The best-selling console of all time, the PS2 offers a near-endless library: GTA, God of War, Shadow of the Colossus, Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy X. This Top 100 gathers the best of Sony's machine, re-tested and re-ranked by RomWize, each title with its re-evaluated score, its versions, their rarity and their collector value.
"PAL version of the Dragon Quest VIII masterpiece. A monumental JRPG with a lush open world, touching story and memorable characters. Dragon Quest's first fully realised 3D entry achieves a depth and beauty rarely matched on PS2."
"Sly Raccoon is the European title of Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus. Same cel-shading charm, same raccoon hero and same heist platforming. Worth discovering."
"PAL version of Rockstar's Bully, a school open world with sharp satirical tone. Freedom of action, humour and social commentary replicate GTA DNA in a boarding school setting. An original and memorable experience, unjustly less celebrated than contemporaneous Rockstar titles."
"Spectacular mecha action from Hideo Kojima, sequel to Zone of the Enders. The high-speed aerial combat and impressive visual presentation remain striking. The sci-fi story is engaging and the game perfectly embodies the joy of piloting a mecha."
"PAL version of Dark Cloud 2, Level-5's masterpiece blending action RPG, city building and time travel. Game depth is exceptional: procedural dungeons, weapon customisation and village reconstruction. One of the best action RPGs on PS2."
"Third Guitar Hero with a high quality hard rock and metal setlist. Introduction of online mode and aggressive song selection mark a mature and demanding entry. Slightly less balanced than Guitar Hero II but an intense and memorable rock experience."
"A major sequel refining the formula with more intense races and an improved Crash mode. Clear progression from the first entry. An excellent arcade racer beginning to reveal the series' full potential, still very playable today."
"Tekken Tag Tournament accompanies the PS2 launch with style. All-star roster, two-fighter tag and premium arcade polish. Still effective for quick versus sessions."
"WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain remains a PS2 wrestling peak. Snappy combat, brutal animations and an addictive career mode. An absolute reference for the era."
"TOCA Race Driver 3 reaches the Codemasters peak on PS2. Multiple disciplines, accessible simulation and cinematic presentation. A landmark semi-sim of its time."
"Sly 2 Band of Thieves elevates the raccoon saga to masterpiece status. Team heists, charming open hubs and brilliant cartoon writing. Sucker Punch at the very top of its game."
"Ratchet & Clank lays the cornerstone of a cult saga. Wacky weapons, clever gadgets, colourful planets and an iconic duo. An action platformer that already screams classic Insomniac."
"Guitar Hero World Tour introduces drums and microphone, creating a complete band experience. The eclectic setlist and song creation mode are innovative. A franchise turning point that defined a new direction, even if extra instruments complicate setup."
"Twisted Metal Black drags the saga into horror territory. Unhinged characters, morbid arenas and brutal car combat. Darker and more cult than its neighbours."
"The definitive hip-hop fighting game on PS2, with a roster of rap celebrities and spectacular environmental arenas. Deep combat system, unique atmosphere and exceptional replayability make it one of the console's finest fighting games. An undisputed classic."
"Silent Hill 2 remains an absolute benchmark of psychological games. Unsettling fog, James Sunderland and Pyramid Head. An intimate journey through grief and guilt, peerless."
"International version of Dragon Quest VIII, an epic JRPG with a sumptuous open world rendered in cell shading. The moving story, unforgettable characters and gameplay depth make it one of the greatest RPGs on PS2. A timeless masterpiece not to be missed."
"Slash version of Guilty Gear XX with new characters and revised Burst mechanics. Intermediate step between Reload and Accent Core in competitive evolution. Appreciated for its new roster additions and notable balancing adjustments."
