The PlayStation 2 (PS2) is one of the most successful and influential video game consoles of all time. It was released in 2000 and sold over 155 million units worldwide. It had a huge library of games, spanning various genres and styles. Some of the games are considered classics and have influenced the gaming industry and culture.
Top 10 Games for PS2
But with so many games to choose from, how do you decide which ones are worth playing? That’s why we have compiled this list of the top 10 games for PS2, based on their popularity, critical acclaim, gameplay, graphics, sound, story, and legacy. Whether you are a nostalgic fan or a curious newcomer, you will find something to enjoy in this list.
So without further ado, let’s start with number 10 and count down to number 1.
10. Kingdom Hearts
This action role-playing game is a crossover between Disney and Final Fantasy franchises. You play as Sora, a young boy who teams up with Donald Duck and Goofy to travel across various worlds based on Disney movies and fight against the evil Heartless. The game has a charming and whimsical gameplay, a heartfelt story, and a memorable soundtrack.
9. God of War
This action-adventure game is an epic and brutal journey that follows Kratos, a Spartan warrior who seeks revenge against the gods of Olympus for betraying him. The game has an intense and visceral combat system that involves using the Blades of Chaos, a pair of chained blades that can slice through enemies and objects. The game also has stunning visuals that depict ancient Greece in all its glory and gore.
8. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
This stealth game is a prequel to the Metal Gear Solid series that follows Naked Snake (later known as Big Boss), who is sent on a mission to infiltrate Soviet territory during the Cold War era. The game has an immersive gameplay that involves using camouflage, survival skills, and close-quarters combat to avoid or eliminate enemies. The game also has a cinematic story that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and identity.
7. Shadow of the Colossus
This action-adventure game is a minimalist and artistic masterpiece that follows Wander, a young man who travels to a forbidden land to revive a girl named Mono by slaying 16 giant creatures called colossi. The game has a simple and elegant gameplay that involves finding and climbing each colossus and finding its weak point. The game also has a breathtaking graphics that creates a sense of scale and awe.
6. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
This open-world game is a massive and immersive game that follows CJ, a former gangster who returns to his hometown of San Andreas after his mother’s death. There, he gets involved in various missions and activities that involve driving, shooting, fighting, and exploring the vast and diverse map that includes three cities, a countryside, and a desert. The game has an addictive gameplay that offers endless possibilities and freedom. The game also has an engaging story that deals with themes of crime, corruption, and family.
5. Resident Evil 4
This survival horror game is a revolutionary and influential game that redefined the genre. You play as Leon S. Kennedy, a special agent who is sent to rescue the president’s daughter from a cult in rural Spain. There, he faces hordes of infected villagers, mutated creatures, and sinister enemies. The game has an innovative gameplay that combines third-person shooting, action, and horror elements. The game also has an immersive graphics that creates a tense and atmospheric environment.
4. Final Fantasy X
This role-playing game is a classic and beloved entry in the Final Fantasy series. You play as Tidus, a young athlete who is transported to the world of Spira, where he joins Yuna, a summoner who is on a pilgrimage to save the world from a monstrous entity called Sin. The game has an engaging gameplay that involves turn-based combat, character customization, and mini-games. The game also has an emotional story that explores themes of love, faith, and destiny.
3. Silent Hill 2
This survival horror game is a psychological masterpiece that explores themes of guilt, grief, and madness. You play as James Sunderland, who receives a letter from his dead wife asking him to meet her in the town of Silent Hill. There, he encounters horrific creatures, twisted puzzles, and dark secrets. The game has a haunting atmosphere, a brilliant story, and an unforgettable ending.
2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
This open-world game is a stylish and nostalgic game that follows Tommy Vercetti, a former mobster who is sent to Vice City, a fictional version of Miami in the 1980s, to establish a criminal empire. There, he gets involved in various missions and activities that involve driving, shooting, fighting, and exploring the vibrant and colorful map that includes beaches, nightclubs, and mansions. The game has a fun and addictive gameplay that offers endless possibilities and freedom. The game also has a captivating story that pays homage to various movies and TV shows of the era.
1. GTA 3
This open-world game is a groundbreaking and influential game that changed the gaming industry and culture. You play as Claude, a silent protagonist who is betrayed by his girlfriend and left for dead after a bank heist. He escapes from prison and seeks revenge in Liberty City, a fictional version of New York City. There, he gets involved in various missions and activities that involve driving, shooting, fighting, and exploring the realistic and detailed map that includes various districts, landmarks, and weather effects. The game has an immersive and revolutionary gameplay that offers endless possibilities and freedom. The game also has a compelling story that features various characters, factions, and events.
Conclusion
These are the top 10 games for PS2 that we recommend you to play. They are not only fun and enjoyable, but also important and influential in the history of gaming. They showcase the best of what the PS2 had to offer, and they still hold up today. If you have not played them yet, you are missing out on some of the greatest games ever made.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Q: What is the best-selling PS2 game of all time? A: The best-selling PS2 game of all time is Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, with over 17.3 million copies sold worldwide.
Q: What is the rarest PS2 game?
A: The rarest PS2 game is Rule of Rose, a survival horror game that was released in 2006. It was banned in some countries due to its controversial content, and it had a limited production run. It can fetch up to $1000 on online auctions.
Q: What is the longest PS2 game?
A: The longest PS2 game is Persona 4, a role-playing game that was released in 2008. It can take up to 100 hours to complete the main story, and up to 200 hours to complete everything.
Q: What is the shortest PS2 game?
A: The shortest PS2 game is The Bouncer, an action game that was released in 2000. It can be completed in less than an hour.
Q: What is the hardest PS2 game?
A: The hardest PS2 game is Ninja Gaiden Black, an action game that was released in 2005. It is known for its high difficulty level, challenging enemies, and unforgiving checkpoints.
Q: What is the easiest PS2 game?
A: The easiest PS2 game is Barbie Horse Adventures: Riding Camp, an adventure game that was released in 2008. It is aimed at young girls who love horses, and it has simple controls and objectives.
Q: What is the most underrated PS2 game?
A: The most underrated PS2 game is Beyond Good & Evil, an action-adventure game that was released in 2003. It received critical acclaim for its gameplay, story, characters, and music, but it sold poorly due to poor marketing and competition from other games.
Q: What is the most overrated PS2 game?
A: The most overrated PS2 game is Final Fantasy X-2, a role-playing game that was released in 2003. It received mixed reviews for its gameplay, story, characters, and music, but it sold well due to the popularity of Final Fantasy X.
Q: What is the most controversial PS2 game?
A: The most controversial PS2 game is Manhunt, a stealth game that was released in 2003. It received criticism for its violent and graphic content, which involved killing enemies with various weapons and methods. It was banned or censored in some countries, and it was linked to some crimes by the media.
Q: What is the most innovative PS2 game?
A: The most innovative PS2 game is EyeToy: Play, a party game that was released in 2003. It used a camera accessory called EyeToy that allowed players to interact with the game using their body movements. It was one of the first games to use motion control technology.
