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.
"Totsugeki! Galactic Rangers spells out the full Japanese name of Up Your Arsenal. Titanic action and multiplayer, sparkling writing and memorable planets. An Insomniac must."
"Persona 4 lights up the late PS2 days. Rural summer, foggy mystery, Shadows and heartfelt friendships. Its social and dungeon balance is flawless and the soundtrack haunts the memory."
"Harmonix's revolutionary rhythm game that transformed popular culture. Strumming a plastic guitar on iconic rock tracks is immediately addictive. A unique cultural phenomenon that introduced millions of players to rock music."
"Shin Megami Tensei Persona 4 lights up the late PS2 years. Mystery in a foggy town, luminous social links and an unforgettable soundtrack. A perfectly balanced cult JRPG."
"Absolute masterpiece and video game poem by Fumito Ueda. Ico and Yorda escape a haunted castle in a silent and moving adventure. The bond between the two characters, enchanting atmosphere and unique art direction define a transcendent experience. Unsurpassable."
"SSX lays the groundwork for a freewheeling snowboarding series. Wild runs, airborne tricks and stylish heroes. The glide feels gleeful and still works wonders today."
"Koei cult rhythm game with innovative mechanics where the player guides a melody along a timed path with the music. The unique visual style, fabulous soundtrack and emotion conveyed make it an unforgettable musical experience, still unique in its genre on PS2."
"Rayman Revolution is essentially Rayman 2 Revolution. A more narrative adventure, lively hub and splendid platforming. A gorgeous PS2 rework of the Ubisoft classic."
"Going Commando blows the doors off. Insane arsenal, livelier planets, perfectly judged humour and game-changing challenges. One of the finest Ratchet & Clank entries on PS2."
"Third and finest Jak, delivering an epic trilogy conclusion with an expanded open world and enriched mechanics. The balance between platforming, combat and vehicles is at its peak. A Naughty Dog action adventure at the height of their PS2 creativity."
"Tony Hawk's Underground 2 pushes the madness even further. European tour, embraced gags and Bam Margera. Wilder than deep, but hugely fun for parties."
"Enriched Japanese version of FFX-2 with the bonus Last Mission roguelike dungeon. The additional content brings a more satisfying narrative conclusion. The recommended version for fans wanting the most complete experience of the title, with a resolved cliffhanger."
"Virtua Fighter 4 modernises Sega's 3D saga on PS2. Technical combat, generous solo modes and a delightful quest mode. Drier than Tekken, but rare depth."
"Direct sequel to Takedown, introducing oncoming traffic mechanics and enriched competitive modes. As fun and technical as its predecessor with superior content. One of the two undisputed peaks of the series alongside Burnout 3."
"Reload version of Guilty Gear X2 with balancing adjustments and improvements. Same gameplay richness as X2 with slightly adjusted roster. Recommended version for players seeking the best Guilty Gear X2 experience with the most polished balancing."
"Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution refines the entry further. Two new characters, retuned balance and generous content. Likely the absolute series peak on PS2."
"Ratchet & Clank 2 is the Japanese name for Going Commando. Same arsenal carnival, same lively planets and the same astonishing flow. A peak of the genre on the pad."
"Legendary American football simulation sold at 9.99 to counter EA. Exceptional game engine for the era, quality commentary and generous content. Considered by many the finest American football simulator ever on PS2, despite the franchise being forced out."
