PlayStation 2 (PS2) was one of the most successful gaming consoles in history, offering gamers an extensive library of exciting games. Although the PS2 era has passed, many of its games are still worth playing today. In this article, we will take a look at the best PS2 games that you can still enjoy today.
1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. The game was released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2 and later for other platforms such as Xbox and PC. The game is set in a fictional state of San Andreas, which is inspired by California and Nevada.
The player controls Carl “CJ” Johnson, a former gangster who returns home after a five-year absence to find that his mother has been murdered, and his gang has fallen apart. CJ must navigate the dangerous streets of San Andreas, reunite his gang, and seek revenge against those responsible for his mother’s death.
One of the most significant features of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is its open-world gameplay. The game offers a vast, immersive world for players to explore, including three cities, countryside, and deserts. The world is filled with various activities such as driving, flying, swimming, and shooting. The player can interact with NPCs and take on various missions and side quests.
The game also features an extensive character customization system. Players can customize CJ’s appearance, clothes, and tattoos, as well as increase his skills by completing various activities such as driving, shooting, and flying.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas has a compelling storyline that is full of twists and turns. The game’s voice acting is outstanding, with famous actors such as Samuel L. Jackson, James Woods, and Peter Fonda lending their voices to the game’s characters.
The game’s soundtrack is also one of its notable features. The game offers a wide range of radio stations with different genres of music, including hip-hop, rock, reggae, and country. The radio stations feature real-life DJs, and players can even create their playlist by using their custom music tracks.
In conclusion, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a timeless classic that remains one of the best games of all time. Its open-world gameplay, character customization, compelling storyline, and impressive soundtrack are just a few of the reasons why the game is still worth playing today.
2. God of War
God of War is an action-adventure game developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The game was initially released for the PlayStation 2 in 2005 and has since been remastered for newer consoles such as the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
The game is set in ancient Greece and follows the story of Kratos, a Spartan warrior who seeks revenge against the Greek gods who have betrayed him. Kratos was a former servant of the gods, but after he killed his family in a fit of rage, he became haunted by his past and swore revenge against the gods.
The game features an impressive combat system that combines melee attacks with magic abilities. Kratos can use various weapons, including his iconic Blades of Chaos, to defeat enemies. The game also features puzzle-solving elements, which add depth to the gameplay and keep players engaged.
One of the most notable features of God of War is its stunning visuals and sound design. The game’s graphics and animations are top-notch, and the sound design immerses players in the game’s world. The game’s musical score, composed by Gerard Marino, Mike Reagan, and Cris Velasco, is also impressive and adds to the game’s atmosphere.
The game’s storyline is also a significant part of its appeal. Kratos’ quest for revenge takes him on a journey through the Greek mythological world, where he battles various gods and creatures. The game’s narrative is well-written, and the character development is excellent, with Kratos evolving from a vengeful warrior to a more nuanced character as the story progresses.
God of War has received critical acclaim and has won numerous awards, including Game of the Year at the 2018 Game Awards. The game’s success has led to the development of sequels and spin-offs, including God of War II, III, and God of War: Ascension.
In conclusion, God of War is a must-play game for action-adventure fans. Its impressive combat system, stunning visuals and sound design, compelling storyline, and memorable characters make it one of the best games of its genre. The game’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated, and it is a testament to the skill and creativity of its developers.
3. Shadow of the Colossus
Shadow of the Colossus is an action-adventure game developed by Team ICO and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The game was initially released for the PlayStation 2 in 2005 and has since been remastered for newer consoles such as the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
The game is set in a vast, mysterious world and follows the story of a young man named Wander, who travels to a forbidden land to revive a girl named Mono. Wander makes a deal with a mystical being known as Dormin, who promises to revive Mono if Wander can defeat 16 massive colossi scattered throughout the land.
The game’s core gameplay involves finding and defeating each of the colossi, which are enormous creatures that require a combination of puzzle-solving and combat skills to defeat. Each colossus presents a unique challenge, and players must use their wits and cunning to find their weak spots and take them down.
One of the most notable features of Shadow of the Colossus is its stunning visuals and sound design. The game’s world is beautifully rendered, with detailed environments and atmospheric lighting that add to the game’s immersive experience. The game’s musical score, composed by Kow Otani, is also exceptional and adds to the game’s emotional impact.
