The PlayStation 2 was a golden era for excellent games, with several games becoming so popular that fans still play them. Some titles started successful franchises, while others helped established series gain more fans. These include GTA, Resident Evil, God of War, and many more. Here are some of the best PS2 classics that fans should definitely play at least once.
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1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
San Andreas is still regarded as one of the best titles in the GTA franchise despite having been released in the early 2000s. The game follows CJ as he tackles corrupt cops, his brother’s disappointment, and the need to make Grove Street rise. While the game uses the popular GTA formula, it also expands several gameplay mechanics. These include eating, gang territory warfare, and swimming.
San Andreas is a must-play for Sony fans who want a classic PS2 game that has stood the test of time. The game may be old, but it still has the perfect blend of narrative, gameplay, and immersion. CJ finally defeating Big Smoke and Tenpenny will give players a sense of accomplishment that is rare in modern games.
2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
MGS 3 follows protagonist Naked Snake, who is tasked with rescuing a scientist and destroying a tank-like weapon. The game continues the stealth-based gameplay, with Snake being encouraged to stay out of sight and not confront all enemies. It also introduces new mechanics, such as hunting to get food and treating injuries. Other gameplay mechanics, such as hiding in vegetation and using camouflage, are retained by the game.
Metal Gear Solid 3 was a major release in the series, as it took the popular stealth-based gameplay and added survival elements. The game also provided significant freedom in how players fought bosses, allowing encounters to be approached in different ways. It’s one of the best PS2 titles thanks to the cinematic storytelling and memorable characters, which may be some of the best in the entire franchise.
3. Resident Evil 4
Leon returns as a government agent in Resident Evil 4, tasked with rescuing the president’s kidnapped daughter. The game shifts away from fixed camera angles and uses a third-person camera behind Leon. Aiming is also improved, as the camera shifts and players get more precision. Enemies are intelligent, as they can surround Leon, climb obstacles, and use different weapons.
The new aiming system changed how shooting worked in the genre, with several third-person games being inspired by Resident Evil 4. The franchise also retains its cinematic presentation and eerie environments. This is one of the best horror PS2 games fans can play, and the resource management system makes it different from a normal action game.
4. Shadow of the Colossus
In this game, you control Wander, a young man who enters a forbidden land to revive a girl. This quest becomes hard as you have to defeat 16 giant creatures to succeed. The gameplay loops around finding the creatures and figuring out how to kill them. You have to climb each colossus, find its weak point, and stab it. However, the creatures can shake violently, and you have to maintain your grip, which makes the task hard.
Shadow of the Colossus has a simple premise, and even though the world is barren, the game takes this straightforward objective and builds an entire adventure. The creatures are massive, which makes them intimidating, and finding their weak points takes planning. There are no conventional puzzles in the game, but the combat has elements of strategy, which makes it enjoyable.
5. God of War II
Kratos returns in the sequel, but faces an early betrayal from Zeus, who takes away the protagonist’s godly powers. This leads to Kratos yearning for revenge and traveling to the Sisters of Fate. He takes with him his various weapons, and players can also incorporate combos and magic. Platforming and solving puzzles are crucial gameplay elements, which make the game more than just slashing enemies.
God of War II expanded on the original by adding a larger environment and more varied encounters. The combat is also satisfying, as you can use powerful combos and visually pleasing finishing moves. Puzzles give the game something different from just slashing enemies. Something that was notably impressive for a PS2 game was God of War II’s massive bosses and world.
6. Okami
Okami follows Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess, as she tries to fix a world corrupted by evil. Amaterasu uses her divine weapons and the Celestial Brush, which gives her special abilities. These abilities can cut enemies, restore damaged areas, and perform other actions. New abilities are unlocked as you advance in the game.
Okami is a game that is heavily inspired by The Legend of Zelda franchise, which is visible in several of its gameplay mechanics. The game includes a large interconnected world, environmental puzzles, dungeons, and new abilities that allow access to previously inaccessible areas. These elements, combined with Japanese mythology, make the game unique from other PS2 titles and also make it a must-play.
