On March 4, 2000, PlayStation 2 was released. This iconic and incredibly successful system introduced countless classic titles, many of which are still fondly remembered by nostalgic fans.
These will not only include the top ten exclusively on PlayStation 2, but also the games that felt great to play on the system: the best classics. Some of them will certainly be known by almost all gamers, while others will be more familiar to PlayStation 2 experts in particular. Regardless, they are all great titles and essential additions to any library of beloved console games.
10. Sly Cooper and Thievius Raccoonus
Sly Cooper and Thievius Raccoonus introduced the platformer genre infiltration. It also created a story that, even with general plot points (the main protagonist, Sly, is driven by revenge), will feel refreshed by the witty dialogue between Sly and his partners. It has an easy-to-follow but fun plot formula.
Moreover, the gameplay is creative and enjoyable from the moment the players reach the start to their last boss. The reason why this platformer is ranked 10th is that although it has a unique touch in the platformer genre, the game mechanics can feel solid. It also seems to end as soon as it starts with a short seven-hour mark.
9. Guitar Hero
Guitar Hero was one of the first games that made players feel like rock stars from the comfort of their own home. The music selection contained 30 original songs, 2 hidden songs, and 17 bonus tracks. It featured music from an eclectic mix of bands and artists, such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Ozzy Osbourne.
The game arrived with the iconic guitar tip, which has come to define the string. The mechanics of the game were as simple as playing and tapping some colorful buttons, yet they were hard to master (some challenging songs, as always, are a real test of mastery). This added many hours of replay to the experience, however it is the limited song library compared to its backgrounds that held it back somewhat.
8. Kingdom Hearts
No one ever expected a collaboration between Square Enix and Disney. Then, all of a sudden, the world was given Kingdom Hearts. The game offers a great mix of fan-favorite Disney and Square Enix characters. There is also interplanetary travel and space combat, given the experience has a great sense of scope. Primarily, though, it’s about the characters, and as fans of the series know, the first installment is a game with a heart-wrenching story.
As a debut release, although the title has its drawbacks. Kingdom Hearts combat might be the most limited in the series, with attacks feeling slow and magical progression nowhere near as glamorous as in other Square Enix games. It was a really innovative experience.
7. Jack II
Jack II was a triumph, introducing something very different from the original Jack and Daxter. This game comes in a swing by taking the same platforming concepts from the first Jak and Daxter game while adding a heavy dose of grit.
Jak II is a mix of Grand Theft Auto and the platformer genre, adding the ability to turn Jak into a super powerful version of himself into the actions. In all, passing through each level with smooth control of Jack’s movement while shooting enemies and stealing futuristic vehicles was a revolution. The main problem with Jak II is that the pivotal world can feel empty, unlike the life-filled Grand Theft Auto games. The weapon variety is also much smaller and more uninspiring than newcomers might expect.
6. Ratchet and rumble
Ratchet & Clank was a platform game with a great deal of humor, a unique design, and unparalleled weapon options. Players start with a wrench and can get a gun that turns enemies into chickens. This is not something you see every day.
The story is a real blast, with each character bringing a different form of humor into the mix. Apart from the story, the gameplay is where the game stands out. Traveling across different planets keeps the scenery fresh, and battles well with each planet’s unique platforming challenges. In this way, the game offers continuous progression while maintaining a manageable difficulty curve. It’s a relentless, laugh-out-loud experience, but her story isn’t very imaginative.
5. God of War
The God of War series has risen to become one of the most popular PlayStation games since its introduction in 2005. The intriguing introduction and setting, along with its deep and engaging action, made it a sure winner from the get-go.
The combat is fast and deep, and it remains varied and exciting throughout by allowing players to upgrade various abilities of protagonist Kratos. There are also quick mini-games that allow fans to eliminate each enemy and boss in unique ways. For a combat-focused game, it’s not a one-note experience: the puzzles players encounter are intuitive and detail the action without compromising its flow too much. The reason this game takes 5th place is because the story doesn’t come close to being as good as the God of War story of 2018. Great composition, but made better by later revision.
4. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
No other game on PlayStation 2 does a better job of summarizing life’s struggles than GTA: San Andreas. The setting is captivating, trying to get five stars by causing random destruction is more fun than ever, but the experience goes deeper than that: San Andreas has a story that surprises players with its emotional depth.
At the time of its release, the customization options were fairly extensive, and the package was really impressive in terms of size. It’s been eclipsed ever since, of course, but all the familiar entertaining Grand Theft Auto fans have been present and right here, and it’s still a blast.
3. Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 was originally a GameCube exclusive that was later ported to PlayStation 2. The much-anticipated Sony system release added the Separate Ways mission, which added a playable character, extended the original story, and also threw an exclusive war mission.
The game is still considered one of the best survival horror experiences ever. It has revolutionized the series by adding precision aiming and enemies that interact with players’ shots. Resident Evil 4 provides the player with limited ammo and resources (although certainly not as much as its predecessors did), which leads to impressive situations when facing different types of enemies. All in all, it’s an unforgettable experience that leaves players on the edge of their seat, but also makes them never want to leave that edge until they’ve finished playing through the story.
2. Psychonauts
Psychonauts is a hidden gem with a huge following. It’s a platform game that takes the genre in a different way. The main character, Razputin, uses psychic abilities to deal with various enemies. Although the mechanisms are smooth, the level design is the real advantage.
Each level in Psychonauts takes place in the mind of a troubled character. However, the game deals with very heavy and important themes of mental health struggles, depicting them through colorful artistic backgrounds specific to each character’s mind. The protagonist is always in the other’s mind fighting his traumas, and with the guidance of Razputin, these NPCs are able to triumph. Overall, Psychonauts sounds like an ode to mental health, a topic that games can help a lot to tackle.
1. Shadow of the Giant
The Shadow of the Giant is a constantly moving piece of art. The story unfolds in a mysterious way, reflected in the beautiful and mysterious region that the protagonist explores. The only enemies players face are the titan, and each represents a gigantic and unforgettable battle.
The gameplay sees players as desperate to scale giant monsters in an effort to find and kill their weak points. The game blends stamina management and parkour mechanics to face challenging situations. As a whole, Shadow of the Colossus is an experience that distinguishes itself with its fascinating, tragic, and beautiful narrative.
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