The game’s narrative is also a significant part of its appeal. The story is minimalistic, with few dialogue or cutscenes, but it is rich in symbolism and emotion. The relationship between Wander and Mono is central to the game’s plot, and the player’s journey to defeat the colossi is both an act of love and desperation.
Shadow of the Colossus has received critical acclaim and has won numerous awards, including Game of the Year at the 2006 Game Developers Choice Awards. The game’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated, and it is regarded as one of the best video games of all time.
In conclusion, Shadow of the Colossus is a masterpiece of game design. Its stunning visuals and sound design, unique gameplay mechanics, compelling storyline, and memorable characters make it one of the most remarkable games of its time. The game’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated, and it is a testament to the creativity and artistry of its developers.
4. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is a stealth action-adventure game developed by Konami and directed by Hideo Kojima. The game was initially released for the PlayStation 2 in 2004 and has since been re-released on various platforms, including the PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, and Nintendo 3DS.
The game is set in 1964 during the height of the Cold War and follows the story of Naked Snake, a former member of the CIA’s special forces unit FOX. Naked Snake is sent on a mission to the Soviet Union to retrieve a scientist named Sokolov and eliminate his defecting colleague, Colonel Volgin. Along the way, Naked Snake must contend with the Cobra Unit, a group of skilled soldiers with unique abilities.
The game’s core gameplay involves stealth, as players must avoid detection by enemies while completing objectives. The game features a wide range of weapons and gadgets, including guns, knives, and camouflage, that players can use to complete their missions. The game also features a survival element, where players must manage Naked Snake’s hunger, thirst, and injury levels.
One of the most notable features of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is its story and characters. The game’s narrative is complex and layered, with themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of war. The characters, including Naked Snake, his mentor The Boss, and the members of the Cobra Unit, are well-developed and memorable, with unique personalities and motivations.
The game’s visuals and sound design are also exceptional. The game’s environments, ranging from dense jungles to abandoned military bases, are detailed and immersive. The game’s musical score, composed by Harry Gregson-Williams, is also notable, with a mix of orchestral and electronic music that sets the mood for each scene.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater has received critical acclaim and has won numerous awards, including Game of the Year at the 2005 BAFTA Games Awards. The game’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated, and it is regarded as one of the best video games of all time.
In conclusion, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is a masterpiece of game design. Its engaging gameplay mechanics, compelling storyline and characters, stunning visuals and sound design, and attention to detail make it one of the best games of its genre. The game’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated, and it is a testament to the skill and creativity of its developers.
5. Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X is a role-playing game developed by Square Enix and released for the PlayStation 2 in 2001. The game was later re-released on various platforms, including the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Nintendo Switch.
The game is set in the world of Spira and follows the story of Tidus, a young athlete from the futuristic city of Zanarkand, who is transported 1,000 years into the future to a world threatened by a monster known as Sin. Along the way, Tidus meets a diverse cast of characters, including the summoner Yuna, and together they embark on a journey to defeat Sin and save Spira.
The game’s core gameplay involves exploration, turn-based combat, and character development. Players must navigate a vast world filled with towns, cities, and dangerous creatures. The game’s combat system is turn-based, with each character taking their turn to attack or use abilities. The game’s character development system, known as the Sphere Grid, allows players to customize their characters’ abilities and attributes by spending ability points earned in battle.
One of the most notable features of Final Fantasy X is its visuals and sound design. The game’s world is richly detailed, with colorful environments, detailed character designs, and stunning cinematic cutscenes. The game’s musical score, composed by Nobuo Uematsu and Masashi Hamauzu, is also exceptional, with memorable tracks that capture the emotion and drama of the game’s story.
The game’s narrative is also a significant part of its appeal. The story is complex, with themes of loss, sacrifice, and redemption. The characters, including Tidus, Yuna, and their companions, are well-developed and memorable, with unique personalities and motivations. The game’s ending is one of the most memorable and emotional in gaming history.
Final Fantasy X has received critical acclaim and has won numerous awards, including Game of the Year at the 2002 Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Awards. The game’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated, and it is regarded as one of the best video games of all time.
In conclusion, Final Fantasy X is a masterpiece of game design. Its engaging gameplay mechanics, compelling storyline and characters, stunning visuals and sound design, and attention to detail make it one of the best games of its genre. The game’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated, and it is a testament to the skill and creativity of its developers.
