll fight through World War II in a blaze of gunfire. The intense single-player levels task you with sneaking into enemy bases, exploring German towns, and fighting on iconic battlefields. Each stage has three medals to obtain based on your performance, offering some replayability to boot.

#92. NASCAR Thunder 2004

EA Tiburon/Electronic Arts, 2003 Racing » Simulation » Automobile

Synopsis Drive with strategy and precision as you race around iconic NASCAR tracks playing as real-world drivers! Multiple gameplay modes make this a comprehensive treat for racing fans.

Short Review If you love NASCAR, look no further than this exceptional racing title with cool mechanics and modes. You’ll be able to pick from an awesome variety of modes, including a full Career mode and more. You’ll have to balance your bumping and drafting during races, as the new “grudges and alliances” mechanic tracks your movement. In addition to full races, you can even undertake the difficult Lightning Challenge and SpeedZone modes!

#91. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow

Ubisoft Shanghai/Ubisoft, 2004 Action Adventure » General

Synopsis When a militia leader threatens the United States with biological weapons, covert operative Sam Fisher is sent to save the day. Utilizing his lethal gadgets and stealth training, Fisher will have to infiltrate the militia and prevent a catastrophe.

Short Review This exciting sequel puts players in the shoes of Sam Fisher, a highly skilled operative with immense skills in espionage. You’ll embark on a series of military missions by infiltrating a series of high-security locations. To escape capture, you’ll have to take out guards, lights, and anything else that might raise an alarm. When all else fails, swap to any of your tactical weapons to put an enemy’s lights out for good. This is a great third-person shooter for any fan of tactics and stealth.

#90. Psychonauts

BudCat/Majesco, 2005 Action » Platformer » 3D

Synopsis After displaying telekinetic powers, a young boy named Razputin heads to a summer camp for kids with psychic powers.

Short Review This colorful and imaginative adventure game blends will take you on a journey unlike anything else on the PlayStation 2. As Raz learns the ins and outs of his psychic powers, you’ll join him on a journey through the minds of his friends and camp counselors. This twisted story will have you collecting emotional baggage and discovering the dirty secrets of the oddball summer camp. Full of humor and wit, you’ll love this undeniably unique adventure!

#89. NFL 2K2

Visual Concepts/Sega, 2001 Sports » Team » Football » Sim

Synopsis This football title contains the full NFL roster from 2001, as well as several customization options.

Short Review Make your dreams of playing on a professional NFL team come to life in this awesome sports simulation game. Players can choose to play as any of the NFL teams, each containing real-world athletes and their respective stadiums. You can also build your team from the ground up, creating their logo and player roster, as well as custom plays. If you think you have what it takes, pick up your friends and hop online for competitive 4v4 matches!

#88. NBA Street

NuFX/Electronic Arts Victor, 2001 Sports » Team » Basketball » Arcade

Synopsis Take your basketball skills to the one place it counts; the streets. Enjoy this fun take on the fundamentals as you go toe-to-toe with the NBA’s greatest athletes on street courts around the USA.

Short Review This fantastic basketball title takes players to the streets, where they compete in games with relaxed rules and high-flying stunts. You’ll take your custom character on a tour around the United States, dunking and tricking over some of the NBA’s best players. There are 29 NBA teams in the game, featuring some of the biggest names in the sport. The mixture of real-world athletes and arcade-like gameplay makes this a standout experience.

#87. World Series Baseball 2K3

Blue Shift/Sega, 2003 Sports » Team » Baseball » Sim

Synopsis With easy-to-learn controls and awesome gameplay, this baseball game will have you sending home run after home run into the bleachers. Enjoy your run-up to the World Series in this excellent baseball simulator.

Short Review This title contains all 30 Major League Baseball teams, allowing you to pick your very favorite team and take them onto the field. Players can choose from a series of modes, including full Season play, Franchise, Exhibition, and more. Additional modes like Home Run Derby keep gameplay refreshing and fun. Major improvements have been made since the last entry in this series, including better controls and more options on both offense and defense.

#86. SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs

Zipper Interactive/SCEA, 2003 Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Tactical

Synopsis When the Navy SEALs learn of a potential black market seller that is moving major amounts of plutonium and weaponry, they send a team to Albania to take them down.

Short Review Strategy is essential in this tough shooter sequel. Only the most skilled and tactical soldiers will hope to survive the tough war-zones that lie ahead. There are 12 unique missions spread across 5 countries, each with various objectives that need to be completed. Bonus objectives can be completed for rewards such as new characters, art, and music. Although it has since been discontinued, the online play was often regarded as one of the best tactical experiences on the PlayStation 2.

#85. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005

EA Sports, 2004 Sports » Individual » Golf » Sim

Synopsis The premier golfing franchise is back, and many changes have been made to welcome new players. You’ll have a blast teeing off with your favorite golfing champions on a series of beautiful courses.

Short Review There’s nothing more relaxing than a day at the golf course, and this game makes it easy to sit back and enjoy some virtual relaxation. A variety of modes are available to pick from, including PGA Tour mode and a new Legends Tour mode. In Legends Tour, you’ll face off against iconic golfers from throughout time, working your way through the ranks.

#84. Beyond Good & Evil

Ubisoft Montpellier/Ubisoft, 2003 Action Adventure » General

Synopsis A terrifying alien force known as the DomZ begins to invade the lovely city of Hillys. A young photographer named Jade is thrown into the conflict when the DomZ attacks her home and kidnap the orphaned children living there.

Short Review This game blends third-person action, stealth, and exploration for an awesome adventure. Playing as Jade, you’ll have to sneak through DomZ bases, taking pictures of important information as well as taking down the dangerous aliens. As you travel around Hillys, you’ll find various characters with quests to complete and puzzles to solve. This adventure game is full of wonderful ideas and awesome characters and is simply tons of fun to play.

#83. MVP Baseball 2005

EA Sports, 2005 Sports » Team » Baseball » Sim

Synopsis Pick your favorite team from major to minor league and step up to bat on a slew of famous stadiums around the country. No matter what kind of baseball fan you are, there’s some fun to be had in this excellent sports title.

Short Review This baseball title stands out from the rest with its incredible number of unlockables, as well as the inclusion of over 1,000 real-world athletes. In addition to all of the Major League Baseball teams, this game also includes a variety of minor-league teams and players. You can take these athletes out to the field in a number of modes, including Franchise, Manager’s mode, Exhibition, and various practice mini-games.

#82. Fight Night Round 2

EA Sports, 2005 Sports » Individual » Combat » Boxing / Martial Arts

Synopsis This amazing boxing game will have you trading blows with some of the sport’s legendary athletes. New controls and a variety of modes provide endless hours of punching fun.

Short Review This sequel makes some great improvements over its predecessor, including the addition of illegal moves, clinching, and a roster of great boxers. Players can face off against legendary boxers like Sugar Ray Robinson and Floyd Mayweather Jr, trading blows on one of nine classic boxing venues. Controls are easy to learn, as a simple flick of your analog stick will send a punch flying at your opponent. If you enjoy boxing, there’s a lot to love about this great boxing sequel.

#81. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3

Atlus, 2007 Role-Playing » Japanese-Style

Synopsis In a fictional city in Japan circa 2009, a group of high school students form a group to investigate the mysterious happenings in the city. Forced into battle with otherworldly beings, the teens have their own supernatural protectors known as Personas.

Short Review Widely considered one of the most inventive and stylish RPG franchises of all time, every Persona game is packed with visual splendor and attitude. The game plays out on a day and night cycle, where during the day you spend time at school and at night you delve into the dungeon known as Tartarus. You’ll battle the demons known as Shadows in fun turn-based combat, where you’ll need to level up your characters to gain better and more powerful abilities.

