PlayStation 2 era introduced a range of games that made childhood of every 90’s kid. Here is a blast from the past to the most iconic titles.
The PlayStation 2 was probably every child’s dream two decades ago as it was the first console to set the basis of many iconic game titles that are still famous today. Sometimes we sit down and remember the old days from that golden age when the graphics and FPS were much worse than now, but that feeling of getting lost somewhere on the screen was real.
To give you a wholesome trip down memory lane, I have enlisted the 10 most iconic games from the PlayStation 2 era, which everyone knows and has played in their childhood at some point. Many of these games are still famous to the day with a range of expansions in their titles, so let’s begin our journey.
Top 10 PlayStation 2 Games of All Time
I know many famous PlayStation 2 games, but I have enlisted the ones that gave birth to the most unforgettable titles in gaming history.
1. Final Fantasy X
Developers: SquareSoft
Publishers: Square Electronic Arts
Release Date: July 19, 2001
Final Fantasy is known to be PlayStation’s first blockbuster RPG featuring stunning landscapes and vivid environments. As it says in the name, Final Fantasy X featured some cool-looking monster designs along with the character. The modification and alteration system also seems relatively upgraded. But the thing that would press your memory is the storyline and the ending scenario, which was the best than any other I’ve seen under the same generation.
The title continues to be an excitement, with their latest upcoming title Final Fantasy XVI coming in June 2023.
2. Silent Hill 2
Developers: Konami
Publishers: Konami
Release Date: September 25, 2001
Silent Hill was the game title that pulled the living hell out of everyone with the fear-inducing terror introducing a complete fright-fest for PlayStation 2 players. Silent Hill 2 preserved more of what its prequel had to offer in the original game. However, the prominent feature of the game is a combination of graphics and sound effects to give an immersive fearsome experience with a frightening and compelling storyline.
Recently Silent Hill 2 developers previewed Silent Hill F along with a Silent Hill 2 remake for PS5. The movie adaption “Return to Silent Hill” also has cast its characters as well, showing a work in progress from Konami.
3. Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence
Developers: Kojima Productions
Publishers: Konami Digital Entertainment
Release Date: December 22, 2005
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence provided much of a definitive experience by keeping the roots strong with the Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater. This game gained some recognition on PlayStation 2 based on the storyline, and I was also a big fan of its characters. The game features a new camera perspective, six difficulty levels, and camouflage content packed with video comedy. I would say Subsistence was a whole new version of the Snake Eater with a more immersive experience.
4. Devil May Cry 3
Developers: Capcom
Publishers: Capcom
Release Date: February 5, 2005
The Devil May Cry 3 is also known as Dante’s awakening, where we finally see the son of Sparda in his devilish form. The game gives a beautiful combat experience with swords and blades where our character Dante (half human and half demon) fights off tons of monsters and goblins. The storyline reunites Sparda’s family by introducing Vergil, a calmer version of Dante. I loved every bit of this game, with sword slashing and guns blazing action to throw numerous combinations in a combat style that’s never been seen before.
Their latest sequel Devil May Cry 5 has been a very successful title continuing the PS2 legacy. Finishing the game over and over and fighting those 100 times big bosses, I await their latest Devil May Cry 6 that until now has no release date announced.
5. God of War
Developers: SCE Studios Santa Monica
Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment
Release Date: March 22, 2005
PlayStation 2 has seen many famous gaming titles over the year. However, God of War changed the whole experience the visual perfection and combat control mechanics fusion with a great storyline that brought it to every gamer’s collection. The game seemed perfect from every angle as it states the Greek Mythology wrapped in a new tale that leaves a memorable impression on the player’s mind. It was an epic release that stood famous throughout the PlayStation franchise, including PSP and PS Vita.
God Of War: Ragnarok has been a blockbuster and game of the year for 2022 due to its exceptional story and graphics requiring Pro Builds build and continues to be on top charts despite initial black screen and compatibility issues on consoles.
6. Prince of Persia: Trilogy
Developers: Ubisoft Montreal
Publishers: Ubisoft
Release Date: November 30, 2004
Another iconic game title that didn’t last for too long in gaming history was The Prince of Persia. The game took much of its adaption to the ancient sands of time, where we can reverse the sets of events using the magical powers of a dagger. The game was interesting from every aspect, whether it came to combat, storyline, or the fictional logic that held the facts and figures about the magical dagger. The game raised hype on PlayStation 2, which Assassin’s Creed in gaming history soon replaced.
7. Resident Evil 4
Developers: Capcom Production Studio 4
Publishers: Capcom
Release Date: January 11, 2005
After gaining a serious fanbase on-reel, Resident Evil 4 turned the tables on survival horror games. The game seemed like it was made for PlayStation with all the combat mechanics and shootout experience while surviving through the zombie apocalypse. The fast-paced action in the game was followed by a compelling storyline which stated how Umbrella Corp. mishandled the virus, causing a zombie outbreak. While our character Leon is on an adventure to find the president’s daughter. Altogether, I believe the way we have to respond quickly against several actions, Resident Evil 4 is the perfect build for PlayStation 2 hardware.
Interestingly, Resident Evil 4 Remake is about to release in a week from now and you can check out its exciting gameplay as well.
8. Shadow of the Colossus
Developers: SCE Studios Japan
Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment
Release Date: October 18, 2005
The Shadow of the Colossus was not much convincing regarding action-adventure games. It was pretty shallow, with only 16 enemies to fight and an enormous open world with nothing much to do. However, these void spaces are where the game’s beauty lies. The battles and combats are fewer, but they seem some of the best I’ve ever seen for the PlayStation2 era with the mysterious-looking characters and creatures. Playing the game felt like dreaming in daylight; thus, it holds a special place in a PlayStation 2 gamer’s mind.
9. GTA San Andreas
Developers: Rockstar North
Publishers: Rockstar Games
Release Date: October 26, 2004
Every gamer of the current era knows Carl Johnson from Grove Street. Grand Theft Auto is a game that needs no introduction, especially regarding the PlayStation 2 famous GTA San Andreas. The game is based on a gang member trying to make his fortune while staying true to their heritage in a family feud. Whether it’s the police or the society’s pyramid scheme, the storyline beautifully portrays the crime culture of the 80s from the streets of California. In terms of gameplay, it was a significant improvement from the GTA Vice City as our character can finally swim in the ocean and jump the fence while shooting like a deranged killer.
Currently, everyone, including me, is anticipating GTA 6 and is hopeful for an actual release date rather than rumors about GTA 6 release.
10. Need for Speed Underground 2
Developers: EA BlackBox
Publishers: Electronic Arts
Release Date: November 9, 2004
Another PlayStation 2 classic, still the most popular title in its franchise, is Need for Speed Underground 2. Whether or not you’re a car fanatic, this game will make you win. I’d still play the game to this day as it was the first game to introduce the street racing culture with a wide variety of options to modify your car while free roaming around the streets of Bayview city. The game featured all racing events, from drifting, circuit, sprint, and drag racing to introduce a car culture still unmatched in its genre.
NFS has been one of the famous titles of EA but NFS: Unbound, their latest title, wasn’t very successful due to stability issues and not a lot of difference brought into the title.
Final Words
That was it, and I hope you enjoyed going through all the classic games we used to play during our childhood. I kept my list concise and brief to highlight the ones for everyone. There is no best or worst game when it comes to remembering the old days, as every game is a winner in its genre if it still makes you feel the way it did for the first time.