6. Persona 4
Persona 4 is a role-playing game developed and published by Atlus for the PlayStation 2 in 2008. The game was later re-released on various platforms, including the PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, and PC.
The game is set in the fictional rural town of Inaba, Japan, and follows a group of high school students who discover a strange connection between a series of murders and a mysterious television channel that appears only at midnight. The game’s protagonist, a transfer student who recently moved to Inaba, and his friends must use their unique abilities to enter the TV world and save the victims of the murders.
The game’s core gameplay involves dungeon exploration, turn-based combat, and social simulation. Players must navigate a series of randomly generated dungeons, each with their own themes and monsters, and defeat powerful bosses known as Shadows. The game’s combat system is turn-based, with each character taking their turn to attack or use abilities. The game’s social simulation aspect allows players to develop relationships with other characters in the game, which can affect the protagonist’s abilities in battle and the game’s story.
One of the most notable features of Persona 4 is its emphasis on character development and social simulation. The game’s cast of characters is diverse, with unique personalities and backstories, and players must balance their time between dungeon exploration and social activities to progress through the game. The game’s narrative is also a significant part of its appeal, with themes of identity, acceptance, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Persona 4’s visuals and sound design are also exceptional, with colorful environments, detailed character designs, and a memorable musical score composed by Shoji Meguro. The game’s use of a calendar system, in which the player must manage their time wisely to complete various objectives, adds an additional layer of immersion to the game.
Persona 4 has received critical acclaim and has won numerous awards, including Game of the Year at the 2008 Japan Game Awards. The game’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated, and it is regarded as one of the best role-playing games of all time.
In conclusion, Persona 4 is a masterpiece of game design. Its engaging gameplay mechanics, compelling storyline and characters, stunning visuals and sound design, and attention to detail make it one of the best games of its genre. The game’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated, and it is a testament to the skill and creativity of its developers at Atlus.
7. Okami Okami
Okami is an action-adventure game developed by Clover Studio and published by Capcom for the PlayStation 2 in 2006. The game was later released on various platforms, including the Wii, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
The game is set in a fictionalized version of Japan and follows the story of Amaterasu, a white wolf who is the embodiment of the sun goddess in Japanese mythology. The game’s story is heavily inspired by Japanese folklore and mythology and follows Amaterasu as she sets out to defeat the eight-headed demon Orochi and restore life to the land.
The game’s core gameplay involves exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Players must explore the game’s open-world environment, which is divided into various regions, each with their own unique themes and challenges. Players must also solve puzzles using Amaterasu’s celestial brush, which allows her to draw symbols on the screen that can manipulate the environment and solve puzzles.
The game’s combat system is action-based, with players controlling Amaterasu and using a combination of melee attacks, special abilities, and magic spells to defeat enemies. The game’s use of the celestial brush in combat also adds an additional layer of strategy, allowing players to use various brush techniques to stun enemies or deal extra damage.
One of the most notable features of Okami is its unique visual style. The game’s graphics are heavily inspired by traditional Japanese ink paintings and feature a distinctive cel-shaded art style that gives the game a colorful and vibrant look. The game’s use of visual effects, such as bloom lighting and ink wash painting, also adds to the game’s visual appeal.
Okami’s sound design is also exceptional, with a memorable musical score composed by Masami Ueda, Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Rei Kondoh, and Akari Groves. The game’s use of traditional Japanese instruments, such as the shamisen and taiko drum, adds an additional layer of immersion to the game.
Okami has received critical acclaim and has won numerous awards, including Game of the Year at the 2006 Japan Game Awards. The game’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated, and it is regarded as one of the best action-adventure games of all time.
In conclusion, Okami is a masterpiece of game design. Its engaging gameplay mechanics, compelling storyline and characters, stunning visuals and sound design, and attention to detail make it one of the best games of its genre. The game’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated, and it is a testament to the skill and creativity of its developers at Clover Studio and Capcom.
Conclusion
The PlayStation 2 may be a thing of the past, but its legacy lives on in the form of its impressive library of games. From action-packed shooters to emotional role-playing games, the PS2 has something for everyone. The seven games mentioned above are just a few of the many gems that you can still enjoy today. So, dust off your old PS2 or find one at a thrift store and experience some of the best gaming has to offer.