#80. DOA2: Hardcore

Team Ninja/SCEE, 2000 Action » Fighting » 3D

Synopsis This enhanced version of Dead or Alive 2 takes one of the best fighting games on the PlayStation 2 and adds tons of awesome new content. Packed with risque costume designs and powerful attacks, this is one fighter that’s pleasant on the eyes.

Short Review Based on the Sega Dreamcast update of the original Dead or Alive 2, this updated version of the game contains more fighters, stages, music tracks, and more. Players will immediately notice the high-quality technical performance of the game, which runs much smoother than its predecessor. All of your favorite characters from the original game are still present, but now with brand new outfits and visual designs. You’ll also love the additional CG Gallery and Item Collection modes, where you can take a long gander at all the fighter models and various collectibles.

#79. NCAA Football 06

EA Sports, 2005 Sports » Team » Football » Sim

Synopsis Enter the competitive world of college football in this stunning follow-up in the NCAA Football franchise. New modes make your journey to the top feel much more personal, and the added modes are simply icing on the cake.

Short Review You’ll love tossing the pigskin in this college-focused football title, which features real-world colleges and stadiums. The newest mode titled Race for the Heisman sees your custom player working their way up from high school, eventually signing on to a major college of your choice. There’s an excellent amount of customization as well, allowing players to create their own college team and take them to the top in Dynasty mode.

#78. Kingdom Hearts II

Square Enix, 2006 Role-Playing » Action RPG

Synopsis Sora’s battle against the Heartless continues in this stunning sequel with even more Disney characters and iconic movie locations! A new threat named Organization XIII has arrived, and it’s up to Sora and his friends to uncover the identity of the Organization and take them down.

Short Review This imaginative role-playing game will have players embarking on an adventure filled with classic Disney and Final Fantasy characters. There are a number of brand new Disney worlds to explore, including worlds based on The Lion King, Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, and more. The combat has also seen some improvements, including smoother fighting and the introduction of a new “Drive” meter that gives you access to super-powerful forms.

#77. NCAA Football 07

EA Sports, 2006 Sports » Team » Football » Sim

Synopsis This college football sequel puts a bigger emphasis on game momentum, encouraging you to amp up the crowd and prove yourself on the home field. With tons of awesome game modes and all of the biggest schools represented, this is one football game not to miss.

Short Review Variety is the name of the game in NCAA Football 07, offering tons of great features and tweaks to gameplay. Players can now experience the Campus Legend mode, where you’ll take your custom character through training camp and into the college football world. There are over 100 different schools to choose from, giving you free reign to sign on with the school of your choice. You’ll even have to move into a dorm and choose a major, balancing campus life with your athletic career. The same great football gameplay is still here, providing endless hours of competitive fun.

#76. Bully

Rockstar Vancouver/Rockstar Games, 2006 Action Adventure » Open-World

Synopsis A misguided teenager named Jimmy Hopkins is sent to live at a boarding school, where he will have to navigate the troubles of high school on his own. In order to do so, Jimmy will have to gain favor with everyone at the school.

Short Review Developed by the creators of Grand Theft Auto, this action game also offers an open world full of missions to take on and characters to meet. Jimmy’s adventure will have him facing off against every clique in the school, from jocks and cheerleaders to nerds and greasers. In addition to running around the school and nearby town completing missions, players will also have to attend classes. Teachers and police are always on the look-out, so you’ll have to keep the mayhem to a minimum if you want to slide under the radar. This is a fantastic adventure that expertly recreates the drama of high school while also providing the excitement of a true open-world action title.

#75. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES

Atlus, 2008 Role-Playing » Japanese-Style

Synopsis Travel to the Japanese city of Iwatodai and embark on a mysterious adventure in this updated version of Persona 3.

Short Review This combination pack includes both the “Director’s Cut” version of Persona 3 as well as the FES add-on disc. Players will enjoy the various updates that have been made to the core game, including some balancing fixes and gameplay adjustments. There’s also brand new story content in the form of an additional epilogue chapter, where players control the android character Aigis.

#74. ESPN NFL 2K5

Visual Concepts/Sega, 2004 Sports » Team » Football » Sim

Synopsis This excellent football title comes complete with ESPN Sports branding, giving players an authentic football broadcast feel.

Short Review Of the several new features in ESPN NFL 2K5, the most notable additions can be found in the Franchise mode. Players are given unprecedented control over their team’s look and design, and even lets you adjust training schedules week-by-week. In addition to normal football matches, players can initiate special matches where they face off against celebrity teams.

#73. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2003

EA Sports/Electronic Arts, 2002 Sports » Individual » Golf » Sim

Synopsis Another excellent entry in the Tiger Woods PGA Tour franchise, this game offers a mixture of realistic and arcade-like gameplay. There’s something for every kind of golfing fan!

Short Review This sequel makes some great improvements on both presentation and gameplay, making it a very welcoming game for golfing newcomers. There are over 20 unique golfers to choose from, including both real-world and fictional golfers. In addition to the professional tournaments available for play, gamers can also dive into the new Tiger Challenge mode. Additional mini-games and training can also be found in the Skillzone mode, where you’ll test your precision and power in a variety of fun drills.

#72. Sly 2: Band of Thieves

Sucker Punch/SCEA, 2004 Action » Platformer » 3D

Synopsis Years after the events of the first game, the thief raccoon named Sly Cooper is back on the hunt. This time, when he attempts to steal some precious metal parts from a national museum, he finds them already stolen. In order to ensure his family’s safety, Sly and his friends must hunt down the lost parts.

Short Review This sequel to Sly Cooper and the Thievius Racoonus makes some big changes to gameplay, including new characters and an open-world level design. In addition to playing as Sly Cooper, you can now control the lovable turtle Bentley and clumsy hippo Murray. Missions are spread out across various hub levels, where you’ll have to use your stealth and cunning to sneak by undetected. Fighting and combat has also seen some big improvements, with new special abilities and bigger health bars. This is one sequel that is bigger and better in almost every way.

#71. Jak II

Naughty Dog/SCEE, 2003 Action » Platformer » 3D

Synopsis Taking place nearly 500 years after the events of the first game, this sequel sees our heroes Jak and Daxter in an unfamiliar place. Landing in a dangerous town named Haven City, Jak is arrested and experimented on, while Daxter does his best to free him.

Short Review After being experimented on for nearly two years, Jak gains some significant powers in this awesome sequel. Players can now transform into “Dark Jak”, unlocking impressive moves and abilities. The game will have you exploring Haven City and the surrounding areas, completing quests for townsfolk and other citizens. As you attempt to overthrow the tyrannical government of Haven City, you’ll unlock new weapons and better abilities. This awesome follow-up game gives you even more great gameplay, while also offering a dark and serious tone.

#70. Viewtiful Joe

Clover Studio/Capcom, 2004 Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D

Synopsis When an obsessed movie fan named Joe is at the movies, his girlfriend is suddenly sucked into the screen! Taking on the persona of “Viewtiful Joe”, he jumps into the world of movies and chases after her.

Short Review This exciting action game is packed with comic book style and crazy visual effects. Players must travel through a series of side-scrolling levels, defeating enemies in a flurry of punches and kicks. You can also use your VFX meter to unleash supercharged abilities such as double speed and slow-motion. Each level is bursting with colorful visuals and exciting action set-pieces, guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat!

