VGC Special: Top 10 Playstation 2 Games - News
by VGChartz Staff , posted on 24 April 2009 / 98,687 Views
The Sony Playstation 2 is held dear in the hearts of many, with one of the most expansive and high-quality libraries in the history of the medium. As the market leader of its generation, it holds many of what some call the greatest games ever made. No ten-game list could hope to take note of every exemplary title in this system's library, but our staff has put their heads together to try to pick ten games that stand above the rest.
10. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4
Persona 4 is often hailed as the “last hurrah” of the Playstation 2, released two years into the life cycle of the system's successor. It says a lot, then, that it's still heralded as the best game of its genre to be released in several years. Coupling traditional Japanese RPG gameplay with dating simulation elements and thrust into a bizarre contemporary suburban setting, Persona 4 stands apart from the rest of the crowd by virtue of its uniqueness and the quality of its writing.
9. Gran Turismo 4
There is a lot that you could say about Gran Turismo, because there is a lot of content here. Actually, "a lot" doesn't really do it justice: the game features over 700 licensed vehicles from over 80 manufacturers, meaning that there are people who have owned this game for four years and probably still haven't raced in all of the vehicles yet. The appeal of the game's adherence to reality (damage or no damage) is obvious and long-standing, with people buying the game to this day for its models, its physics, and its attempt to simulate the experience of driving more vehicles than the player will ever, ever get behind the wheel of. We're still waiting for a full sequel!
8. Kingdom Hearts II
What do you get when you take one part original Square-Enix storytelling, one part Final Fantasy, and two parts classic Disney lore? Apparently, you get magic. Kingdom Hearts, as a formula and a game, was so successful that a sequel was almost a given. When Kingdom Hearts II hit it brought many changes to the series: a greater focus on original storytelling, more action-packed combat, cinematic Reaction Commands, and a greatly expanded cast built on what many people loved from the original game. Exploring new worlds based on Disney movies combined with the thrill of seeing Final Fantasy characters running around doing their own thing made for a weird but pleasant dynamic that hasn't been replicated in any other game, up to and including other crossover titles. I mean, really, who doesn't want to see the Beast tear apart more bad guys? I know I do.
7. ICO
ICO's status as a “cult classic” is so solid at this point that I'm not sure the label even fits anymore. ICO is a game in which there is almost no combat and in which there are only three characters of note. These elements are place in a grand, dilapidated, and haunted castle to create one of the most memorable gaming experiences on the Playstation 2, if not of all time. The theme of and necessity for physical contact between the player character and the girl he is trying to rescue creates a bond that stays with gamers long after the credits have rolled. The game's puzzle-solving was so seamless that many never realized they were taking part in it, and its minimalist design made every moment, every character stand out in one's memory. It is not to every one's taste, but ICO is a game built on an idea, a game that touches the people who play it, and for that it deserves every accolade it gets.
6. God of War
God of War is sort of the logical extreme of some schools of video game design: every button you press, every action you take, is so invested with energy and violence that there is no part of the game that does not serve to enhance the spectacle of playing it. Every moment is like living out the comic book fantasy of a teenager, ripping zombies in half, stabbing minotaurs in the face and pulling the eyes out of a cyclops. Actually, I feel like impaling a hydra just writing about it. Solid puzzle-solving combined with epic boss fights made this an experience to remember, but it would be a disservice to forget the character of Kratos and his story. Though the plot of God of War is simple (as Greek tragedies often are, at their heart), Kratos has established himself as a memorable hero whose persona is bigger than the world-shattering plot that gave birth to him.
5. Resident Evil 4
Say hello to one of the most breakaway successful games of all time – by which I mean that Resident Evil 4 broke away considerably from the formula of its predecessors, and succeeded because of this rather than in spite of it. With only the most tenuous connections to its forebears in terms of plot, Resident Evil 4 does its level best to establish itself as its own creature, and succeeds marvelously. From its setting, to its particular cast of characters, to its fantastic enemy design, Resident Evil 4 stands head and shoulders above its competition. This is a game that takes itself very seriously with its horror elements and its stop-and-pop shooter gameplay, using control limitations to shape how a player can interact with the environment that few people notice but most appreciate anyway. The plot is silly, but the game's designers seemed very aware of this, making constant campy jokes that come across as a wink to the audience. “Sit back and enjoy the ride,” it seems to say. Then they kill you during a cutscene! Oh, Capcom, you so crazy.
4. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Welcome to San Andreas, the apotheosis of all Grand Theft Autos on the Playstation 2. This series is built on two principles: awareness of popular culture from the period being depicted, and the ability to do whatever you want. San Andreas is the highest-selling entry in the series exactly because it succeeds so well at both of these, providing a lot of material for those of us who grew up in the nineties and those of us who want to do everything from walk around parks to driving around, knocking over mailboxes with baseball bats. The story is good, and the gameplay is improved over its predecessors, but the real power of Grand Theft Auto comes in doing whatever you please within the system presented to you. The first time you wreck your car so badly it explodes, then steal a motorcycle and go flying off of a ramp (or a freeway, if your judgment is bad), you'll know you're in the right place. There's a lot to be said for the adventures of Carl Johnson, but San Andreas is about your adventures, and that's what makes it great.
3. Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X still stands prominently in the memories of many as the height of the series on the Playstation 2, and for good reason. Final Fantasy X thrust the player into the world of Spira, where the motivations of the main character, while clear, are brought into question. Often cited as having the most genuine cast of characters in a Final Fantasy, this game's primary strength is unquestionably in its plot and its characterizations, but it also stands as a pioneer for the series in terms of gameplay. The Sphere Grid system is still cited as one of the best character-building systems in the genre, and the game's particular take on turn-based battles remains unique and memorable. This is to say nothing of the game's soundtrack, which is for many people the entire reason to play the game, and often cited as one of Nobuo Uematsu's most exemplary works.
2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is the story of Naked Snake, the man who would come to be known as Big Boss. It's the last entry in its series to appear on the Playstation 2, and it builds on the legacy of its predecessors considerably. Hideo Kojima has in this game crafted a work of art that does what it does very well, assuming you are the kind of gamer who can get into it. The camouflage system is one of the most immersive stealth gameplay mechanics to come out of the series, and the CQC system finally gave our man Snake the ability to fight as well as a super soldier should. When people talk about Metal Gear Solid they often expand on its story, its cinematic qualities, and the strength of its characters, but the real power of Snake Eater comes in how it functions as a game, an interactive experience. The game's strength lies in moments, when you must sneak past an enemy that can easily kill you, when you must do battle with legends, when you take ownership of your own actions, unable to rationalize that Naked Snake is doing what he has to. In this game more than any other in the series, you are made to feel responsible. For a video game, that is power.
1. Shadow of the Colossus
There is a lot that could be written about Shadow of the Colossus – in certain disciplines, you could probably pull one Hell of a doctoral thesis out of it. Shadow of the Colossus is a game with all the extraneous parts cut away, honed to a razor's edge and thrust into the minds of the people who play it. Sixteen battles with sixteen monsters is the entire game, or at least the entire game when you speak of it in terms of objectives. There is no doubt that Shadow of the Colossus is a game about objectives, either: Wander, the hero of the story, is easily the most driven and terrifying hero in video games, who will scale mountains and kill them for a purpose which is made clear in the beginning but is never revealed in its entirety. But like its older brother, ICO, the experience of Shadow of the Colossus is about more than just the objective: it is in the journey, in long treks across a shattered world, in stopping by rivers and watching your horse drink. Shadow of the Colossus is a game that is full of magic, as few games are, and though it is not for everyone it will stick forever in the minds of those to whom it appeals. There is no other game quite like it, and when talking about the library of the Playstation 2, that is really saying something.
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San Andreas was easily the worst of the GTA3 games. I couldn't even finish it, and after I had such a blast with 3 and Vice City.
Also, I will always hold that Kingdom Hearts is a BAD game, and the only reason anyone even bothered to play is because it was a Disney/Square mash up. Kingdom Hearts II was no better.
looks like im a lil late on the comments, but Shadow of the Colossus?? really? first thing is, that half the people who commented havent even played it, so how can it be number one?? ICO....nope get rid of it. everything else, not bad but whoever is doing this list are effing idiots for sure. GOW2 is better, KH1 is better, should of had a fighting game on there like tekken tag or DOA2.
There were sooo many good games that came out for the ps2 but If I had to choose the best ten this is about where I would land. Although I would change the order of a couple.
great list should put soul calibur III
for me DQviii, Okami & Beyond good and evil should have found there way on there.
Dragon Quest VIII is a joke.
Jijjin oh yeah i forgot sorry.
front mission 4 then :p
I would put MGS3 at 1 and SOTC at 2 but they are certainly my two favorite games of last gen. They both are masterpieces in my eyes.
No FF12!?No FF12!?No FF12!?It had changed another style which Americans likes.
Wow this list is such a joke without Dragon Quest VIII on it.
I would personally switch SotC with FFX. That's a decent list! Keep 'em comin'
Where is the terrible grammar exactly?
I thought my eyes would start bleed from reading the terrible grammar and unsubstantiated assertions of this piece.
i have 9/10 games and generally agree with this list.
