The PlayStation 2 was a truly exceptional console. Building on the success of the original PlayStation, it offered significantly improved graphics and performance. Beyond playing PS1 games, it also supported CDs and became a popular, affordable DVD player for many years.
What really made the PlayStation 2 special was its incredible selection of games – truly one of the best ever. Many of these classics still hold up beautifully and are perfectly enjoyable to play on the original console. While updated versions and remakes exist, a great game should still be fun without any changes. The console’s best titles span many different genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Final Fantasy 10
A Pilgrimage With No End
Final Fantasy 10 is a fantastic role-playing game with a turn-based combat system, and it’s been re-released on several platforms through HD collections. However, many players still enjoy the original PlayStation 2 version, and some even prefer it because it doesn’t include added content like the Dark Aeons.
The game stood out with its unique turn-based battles, letting players switch characters during fights. Players could also directly control summoned creatures, and while the story was deeply emotional and often heartbreaking, it felt genuine. Plus, the included Blitzball mini-game is arguably the best one in the entire series.
God Of War
For Sparta!
The original *God of War* brought something new to the PlayStation 2: a game for mature audiences that didn’t shy away from intense action and violence. It featured Kratos, a flawed but relatable main character driven by a clear desire for revenge, though his methods were often questionable.
Kratos, whether you love or dislike him, is one of PlayStation’s most recognizable characters. He underwent a significant and positive change in the 2018 game, and his earlier adventures were also remastered for the PlayStation 3 in an HD collection.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Taking Back The Streets
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was the last major Grand Theft Auto game released for the PlayStation 2, and it was the most ambitious yet. The game takes place in the fictional state of San Andreas, inspired by California, and offered players a vast open world to explore, from bustling cities to expansive countryside. A key feature was the ability to develop your character’s abilities, such as speed, and engage in gang warfare to control territory. While a remastered HD version exists, many fans still prefer the original version, which remains enjoyable to play.
Kingdom Hearts 2
A Slow Start, But A Strong Finish
While technically the third game released, *Kingdom Hearts 2* was a major turning point for the series. Both the original *Kingdom Hearts* and its sequel remain visually impressive action RPGs for the PlayStation 2, which explains why they look so good in the HD remasters.
Sora, the main character, unlocked new abilities, including transforming into different forms. The Disney-themed worlds felt new and exciting, and the introduction of Organization 13 provided a central enemy for the entire story. While some players found the game’s opening a bit slow, it effectively established the atmosphere.
Marvel Vs. Capcom 2: New Age Of Heroes
Pixel Perfecting Fighting
I first got into *Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes* when I’d see people playing it in the arcades, but honestly, the PlayStation 2 version is what I remember most. It’s still super popular today – you can find it on a bunch of consoles now through different collections and re-releases. But if you want the *original* PS2 disc? Get ready to pay a pretty penny, because those things are still going for a lot!
This is easily the best fighting game on the PlayStation 2, largely because of its incredible selection of characters from both Marvel and Capcom. Plus, the game’s classic 2D sprites still look fantastic compared to the 3D graphics of many other games.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Jungle-Based Stealth
A remake of *Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater* has finally arrived, and while the game has been re-released on different platforms over time, the original PlayStation 2 version remains iconic. Players still remember the thrill of hearing the song “Snake Eater” play after completing the Virtuous Mission, and the satisfaction of successfully using camouflage for the first time.
The game had many unique features for a stealth title on the PlayStation 2, but it’s most remembered as one of the greatest prequels ever made. The story really delves into the difficult history of Big Boss.
NBA Street Vol. 2
Three-On-Three Perfection
NBA Street Vol. 2 is a standout sports title for the PlayStation 2, and it remains enjoyable whether playing solo or with others. Like NBA Jam before it, the game takes a simplified approach to basketball, focusing on fast-paced, three-on-three matches on smaller street courts. It captured a unique and stylish energy, but sadly, the original games in the series never expanded beyond consoles.
Okami
The Legend Of Wolf
The game *Okami* has aged beautifully thanks to its unique art style, which blends cel-shading with the look of watercolor paintings. While it looks even better in newer HD versions, the original PlayStation 2 game still holds up incredibly well.
This game feels like a classic *Zelda* adventure, but with a unique twist. You play as a wolf god journeying through a decaying, fantastical version of Japan. Your mission is to restore life to the land and bring it back to its former glory. It’s a humorous, action-filled experience with clever puzzles and challenging dungeons – many players think it’s as good as any *Zelda* game Nintendo themselves could have created.
Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando
Leveling Up Platformers
Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando, the second game in the series, was a major step forward. It built on the original’s fun platforming and creative weapons by adding RPG elements – Ratchet could now improve his health and weapons gained power with experience. This addition of character progression proved incredibly successful, and the series has continued to explore these features ever since.
It’s tough for 3D platformer games to stay popular over time, but *Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando* really got it right from the start. Sadly, it was only updated with improved graphics for the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita.
Resident Evil 4
Evil Knows No Bounds
Man, I first played *Resident Evil 4* when it came out in 2005, and even though it started on the GameCube, the PlayStation 2 version really polished it up. It totally changed how *Resident Evil* games played – they switched up the camera, added a shop where you could buy stuff, and even the virus was different. Plus, Leon Kennedy got a whole new look! What really stuck with me though were the villagers – they spoke Spanish, and it made the whole experience way more terrifying. Seriously, I still hear their groans in my head! The good news is you can play it on pretty much anything now, either the HD remaster or the full remake.
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2025-10-06 02:19