#69. Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition

Capcom, 2006 Action Adventure » Linear

Synopsis This re-release of Devil May Cry 3 addresses a number of fan concerns and also adds a slew of new features. If you thought Devil May Cry 3 was too tough when it first released, then this version is for you!

Short Review In addition to lowering the difficulty level to a more manageable challenge, this enhanced version of the game also adds a brand new playable character. Players will love stepping into the shoes of Vergil, the twin brother of series’ protagonist Dante. A new survival mode named The Bloody Palace has also been included, challenging players to test their endurance in over 9,000 battles. For those who really like to go fast, you’ll enjoy the Turbo Mode, which increases the speed of the game by 20%. This updated version of Devil May Cry 3 has it all, making it the best version of the game by far.

#68. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2

Black Box/Electronic Arts, 2002 Racing » Arcade » Automobile

Synopsis It’s a game of cat and mouse and illegal street racers try to out-maneuver the police. Playing as either racer or cop, you’ll hit the streets in high-speed races full of drifting and danger.

Short Review Maxing out the speedometer on exotic cars is fun, but it’s even more fun when you’re trying to lose a chasing fleet! In this intense entry in the Need for Speed franchise, you’ll enter the World Racing Championship, testing your driving skills on a handful of exotic tracks. For added challenge, players can play the Hot Pursuit Ultimate Racer mode, which adds exciting police chases. You can also play as the police yourself in the You’re the Cop mode, where you must arrest speeders by chasing them down and running them offroad.

#67. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell

Ubisoft Shanghai/Ubisoft, 2003 Action Adventure » General

Synopsis Sam Fisher, an ex-Navy SEAL, is drafted by the NSA for an elite squadron. Under the guidance of the CIA, Fisher must infiltrate a variety of buildings and facilities in order to dismantle large scale crime operations.

Short Review This influential title saw an increased interest in the stealth genre after introducing players to the awesome soldier, Sam Fisher. Set across a series of exhilarating missions, players will travel across the globe and sneak through high-security facilities. Players will have to be careful, sticking to the shadows by shooting out lights and causing distractions. Combat can be approached with both lethal and non-lethal options, making this a stealth game with multiple strategies.

#66. NFL 2K3

Visual Concepts/Sega, 2002 Sports » Team » Football » Sim

Synopsis Football makes a stunning return to form in this comprehensive sports title that will have you roaring with excitement. Strap on your pads and prepare to hit hard in this excellent football title.

Short Review Football fans rejoice, as this fantastic entry in the NFL 2K football franchise contains a great amount of customization and a slew of game modes. Players can jump into matches via Exhibition mode, or play through an entire season as well. Scenario mode lets you create your own challenges, allowing you to adjust the in-game timer, as well as points scored. The controls are also simple to learn, and you’ll quickly find yourself running and passing like a pro.

#65. ESPN NFL Football

Visual Concepts/Sega, 2003 Sports » Team » Football » Sim

Synopsis Enjoy the iconic ESPN brand of football broadcasting in this official NFL title. Containing modes that are rarely seen in other sports titles, this game offers a brand new perspective on the sport.

Short Review In this innovative sports game, players can enjoy a classic game of NFL football complete with ESPN trimmings and commentary. It also features a first-person perspective mode, allowing you to play from the perspective of a variety of players on the field. The game also features online capabilities, allowing you to hop on the internet and face off against friends.

#64. NBA Street V3

EA Canada/EA Sports Big, 2005 Sports » Team » Basketball » Arcade

Synopsis Show off your streetball skills against every team in the NBA in this excellent sequel. With more teams, more modes, and better customization, this is the ultimate NBA Street package.

Short Review In the main Street Challenge mode, players create their own athlete and court, challenging all competition to become a legend of streetball. You’ll get plenty of time to show off your style by utilizing the “Gamebreaker” dunk, which takes away points from the opposing team! The game includes every NBA team, as well as a selection of real-world athletes from each team. You’ll face off against these pro players in 12 different courts, spread a variety of cities in the United States.

#63. Burnout 2: Point of Impact

Criterion Games/Acclaim, 2002 Racing » Arcade » Automobile

Synopsis Try to dodge traffic and pull off dangerous stunts in this incredibly fast racing title. In your attempt to become the best, you’ll need a quick reaction time, otherwise, your car will likely get totaled.

Short Review This excellent sequel puts players behind the wheel of wickedly fast vehicles, tasking them with completing laps on exciting tracks and courses. You won’t be alone on most of the street courses, as you’ll have to avoid oncoming traffic and other cars. In Crash mode, you’ll have to create the biggest pileups you can, tallying up the largest destruction points in a series of challenges. Pursuit mode is also available, where you’ll hunt down racers and destroy their car in order to gain an arrest.

#62. World Soccer Winning Eleven 9

Konami, 2006 Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim

Synopsis This soccer franchise continues its dominance of the PlayStation 2 market with extensive career modes and unmatched realism.

Short Review This entry in the Winning Eleven franchise provides soccer fans with incredibly fluid control, allowing for precise passes and excellent dribbling. Players can enjoy this fantastic gameplay in a series of modes, including Master League, Quick Match, and more. There are a series of training mini-games to enjoy, each with tough challenges that will test your skill. Customization remains one of the franchises’ highlights, as you can adjust every athlete and team’s stats and appearances.

#61. Red Faction

Volition Inc./THQ, 2001 Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade

Synopsis In the year 2075, mining operations have begun on the planet Mars. As a way to fight back against the poor work conditions and treatment of the workers, a miner named Parker takes part in a rebellion against the evil Ultor Corporation.

Short Review This first-person shooter is all about destructible terrain and letting the player blast a hole in whatever they want. Playing as Parker, you’ll have access to a wide range of weapons and mining tools to help you during your rebellion. Each level gives the player complete freedom, allowing them to destroy walls and forge their own path through the stage. Using explosives and other tools, you’ll do your job as a miner while simultaneously fighting the system.

#60. Dark Cloud 2

Level 5/SCEE, 2003 Role-Playing » Action RPG

Synopsis This inventive RPG sequel sees two time-hopping protagonists on their adventure to save the future by preventing its destruction in the past.

Short Review Although this is a sequel, the story features entirely new characters and locations. Players control two unique characters, Max and Monica. Both players have unique weapons and abilities, which makes a big difference in the hack ‘n slash combat. Instead of leveling up your character like in other RPGs, you’ll level up your individual weapons by gaining experience per enemy slain. There is tons of loot to find in the randomly generated dungeons, giving you plenty of reasons to continue adventuring.

#59. Twisted Metal: Black

Incognito Inc./SCEE, 2001 Simulation » Vehicle » Combat

Synopsis Pick your character and enter the world’s most dangerous demolition derby, arranged by a crazy clown named Calypso.

Short Review This iconic car combat franchise makes the jump to PlayStation 2 with this intense entry in the series. There are fifteen unique characters, each with their own personal story to complete. Players will engage in violent and brutal demolition derbies, using both their physical weight and weaponry to take down the competition. Players who survive long enough will progress to the next round, and driving aggressively will be the key to making it further in the tournament.

#58. NHL 2002

EA Sports/Electronic Arts, 2001 Sports » Team » Ice Hockey » Sim

Synopsis Lace-up your skates for another trip around the rink in this realistic and stylish sports title featuring official National Hockey League teams.

Short Review This hockey title provides excellent simulation gameplay with some interesting tweaks and features. Players can import their own music, adjust enemy difficulty, trade players, and much more. A new trading card mode adds a fun distraction from the main game, tasking players with collecting the best and most powerful cards. Trading cards also unlock various other features, like power-ups, custom celebrations, and overall stat boosts.

