The PlayStation 2 holds the title of the best-selling gaming console ever, narrowly surpassing the remarkable popularity of the Nintendo DS. This achievement can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its affordability as a DVD player during its heyday and an extensive library of games.
Numerous iconic franchises that are mainstays in the gaming industry today first took flight on this innovative console. In this article, we take a closer look at some of the most outstanding sequels that emerged from the PS2’s impressive catalog.
12 SSX Tricky
Snowboarding in Style
When I first experienced SSX, it revolutionized the snowboarding genre—and its sequel, SSX Tricky, elevated everything further. This title, developed by EA Big, is celebrated not only for its vibrant graphics and diverse character selection but also for its focus on trick-based gameplay.
Executing stunts is user-friendly, with exciting rewards for achieving ‘Uber Tricks’ that impress with their flamboyance. The introduction of a basic rivalry system adds a personal touch to the competitive racing experience. While I hold a fondness for SSX 3, it’s hard to deny that Tricky represents a significant enhancement over the original.
11 Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec
The Defacto PS2 Racer
Setting a high bar with the initial releases, Gran Turismo 1 and 2 established racing games on the PS1, and Gran Turismo 3 elevated this legacy on the PS2. This title definitively straddles the line between simulation and arcade racing, ensuring broad appeal. With remarkable graphics for its time, it features over 150 licensed cars, making it essential for car enthusiasts.
Additionally, it introduces a user-friendly heads-up display suggesting optimal gear selections, making it more accessible than its predecessors. Despite fierce competition within the racing genre, Gran Turismo 3 remains a standout title.
10 Timesplitters: Future Perfect
RIP Free Radical
The Timesplitters series introduced me to first-person shooters, with Future Perfect representing the pinnacle of this award-winning formula. As the third and final entry, it features a significantly enhanced single-player campaign compared to its predecessors.
The multiplayer mode shines, offering a substantial array of characters, weapons, and maps. Unique mini-games, including a fun curling variant, add to the entertainment, rewarding players with exciting unlockables.Timesplitters: Future Perfect solidifies its place as one of the finest shooters on the console, making its underappreciated legacy all the more unfortunate.
9 Tekken Tag Tournament
It Even Has Bowling!
The Tekken franchise has long held a special place in my heart, with Tekken Tag Tournament serving as a fitting tribute to the PS1 trilogy. The game allows players to enjoy beloved characters with enhanced PS2 visuals, featuring a roster of 39 playable characters and a novel tag system that encourages creative gameplay.
While the soundtrack contains some unusual tracks, it complements the overall experience. Although the arcade mode’s character endings are disappointingly simplistic, this minor flaw doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment. In contrast, Tekken 4 proved less satisfying, failing to match the excitement of this title.
8 Clone 2
Mourn for Klonoa 3
Initially an underrated gem on the PS1, Klonoa: Door to Phantomile laid a strong foundation for its sequel, Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil, on the PS2. This visually captivating 2.5D platformer expands upon its predecessor in many enriching ways.
New gameplay mechanics provide Klonoa with fresh abilities for traversing beautifully crafted levels, which cleverly utilize the game’s dual planes of depth. Both the captivating narrative and original soundtrack contribute to a timeless experience, while revisiting levels imbued with new challenges adds depth to the gameplay. Recently, Klonoa 2 found new life in the Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series, making it accessible to a new audience.
7 Tokyo Xtreme Racer 3
The Racing Series You Never Played
To diversify this list, I included Tokyo Xtreme Racer 3, a hidden gem among racing titles. This street racing game offers an unparalleled level of car customization and tuning that rivals even contemporary racing games. Players are compelled to delve into detailed mechanics while facing off in intense 1v1 races on the Wangan.
The game’s expansive map contains hundreds of miles of track, vastly improving upon the original. Importantly, the sheer volume of content makes TXR3 a must-try for fans of Japanese cars, albeit acquiring a legitimate copy poses substantial challenges. Excitingly, the series has been revived, with a new title currently in Early Access on Steam; be sure to check out our tips before jumping in!
6 Shadow Hearts
Doom, Gloom, and Daddy Issues
Recognized as a classic, Shadow Hearts serves as a sequel to the lesser-known title, Koudelka, from the PS1 era. This turn-based RPG is steeped in themes of darkness and features surreal elements, offering a stark contrast to many contemporary RPGs.
The combat introduces an interesting twist through its ‘Judgment Ring’ system that heightens engagement and interactivity during battles. Despite its relative obscurity, Shadow Hearts stands out as an exceptional RPG experience, alongside its sequel.
5 Metal Gear Solid 2
Find Something to Believe In
The Metal Gear Solid series on the PS2 remains unparalleled, showcasing a dramatic evolution from the groundbreaking PS1 titles. While I personally favor MGS 3, the significant upgrade in presentation from MGS to Sons of Liberty merits special recognition.
Ranked as a stealth-action masterpiece, MGS 2 features a charismatic cast, memorable encounters, and a cinematic narrative. Thanks to the creative genius of Hideo Kojima, the game is filled with delightful easter eggs. However, its divisive reception stems from the player’s experience as Raiden instead of Solid Snake for most of the game, a bold narrative decision inconceivable in today’s gaming landscape.
4 Silent Hill 2
A Masterclass in Atmospheric Horror
Regarded as a quintessential horror game, Silent Hill 2 warranted a well-deserved remaster in 2024. This title is a slow-burn experience, gradually immersing players in psychological horror that blurs the line between reality and imagination.
3 Resident Evil 4
Over Here, Stranger!
Though I debated including two horror titles, it felt necessary to highlight Resident Evil 4, hailed by many as one of the greatest games of all time. This installment marked a pivotal transition for the franchise—shifting from the intense horror of earlier titles to a more action-oriented approach.
The game features memorable characters, a gripping story, and exhilarating gameplay punctuated by thrilling set pieces. It wouldn’t be the same without Leon Kennedy’s iconic one-liners. While the remake excels, playing the original is an essential experience for any gamer.
2 Final Fantasy X
Passing the Torch
Adding to my roster of favorite PS2 games is Final Fantasy X. Following the legacy of its PS1 predecessors, this title introduces significant enhancements, including voice acting for the first time—an exciting development, despite some cringe-worthy moments in its execution.
The narrative captivates with both brilliance and emotional depth, delivering a powerful story paired with a battle system that, while not groundbreaking, complements its engaging gameplay. The addition of Blitzball and the overall visual presentation further elevate this title’s standing in RPG history.
1 Grand Theft Auto San Andreas
How Do They Keep Getting Better?!
With Grand Theft Auto 3 setting a remarkable precedent, its successor, San Andreas, continued to redefine open-world gameplay, captivating fans even in the face of the enduring success of GTA V.The vibrancy of the game world and its sheer scale invite players to explore endlessly.
With a sprawling metropolis and over 200 vehicles to choose from, the game offers an astonishing amount of content; players can invest countless hours while still uncovering new experiences—a claim that few modern open-world games can make. Rockstar skillfully crafts a compelling rags-to-riches narrative that cements San Andreas as not just one of the finest sequels on the PS2, but as one of the best overall games on the system.
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