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.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Quake III Revolution brings the arena shooter classic to PS2. Speed intact, decent bot AI, the pad struggling to keep up. More of a historical curiosity than a modern must-play."
"Dark Cloud 2 improves on every aspect of the first game. City building, procedural dungeons and weapon synthesis reach a level of excellence. The enchanting art direction and gameplay depth make it an absolute PS2 essential."
"SSX on Tour tries a skate-rock turn and adds skis. Indie rock vibe, slightly stiffer mechanics and uneven content. Less wild than its predecessors, but still a pleasant ride."
"WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth kicks off THQ's modern formula. Huge roster, polished ring atmosphere and a fun season mode. A key step in the PS2 line."
"Direct sequel to FFX with Yuna as the main protagonist. The radical tone shift, in-battle job-change system and electro-pop soundtrack are jarring but endearing. An energetic and different RPG, appreciated for its originality despite divisive storytelling."
"Silent Hill 2 Director's Cut adds the Born from a Wish scenario and minor tweaks. The best PS2 version to discover or rediscover Konami's psychological masterpiece."