#57. NBA 2K2

Visual Concepts/Sega, 2002 Sports » Team » Basketball » Sim

Synopsis Compete in exciting matches of professional basketball, picking from both modern and legendary teams in the National Basketball Association.

Short Review This basketball title was originally available on the Sega Dreamcast but later ported to the PlayStation 2. It features all your favorite NBA teams from the 2001 – 2002 season, as well as five exclusive “legends” teams. You’ll take your skill to the court in a variety of modes, including Season, Franchise, Playoffs, and more! This is a great sports game for any fan of basketball at the turn of the millennium.

#56. MVP Baseball 2004

EA Sports, 2004 Sports » Team » Baseball » Sim

Synopsis This entry in the MVP Baseball franchise makes some needed improvements over its predecessor while introducing new and exciting features.

Short Review In addition to containing all 30 MLB teams and a variety of both major and minor league players on their roster, you can also unlock historical players and other new content via progress. Players can step up to the plate in standard Exhibition, Season, and Dynasty modes, but there are additional modes as well. You can adjust a game’s conditions for your own pleasure in Scenario mode, as well as play as team manager in Manager mode.

#55. Tekken 5

Namco, 2005 Action » Fighting » 3D

Synopsis Test your strength in another King of the Iron Fist Tournament! This entry in the Tekken series gets back to the franchises’ roots by offering more fluid and action-packed gameplay.

Short Review There are over 30 unique characters to choose from, and you’ll take your favorite into intense one-on-one fights. In addition to the standard arcade mode, Tekken 5 also contains Devil Within, a mode that feels more like a beat ’em up than a fighting game. The disc also contains the arcade versions of the first three Tekken games, so you can hop back into the original games when you’re feeling nostalgic.

#54. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2005 Action Adventure » General

Synopsis The elite soldier Sam Fisher is back in action in this third entry in the Splinter Cell franchise. Tasked with locating a kidnapped programmer, Fisher heads to Peru and begins his work.

Short Review The Splinter Cell series has always been known for its strategic stealth gameplay, and this sequel amps up the violence and intensity of it all. Once again, players will have to guide Fisher through a series of difficult levels, ensuring they stay out of sight and silent as can be. There have been more lethal options added to Sam’s arsenal, including the ability to kill enemies after interrogating them. You and a friend can also team up for a standalone cooperative story mode, which contains seven exclusive levels to complete.

#53. NCAA Football 2005

EA Tiburon/EA Sports, 2004 Sports » Team » Football » Sim

Synopsis Prepare for another year of school in this excellent representation of college-level football. With tons of real-world schools and in-depth gameplay mechanics, this is one of the best football games available.

Short Review The biggest change in this NCAA Football game is the focus on home-field advantage, where you’ll see the tide of the game change based on your performance at your home stadium. The addition of the 25 Toughest Places to Play feature adds a dynamic to each stadium, further driving home the importance of where you’ll play. Players will enjoy the extra features in the long-running Dynasty mode, as well as the improved controls and play-making abilities.

#52. Gran Turismo 4

Polyphony Digital/SCEI, 2005 Racing » Simulation » Automobile

Synopsis Experience one of the most realistic racing titles available on the PlayStation 2, with countless representations of real-world cars that accurately reflect the physics and handling of each vehicle.

Short Review This racing title has more content than any fan could ask for, with over 700 unique cars and 50 different tracks and courses to race on. Each car has been painstakingly recreated to match its real-world counterpart, with each vehicle feeling identifiable and expertly-crafted. New modes have been added to the game as well, including B-Spec mode, where you direct the driver similar to a rally car adviser. There are also challenging tests of driving skill in the form of Driving Missions, which will test the patience of even the most talented drivers.

#51. Ratchet & Clank

Insomniac Games/SCEE, 2002 Action » Platformer » 3D

Synopsis When our furry hero named Ratchet learns that the evil Chairman Drek is threatening to destroy entire planets for his own gain, Ratchet and his new robot pal Clank head out to stop him.

Short Review Often considered to have some of the coolest weapons in gaming, this action game is all about mayhem and ridiculous weaponry. Players will embark on an adventure that spans several unique alien planets, where Ratchet will have to defeat enemies and find valuable items. Ratchet can utilize a number of crazy guns and gadgets, such as the “Groovitron Glove” that forces enemies to dance in place. Combined with the interesting stealth sections where you play as Clank, this adventure is packed with awesome gameplay and hilarious cutscenes.

#50. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004

EA Sports/Electronic Arts, 2003 Sports » Individual » Golf » Sim

Synopsis Pack up your clubs and prepare for another relaxing outing of eighteen holes in this exciting entry in the premier golfing franchise.

Short Review In this entry in the high-quality Tiger Woods golf franchise, players can tee off in a selection of both realistic and arcade game modes. There are over 30 golfers to choose from, including both real-world pro players and humorous original characters. This was the first Tiger Woods game to include the “Game Face” feature, which allows you to customize your own personal golfer’s facial appearance. Solid golfing mechanics and some exceptionally fun courses make this a winner for any golfing fan.

#49. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King

Level 5/Square Enix, 2005 Role-Playing » Japanese-Style

Synopsis When the sorcerer Dhoulmagus casts a wicked spell on King Trode of the Kingdom of Trodain, he and his family become powerless to the almighty mage. It’s up to the nameless Hero to roam the land, becoming powerful enough to take down Dhoulmagus for good.

Short Review This epic RPG focuses on a party of four companions, led by the iconic Hero, as they scour the lands of Trodain battling monsters and completing quests. Players can roam the fully 3D environments, delving into dungeons, investigating towns, and exploring the countryside. There are a wide variety of skills and abilities to learn as you level up your characters. You’ll need all the help you can get, as the turn-based battles provide a strategic challenge. You’ll love the vibrant world design and joyful characters in this fantastic entry in the long-running Dragon Quest franchise.

#48. NBA Street Vol. 2

Electronic Arts/EA Sports Big, 2003 Sports » Team » Basketball » Arcade

Synopsis Ball out on the best street courts in the United States as you face off against the NBA’s best athletes in 3-on-3 basketball.

Short Review This colorful sequel amps up the energy and excitement, delivering high-intensity basketball action. There are four different modes to play, including exhibition matches, the NBA Challenge, Be a Legend, and the Street School tutorial. There are 29 NBA teams to play as, as well as a handful of iconic NBA athletes to unlock. Gameplay is all about crazy tricks and moves, highlighting a more arcade-like experience. With tons of sweet dunks and an awesome soundtrack, this is one basketball game that stands out from the pack.

#47. Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy

Naughty Dog/SCEE, 2001 Action » Platformer » 3D

Synopsis When his friend is turned into a weasel and two villains threaten his home with evil energy known as “dark eco”, a hero named Jak sets out to save the day. His journey takes him through a series of vibrant alien worlds, where danger lurks around every corner.

Short Review Often considered one of the best PlayStation 2 franchises, this title kicked off the Jak and Daxter series in style. Controlling Jak, players will navigate a handful of partially open-world maps, completing missions for characters and earning power cells in order to travel to new lands. Using Jak’s nimble nature and awesome attacks, you’ll smash your way through enemies, platforming sections, and tough puzzles. There’s a great variety in gameplay, and the interesting story and beautiful graphics are sure to keep you glued to the screen.

#46. NCAA Football 2002

EA Sports, 2001 Sports » Team » Football » Sim

Synopsis Experience the thrill of college football for the first time on PlayStation 2! An attention to detail and impressive gameplay options make this an impressive alternative to standard NFL football games.

