The PlayStation 2 (PS2) era served as a pivotal platform for numerous game developers, transforming newcomers into legends and allowing ambitious creators to carve their names in the industry. It was a time when many franchises emerged and flourished, yet a significant number faded into relative obscurity despite a promising start.
While several franchises continue to release titles and some have even seen renewed success, it cannot be denied that many peaked during the PS2’s heyday and have struggled to recapture that level of acclaim. This discussion focuses on various franchises whose most remarkable titles were available on the PS2, including both exclusive and cross-platform games. Additionally, we will highlight franchises that have seen both earlier and later iterations.
10 Need For Speed
Reaching New Heights in the 2000s
The Need for Speed franchise has had its ups and downs, with some titles like Unbound, Shift, and Carbon receiving praise, while others, such as Rivals and Payback, have not made as strong of an impact. However, the PS2 era produced a series of outstanding titles that captivated players, with the Underground games offering an authentic underground racing experience enriched with vibrant visuals.
Most Wanted arguably represents the series’ pinnacle. To this day, it remains a fan favorite and is often discussed as a candidate for a modern remake. The consistency and quality of the franchise during the PS2 years have proven hard to replicate since.
9 WWE Wrestling Games
Forget the Modern Era
Wrestling games have had a storied history, particularly focusing on the multitude of WWF and WWE titles. While 2K has done commendable work with the WWE brand, the PS2 era remains the zenith of wrestling games.
Beginning with “SmackDown: Here Comes The Pain, ” which remains a personal favorite due to its engaging storyline and plethora of gameplay options, the series hit its peak with the SmackDown vs. Raw titles. These sequels enhanced the gameplay experience, transforming matches into more strategic encounters and introducing the addictive GM mode.
8 Ratchet & Clank
Iconic Platforming Duo
The Ratchet & Clank franchise has captivated audiences with its entertaining gameplay, and while it has continued to thrive beyond the PS2 generation, many still regard this era as its best. The original game set a high standard for run-and-gun mechanics, and subsequent titles only honed that formula further.
The PS2 iteration of the franchise laid down the foundation for what would become an enduring legacy, with even spin-off titles like Gladiator showcasing great depth. The adventures of Ratchet and Clank remain beloved, yet their golden age is firmly rooted in the PS2 timeline.
7 Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
Epic Skateboarding Experience
The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (THPS) series, which encompasses titles from the PS1 and PS2 eras, significantly advanced the skateboarding game genre. While the series initially soared, the PS2 iterations propelled it to incredible heights.
THPS3 is often celebrated for its exhilarating arcade gameplay, while THPS4’s introduction of quest elements added depth. With the release of story-driven titles such as THUG and American Wasteland, the franchise continually reinvented itself. Despite a noticeable decline in quality post-PS2, the remastered versions have revived interest in this iconic series.
6 Resident Evil
What’re Ya Buyin?
The Resident Evil franchise may not have been prolific on the PS2, but it produced one standout title that many consider the apex of survival horror: Resident Evil 4. This game reinvented horror gaming, blending captivating gameplay with an engaging narrative and introduced beloved characters, including the franchise’s most iconic merchant.
While Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is commendable in its own right, Resident Evil 4 continues to be celebrated for its perfect blend of atmosphere and action. The warm reception to its recent remake underscores its enduring appeal as a hallmark of gaming excellence.
5 Metal Gear Solid
Snake at His Prime
Metal Gear Solid (MGS) burst onto the scene during the PSX era, yet the PS2 hosted what many consider the series’ greatest entry: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. This game elevated the stealth-action genre, featuring exhilarating gameplay and unforgettable boss encounters like the notorious The End.
The intricate storyline solidified its status among fans, and given the franchise’s recent struggles following Kojima’s departure, Snake Eater remains a high point for the series, at least until a new direction emerges.
4 Prince of Persia
A Classic Reawakened
The Prince of Persia series found new life during the PS2 era, delivering a succession of exceptional titles, with “The Sands of Time”being the crown jewel. This game introduced groundbreaking platforming mechanics combined with innovative time manipulation, setting a new standard for adventure games.
The significance of Prince of Persia cannot be overstated, as its influence can be seen in the development of iconic franchises like Assassin’s Creed. The legacy established during the PS2 era continues to resonate in gaming culture.
3 Kingdom Hearts
Before the Keyblade Wars
The Kingdom Hearts franchise, often extended with sequels and spin-offs, undeniably reached its zenith on the PS2. The original game set a strong foundation, while Kingdom Hearts 2 refined combat mechanics and introduced memorable cinematic moments.
Despite subsequent entries, the series has struggled to replicate the magic of its earlier titles. The PSP entry Birth By Sleep comes close to recapturing that essence, but unless Kingdom Hearts 4 revolutionizes the series, the original titles will likely remain unmatched.
2 Silent Hill
A Forgotten Legacy
The Silent Hill franchise has largely relied on the impactful legacy of titles like Silent Hill 2, which is often regarded as one of the greatest psychological horror games of all time. While there have been attempts to revive the franchise, nothing has equaled James Sunderland’s haunting journey through Silent Hill.
The upcoming remake by Bloober Team demonstrates the lasting power of the original, preserving its essence while enhancing graphical fidelity. However, until the franchise can evolve beyond nostalgia, Silent Hill 2 remains the benchmark.
1 Grand Theft Auto
Grove Street Lives On
As we await the highly anticipated GTA VI announcement, it’s impossible not to acknowledge that the PS2 era produced some of the most influential titles in the Grand Theft Auto series. GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas not only defined what an open-world game could be but also set industry standards that are still felt today.
While GTA V is a commercial success that has transcended multiple console generations, its predecessors on the PS2 remain landmarks of gaming history. San Andreas, in particular, represents the pinnacle of the series, providing an unparalleled open-world experience during its time that continues to resonate with players.
While the future may redefine expectations, for now, the PS2 era stands as the definitive high point for Grand Theft Auto.
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