RE4 i already have on the gc so that's the one i miss from the top 10.
i do miss a lot of great titles...but it is nearly impossible to make a top 100 for the ps2 with such a shedload of great games.
@ coolbeans
No it was a compliment to the series, that despite being not the best MGS in some opinion, compared to other games. It's still great.
Good read.
I personally thought GoW was better than SOFC, but I can see where you were going there.
So many great games, i could make a Top50 and still leave some of the best games of all time off the list. And where is the Ratchet love :(
Damned... have got to start playing Sotc , been lying on my shelf for over 4 months now.
Also going to pick up p4 somewhere
Lies... this list is lies...
Where´s Okami?!
No Okami, God of War 2, Virtua Fighter 4 of Ratchet & Clank? Seriously?
Great games on the list, except for Kingdom Hearts 2 should be replaced by the original.
awesome
Resident Evil 4
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If not happy with this list....tell ur personal top ten in my thread(promoting hehe)
persona 4?wth
snak eater deserves the #1 spot
what about tekken tag tournament?
that was the 1st pstwo megahit
man, san andreas was first for me, good times....
Good list, but personally, I think God of War needs to be replaced by 2. GoW doesn't deserve to be on there for that 1 annoying level with the rotating blades... I don't think I've ever sworn so much in my life! :D
Also, no Tekken 5? and I'd swap 1 & 2. I remember thinking MGS3 was the best MGS... until 4 came out :P
When u see this list u realise how weak the ps3 is
@ coolbeans
Even if you think MGS3 was a bad MGS, it's still one of the best games of all time.
Excellent choice for the #1 spot. :-)
@Final-Fan - I find odd that they decided to break their perception now. Especially since I've always associated RE4 on the GC and is very inferior on the PS2 (yes, I've played it through). sigh This puts all the other lists in question.
i feel the dmc series especially 3rd one missed top 10 spot
Man, that Snakeater description was vague!!!
Are these the best games on the ps2 or the most memorable games on the ps2?Anyway, I totally agree with that list. Most people who are disagreeing with that list are the people who did not even played 1/2 of the games you mentioned. I played all, and my list would be like that too. Oh and you should replace God of War by God Of war 2 because they are the same except the number 2 is way better.
I disagree with RE4
Shadow of the Colossus is not the best game on the ps2 from a pure gaming perspective,
but the game is so much more than that, its the most memorable interactive experience i ever had playing from start to finish
the end is so amazing that any other game feels small in comparison
and the soundtrack is just the best ever made for a game worthy of an Oscar lol
And get RE4 out of here. Not exclusive... Ratchet 3 would make a good replacement for it, while SMT: DDS2 can replace GTA SA.
OK list. KH2 made it, while KH1 didn't. Justice. Exchange the spots of SotC and FFX, get GTA out of this list, and you've got a good list.
Should have been MGS3: Subsistence. The new camera made it soooooooooo much better.
The List isn't that good, because I didn't like Sotc Better than RE4 or MGS3. I would put MGS3, RE4, GoW, KH2 and GT4 as the top 5. The rest goes after. Also, I would say GTA: SA is better on the PC than the PS2. Only because of the Cool Mods, and the Online Multiplayer. :D
Very disappointed with your selections. I like that you included GTA San Andreas and Gran Turismo 3 but a lot of your choices I don't like.
Your top 2 PS2 games are my favorite top 2.
Actually, the aged wine tying is a myth. 99% of wine goes bad within 5 years. Fortified wines can last longer (and up to 6 months when opened).
PS2 did have some seriously awesome games plus it was like fine wine, getting better with age and not just in the first 5 years...
Metal Gear Solid 3 is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Everybody's commenting like this list ISN'T a "staff favourites" list. Seriously, guys. In no way is this list supposed to be objective. Get over it.
SOTC first? Yes, the game is great, but I think it does not deserve the first place. I mean, 15-20 fps, seriously...
Good list
No Pro Evo or DMC? Gamws that are taken hand in hand with PS. Great list, though I havent played sotc. MGS3 was sensational
mmm... No comment.
KH2 should be out
Gran Turismo shouldn't be on there any more than any other unengaging licensed game should; Vice City was more fun than San Andreas; why is RE4 on there but not Okami? Particularly since the Wii version of RE4 gained more than Okami did; Just my personal preference , but, Xenosaga 3 over Kingdom Hearts 2 (not really fond of this series) and FFX with ease.
So many amazing games on PS2 it must have been hard narrowing it down to ten.
I do not approve of this list.
On this list: The only game I ever played on this list is ICO, it was wonderful, but I never got 'round to finishing it (I hired it out, never ever saw it for sale anywhere). It says something about the quality and size of the game library that I've played a fair number of excellent and fun PS2 titles but only one from this list.