Short Review This football title features a wide variety of college teams, complete with representations of iconic stadiums to play in. The realism extends to the adrenaline-filled gameplay, where you can compete in a full season of play. The new Campus Challenge mode rewards players for completing in-game achievements, unlocking neat features and additional teams. There is a slew of stats to track as well, giving you an upper-hand when playing the classic Dynasty mode.

#45. ICO

SCE Japan Studio/SCEE, 2001 Action Adventure » Linear

Synopsis Shunned at birth, a young man named Ico explores a forgotten fortress. During his adventure, Ico discovers Yorda, a girl in need. With nothing to lose, Ico leads Yorda on a journey to escape the fortress and leave their lives of pain behind.

Short Review This cult classic PlayStation 2 title is often revered for its beautiful design, emotional story, and narrative-driven gameplay. Yorda lacks the dexterity of the quick Ico, so players must guide her through the dangerous obstacles in the fortress. Gameplay is a mixture of platforming, stealth, and puzzle-solving, as Ico cannot defend himself well. This provides the player with a unique and intense experience, as well as a timeless story about friendship.

#44. Burnout Revenge

Criterion Games/Electronic Arts, 2005 Racing » Arcade » Automobile

Synopsis Reach top speeds as you race through heavy traffic and take down your opponents in this action-packed racing sequel.

Short Review This exciting racing game is packed with great content, with five different race types and a full single-player mode as well. Each street race contains tons of traffic, so you’ll have to dodge and weave past civilian cars constantly. It pays to be aggressive when racing, as you’ll earn extra boost for causing other players and traffic to crash. The explosive car accident mechanics are shown off in Crash mode, where the main objective is to cause as much damage as possible with a single wipe-out. With over 70 cars and 160 single-player events to complete, Burnout Revenge delivers plenty of bang for your buck.

#43. Madden NFL 2005

EA Tiburon/EA Sports, 2004 Sports » Team » Football » Sim

Synopsis This iteration of the best-selling NFL football franchise brings smarter opponents and better control options into the mix, continuing its domination of the sports game genre.

Short Review Like other entries in the Madden franchise, this title offers realistic and authentic football gameplay with every licensed team in the National Football League. This version makes some improvements to opponent AI, with better positioning and the ability to quickly pick up on cheap plays. The new Hit Stick feature allows precise control over defensive moves and tackles with a simple flick of the analog stick. Players can now quickly cycle between their team right before a play, altering their plan right before the snap. This new and improved gameplay makes this Madden title a monumental leap forward for the franchise.

#42. World Soccer Winning Eleven 6 International

KCET/Konami, 2003 Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim

Synopsis This soccer sequel stuns players with fine-tuned controls and a variety of modes, giving fans the ultimate soccer experience.

Short Review Although this soccer title doesn’t feature as many licensed teams as FIFA, it does outperform its competitor in gameplay. The game offers six different modes of play, including tournaments, a master league, as well as training and exhibition matches. The gameplay strikes a great balance between realism and excitement, with accurate physics and challenging opponents. This is a soccer game for true fans of the sport, as you’ll need to have a solid plan if you want to score big.

#41. Tony Hawk’s Underground

Neversoft Entertainment/Activision, 2003 Sports » Individual » Skate / Skateboard

Synopsis A young skateboarder and his friend Eric dream of one day becoming professional athletes in the bustling extreme sports scene. When a pro skater visits their town and inspires them, the pair begin their journey to become the best skaters around.

Short Review This excellent spin-off in the Tony Hawk Pro Skater franchise combines adrenaline-pumping skateboard gameplay with wacky storytelling and objectives. In order to become a certified pro, you’ll take your custom skater to a variety of cool locations ripe with obstacles and ramps. In order to progress through the story, you’ll compete in races, pull off insane tricks, and use your skateboard in unexpected ways. Additional modes like “Free Skate” and the detailed level editor allow you to skate to your heart’s content on campaign and custom maps. There’s tons of content to love in this punk-rock skateboard story.

#40. Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando

Insomniac Games/SCEE, 2003 Action » Platformer » 3D

Synopsis The explosive duo Ratchet and Clank are summoned by the galactic corporation MegaCorp and asked to help recover stolen goods. With their mastery over space weaponry, the pair set out to hunt down this cosmic thief.

Short Review This sequel to Ratchet and Clank amps up the explosions and adds even more wacky and inventive guns. You’ll blast your way through a variety of levels, spread out across a number of cool alien planets. In order to save the galaxy, you’ll have to complete difficult platforming, fight waves of baddies, and upgrade your weapons to maximum capabilities! If you love crazy guns and hilarious space antics, this is the sequel for you.

#39. Final Fantasy XII

Square Enix, 2006 Role-Playing » Japanese-Style

Synopsis The tiny kingdom of Dalmasca is caught in the crossfire of a war between two empires. After creating a resistance group, the princess of Dalmasca heads out on an epic quest to restore her kingdom’s safety.

Short Review A massive turn-based adventure awaits you in this excellent entry in the Final Fantasy franchise. You’ll explore a variety of 3D worlds using your airship, completing quests and battling monsters. The currency system is different from other games in the series, exchanging the common “gil” for loot. Throughout this visually stunning journey, you’ll amass a party of unique characters, each one with stats that can be upgraded. This game is loaded with content too, giving you hours upon hours of role-playing fun.

#38. Madden NFL 2001

EA Sports/Electronic Arts Victor, 2000 Sports » Team » Football » Sim

Synopsis The Madden series continues with more customizable modes, a bigger team roster, and higher visual detail.

Short Review This entry in the Madden football franchise has everything a football fan could want. There are over 60 teams to choose from, including NFL teams, NFL Europe teams, and funny fictional teams. Players can collect in-game Madden cards to use during play, adding interesting modifiers to the standard game. There’s a bigger focus on customization than ever before, allowing you to create your own play and customize your own athlete.

#37. World Soccer Winning Eleven 8 International

KCET/Konami, 2005 Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim

Synopsis This expansive soccer title continues to impress with a slew of licensed teams and highly realistic gameplay.

Short Review This soccer game is loaded with customization and options and delivers a surprising and realistic amount of challenge. For the first time in series’ history, referees will show up on the field during gameplay, providing a higher level of realism. There’s a huge amount of playable teams, including three licensed leagues, over 200 national teams, and an expanded Masters League. Players will also love the visual details, including weather effects and uniform wear-and-tear.

#36. Madden NFL 2003

EA Sports/Electronic Arts, 2002 Sports » Team » Football » Sim

Synopsis For the first time in Madden history, take your skills online and compete against other football fanatics all over the world!

Short Review This entry in the Madden football franchise provides a slew of excellent features, including training mini-games, an enhanced playbook editor, and an in-depth franchise mode. It also features online play, with individual lobbies for gameplay difficulty. Players can choose their favorite team and compete for bragging rights, displaying their records and stats for all to see. There’s also a helpful “Football 101” tutorial mode for football newbies, which explains various plays and rules for beginners. Overall, this is an awesome football game for both newcomers and veterans alike.

#35. Virtua Fighter 4

Sega AM2/SCEE, 2002 Action » Fighting » 3D

Synopsis Pick from 13 unique characters and duke it out in a variety of interesting gameplay modes in this excellent port of the arcade fighting classic.

Short Review This awesome fighting game is wildly addictive, thanks to its great selection of game modes and cool roster of characters. Players can take on the classic Virtua Fighter experience in Arcade mode, fighting against every other character and a final boss. There’s also the challenging survival mode, where you’ll be promoted and demoted in rank based on your performance. Combat is a mix of hard-hitting martial arts and stylish attacks, resulting in visually exciting yet nuanced gameplay. Fans of arcade fighters will love learning combos and mastering their favorite characters!

