ThePlayStation 2is the best-selling video game console of all time. From its debut in 2000 all the way to its discontinuation in 2013, Sony’s second console was known for one thing: having a big catalog with a lot of really, really good games.
We saw the birth of iconic PlayStation franchises still going strong today, the release of some of the most revolutionary games of all time, and even a successful sports game or two. The PS2 era was truly a time to be alive.
What better way to honor the PlayStation 2 than by taking a trip down memory lane and highlighting the best game from every year of its lifespan?
I’m using critical reception to select the representative from each year the PS2 was in production, then ranking all these options based on my own personal preference and opinion. Let’s get into it.
122011, 2012, 2013 - FIFA
One of the most impressive aspects of the PlayStation 2 is its longevity. The console saw games released for it for well over a decade.
As you’d expect, by the end of its lifespan, the number of offerings was dropping dramatically. But there’s still something to find here, especially if you’re a sports fan.
It shouldn’t come as a shock that theFIFAfranchise still came to the PS2 in 2011, 2012, and 2013.
At this point, the games were what they were; FIFA 14 was even released for the PlayStation 4! Having said that, the FIFA games over these years did a good enough job to keep any PS2 holdouts happy.
112009 - MLB 09 The Show
More Than A Minor League Affair
Let’s be honest. If you wanted the best version of MLB 09 The Show, you would have played it on the PS3. But there was still an audience for the game on the PlayStation 2.
If anything, it’s a testament to how strong the foundation of the franchise is, given that it’s the “weaker” option between the two consoles.
Having said that, the PS2 version at times feels like an afterthought. Is it lacking all the new features, bells, and whistles found on the PlayStation 3? Yes, absolutely. Still, if you’re looking for the best baseball experience on the PlayStation 2, this was your answer.
There’s a reason why MLB The Show has been, even during its worst years, a consistently great baseball simulation experience. Even when it’s just a simple roster update, it’s still a good game.
102010 - WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011
If You Smell…
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011
This is what happens when you release a new game on outdated hardware but don’t ignore it.
WWESmackdown vs. Raw 2011on the PlayStation 2 is surprisingly chock-full of features, including a brand-new mode: WWE Universe.
This lets you live out an entire WWE year within the game, from weekly shows to PPV events. It may lack the fancy HD graphics from the PS3, but the presentation is still on point; if you blink, you’ll forget that you’re still playing on the PS2.
The Smackdown vs. Raw franchise features some of the most iconicwrestling gamesof all time, and it was super nice to see the PS2 still get some love in its final years. Was it as good as its PS3 counterpart? No, but it’s a far better PS2 port compared to, say, MLB 09 The Show.
92003 - Madden NFL 2004
Hey, Remember When Madden Was Good?
Madden NFL 2004
If you weren’t around for one of the best Madden games of all time, I have two words for you: Michael Vick.
You see, before Mike Vick decided he was bored and wanted to get involved with dog fighting, he was one of the most electric players in the NFL. He single-handedly carried the Atlanta Falcons to an NFC Championship during the 2004 NFL season, and even before that, the man was a human highlight reel.
What does any of this have to do with Madden? All of that playmaking ability was on full display in the game. Sure, there were some nice new features and additions to the game, but let’s be honest: you’re playing Madden NFL 2004 because playing with Mike Vick was a lot of fun. As bad as the franchise is today, including a disappointingMadden NFL 26experience, that wasn’t always the case.
82000 - SSX
Go Big Or Go Home
SSX (2000)
Another sports game? You better believe it; Like Madden 2004,SSXwas just that good.
While the PS2’s launch line-up in 2000 was admittedly pretty weak, don’t let that diminish how great SSX is. Steve Rechtschaffner, creative lead for the game, is also the inventor of the boardercross sport, where snowboarders race on a course filled with various obstacles. That essence was captured perfectly by SSX’s gameplay.