If there is ever a PS top 10 I will curse it if Oddworld: Abe's Exodus isn't there.
Should of had ratchet and clank 3 in there, but other than that i'm happy with the list.
God Of War shouldnt be on the list ... id say metal gear solid 3 was the best, shadow of colossus second. :)
Great list, I'd agree with all the choices, excluding the ones I have yet to play.
Glad to see SotC at the top, it deserves nothing less.
"RE4's inclusion is odd, because I thought these were more about console exclusivity (or at least timed exclusives)."
No, IMO it's just that exclusives tend to dominate these lists because of a combination of first party awesomeness and subconscious bias of multiplatform games not being identified with a particular system, but the latter is not a rule, just a consequence of perception.
Epke says:
no FF7 or parasite eve?
Posted on: 04/25/09, 03:18
PS2 bud.
the best game on this list is called san andreas
no FF7 or parasite eve?
GTA SA > FFX
Great list. I'm sure that putting P4 as my personal no.1 in the voting is what made it reach the top 10. Should be higher, but since it's a pretty new game not many have experienced it's masterfulness.
The only game I played from that list and didn't like that much is MGS3, all the others I loved them (though I haven't played RE4), so the list is great. And it's awesome that SotC receives its more than deserved distinction
Yeah, it's kind of unfair to not put FFXII on here. It may not be as popular as FFX, but those who love it will put it among the top JRPG's out there. RE4's inclusion is odd, because I thought these were more about console exclusivity (or at least timed exclusives).
Still, other than that I'd say this was the best list of them all. Are we gonna go to the previous generation? That would make me even more excited.
Make a top ten Atari 2600 list please!!
Who will be crowned the first #1 game of all time? Pitfall, or pong?
This list wins because it has Persona 4.
replace Resident Evil 4 with MGS2 and the list is solid
top 10 about PS1 & N64 next?
a lot of great games not make the cut, but i think it's a good list. no talking about the order in it, talking about the games in it... there is a very representative list
Great list.
GOOD LIST
God of War 1 and 2 are easily the top 2 games on the PS2, Colossus was good but you cant put that game in the same category as the big dogs, and RE4 sucked ass!!!
Almost all of them are japanese games!!!
Not to mention Jak 2, Sly, and Ratchet and clank weren't on there.
And Shadow of the colossus sucks ass, especially the way your horse controls.
great top 10!
Ps2 is the console with better games.
I´d add FF XII and change the places. but... still great
where the fck is GRAN TURISMO 3 ????????
GRAN TURISMO 4 deserves a better spot than number 9
i got no problem with Shadow Of The Colossus taking the number 1 spot
Every time I see lists like this I feel validated that I chose GameCube over PS2 (I have a PS2 now of course, but in the beginning). I can't say I rate many of the games listed.
Eh, yeah no comment.
no GoW II???? mmmmm repeat after me...
Fail!
@everyone saying "Where is X game?":
You have to understand that this is all opinion. And to be honest, there are a lot more than ten excellent games on PS2. More like 100. Making a top 100 would be entirely possible, just very time consuming.
Awesome, my avatar's in the article! :-)
I personally thought God of War II was better than the original, and I would put it in first place. Shadow of the Colossus, however, is an excellent game, and I would put it in second. Assuming a one game per series rule, San Andreas would be in third.
I agree with everything except GOW being on the list
GoW2 >>> GoW1.... other then that its a good list.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas should have been number 1 on the list. And where is Disgaea 1 and Tales of the Abyss? Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams should have been on the list as well.
I agree that it would be hard...but there has to be at least 1 ratchet and clank or jak and daxter game on the list. and i think socom was a far more important series then a few others on the list
Narrowing it down to just ten is an impossible task, but we've done well here.
God of War II > God of War, though.
i think you cant have only ten favorites with this console, its impossible.
Could you please make a PS1 top ten! Really would like reading that!
No Ratchet and Clank?
No Jak and Daxter?
No Silent Hill?
No SOCOM?
SotC.... sweet!!
Good list! I might have swapped God of War 2 for 1, but hey great job.
Not a bad list given the sheer volume of not only great games, but different games that appeal to different gamers available on PS2.
As ICO and SOTC are my top 2 favourite games on PS2 ( I replay them once a year at least) I really can't complain regarding the titles chosen.
Gran Turismo 3 is miles ahead of Gran Turismo 4. I seriously can't understand why GT4 is there instead of GT3...
But the biggest disgrace is Kingdom Hearts II. It isn't the 2 best JRPG on the PS2. Persona 4 is unbelievably better.
I would replace GT4 with GT3 and KH with Jak and Daxter. Other than that, great list :-)
