10 Best PS2 Co-op Games, Ranked

The PlayStation 2 (PS2) has been one of the highest-selling video game consoles in history, demonstrating that Sony’s simple gray console wasn’t merely a coincidence or a one-time success.

The console flew off the shelves rapidly, being an economical option that allowed numerous families to acquire a DVD player. Interestingly enough, the included games turned out to be quite an enjoyable extra as well.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but reminisce about the glory days of my PlayStation 2 (PS2). Its game library is nothing short of legendary, catering to even the pickiest of gamers. Yet, if you’re seeking top-notch cooperative gaming experiences, the selection might seem a bit limited. Fret not, fellow gamer! Here are some stellar PS2 games that offer an unforgettable co-op experience:

1. Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando – Join forces with your buddy and embark on an intergalactic adventure filled with witty banter, creative weapons, and epic boss battles.

2. Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy – Travel across the vibrant world of Spara as Jak and Daxter, solving puzzles, battling enemies, and uncovering secrets together.

3. TimeSplitters 2 – Step into a time machine and traverse various eras while taking down waves of enemies in this fast-paced, action-packed first-person shooter.

4. SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs – Experience the thrill of military operations alongside your comrades in this tactical, team-based first-person shooter.

5. Beyond Good & Evil – Work together as Jade and Pey’j to uncover the truth behind the mysterious alien invasion and save the planet from destruction.

10. Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks

Fatality!

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that the Mortal Kombat series has earned legendary status within the fighting game genre. Sure, they’ve had their ups and downs when it comes to content outside traditional 1V1 battles (I’m still scratching my head over Mythologies: Sub Zero), but Shaolin Monks is one of the exceptions that prove the rule.

Shaolin Monks” is an action-packed 3D video game that revisits the timeline of Mortal Kombat 2. The game features characters that can be unlocked, but primarily focuses on Liu Kang and Kung Lao as they embark on a quest to explore the realm of Outworld.

The two playable warriors aren’t just by chance, since the entire campaign can be played cooperatively. Given how poorly received Mythologies: Sub Zero was, Shaolin Monks seems almost like an apology and surprisingly top-notch in quality from start to finish.

Although the style of battle and maneuvering varies significantly from that of a tournament combatant, the combat remains fluid and reactive, preserving the graphic violence and brutality the series is renowned for.

9. Metal Slug: Anthology

A Top-Tier Bundle Of Classics

The Metal Slug series embodies the best aspects of classic arcade shooting games. Due to their concise play duration, they offer intense gameplay that’s tough but rewarding, making them ideal for multiple replays.

The “Metal Slug Anthology” for the PlayStation 2 includes an impressive total of seven games from SNK’s renowned series, delivering intense side-scrolling action without any let-up until the end credits appear.

In these games, boss fights offer a delightful blend of creativity and sheer absurdity. Despite their difficulty, the games themselves are designed to be user-friendly, thanks to the intuitive simplicity of their control systems.

Discussing the nuances of the game “Metal Slug” on various platforms may lead to debates, but it performs well on PS2. Notably, every title in the series was designed with cooperative play in mind. If you’re playing with a friend and have limited time, this collection is an obvious choice.

8. Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures

They’re Digging In The Wrong Place

During the PlayStation 2 era, there was a lot of excitement as numerous new franchise concepts emerged, many of which we continue to cherish. One such franchise is Lego, which has essentially maintained its core characteristics over time.

In simpler terms, Lego Indiana Jones offers a cooperative gaming experience where players engage in combat, jump, and construct various elements as they progress through scenes inspired by the original Indiana Jones trilogy. It’s an enjoyable, tension-free pastime suitable for all ages, and you have the option to assume roles like Short Round or even Indy himself.

Puzzles may seem quite basic, but this simplicity is intentional. The Lego games, including those on the PlayStation 2, are known for their accessibility.

To be truthful, any Lego game for the console was a strong contender for the list, but since there’s another Star Wars game scheduled later, we opted for Indiana Jones who recently received a new title.

7. Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance

A Great Introduction To The Genre

Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance holds a unique, albeit peculiar, spot in my heart, being an outstanding Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG).

The “Dark Alliance” game offers an enjoyable, cooperative experience right from the beginning, and it’s an isometric dungeon crawler. You’ll find yourself continually drawn in by the enticing gameplay loop as you chase after the next exciting equipment upgrade or character level-up.

Each character offers a unique experience to play, and the three distinct story phases transport you across various landscapes, from tight, confined caverns to expansive woodlands.

The game Dark Alliance holds a unique place in my heart, as it was the one that I played so much I ended up feeling unwell. To put it simply, I wasn’t the strongest gamer I am today back then.>

The classic game, Baldur’s Gate, remains an unforgettable experience whether you play it alone or with another person. Its sequel is not only enjoyable but also demonstrates such exceptional quality that modern Action Role-Playing Games (ARPGs) could learn a thing or two from it.

6. Time Crisis 2

If You Have The Hardware

During the PlayStation 2 period, arcade games were thriving, and Time Crisis stood out as one of the top choices in any game hall. After all, who can resist the thrill of a rail shooter game?

It’s even better news that you can now own Time Crisis 2 at home, specifically for your PlayStation 2. Notably, if you decide to purchase this game, it will include the GCon 2 Light Gun and a pedal as part of the package.

