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.
"Vice City immerses in a sunny, criminal 1980s Miami of exceptional cultural and musical richness. The neon atmosphere, iconic soundtrack and cinematic storytelling come together perfectly. An open world masterpiece, among PS2's finest achievements."
"Resident Evil 4 reinvents survival horror on PS2. Over-the-shoulder camera, surgical action and the unforgettable rural village. A peak of video games that reshaped a decade of TPS."
"Revolution in action-adventure gaming by Hideo Kojima. Raiden infiltrates an offshore facility in a staggering postmodern staging. The depth of infiltration, memorable bosses, meta storytelling and character controversy make MGS2 a controversial and brilliant work of art."
"Enriched version of MGS2 with substantial bonus content. The extensive VR Training with hundreds of missions, new difficulty levels and additional Snake Tales make Substance the definitive version. One of the most content-rich PS2 experiences for Kojima fans."
"PES 5 pushes the demands to the very top. Tough defending, refreshed animations and deeply technical feel. Drier than PES 6, yet revered by virtual football purists."
"Twilight masterpiece of the PS2 signed by Yasumi Matsuno. The Gambit system and real-time combat revolutionise the FF formula. Ivalice is a political and fascinating world. Graphically remarkable, narratively ambitious. One of the most accomplished RPGs ever created."
"Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 is still an arcade skate peak. Revert tricks, punchy career and unforgettable soundtrack. For many fans, the benchmark to this day."
"Absolute masterpiece from Santa Monica Studio. Kratos, a revenge-driven Spartan warrior, tears through Greek gods in titanic confrontations. Epic staging, ingenious puzzles and snappy gameplay make it one of the finest experiences on PS2."
"Unsurpassable peak of racing on PS2 with over 700 cars and dozens of circuits. Physics simulation is exemplary, content colossal and event variety unique. A title that pushed PS2's limits and remains an undisputed automotive benchmark."
"Rockstar's absolute masterpiece. San Andreas redefines open world with a massive map spanning three cities, RPG mechanics, culturally rich storytelling and total freedom of action. One of the greatest games ever created, essential on PS2."
"Soulcalibur II remains a peak of weapons-based fighting. Huge roster, gorgeous animations and generous solo modes. An absolute 3D fighting benchmark, still worth playing today."
"The founder: GTA III revolutionised gaming by inventing the modern 3D open world. Liberty City, varied missions and absolute freedom of play defined a new paradigm. A historic title whose cultural reach remains unmatched on PS2."
"A revolution in racing games, the first fully 3D Gran Turismo on PS2. The physics simulation, gigantic content with 150 cars and polished presentation defined the genre standard for years. An absolute essential, still appreciated for its quality."
"The finest Guitar Hero entry according to many fans. The setlist is exceptional, genre variety maximal and progression satisfying. Guitar Hero II consolidated the cultural phenomenon started by the first game. A timeless musical experience."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