There’s a wonderful combination of style and substance that nails the early 2000s snowboarding vibe. It’s not just about racing on a course or nailing a trick: you need to be a master of both. It’s simple, yet incredibly addictive, aided by a killer soundtrack that had you itching to get back on the mountain.
If you’re wondering whyEA Sports BIGwas once a legitimate brand in the industry, SSX is one big reason why. It’s cliché to say that they don’t make ‘em like they used to, but that’s the case with SSX. It’s an exciting game that, if released today, would probably be a freemium game held back by greedy microtransactions.
72007 - God of War II
Bigger and Better
God of War II
2005’s God of War burst onto the scene as an incredible action-adventure that was not just a game, but also an experience. Its 2007 sequel, God of War II, perfects that experience.
On the one hand, the gameplay experience feels almost identical to the original. On the other hand, if you already have perfect gameplay, then why bother messing with it?
Instead, developer Santa Monica Studio focuses on refining that experience, most notably when it comes to its performance. I cannot comprehend how they managed to squeeze everything they could out of the PS2 console, delivering the best-looking game the PS2 ever saw, backed by a smooth and stable frame rate.
God of War II is a perfect sequel, building upon everything that made its predecessor great and knowing what to refine and perfect, rather than changing things up for the sake of change.
62005 - Resident Evil 4
Survival Horror Redefined
Resident Evil 4
I have no idea howResident Evil 4exists on the PS2 hardware.
Originally a key exclusive for theNintendo GameCube, Capcom would bring its revolutionary survival horror game to the PS2 in the second half of 2005.
Shifting the focus away from the traditional and admittedly tired combat of the first three games, Resident Evil 4 introduces a more action-oriented pace while still staying true to its survival horror roots. The result is the best game in 2005 on any console, hands down.
While concessions were made to port the game over to the PlayStation 2 console, this is still the same game that consumed our lives earlier in the year. It’s a master class in game design whose impact is still felt today, most notably with Resident Evil Village.
52001 - Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
Make Wishes, Don’t Break Mine
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
Following the massive success of the first twoTony Hawkgames, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 is the glorious debut of the series on the next-generation PS2 hardware.
The result is something much more than a simple sequel. The stages are bigger, the soundtrack is as impressive as ever, and the gameplay remains on point.
This is also the introduction of the revert to the franchise, culminating in the most well-rounded entry in the series. Is it as good as THPS 1 or 2? I don’t think so, but then again, those games are as close to perfect as you can come.
THPS3 has the foundation and well-rounded controls, combined with an impressive line-up of stages that are bigger and better, but have the restraint to not feel overwhelming.
42002 - Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Miami Vice
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Vice City is going to look a heck of a lot different in GTA 6.
As innovative and groundbreaking as Grand Theft Auto III was, I’d argue that Vice City is the more important game. Not only does the game look and feel better than its predecessor, but the world of Vice City feels far more vibrant and alive compared to Liberty City.
One reason is the setting itself. Liberty City’s real-life influence, New York City, can, sadly, lead to a somewhat sterile and generic feeling. That’s not the case with Vice City, based on real-life Miami and taking place in the 1980s.
This game is everything we know and love about the 80s vibe, complemented by a total package of a video game. The story is better, the gameplay has been greatly improved, and the experience is unlike any other. GTA III proved what was possible in a 3D open world; Vice City delivers on the promise.
32006 - Guitar Hero II
Let There Be Rock
Guitar Hero II
Guitar Herotook the world by storm, letting us live out our wildest rock star fantasies.
While we weren’t quite ready to form a band yet, Guitar Hero II was still there, letting us shred some seriousairplastic guitar.
Despite the fact that the core gameplay experience remains the same, there are two big factors working in Guitar Hero II’s favor. First, the soundtrack. Not only is it more recognizable, but there are far fewer cover songs being utilized.
Second is the introduction of a multiplayer mode, letting us rock out with our best friends and ensuring the game would become a staple at any future party. It also helped set the stage for us to finally form a band. Even today, Guitar Hero II remains a blast to play, and you better believe I’m busting that guitar out any chance I can get.
