When the PlayStation 2 launched in 2000, no one predicted it would become the best-selling video game console ever. Sony went on to sell over 160 million consoles worldwide, along with more than 1.5 billion games from a library of nearly 11,000 titles (around 4,000 in North America alone!). Picking the ten best PS2 games is tough because everyone has different preferences. To create a more objective list, we looked at reviews from when the games were first released and combined that information with sales figures. We also chose the highest-rated game from each popular series to identify the top ten PS2 games.
10) Final Fantasy X
Everyone has a favorite Final Fantasy game, and the PlayStation 2 had many great options. Among the six titles available, Final Fantasy X is often considered the best. Released in 2001 as the tenth installment in the series, it was the first to feature fully 3D environments. The game also introduced a unique battle system that combined turn-based combat with conditional actions, along with a new way to level up characters. Praised for its compelling story, Final Fantasy X was a huge commercial success, selling over 8.5 million copies and leading to the first direct sequel in the Final Fantasy series. It has since been remastered for modern consoles, continuing to captivate RPG fans and longtime followers of the franchise.
9) Ōkami
Ōkami is a beautifully crafted action-adventure game set in ancient Japan. Players control Amaterasu, a goddess who takes the form of a white wolf. One of the first things you’ll notice is its unique art style, which looks like traditional Japanese ink paintings. The game is deeply rooted in Shinto mythology and Japanese culture and was a major hit with players. Released in 2006, it was also the final game for the PlayStation 2 before the PS3 came out. Ōkami sold over 4.5 million copies, and although there hasn’t been a direct sequel, a related game called Ōkamiden was released on the Nintendo DS in 2010.
8) Resident Evil 4
Man, the PS2 was the place to be for horror games, just like with Final Fantasy. Everyone’s got their favorite Resident Evil title from that console. For me, and a lot of other players, Resident Evil 4 really stands out as the best. It’s kinda funny, though – it was actually built for the PS2 first, but it ended up launching on the GameCube initially! Thankfully, it eventually made it to the PS2 and was a huge hit. Seriously, the gameplay, graphics, story, voice acting – everything about it was top-notch. Capcom even remade it in 2023, and it’s been massive. As of April 2025, it’s already sold over 10 million copies, which is incredible considering the original PS2 version only sold around 2.3 million!
7) God of War
The original God of War game debuted in 2005 for the PlayStation 2 and quickly became a huge hit. It uniquely blended fast-paced combat with stories from Ancient Greek mythology, creating a memorable and engaging action-adventure experience. The series has continued with numerous sequels, and remains a flagship franchise for PlayStation. The first game sold over 4.6 million copies, making it one of the best-selling PS2 titles of all time. While God of War II was also excellent, the initial God of War is widely considered the best game on the PlayStation 2.
6) Devil May Cry
Originally, the creators of Devil May Cry planned it as a new installment in the Resident Evil series. However, they shifted direction during development and created a completely original game instead. Devil May Cry is a fast-paced action game where players control Dante, a demon hunter seeking revenge for the loss of his mother and brother. The game was a critical success when it launched, and players embraced its challenging difficulty, which became a hallmark of the series. It sold over 3 million copies and remains a favorite among PlayStation 2 fans, though it’s now available on many different platforms.
5) Madden NFL 2005
Released in 2004, Madden NFL 2005 is the 16th game in the popular Madden series and one of 13 available for the PlayStation 2. While available on multiple platforms, the PS2 version was generally considered the best, praised for its smart AI and good graphics. The soundtrack didn’t receive much positive attention, but overall, Madden NFL 2005 is the most highly-rated sports simulation game for the PS2, earning both critical acclaim and selling over 4.3 million copies.
4) Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
The Ratchet & Clank series saw four main games released on the PlayStation 2. Among them, Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal is often considered the best. This game was the first in the series to include online multiplayer, with various game modes and levels based on the single-player story. It brought back familiar characters and voice actors, and also introduced new characters who became series staples. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal was highly praised by critics and players alike, selling approximately 3.5 million copies.
3) Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
The Metal Gear series made a huge impact when it first appeared on PlayStation, essentially reinventing the stealth game genre. The PlayStation 2 saw four main Metal Gear games, including additional titles and compilations. Among these, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is widely considered the best and remains a fan favorite. Its compelling gameplay, story, and characters helped it sell over 4 million copies on the PS2. In 2025, Konami released a remake called Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, which sold over 1 million copies by the end of the year.
2) Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
The PlayStation 2 had a lot of racing games, but Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec was by far the most popular and critically acclaimed. As the third game in the Gran Turismo series, and the second on PS2, it pushed the boundaries of racing game graphics and technology. Players and critics loved its realistic AI opponents, physics engine, detailed car models and environments, and immersive sound design. With over 14.8 million copies sold, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec was the best-selling game exclusive to the PS2 and the second best-selling game overall on the console.
1) Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Released after Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is the fifth main installment in the popular GTA series. The game is set in the expansive open world of San Andreas, inspired by cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. As with other GTA titles, San Andreas sparked controversy, but this didn’t affect its incredible sales. It’s the best-selling PlayStation 2 game of all time, initially selling over 17.3 million copies. A remastered version has since boosted those numbers to over 27.5 million. Upon its release, San Andreas broke records, earning over $1 billion in revenue faster than any other game, and is still considered by many to be the best game on the PS2.
What’s the best PlayStation 2 game in your opinion? Share your thoughts in the comments below and discuss it with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-01-06 19:17