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.
"PES 4 polishes ball touch and spatial reading even further. Football turns into a demanding, almost magical dance on the pad. For many fans, an absolute series peak."
"An absolute masterpiece, the first fully 3D Final Fantasy on a Sony console. The CTB combat system, the moving story of Tidus and Yuna, and the art direction of Spira compose a transcendent experience. One of the greatest achievements in role-playing game history."
"Japanese version of God of War II, content identical to the international version. Polished localisation letting Japanese players fully experience the epic conclusion to Kratos's PS2 saga. Same technical and narrative excellence as the international version."
"Rayman 3 Hoodlum Havoc leans into slapstick action and colourful powers. Snappier than Rayman 2, gag-packed and set in a sparkling Glade. A breezy platformer that goes down easy."
"The Sands of Time reinvents Prince of Persia with brio. The prince runs walls, the dagger undoes lethal falls and the staging tells a timeless tale. An undisputed classic."
"SSX Tricky pushes the arcade spirit to the very top. Wild characters, crazier tricks and a cult soundtrack with Run-D.M.C. Pure adrenaline on every run, timeless fun."
"Enriched Japanese version of FFX with the bonus Dark Aeons, Penance, Expert and Black Sphere Grids and additional scenes. The most complete JRPG experience on PS2 with content for hundreds of hours. The definitive version for fans wanting to exhaust the title."
"Absolute masterpiece by Hideo Kojima. Snake Eater plunges into Soviet jungle in the 1960s with fully redesigned infiltration: nature survival, camouflage and CQC. The moving storyline about loyalty, betrayal and the Cold War is overwhelming. Unsurpassable."
"Naughty Dog masterpiece founding the Jak trilogy. Enchanting world design, flawless platform mechanics and the banter between Jak and Daxter create a joyful and memorable experience. A timeless PS2 platformer classic, still a pleasure to play today."
"A Criterion masterpiece and the absolute peak of the series. Takedown mode revolutionises arcade racing by making collisions an objective. Generous content, flawless gameplay and intoxicating speed sensation. One of the best PS2 games across all genres."
"Aratanaru Kibou is the Japanese name of Viewtiful Joe A New Hope. Same 2D masterpiece, same Capcom intensity and same offbeat cinephile charm. Essential."
"Tony Hawk's Underground shakes up the saga with a hero who can step off the board. More narrative world and realistic street mood. A welcome reinvention."
"Enriched version of MGS3 with an original online mode, improved third-person camera and exclusive documents. The Snake vs Monkey mode featuring Ape Escape characters is memorable. The definitive version of one of the greatest games ever created."
"Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2003 refines the cult formula. Freer tricks, expanded career and skater creator. A major step in the saga, savoured for new freedom."
"The absolute peak of the Gradius franchise developed by Treasure. Precision bullet patterns, level variety and the depth of the Options system make this shoot'em up an unchallenged benchmark. A genre masterpiece, graphically impressive and technically perfect on PS2."
"Okami is pure art. Amaterasu's brush makes a sumi-e world bloom with every stroke, and the journey lingers long after the credits. One of the most beautiful games ever made, full stop."
"Kamiya's masterpiece that invented stylish action. Dante, charismatic demon hunter, chains devastating combos in gothic levels. The combat system's depth, style and iconic soundtrack make it an unshakeable PS2 pillar."
