The PlayStation 2 boasted a game library that surpassed many consoles from Nintendo and Sega, thanks to strong support from both its own studios and outside developers who created incredible games. Whether you enjoyed action, adventure, role-playing, or platforming games, the PS2 had something for everyone. Many consider its games to be among the best ever made, and they still stack up well against today’s biggest titles.
Even though some older games might not look amazing today, titles like Okami and Kingdom Hearts 2 remain special. Let’s explore why these games are still important, how they changed action games, and why you should still play them. Fortunately, many are easily accessible now, while others require a little extra effort to experience.
Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening
Shirts Off, Guns Out
Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening takes place before the original game, showing a younger, more reckless Dante as he begins his career as a demon hunter. He’s also significantly less clothed, for reasons the game doesn’t fully explain! Like the first Devil May Cry, this game delivers amazing action, skillfully blending close combat with gun-based attacks.
The game introduced new combat styles – like Trickster, Swordmaster, Gunslinger, and Royal Guard – which dramatically changed how players fight. Switching between these styles remains incredibly satisfying, and many fans consider this version of Dante – free from restrictions – to be the best, which is a major reason the game is still so popular.
Dark Cloud 2
Two Hearts Traveling Through Time
Dark Cloud 2 is a remarkable game by Level-5, especially considering it was only their second project. It refined the formula of the first game by focusing on two main characters, Max and Monica, and giving them much deeper abilities. Monica was a versatile fighter who used swords, magic, and could even transform into monsters. Max, meanwhile, relied on tools, guns, and a powerful mech.
The game’s weapon upgrade system remains impressively cool for an RPG. Its time travel story and city-building aspects are also enjoyable, but that’s just scratching the surface of what makes it great. Luckily, it’s still available on PS4, and even looks good in HD on the PS5.
Jak 3
Dirt Devils
Jak 3 concludes the core Jak and Daxter story, offering a post-apocalyptic world similar to Mad Max, but with platforming action. Jak and Daxter are exiled to a harsh desert where they navigate a lawless landscape, engaging in lots of exploration and both vehicle combat and on-foot shooting. The addition of car combat was a welcome feature, and the game is noticeably more balanced in difficulty compared to its predecessor, which is often considered one of the most challenging games on the PlayStation 2.
Although the landscape was drier and less diverse, the game was still fun to explore, largely due to its well-designed gameplay. The story had a satisfying ending, and as usual, Daxter stole the show with his hilarious antics.
Kingdom Hearts 2
Bouncing Around Disney Worlds
Okay, so as a huge Kingdom Hearts player, I still think Kingdom Hearts 2 is the peak of the series. It’s a little slow getting going with the Roxas stuff, but once you’re back as Sora, it’s amazing! You get to revisit classic Disney worlds like Beauty and the Beast and explore new ones like Mulan. Plus, the whole Organization 13 thing added a ton of cool original characters, and it really deepened the Final Fantasy connections, which was awesome for those of us who love Square Enix games.
The game’s platforming felt improved, and the addition of transformations made combat more engaging. Beyond that, there were many other enhancements. The HD version boasts a striking visual style that rivals modern animated films, and even the original PS2 version remains impressive.
Okami
Watercolored Godhood
I honestly think Okami is one of a kind – even the follow-up on the DS felt like more of the same, just not as good. You play as Amaterasu, who’s basically the sun god in wolf form! The game is structured like a Zelda title, where you go on quests and earn these amazing celestial brush powers you can use to fight enemies and solve puzzles. It’s just a really unique experience.
Players could stop the action at any moment to paint magical creations, like bombs to damage enemies or break down barriers. They could also repair damaged objects, such as bridges, by painting them. The game’s unique, watercolor-like art style still looks great on the original PS2, and even better in HD. In fact, many players feel that Okami is a stronger action-adventure game than some of the Zelda titles.
Onimusha 3: Demon Siege
Viva La France
Onimusha 3: Demon Siege remains the most expansive and unusual game in the Onimusha series. It uniquely blends time travel, shifting the action between feudal Japan and modern-day France. The game features two protagonists: Samanosuke, the hero from the original Onimusha, who ends up in France, and Jacques, a police officer played by Jean Reno, who is sent back in time to Japan.
The team needs to save multiple worlds from demons, thwart a world-ending scheme, and return to their own time. With exciting sword and whip combat, plus shooting elements, this installment is one of the most engaging in the series – it’s a shame it’s still only available on the PlayStation 2.
Viewtiful Joe
The Lone Red Ranger
Originally released only for the GameCube, Viewtiful Joe was later updated and released on the PlayStation 2, adding Dante from Devil May Cry as a hidden playable character. Even without Dante, the game stands out as a fun superhero spoof and a solid adventure game. The story follows Joe, an average moviegoer, who gains a special suit—similar to those in Power Rangers—when a film he loves comes to life, granting him incredible speed and the power to manipulate time.
Players have control over the speed of their attacks, and can target enemy weaknesses for extra damage. The original two games are fantastic 2D fighting games, and it’s a shame no other developers have replicated this unique combat system. Unfortunately, both games are limited to older gaming systems.
Zone Of The Enders: The 2nd Runner
Jehuty And The Blowfish
Many games featuring mechs let you feel powerful controlling large, strong robots. While some offer speed, they generally feel heavy and grounded. Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner is different – its mech, Jehuty, is built for incredible speed and skillful aerial combat.
Players can fight enemies using guided lasers, a sword arm, or by picking up and using objects around them. The story is a bit over-the-top, but fans of Metal Gear will likely enjoy it, as Hideo Kojima was involved in its creation. It’s a short experience – you can finish it in about two hours – and the HD version makes it a great game to play when you have an evening free.
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2026-03-26 13:38