Best PS2 Games of All Time - PSLS Takes Its Pick

In case you didn’t know, the PlaySation 2 turns 15-years old today! Possibly the most iconic PlayStation console in history, the PS2 is mostly part of the conversation whenever “best ever console” debates crop up.

For its part, PlayStation LifeStyle’s staff rounds up the 10 best games you can play on the platform. While taste is subjective, we think the 10 games below encapsulate just how awesome the PS2’s software library is. It’s not a stretch to say that it rivals Nintendo’s Super NES as the console with the best software selection ever.

So, without further ado, here are the best PS2 games ever…at least according to PSLS’ staff.

Do you agree with our picks? What’s your list for best PS2 games of all time? Share and discuss ’em in the comments below.

Essential Reading:

PS2 15th BDay - Best Games Ever

Star Wars: Battlefront 2

Developed by Pandemic Studios, Battlefront II proved to be a worthy game to bear the Star Wars name. And while online multiplayer wasn't the norm back then, Battlefront II had it and even showcased first-person and third-person action.
With how well the game's been received in the past, it's no wonder that many people have high hopes for DICE's Battlefront game set for release later this year.
PS2 15th BDay - Best Games Ever
Jak and Daxter

Yeah, Naughty Dog wasn't all about cinematic games back then. Before Nathan Drake, and after Crash Bandicoot, the studio worked on its own IP, and it proved to be a success. We're of course, talking about the Jak and Daxter series.
Our own Chandler Wood had this to say regarding the game:
Jak and Daxter was Naughty Dog's incredible seamless world on PS2, and was an amazing platformer with so much replayability and iconic characters in a way that only Naughty Dog can do.
Kingdom Hearts

Who'd have thought that mixing Square Enix's RPG gameplay and character development with Disney's iconic characters would work out this well? Kingdom Hearts took everyone by surprise with its tight gameplay, charming cast of characters and solid integration of the two universes that it just had to be included in our list.
Gran Turismo 4

It's almost a given now that every PlayStation platform's "best-of" list needs to include a Gran Turismo game. Fortunately for us, Gran Turismo 4 was actually a competent game.
Once again proving that the PS2 was no slouch when it came to delivering superb looking games, GT4 had the gameplay to back it all up.
There's a reason why every Gran Turismo release sells a ton, and if you've played GT4 back then, you wouldn't be surprised.
Final Fantasy X

Possibly the last great "traditional" Final Fantasy game, Final Fantasy X introduced us to Tidus, spin-offs and super gorgeous CGI cut-scenes.
It might not be everyone's favorite Final Fantasy, but it's hard to deny its impact and how fantastic it was back then.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

While not the only GTA game to see a PS2 release, GTA: San Andreas is possibly the most influential and most controversial of the lot. And who can forget the "hot coffee" mod, right?
PSLS reviewer PMC even wrote this love letter for San Andreas' inclusion:
Few games ever reach the grandiose scale that Grand Theft Auto games encompass. This was especially true of the final entry on the PS2. San Andreas featured not just one, but three cities and vast space between them. In a single day spent in the state of San Andreas, you could jack a nearby car in Los Santos, cruise down to the pier, do a bit of yacht racing in San Fierro, steal a private jet, skydive into Las Venturas, sit down for a couple hands of poker, take your winnings and modify your favorite car (the Turismo was my favorite), grab some food and hit the gym. While some people didn't like the RPG-like elements of having to keep CJ in shape or else lose some mobility, and the combat mechanics were decidedly dated, the unprecedented freedom to do whatever you wanted ensured gamers logged hundreds of hours into the game.
God of War 2

Arguably Sony's most popular first-party chracter, series protagonist Kratos made a massive leap to the forefront of Sony fans everywhere with the release of God of War 2.
It brought more violence, QTEs, boss fights and even nudity than its predecessor. Not only that, but it acted as the console's swan song and even managed to snag a ton of "best PS2 game ever' awards, too.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Who needs Solid Snake when you have Big Boss? While Metal Gear Solid 2 might be the more popular game (thanks in part to its now infamous E3 trailer), it's hard to deny that Snake Eater was the better game in almost every aspect.
It not only dived into the franchise's story head first, but it even introduced survival elements into the series. And who can forget the game's rousing Bond-like intro?
Resident Evil 4

Possibly the Resident Evil game that paved the way for the series to be more action oriented, RE4 has seen countless remasters and it's easy to understand why. Even now, the gameplay still holds up and is the perfect blend of suspense, horror, and action all rolled into one.
It's just a shame that this guy hasn't been seen since.
Shadow of the Colossus

Is it any surprise that Shadow of the Colossus is on this list? Not only is it considered by many as the PS2's best game in history, but one can argue that it should be in every "best games in history" lists regardless of platform.
Shadow of the Colossus is so damn good of a game, that we're still waiting for the studio's next game, The Last Guardian, years after its announcement..and if you've played this PS2 classic, you'd understand why.