#34. NCAA Football 2003

EA Sports/Electronic Arts, 2002 Sports » Team » Football » Sim

Synopsis Dive into the world of college football with an insane amount of customization and more modes than you could ever want!

Short Review This entry in the NCAA Football franchise is packed with content, allowing players to customize their favorite teams and play to their heart’s desire! There are over 140 schools in the game, but players can also create their very own. The game includes official school fight songs, as well as a wildly in-depth Dynasty mode. As you progress in Dynasty mode with your custom team, you’ll rack up a collection of real-world trophies like the Heisman Award.

#33. Shadow of the Colossus

SCE Japan Studio/SCEA, 2005 Action Adventure » General

Synopsis A young boy named Wander must slay 13 gigantic beasts known as the colossi in order to save his dying friend.

Short Review This emotional adventure is dark and challenging, tasking players with a simple objective. Riding on top of his horse named Argo, Wander roams the expansive forbidden land seeking out the massive beasts. In order to kill them, Wander must climb up their bodies and discover their weak points. The resulting gameplay is a unique combination of puzzle and action, providing a hefty dose of challenge. This game delivers some unforgettable boss fights and an emotional story, easily placing it as one of the best PlayStation 2 games ever.

#32. SoulCalibur II

Namco, 2003 Action » Fighting » 3D

Synopsis A sword that yields unimaginable power is broken into shards, and a monstrous warrior named Nightmare has begun seeking them out. As various characters also search for the shards, weapons will clash in heated fights!

Short Review This fighting game is all about awesome weapons, with tons of unique swords and axes to wield. Each character has a unique fighting style, utilizing a wide variety of different blades. Players can select from Arcade mode, Team Battle, Versus mode, Time Attack, Survival mode, and more. New weapons become available as you play, with dozens of possibilities for each character! The PlayStation 2 version also features an exclusive character: Heihachi from Tekken!

#31. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal

Insomniac Games/SCEE, 2004 Action » Platformer » 3D

Synopsis As the hero Ratchet and his robotic partner Clank enjoy time in their luxury suite in the Bogon Galaxy, word arrives that their home planet is under attack. The pair suit up and head out into space, intent on bringing peace back to the galaxy.

Short Review Although other Ratchet & Clank games are well-known for their bombastic action, this third game in the franchise amps things up even more. While there are still puzzles and platforming, you’ll spend a lot of time defeating alien enemies with a variety of unique and explosive weapons. There are 20 different weapons, and each one can be upgraded for higher firepower. There’s even a challenge mode that unlocks after you beat the main game, adding another dash of replayability.

#30. Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution

Sega, 2003 Action » Fighting » 3D

Synopsis Fists will fly in this enhanced port of Virtual Fighter 4, one of the most prestigious arcade fighting games of all time.

Short Review In addition to new features and character balancing, this version of Virtua Fighter 4 contains all the great content from the original game. Two new characters have been added: the skillful Goh and burly Brad. More content has been added to the lengthy single-player Quest mode, including a brand new tournament. Players will also love the addition of a few new arena-types, which change up fight strategy in surprising ways.

#29. TimeSplitters 2

Free Radical Design/Eidos Interactive, 2002 Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade

Synopsis When an alien race known as the TimeSplitters threaten to alter world events by traveling through time, it’s up to you to take them down in a slew of missions across history.

Short Review This inventive and content-rich shooting game delivers awesome weapons, well-designed missions, and a slew of additional modes to enjoy. Players can dive into the story mode, which takes place across ten unique missions. There’s also a comprehensive multiplayer mode, which lets you and up to fifteen friends (with use of the System Link accessory) battle in a variety of interesting game-types. There’s also an Arcade challenge mode, which pits you against a series of combat challenges. Finally, creative players can craft their own level in the Map Editor mode. Generally speaking, TimeSplitters 2 offers an endless amount of content and gameplay that calls back to classics like GoldenEye 007.

#28. Pro Evolution Soccer

KCET/Konami, 2001 Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim

Synopsis Konami’s fantastic soccer simulation game makes the jump to Western audiences for the first time ever in this stunning debut of quality.

Short Review Although FIFA usually dominates the soccer-game market, this exceptionally good sports title cemented Pro Evolution Soccer as a franchise to watch out for. There’s an abundance of content and features, including over 60 teams and a variety of unlockable athletes. The gameplay is far more challenging and realistic than the kind seen in FIFA soccer games, providing a worthwhile challenge. With tight controls, smart AI, and great attention to detail, this title stands out as one of the best sports games on PlayStation 2.

#27. Final Fantasy X

SquareSoft, 2001 Role-Playing » Japanese-Style

Synopsis When a giant monster named Sin attacks the blitzball-loving metropolis of Zanarkand, the young hero Tidus begins a lengthy adventure to exact his revenge.

Short Review This awesome Final Fantasy title is packed with strategic turn-based battles, as well as an array of colorful new locations to explore. Players can even try their hand at Zanarkand’s favorite underwater sport, blitzball! As you progress through the story, you’ll meet a variety of new characters to add to your party. Each individual character can be upgraded and improved using the new “Sphere Grid” system.

#26. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

KCEJ/Konami, 2004 Action Adventure » General

Synopsis A covert operative named Naked Snake must navigate a dangerous jungle as he attempts a rescue mission behind enemy lines.

Short Review This game serves as a prequel to the original Metal Gear, taking place thirty years prior. Players must use stealth and a variety of gadgets to survive in the hostile rain-forest terrain. A new camouflage feature encourages players to swap between outfits in order to stay hidden. Like other Metal Gear Solid games, Snake Eater is all about being efficient and deadly while avoiding discovery. The intense gameplay is interwoven with a compelling and complex story, providing a tactical experience unlike anything other.

#25. Madden NFL 2004

EA Tiburon/EA Sports, 2003 Sports » Team » Football » Sim

Synopsis Try your hand at managing every detail of a professional football team in this content-rich Madden title that redefines the franchise.

Short Review This Madden game is most well-known for the additions made to the Franchise mode. Players take on the role of a team owner, charged with hiring and firing coaches, setting merchandise prices, and much more. Players can edit teams, including the newly added historical teams. A new training camp mode will help beginners get brushed up on the basics before diving into a full season of regulation football.

#24. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Ubisoft, 2003 Action Adventure » Linear

Synopsis When a young prince discovers a mystical dagger that holds the power of time itself, his world is thrown into disarray. In order to restore humanity and fix the nature of time, the Prince must travel through increasingly dangerous lands.

Short Review This exciting action title provides players with tricky platforming, intense combat, and interesting time-manipulation mechanics. Using the magical dagger, players can rewind, slow down, and even pause time completely. This comes in handy during tough platforming sections, where a single mistake will send you plummeting to your death. The fluid gameplay and fun time mechanics make this an unforgettable experience that every PlayStation 2 owner should enjoy.

#23. Guitar Hero

Harmonix Music Systems/RedOctane, 2005 Action » Rhythm » Music

Synopsis Get ready for your time in the spotlight as you take the stage in this immersive rhythm title. With a plastic instrument in hand, you’ll jam out to an impressive list of songs and become a verified rockstar.

Short Review This rhythm game opened the floodgates for plastic instruments, starting a trend in rhythm gaming that is still prevalent today. Using the included guitar peripheral, players can rock out to over 30 different classic songs. As colored bars come down the screen, you’ll have to hit the corresponding button on your guitar controller. The songs range from modern metal hits to rock ‘n roll classics, covering a wide variety of genres. Both single-player and multiplayer modes are available, as well as multiple difficulties to test your skills.

