The Most Popular PS2 Games That Are Still Relevant Today

The PS2 was a game-changer for many people as they grew up. The variety and quality of the games offered by the PS2 were truly impressive and helped instil a love of gaming in a generation. Many of those classic games are still worth revisiting today with an emulator, letting you capture a lost piece of childhood joy.

The PlayStation 2 is the best-selling console ever, with more than 160 million units sold across the world. If you’re anything like us, you remember late nights and rainy afternoons spent with the weirdly ridgy black box that was amazing fun.

While it’s hard to argue that the PS2 is the best console, with modern graphics and gameplay running rings around pretty much all of its offerings, it is definitely the best-selling, and there’s a reason for that.

While dated, the games that were available on the PS2 had some damn good options numbered among them. Silent Hill 2, Resident Evil 4 and Gran Turismo 3 were just as popular as free Craps and other online table games are today.

The console had some bangers, that’s for sure. But there are some games that, despite being a little hard on the eyes, are still worth booting up, especially if you run them through an emulator. The reason for that is that good writing never gets old, just ask Shakespeare or Aristotle.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

No list of the games of this era would be complete without mentioning this masterpiece. While we’re sure that you spent plenty of time already chasing the damn train, CJ, heading back to San Andreas can be a whole lot of fun.

The biggest impediment to enjoying San Andreas is definitely the graphics and the fact that GTA: IV and V have given us more modern opportunities to experience the Rockstar genius.

But GTA VI is around the corner, and what better way to prepare for its release than getting the Grove Street Families back up and running again?

The jank of the graphics and gameplay will soon be forgotten as you revisit the old haunts and experience the epic tale of betrayal, loyalty and family that San Andreas offers.

Shadow of the Colossus

This is a perfect example of graphical limitations not getting in the way of what we’re sure you’ll agree is basically art. The game is more of an exploration of some aspects of the human condition than it is something to play for fun.

We should give a nod to The Last Guardian, which is somewhat of a spiritual successor and another great title, but we’re talking about PS2 games here.

Many of the things about Shadow of the Colossus work together to give you a haunting and poignant experience, unmarred by its now-dated graphics.

Revisiting this game will be like picking up a novel again after years and rediscovering why it was so impactful.

You might even connect with it on different levels as an adult, just as many classic pieces of literature allow you to do. And if you missed it in the PS2 heyday, well, get emulating, bozo!

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

The Metal Gear games are gaming landmarks, and any true PS2 fan is likely to have played MGS3 to death already, but what’s one more time taking Solid Snake for a trip around the Cold War?

Metal Gear is a franchise that has made a name for itself with revolutionary stealth gameplay and mechanics, and MGS3 might be one of the best examples in the series, and certainly it’s the best the PS2 has to offer.

Hideo Kojima is still a force in the gaming world, but taking a trip back in time to see the earlier efforts that made his legacy is definitely worth your time.

Both the story and mechanics here are worth playing again, as long as you can close your mind to the graphical limitations.

Final Fantasy X

Okay, we know the JRPG style isn’t for everyone, but this might be one of the best classic JRPGs around. The story is sure to pluck your heartstrings, and if you get into it, the turn-based combat holds up today.

We know some of the voice acting is a little hammy, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. Embrace the meme and enjoy the ride through one of the PS2’s most popular titles and one of the most successful Final Fantasy games.

God of War II

Oh, Kratos, you used to be so simple. Don’t get us wrong, we love the gruff father trying to make things work and giving his son the best he can that we met in 2018’s God of War, but there was something so… cathartically simple about this 2007 gem.

Part of what makes this such a fun game to return to is that it was pretty impressive for the PS2; the scale of the action in the game is mind-boggling, and many of the game’s set-pieces pushed the hardware of the PS2 as far as it could be pushed.

Why Should You Play These Classic Games?

Playing these games can be a bit of a hard sell. While these games are absolute classics, there are so many hundreds of games for you to spend your time on today that have learned to run where older games could only walk, or in some cases crawl.

Well, the answer isn’t that complicated; these games are classics for a reason. They are well designed, well made and were well received. 

They all offered something special, and that specialness hasn’t abated much as time has moved on. In fact, if you played these games when you were younger, that is sure to add a dash of nostalgia to the experience of playing them.

So if you have some free time and can’t decide which modern title to grapple with, don’t! Head back in time and enjoy some of the classic titans of PS2 gaming.