The PlayStation 2 is undeniably one of the most popular consoles of all time. Some would even claim it was the best. Boasting better graphics than its predecessor, upgraded controllers and functioning as a DVD player, the console was a big deal back in 2000.
This is all without mentioning the games, which are some of the highest-quality games we’ve ever seen. Let’s grab our DualShocks and memory cards and look at the 5 best PlayStation 2 games ever.
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Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid 3 is a prequel to the series, set in the Cold War era of the 1960s. Players assume the role of Naked Snake, a CIA operative. He embarks on a mission to infiltrate the Soviet Union and thwart a rogue military faction known as the Cobra Unit (Creative huh?).
The game is filled with political intrigue, espionage, and betrayal, as Snake navigates through jungles, swamps, and enemy encampments in pursuit of his objectives. The game featured a new camouflage system, allowing players to blend into their surroundings and evade enemy detection more effectively. You could even pretend to be a cardboard box!
The survival aspects of the game, such as hunting for food, treating injuries, and managing stamina, added a new layer of depth and realism to the gameplay experience. Snake Eater also included some iconic boss fights such as The End, where you had to figure out a way to outsmart an old guy in a wheelchair. Most would jump into an intense stealth battle, but others would learn that you could wait The End out.
Yes, that’s right, you could wait until the boss dies of old age. This game is great, and a must-play in the series. If you’re looking for a solid title to jump into the series, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is it for you. However, if you feel like waiting a bit, Metal Gear Solid Delta is on the way which is a full remake of the third entry for modern systems!
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Honestly, this should be every GTA that was on the PS2, but I have to pick one, so I picked San Andreas. GTA on the PlayStation 2 was groundbreaking. Coming from a 2D top-down driving game, we landed in an immersive, fully 3D city with plenty of crimes to commit.
Just about everyone owned a GTA game, especially those under the age rating but we’ll let it slide. Open world at its finest, at a time when a lot of developers were struggling with the concept, you could go anywhere in this game and do just about anything.
Taking the role of CJ, you navigate the dangerous streets of San Andreas, becoming caught up in a gripping tale of crime, betrayal, and redemption… If you choose to follow the story. A lot of players just like to get 5 stars and see how long they can survive, and that’s okay.
GTA is one of the biggest franchises in gaming, and the PS2 helped catapult them to the top, where they still are over 20 years later.
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Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 is one of the best horror games of all time. Though it leaned more towards action most of the time, there were some very scary elements in the game. Leon Kennedy, a name known around the world, is tasked with saving none other than the president’s daughter.
Ashley, the most annoying NPC of all time, turns the game into one giant escort mission. Quite often, you will discover Ashley has found herself in some danger. She makes no effort to escape or fight, and the enemy will pick her up and try to take her away… Maybe we should have let them.
With all that said, RE4 still was able to make a huge impact in the horror genre. The remake of Resident Evil 4 was also very highly praised, with some claiming is one of the best remakes of all time. Overall, Resident Evil 4 is celebrated as a groundbreaking title that pushed the boundaries of the survival horror genre.
God of War 2
When seeking revenge against the gods, there is no mercy with Kratos. He accidentally murdered his family, which is pretty terrible. The individual that is to blame for this tragedy? The God of War himself, Ares. The rage is understandable, and he will fight through countless monsters with gruesome combos. At times, he will even rip his enemies in half.
The newer God of War games focus on storytelling and atmosphere, whereas the first few were all about the action baby! Don’t get me wrong, the set pieces, music, and narrative were amazing, but where Kratos shined was combat.
In his quest to kill the gods, he dispatches countless foes without a second thought. The combos and absolute chaos that ensues are sure to get your blood pumping and move closer to your TV. Speaking of TV, there is a God of War TV show in production by Netflix. Who would you pick to play Kratos?
Related: 5 Best PlayStation 1 Games of All Time
Shadow of The Colossus
![Breakdown] Shadow of the Colossus (PAL - PS2) | Froyok - Léna Piquet](https://www.froyok.fr/blog/2012-10-breakdown-shadow-of-the-colossus-pal-ps2/unfurl.jpg)
Developed by Fumito Ueda, the game had a unique premise centred around battling sixteen colossal creatures in a vast, desolate landscape. And I’m talking desolate. There is you, an unconscious lady, some lizards and birds, your horse, and sixteen massive monsters.
Shadow of the Colossus wants you to focus on the Colossi and removed all distractions to ensure you do. Each Colossi presents its own challenge, forcing you to adjust your play style with every battle. The reason the game is one of the best PS2 games is the story, visuals, and gameplay. The visuals are stunning, especially for a PlayStation 2.
What games were your favourite? Should any other games be on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