#22. Guitar Hero II

Harmonix Music Systems/RedOctane, 2006 Action » Rhythm » Music

Synopsis This rock star simulation sequel brings more jam-worthy tunes and multiplayer modes while providing the same addictive gameplay that fans loved in the first game.

Short Review Just like in the original Guitar Hero, players will utilize their sleek plastic guitar peripherals to jam along with a variety of popular rock songs. There are over 40 different tracks included in the game, spanning both modern and classic hits. New multiplayer modes include cooperative play, which includes rhythm and bass guitar sections! A practice mode lets you slow down songs and play without any distractions, allowing you to perfect the trickiest sections.

#21. SSX 3

EA Canada/EA Sports Big, 2003 Sports » Individual » Ski / Snowboard

Synopsis Lock yourself into your snowboard and descend down an intimidating mountain in this extravagant and feature-filled followup to one of the best snowboarding games ever made.

Short Review Like previous SSX games, SSX 3 is all about pulling off ridiculously dangerous tricks at intense speeds, all while carving up snow and beating the competition. Players will compete in a variety of events scattered across the in-game mountain, ranging from trick sessions to dangerous challenges. Free-ride mode allows you to snowboard across the mountain unrestricted, enjoying the open-world aspect of the game. Big tricks and huge jumps await you in this excellent extreme-sports title.

#20. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4

Atlus, 2008 Role-Playing » Japanese-Style

Synopsis In the rural Japanese countryside town of Inaba, mysterious murders have begun. A young high school student discovers his connection to a mysterious being known as a Persona and starts investigating the crimes.

Short Review This stylish and unique RPG blends excellent combat with slice-of-life gameplay and storytelling. Playing as the unnamed protagonist, players spend each day plotting out their activities. Players can attend classes at school, participate in sports, and spend time strengthening their relationships. When you’re ready for action, players can head into “TV World”, where you’ll battle against supernatural monsters and level up each character’s Persona. The highly stylized graphics make this RPG a visual treat too, which combines well with the wacky plot.

#19. Madden NFL 2002

EA Sports/Electronic Arts Victor, 2001 Sports » Team » Football » Sim

Synopsis A smattering of gameplay modes and excellent difficulty options make this the most welcoming yet comprehensive Madden game there is.

Short Review This entry in the Madden NFL series is packed with options, making it easy for newcomers to learn the ropes. Newcomers can play on “easy mode”, which has a variety of AI-assistance to help you out. Players can jump into Exhibition games, play up to 30 seasons in Season mode, and dive deep in the expansive Franchise Mode. You can also create your own athlete and team, guiding them to victory in select modes. Deeper customization can be found in Situation mode, which lets players adjust every aspect of the game to create their fantasy setup. Plainly put, this Madden game has everything a football fan could want, and enough information to turn anyone into a football fan.

#18. SSX

EA Sports Big/Electronic Arts, 2000 Sports » Individual » Ski / Snowboard

Synopsis Speed down the slopes while pulling off incredibly dangerous tricks in this exciting and arcade-like snowboarding experience!

Short Review This snowboarding title introduced the world to the SSX franchise with its signature arcade-style and wacky attitude. Players can choose between four cool snowboarders to play as, with four additional unlockable characters to find. Races are held on exciting courses designed for big tricks, containing huge ramps, lengthy rails for grinding, and more. In addition to the competitive races, players can explore each course in Free-ride mode, finding the best trick lines available.

#17. SSX Tricky

EA Canada/EA Sports Big, 2001 Sports » Individual » Ski / Snowboard

Synopsis This snowboarding sequel adds even more color and style to an already great extreme-sports experience. Be sure to strap on a helmet, you’ll need it!

Short Review The tricks keep getting bigger in SSX Tricky, with the addition of “Uber Tricks”. During races, players can build up their boost meter and pull off insane stunts, gaining huge amounts of points. There are four game modes available, including the World Circuit, Practice, Free-ride, and Single Event. As you progress through the World Circuit, you’ll unlock new boards and characters to use, providing more customization. There are both new tracks and remixed tracks from the original game, blending together familiar and fresh content.

#16. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4

Neversoft Entertainment/Activision, 2002 Sports » Individual » Skate / Skateboard

Synopsis A brand new Career mode and online play takes this skateboarding simulator franchise to the next level!

Short Review For the first time franchise history, Pro Skater 4 introduces online play. Players can compete in six different game-types online, facing off against players across the globe. The new Career mode removes the timer element found in previous Pro Skater games, offering a more open and relaxed gameplay experience. Players can create their own skater, or choose from over 15 other characters. Secret characters like Jango Fett from Star Wars can be unlocked, each with their own unique special trick. There are tons of gaps to jump and objectives to complete in this skater’s dream-come-true.

#15. Devil May Cry

Capcom, 2001 Action Adventure » Linear

Synopsis A demon hunter named Dante travels to Mallet Island, a land ripe with enemies and foes. There, he seeks vengeance for the deaths of his family members, with his sight set on the demon villain Mundus.

Short Review Twin pistols, elaborate swords, and high-flying action are all integral parts of this explosive action title. Controlling Dante, players will fight their way through several missions, containing puzzles and enemy encounters. Your performance is graded at the end of each mission, so you’ll want to be stylish and varied in your attacks. By using the Devil Trigger ability, players can even transform Dante into a powerful creature, with its own set of attacks and abilities. This game cleverly mixes horror and action to create a unique and intense experience.

#14. Okami

Clover Studio/Capcom, 2006 Action Adventure » General

Synopsis When the fantasy land of Nippon is overtaken by a mysterious shadow, the goddess Amaterasu appears in the form of a white wolf and sets out to cleanse the land.

Short Review Like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, this adventure game has you exploring a beautiful fantasy world, finding new gear, and delving into puzzle-filled dungeons. As you find new abilities, you’ll be able to access new areas on the open-world map. The game also focuses on a unique paint-brush mechanic, where players trace various shapes and symbols. The paint mechanic is used in both puzzles and combat, becoming a key part of the experience. This beautiful game is full of exciting levels and wonderful characters, and is an absolute PlayStation 2 classic!

#13. God of War II

SCE Santa Monica/SCEA, 2007 Action Adventure » Linear

Synopsis When Kratos’ god-like powers are stolen by the Greek god Zeus, he embarks on yet another violent and rage-filled rampage of revenge.

Short Review Like the original God of War game, this sequel is packed with bloody combat, interesting puzzles, and awesome levels. The lengthy adventure takes you to various lands of Greek mythology, including the Palace of Fates and Mount Olympus. New weapons and gear can be found as you progress and can be further upgraded by spending experience orbs you earn during play. You’ll need all the power you can muster to take down the huge and intimidating bosses, which are some of the best that the PlayStation 2 has to offer!

#12. World Soccer Winning Eleven 7 International

KCET/Konami, 2004 Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim

Synopsis New graphics, a brand new shop mode, and an expanded Master League make this a worthy successor in the Pro Evolution Soccer franchise!

Short Review Once again, this soccer franchise impresses fans with challenging enemy AI, rich features, and cool unlockable content. There are over 60 clubs to play as, including a selection of fully licensed Italian teams. Master League mode is now larger, with four full divisions of play. You can trade-in your earned points in the addictive Shop mode, where hidden items and goodies can be purchased. Gameplay is realistic and tough, offering a decent challenge for soccer fans and newcomers alike.

#11. Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence

Aspect/Konami, 2006 Casual » Compilation

Synopsis This enhanced version of Metal Gear Solid 3 adds in brand new modes, as well as remastered versions of the first two Metal Gear games!

