The Top 10 PlayStation 2 Games

In the 2000s, the PlayStation 2 was not just a niche video game console, but one of the most popular electronic devices worldwide. As both the successor to the massively popular original PlayStation and a remarkably affordable DVD player at the time, the PlayStation 2 sold millions of units based on functionality and brand loyalty alone. It has since been crowned the best-selling console in gaming history, helped in large part by its enormous library of over 4,000 games, many of which have become global phenomenons in their own right. As the PlayStation 2 nears its 25th anniversary, we're taking a look at the many masterpieces that graced this timeless console. In no particular order, these are our picks for the top 10 PlayStation 2 games of all time.

The Greatest PlayStation 2 Games Ever Made

10. Burnout 3: Takedown

Burnout 3: Takedown was developed by Criterion Games, and as a part of the exciting Burnout racing series, this title offers some seriously aggressive gameplay. Unlike the realistic style of many racing games before it, Burnout 3: Takedown employs an arcade-style control scheme with high-octane racing, where forcing your opponent to crash is a completely viable tactic. Across the game's single-player campaign, you'll unlock over 50 different cars, compete in a variety of game modes, and swap paint with more opponents than you can count. These factors all meld together for an excellent multiplayer mode, which supports both split-screen and online options. Altogether, Burnout 3: Takedown pushed the envelope of the racing genre, leading to the crazy titles that we have today.

9. God of War II

The story of Kratos, the Spartan soldier of myth who was betrayed by the Greek gods, is one of the most timeless tales in all of video games. God of War II is the second entry in Kratos' saga, and is a textbook example of a sequel done right. In his second adventure, Kratos embarks on a quest for revenge against Zeus, the most powerful Greek god of myth. Equipped with a set of deadly blades, you hack and slash your way through a series of stunning levels, ripe with set piece moments, amazing bosses, and lots of blood and gore. God of War II is incredibly cinematic, tons of fun to play, adds several new features that improve the overall experience, and as such, is easily one of the best PlayStation 2 games of all time.

8. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Speaking of cinematic games, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is a noteworthy game not just for its incredible gameplay, but its rich, nuanced story as well. Created by the superstar game designer, Hideo Kojima, Metal Gear Solid 2 follows a fresh-faced special agent named Raiden, who travels to a facility on the ocean to take down a group of terrorists. As a stealth game, MGS2 features advanced enemy AI, first and third person action, a dynamic cover system, and much more. Furthermore, the narrative is a political espionage thriller that was notably adult and complex for it's a time, marking a step forward for gaming as a whole. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is not just one of the best PlayStation 2 games ever made, but also one of the most influential titles in gaming history.

7. Final Fantasy X

When SquareSoft brought their renowned turn-based RPG series, Final Fantasy, to the PlayStation 2, they did so with impeccable style. The tenth mainline game in this massive franchise, Final Fantasy X was the first Final Fantasy for the console, bringing with it a slew of gameplay and gameplay advancements. Set in the fantasy world of Spira, the game follows the quirky protagonist, Tidus, who searches for his missing father after his home city is decimated by the raging monsters named Sin. Full 3D rendered backgrounds, a new combat system, and one of the best mini-games ever in the form of “Blitzball” makes Final Fantasy X a turn-based RPG that is still emotional and entertaining decades after its initial release.

6. Tony Hawk's Underground

By the time the PlayStation 2 rolled around, the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series was already booming in popularity, but developer Neversoft wanted to try something a bit different. Whereas the first four games in the series were contained to relatively small levels, Tony Hawk's Underground opened up the experience, making it a non-linear, open-world style skating adventure. Starting off as an aspiring skater living in New Jersey, you travel across the country in your bid to become a professional skater. In addition to the excellent story mode, which features a massive amount of customization and character, there's also a suite of multiplayer modes that provide endless fun for you and your friends. Better skating controls, more content, and some of the best skating environments in gaming history make Tony Hawk's Underground a PS2 classic.

5. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock

The first Guitar Hero game was a smash hit when it was released in 2005, and by the time Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock hit shelves in 2007, the formula was essentially perfected. In this iconic rhythm game, players use a plastic guitar peripheral and jam along on over 70 different rock tracks. Also developed by Neversoft, Guitar Hero III marks an increased difficulty from previous games, while also adding in online functionality for multiplayer, an animated story for Career Mode, a brand new Co-op Career mode, and much more. For gamers who grew up listening to the likes of The Rolling Stones, Kiss, Alice Cooper, and more, Guitar Hero III offers the feeling of being a rock god, but without the pain of learning an instrument for the first time.

4. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal

The Ratchet & Clank franchise is a sci-fi series with Pixar vibes, following two jovial characters on a heroic journey across the galaxy. Ratchet, the main fuzzy protagonist, uses an arsenal of extremely overpowered weapons to get the job done, leading to some of the most enjoyable third-person shooting available on the PlayStation 2. As the third game in the series, Up Your Arsenal simply turned up the dial of excitement, offering more weapons, gadgets, upgrades, and gameplay features. As a nice bonus, it also featured hectic online multiplayer, but as is the case with most PlayStation 2 games, the service has since been shut down. Despite that, Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal remains one of the most bombastic third-person shooters on the PlayStation 2, and unlike many others, is family-friendly enough for kids to play. It's no wonder why Ratchet & Clank has continued to be a system seller even in the modern day, as it provides some plain 'ol explosive gaming fun.

3. The Warriors

Based on the cult classic 1979 movie of the same name, The Warriors was created by Rockstar Games, who also produced the controversial Grand Theft Auto franchise. Just like in the film, The Warriors follows a gang who lives in Coney Island, and after being framed for a murder, must fight their way across New York to return home unscathed. In many ways, The Warriors defies all expectations. Not only is this a great beat 'em up game, in an era where beat 'em ups were rare and mostly repetitive, but it's also a faithful adaptation that builds on the original story in some smart and cool ways. Not only does it feature good storytelling and fun gameplay, but there's some interesting exploration, wild quick-time events, and lots of extras to check out. Pound for pound, The Warriors is easily the best beat 'em up game on the PlayStation 2, though it has plenty of good competition.

2. Silent Hill 2

There are scary games, and then there is Silent Hill. Unnerving and suspenseful as can be, this series has earned a reputation for being truly disturbing rather than in-your-face with blood and gore. In this sequel, developed by Konami, players control James Sunderland, a man who finds himself exploring the supernatural town of Silent Hill to locate his late wife. Unfortunately, James' quest is also full of horrifying creatures, mind-bending puzzles, and some of the most uncomfortable locations you could ask for. Like Resident Evil did on the original PlayStation, Silent Hill 2 sticks out as a memorable experience with a notable artistry, and one of the best survival horror games on the PS2, or any other console, for that matter.

1. Grand Theft Auto III

The Grand Theft Auto franchise and the PlayStation 2 go together like peanut butter and jelly, almost as if they were made to be combined. Grand Theft Auto III kicked off the timeless PlayStation 2 trilogy, and brought the world of violent crime into stunning 3D. While controlling the escaped convict, Claude, players are granted an immense amount of freedom, where they can undertake missions, steal cars, run from the cops, and cause as much chaos as they want around the streets of Liberty City. Grand Theft Auto III was the foundation of so many open-world games that followed, serving as a prime example of how an interesting world and exciting gameplay can carry an experience into infamy. It also helped that Grand Theft Auto III was the most controversial game of its time, mostly due to the high levels of violence, which propelled sales of the game into the stratosphere. While you could easily make the argument that Grand Theft Auto: Vice City or San Andreas are the superior games in the series, Grand Theft Auto III is the game that started it all, and it has become synonymous with the PlayStation 2 as far as pop culture is concerned.