Most Beautiful Locations in PlayStation 2 Games, Ranked

Summary

PS2’s power allowed developers to create bigger, more detailed, and stunningly beautiful game environments.
The Big Shell and Mallet Island are examples of some of the PS2’s best-looking and most iconic in-game locations.
Zanarkand and Vice City showcase visually striking and memorable landscapes that captivate players.

The first PlayStation sparked player’s curiosity about 3D games, but it wasn’t until the more advanced graphics provided by the PlayStation 2 that players truly understood and appreciated the visual splendor that had been unlocked for all to enjoy.

Using the PS2, developers gained the ability to create larger, more intricate, and visually stunning worlds. However, this wouldn’t have been effective if they hadn’t also poured their artistic skills into the project. Fortunately, they did just that, which is great news for gamers who appreciate visuals. Let’s explore some of the most visually impressive locales from the golden era of the PlayStation 2.

8. Big Shell (Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty)

Not Your Average Shadow Moses

A classic Kojima gamble.

In the original “Metal Gear Solid”, the protagonist, Solid Snake, finds himself in some of the harshest habitats ever encountered by humans. As for “Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty”, this sequel shares many similarities with its predecessor in terms of plot, and at first, players are placed inside a tanker during a heavy downpour.

On a challenging day, it appears as if Snake struggles to complete his mission. However, the game takes an unexpected turn, transporting players to The Big Shell – a stunning, sun-drenched complex nestled in the heart of the ocean. The atmosphere is invigorating, with warm hues that evoke the scent of the sea breeze. Yet, this idyllic setting doesn’t diminish the numerous perils lurking around. The Big Shell stands out as one of the most intriguingly cunning locations in gaming, and it ranks second only to the most iconic spots across the entire series.

7. Rabanastre (Final Fantasy 12)

The Grandest City (Players Get to Explore) in Final Fantasy

Now that’s how you flex your game’s scope.

In the Final Fantasy series, several large cities are explored by players, but none quite compare to Rabanastre in Final Fantasy XII. This is because it’s the first city where players can freely roam around, allowing them to use the main character’s 3D view to inspect any intricate details that catch their eye. And there are plenty of such details to discover!

In Rabanastre, it’s not just the appearance that resembles a genuine city in a fantasy realm; instead, it has a palpable sense of reality, teeming with numerous Non-Player Characters (NPCs) carrying out their daily tasks, thus infusing the location with an authentic atmosphere. Rabanastre showcases an impressive blend of visual and artistic skill.

6. Mallet Island (Devil May Cry)

A Fantasy Villain’s Dream Lair

Too nice for an evil monster.

The primary setting of the game “Devil May Cry,” largely identified as Mallet Island, is characterized by Gothic design, suggesting that Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia may have served as a significant influence. Remarkably, Mallet Island stands out as one of the most aesthetically pleasing villain hideouts in video games, and yet, it might be too picturesque to accommodate a character as wicked as Mundus.

The interior and exterior of this place are incredibly stunning and yet retain a sense of uniqueness, even with their well-known influences. While it’s generally acknowledged as a superior game in many other aspects, Devil May Cry 2 doesn’t come close to creating an area as memorable as Mundus’ lair from the initial game.

5. Zanarkand (Final Fantasy 10)

Past and Present

Beautiful even after its destruction.

In the game “Final Fantasy X,” Zanarkand holds significant importance. However, surprisingly, players only visit this place shortly after its destruction and much later in the game. Despite this limited interaction, the game’s initial cinematic scene and brief gameplay at the beginning of the game create a lasting impression on players.

Later in the game, players revisit a place that has been destroyed but was originally so breathtakingly beautiful, leaving them with a pang of nostalgia for a home they never truly knew in the beginning. This emotional experience is made possible because the original version of Zanarkand was stunningly captivating, and seeing it now, in ruins, only serves to deepen that sorrow as players understand they can no longer relive its intended glory – yet even in its current state, it remains a striking sight.

4. Bolivia (Tomb Raider Legend)

A Beautiful Return to Form

Open world tomb raiding never looked this good.

Reflecting on the past installment of the series, “Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness,” I found it fell short in delivering captivating gameplay mechanics and visually stunning new settings – a letdown, particularly considering its setting in the city of lights, Paris.

Despite taking a break, the game Legend returned with force and laid everything out clearly on the table in Bolivia, the initial level. This level showcases a variety of stunningly designed exterior and interior areas that left players confident that the series was being handled capably. Even today, Bolivia continues to be visually appealing, whether it’s in its enhanced version for Xbox 360 or the standard PS2 edition.

3. Vice City (Grand Theft Auto: Vice City)

It’s All About Those Neon Lights

GTA 6 had better be able to recapture this.

From a technical perspective, the graphics of Grand Theft Auto 3, a game known for its impressive visuals even for its era, aren’t significantly different from those in Vice City. However, what truly sets Vice City apart is the stunning, neon glow that saturates the entire cityscape, giving it a unique and striking aesthetic that stands out among other games.

Choosing a particular spot might not be fair, since these lights seem to pervade everywhere, especially at night, and they transform the scenery into something breathtakingly beautiful. The game maintains its charm even in daylight, as the coastal vibe and beaches evoke a constant holiday feeling for players.

2. Shrine of Worship (Shadow of the Colossus)

One of the Best Headquarters in Gaming

Cozy even without any doors.

In video games, the central location where the main character operates is frequently undervalued but crucial. Before we had the Firelink Shrine from Dark Souls, the Normandy from Mass Effect, or Destiny 2’s Last City, there was the Shrine of Worship – more commonly known as the colossal tower that served as Wander’s residence in Shadow of the Colossus.

The game showcases many stunning landscapes, but the Shrine stands out for being not only visually appealing from the exterior, but also one of the rare locations players can explore within. This architectural marvel is further enhanced by the innovative beams of light streaming inside.

1. Pretty Much Anywhere (ICO)

Absolute Visual Feast

Will always hold up.

In the United States, many gamers tend to base their decisions on a game’s cover artwork. Unbeknownst to them, they might overlook one of history’s finest-looking games due to an unfortunate coincidence: the game’s official box art, intended to attract buyers, is among the worst in terms of visual appeal. This ironic twist of fate seems to work against the game, deterring potential players instead of enticing them.

Despite not appearing to be the most technologically sophisticated title upon initial viewing, ICO, released during the early years of the PlayStation 2, continues to stand out as one of the most visually appealing games. Every corner of this game is worthy of being a stunning painting, thanks to Team ICO’s relentless dedication to creating the most evocative and aesthetically pleasing visuals in gaming.

2025-07-27 03:34