If you had two guns at your disposal, you could engage in play with a friend. A beginner would easily complete the game “Time Crisis 2“, but it has several sections where there are various paths to choose from. You can switch characters to approach different scenes from a new angle.

From my perspective, Time Crisis veered off course after the third installment for me, but the second one is incredibly engaging and worth multiple replays. If split-screen action isn’t your thing, consider giving Vampire Night a try instead. Regrettably, light guns are an antique now and don’t function on modern TVs, which makes including them in my top picks a bit challenging.

5. Champions of Norrath

Another Superb Console ARPG

Although I still consider Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance as my top choice for an Action RPG on this platform, there were quite a few other titles that came close to claiming it.

In simpler terms, “Champions of Norrath” is a game that provides the same captivating gameplay pattern, only on a more expansive level. This game is also an exceptional action role-playing game in the fantasy genre, featuring procedurally generated worlds, ensuring each playthrough offers a unique experience.

The scale is noteworthy, since up to four players can engage concurrently, which means Norrath offers a compelling reason to pull out the multiplayer tap. Moreover, there are five distinct character classes to choose from, ensuring that you’ll want to return for another playthrough.

If you’re seeking a rich Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG) that allows for cooperative play across several gaming sessions, Champions of Norrath or its subsequent version would be an excellent choice.

4. Star Wars: Battlefront 2

Iconic Battles On A Grand Scale

Despite your current opinions about the franchise, it’s worth noting that the PlayStation 2 boasted some exceptional Star Wars video games. Among them was an outstanding cooperative game.

In Star Wars: Battlefront 2, you’re thrust into epic conflicts throughout the galaxy against computer-controlled enemies. You can assume roles of iconic Star Wars characters from the lore, however, your playtime is primarily as a standard soldier due to the limited availability of hero characters.

2015’s release, Star Wars: Battlefront, continues to be marred by its public relations mishaps and the controversial statement about a ‘sense of pride and accomplishment.’ This phrase sparked outrage among gamers because it was in stark contrast with the already complete experience offered by Battlefront 2 on the PS2, which did not rely on aggressive monetization.

3. Timesplitters: Future Perfect

One Of The PS2’s Finest Shooters

Timesplitters: Future Perfect concludes a trio of outstanding first-person shooter games for the PlayStation 2. Each installment in this series is worth experiencing, yet the third one stands out with its superior cooperative gameplay.

In each game from the Timesplitters series, you can set up multiplayer contests where you and a buddy engage in battles against AI. However, what sets Future Perfect apart is that it enables you to collaborate on the campaign as well.

Among all the stories, the one for Future Perfect stands out as the most detailed. Admittedly, it can seem a bit confusing at times, but its unique time-travel concept provides an intriguing opportunity to offer players a variety of weapons and settings from different eras.

Additionally, let me tell you that the Future Perfect is not just good, but exceptionally well-crafted, standing out as the most polished game in its genre. If you’ve yet to give it a try, I highly recommend you do so and join us in our shared longing for a Timesplitters 4, which unfortunately seems unlikely to materialize.

2. Dynasty Warriors 5

Become Feared On The Battlefield

With a “Dynasty Warriors” game, you can consistently expect the same experience, as their basic structure has remained quite similar for more than a decade.

In comparison to other versions, it’s widely considered that Dynasty Warriors 5 boasts the richest content on the PlayStation 2, providing epic battles in which you can assume the role of a general.

If you’ve ever pondered what it’s like to command as a leading character, you can get a taste of that in the game Dynasty Warriors. You’ll have the ability to effortlessly fell numerous faceless soldiers with just one strike, and the only adversaries who might give you trouble are other high-ranking officers.

Don’t get too comfortable with past successes, for they might turn into regrets! The gameplay of Dynasty Warriors is both straightforward yet captivating, and joining forces with a friend in an expansive battlefield is truly enjoyable. Each general possesses unique equipment, and there are multiple gaming options to discover, such as time challenges.

1. The Adventures of Cookie and Cream

You Won’t Believe Who Made This!

Every game in this compilation incorporates cooperative aspects, yet only a few truly embody them as their core. The exceptional cooperative game, The Adventures of Cookie and Cream, is specifically designed for two players. By the way, did you know it’s developed by FromSoftware?

Cooperative elements are present in all games on this list, but only a select few make cooperative gameplay their primary focus. The Adventures of Cookie and Cream, an extraordinary co-op game, is uniquely crafted for two players. Incidentally, you should know that it’s developed by FromSoftware!

Previously, FromSoftware tested player resilience not through Dark Souls, but rather by employing adorable rabbits in the challenge – The Adventures of Cookie and Cream is a challenging side-scrolling game that requires teamwork for two players to surmount the intricate hurdles.

The challenge lies in the fact that several obstacles can only be overcome when you work together as a team. For instance, there are straightforward puzzles such as one member standing on a switch to activate a bridge for another. Additionally, there are more creative scenarios, like one player having to pull a chain with a crocodile, ensuring their companion doesn’t become the crocodile’s meal.

The chosen color scheme, which stands out prominently, deviates significantly from what FromSoftware typically employs, yet it manages to flawlessly adhere to its distinctive style, and the game doesn’t shy away from challenging players.

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2025-01-27 17:10