Short Review This two-disc package has tons of Metal Gear content, including the full Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater story. Players can also enjoy the original Metal Gear games, packed together with the exclusive online mode. Online play supports up to eight players at a time, with five major game-types. With all the extra features and added multiplayer support, this is the definitive Metal Gear Solid 3 version.

#10. NCAA Football 2004

EA Sports, 2003 Sports » Team » Football » Sim

Synopsis College football is at its finest in this expansive simulation title, which introduces online play into the franchise.

Short Review This entry in the NCAA Football franchise makes some key improvements in gameplay and brings a handful of new modes. This includes the College Classics mode, which allows players to relive historical college football match-ups. Players can also compete in online multiplayer, testing their strategies against other players on the network. Improved opponent AI and smoother animations provide a more realistic are just a few of the tweaks that have been made in this iteration. Check it out on Amazon »

#9. Burnout 3: Takedown

Criterion Games/Electronic Arts, 2004 Racing » Arcade » Automobile

Synopsis Compete in the Burnout World Tour and engage in death-defying races. The brand new Takedown mechanic makes races even more destructive!

Short Review Like other Burnout titles, this entry contains a lengthy single-player career in the form of World Tour mode. The most notable addition is “Takedowns”, which now enable you to cause opposing cars to crash and burn with aggressive action. There are a variety of race-types, including the fan-favorite Crash mode and the all-new Road Rage mode. Multiplayer options are available as well, supporting both local and online multiplayer. This hectic arcade-racer is full of explosive action, and one of the finest racing games on the PlayStation 2. Check it out on Amazon »

#8. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3

Neversoft Entertainment/Activision, 2001 Sports » Individual » Skate / Skateboard

Synopsis Loosen up your skateboard trucks and prepare for incredibly lengthy combos in this awesome sequel in the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater franchise.

Short Review This addictive skateboarding presents players with intricate levels and a series of objectives to complete. Levels are crafted for long trick lines, and the new “revert” mechanic allows you to keep those combos going for longer. Players will love the endlessly replayable and competitive nature of the gameplay, which encourages you to continue shooting for the highest score possible. This game also stands out as the first PlayStation 2 game to contain online capabilities, marking a historic change for the platform. Check it out on Amazon »

#7. God of War

SCE Santa Monica/SCEA, 2005 Action Adventure » Linear

Synopsis In the brutal world of Greek mythology, a spartan soldier named Kratos seeks vengeance for the death of his family. Ordered by the goddess Athena, Kratos attempts to kill the Greek god of war, Ares.

Short Review Often regarded as one of the best action games of all-time, God of War effortlessly blends bloody combat and puzzle elements into an immersive experience. The story of Kratos is compelling and adult, one filled with mature themes and bloodshed. The gameplay reflects this story, as Kratos can cut down his many foes with a variety of weapons. Players can level up Kratos’ powers as they find collectibles hidden in the environment. Most levels are punctuated by exciting boss fights, many taken directly from Greek mythology. Check it out on Amazon »

#6. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2002 Action Adventure » Open-World

Synopsis Set in the fictional Vice City in 1986, a drug-dealing mobster named Tommy Vercetti works his way up the organized crime ladder. In an era filled with s*x, dr*gs, and rock ‘n roll, Tommy Vercetti finds himself on the wrong side of the law.

Short Review This amazing open-world game invites players to step into the shoes of Tommy Vercetti, a violent and notorious gangster. Players can undertake a series of missions, where they must steal cars, deliver drugs, and eliminate enemy gangs. Areas of the city are unlocked as you progress through the game, and you’re free to roam around as you see fit. In order to stay out of prison, you’ll have to evade the police as you break the law, whether through stealth or offensive mayhem. This playground of action provides an unforgettable mobster story, along with an interesting and evocative environment to explore. Check it out on Amazon »

#5. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec

Polyphony Digital/SCEE, 2001 Racing » Simulation » Automobile

Synopsis Enjoy the most realistic and feature-rich racing title on the PlayStation 2, with amazing graphics and incredible attention to detail.

Short Review This game provides incredibly realistic graphics and a ton of gameplay for car-enthusiasts to enjoy. The extensive Simulation mode contains a wide variety of challenges to complete, ranging from simple joy-rides to lengthy endurance races. There are nearly twenty different tracks to race on, including both asphalt and dirt variants. There are a plethora of cars to unlock, including unofficial Formula One cars. Although it might take a bit of practice to learn the controls, Grand Turismo offers unprecedented realism and one of the best racing experiences around. Check it out on Amazon »

#4. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2004 Action Adventure » Open-World

Synopsis In the fictional west coast state of San Andreas, a young man named CJ attempts to revive his former gang and become the king of street crime.

Short Review San Andreas offers the largest explorable map in the Grand Theft Auto PlayStation 2 series, with multiple cities and countrysides to explore. In addition to completing missions and progressing the story, players must keep an eye on CJ’s core attributes. There are an assortment of skill meters to improve, including driving and gun proficiency, stamina, and more. An abundance of hidden secrets encourages players to explore every nook and cranny of the map. Like other Grand Theft Auto titles, players can explore the map at their leisure, enjoying missions in a non-linear fashion. Check it out on Amazon »

#3. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

KCEJ/Konami, 2001 Action Adventure » General

Synopsis When a terrorist group known as the “Sons of Liberty” takes the President of the United States hostage in a remote facility, a stealth expert named Raiden attempts to infiltrate and extract.

Short Review This sequel to the PlayStation classic Metal Gear Solid, players control Raiden, a special agent in the group known as FOXHOUND. In order to complete their mission, players must explore the industrial facility, sneaking through vents and avoiding enemy detection. Raiden can utilize a handful of gadgets and weapons, but the main focus is on stealth and evasive maneuvers. The extravagant and complex story is full of intrigue and espionage, guaranteed to both confuse and excite you. Check it out on Amazon »

#2. Grand Theft Auto III

DMA Design/Capcom, 2001 Action Adventure » Open-World

Synopsis Arriving in the metropolitan Liberty City, an escaped convict named Claude tries to evade police capture while working in the criminal underworld.

Short Review The Grand Theft Auto franchise made the jump to 3D in this incredibly influential and controversial action game. It essentially paved the way for many modern open-world games, with the introduction of non-linear game design. Controlling Claude, players must complete missions for various characters spread across the city, including placing bombs, executing gang members, and more. Players are free to steal cars and cause mayhem, but the police enforce the law with deadly effect. Widely regarded as one of the most violent games of its generation, Grand Theft Auto III defined storytelling for many generations to come. Check it out on Amazon »

#1. Resident Evil 4

Capcom, 2005 Action Adventure » Survival

Synopsis In a rural and remote part of Europe, the President’s daughter has been kidnapped by a sadistic cult. It’s up to elite government agent Leon Kennedy to save her.

Short Review This influential horror game gave birth the common “over the shoulder” camera angle seen in many modern games. As Leon, players must navigate creepy and deadly environments, where crazed cultists and violent villagers await around every turn. Ammo and health items are often sparse, forcing players to consider survival over killing every enemy. Various environmental puzzles halt your progress and will require quick-thinking and smart wit in order to succeed. There’s a wide variety of unlockable content, including costumes, weapons, and new game modes. This is a game that’s quality through and through, and worth playing for hours and hours upon end. Check it out on Amazon »

Are your favorite games on the list? Leave a comment below!

If you think there are games that should OR shouldn’t be on this list, let us know by leaving a comment below.

Having a conversation on which PS2 game is the best is (probably) a never ending topic, but it’s fun!