The Playstation 2 was one of the most successful game consoles ever, with an impressive game library that couldn’t be matched by its two rivals, the Xbox and the Gamecube. Many of my favorite games ever were created exclusively for that console. Here’s a list of some the best PS2 games ever made.
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Top Ten Playstation 2 Games
10 –  Katamari Damacy (Developed and published by Namco in 2004)
Katamari Damacy is a very simple game, yet incredibly addictive. The graphics are weird, the story is silly, and all you do is rolling a ball over random objects to make it bigger. And yet somehow, Katamari manages to hook you until the end. |
9 –  Jak and Daxter (Developed by Naughty Dog, published by Sony in 2001)
Jak and Daxter didn’t bring anything new to the platforming genre, but it was an excellent game nonetheless. The graphics are topnotch, the controls easy to master, and the characters (especially Daxter) very funny. In short, it is platforming at its best. |
8 –  Silent Hill 3 (Developed and published by Konami in 2003)
While some fans will argue that Silent Hill 2 is the best game of the series, my personal favorite is the third episode. Its incredible visuals, creepy sound effects, and disturbing characters make for one of the scariest games ever. You’ll find yourself running in panic whenever you hear the crackling static from your radio grow louder as the game’s demonic creatures close in on Heather, the main character. |
7 –  Okami (Developed by Clover, published by Capcom in 2006)
While Okami was critically acclaimed by the press, its sales were disappointing, which is unfortunate, as it was one the most original games ever created for the PS2. With a fantastic visual style, tons of quests and side quests to keep you busy, and the unique ability to change your surroundings with a paintbrush, it is a game unlike any other. If you don’t own a Nintendo console, this is the closest thing to a Zelda game you can get. |
6-  Tekken 5 (Developed and published by Namco in 2005)
If you like fighting games, you can’t go wrong with Tekken 5. Exciting combos, great characters, beautiful graphics, and challenging boss fights are only a sample of what this outstanding game has to offer. Welcome to the tournament! |
5 –  Final Fantasy XII (Developed and published by Square Enix in 2006)
One of the last great PS2 games, Final Fantasy XII pushed the aging PS2 hardware to its limit. While the battle system didn’t please everyone, the incredible visuals, charismatic characters, and great storyline made up for this minor complaint. Congratulation, Square Enix, you did an impressive job here! |
4 –  Gran Turismo 4 (Developed by Polyphony Digital, published by Sony in 2005)
The Gran Turismo series is widely considered as the best racing games in the market. With more than 700 cars available, great graphics, and 50 racetracks to choose from, racing doesn’t get much better than this. Start your engine! |
3 –  God of War (Developed and published by Sony in 2005)
This list wouldn’t be complete without God of War, a spectacular technical achievement that showed off the PS2’s strength. Gorgeous settings, epic storyline, and fierce battles against mythological creatures, slaying a god has never been this fun. Oh, did I mention that the main character is an absolute badass? |
2 –  Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection (Developed and published by Konami in 2006)
I gotta admit, I’m not fond of the Metal Gear Solid series, but I can see why it’s so popular. With an excellent storyline, a charismatic main character, and innovative features such as the ability to wear camouflage, Metal Gear Solid 3 brings stealth action to a whole new level. Snake, do you copy? |
………And my #1 |
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (Developed and published by Rockstar in 2004)
This is a game that every PS2 gamer should own. There are just so many things to do: you can hijack cars, take on a taxi mission, modify your car, try your luck at a casino, or go crazy and shoot everybody in sight. With an enormous map and new features such as upgradeable skills, San Andreas is definitely the best title of the GTA series.
Ico (Developed and published by Sony in 2001)
While Ico sold poorly, it did become a cult game. Charming characters, creative puzzles, and a unique visual style made Ico an incredibly immersive game, albeit a short one. It’s games like this that keep me interested in videogaming.
Other great games that didn’t make it on the list: Soul Calibur 3, Sly Cooper 3, Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal, Devil May Cry 3, Guitar Hero 2, Resident Evil 4, Indigo Prophecy (Fahrenheit), Onimusha 3, Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution, Dragon Quest 8, Kingdom Hearts 2.
By Michael Young. For more information, visit Consumer Top 10 now.
