With the Playstation 3 now firmly established as a ‘current generation’ console, it would be easy to let your old faithful PS2 gather dust. But before you condemn Sony’s more antiquated offering to silicon heaven, it’s worth taking a look back at some of the gaming goodness that can now be picked up at bargain prices.
Top PS2 games of all time number 5: Guitar Hero 2
Following on the success of its ground-breaking predecessor, Guitar Hero 2 refined on the impressive foundations of the original and featured an expanded and improved track listing to excited rock fans around the globe. Whilst it’s since been bettered by subsequent releases on current generation consoles, there is still plenty of rock for your buck in this ageing (and now considerably cheaper) musical great.
Top PS2 games of all time number 4: Gran Turismo 4
Driving fans are still (at time of writing) waiting on the follow-up to what is still considered by many to be finest driving game of all time. Whilst it perhaps lacks the pick-up-and-play appeal of more arcade-based cousins, Gran Turismo4, exclusively on Playstation 2, more than compensates in quality. Near-perfect physics, a list of cars and tracks which remains impressive even today, and a compelling career mode which keeps sucking you in for “just one more race”, this one should not be missed by anyone who owns a PS2 has even a passing interest in driving games.
Top PS2 games of all time number 3: Final Fantasy X
Graphically outstanding and featuring gripping storyline, surprisingly good voice-acting and deep, challenging gameplay, Final Fantasy X delivers a sublime gaming experience on PS2 which still stands up well to scrutiny even today – RPG fans should not miss this one.
Top PS2 games of all time number 2: God of War II
Graphic violence aside, more mature gamers can appreciate the slick, responsive action in this Greek-themed action romp. Graphically one of the PS2’s highlights, God of War II backed up sublime visuals with deep and varied combat and epic boss-battles, all in imaginative and beautifully realised settings. Whilst it’s not one for the kids, there are few more exhilarating gaming experiences on Playstation 2 than God of War II.
Top PS2 games of all time number 1: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was the final Playstation 2 entry in Rockstar Games’ impressive back-catalogue, and added new gameplay features into a vast and detailed open world, populated by well designed and humourous characters. The storyline is twisting and well scripted and the missions are surprisingly diverse, but San Andreas‘ real strength lies in the sheer fun that can be had just exploring and ‘playing gangster’.
Summary
Finding just 5 games to make this list was a mammoth task – the Playstation 2 boasts an enormous list of high quality titles – with games such as Metal Gear Solid 3 and Shadow of the Colossus not even making my list (down to personal preference only!), Sony fans could probably assemble countless top lists and not find room for any of the excellent games above. In short, there is plenty of fun to be had from this ageing slice of console greatness.
