10 Greatest PS2 Video games Presently On PS Plus

The PS2 was the present that saved on giving within the early and mid-2000s, with a prolific run giving delivery to some superb new IPs, whereas additionally permitting for a few of the most interesting entries ever in long-running and uber-successful franchises.

It was the console that everybody needed, and judging by gross sales figures, the one that everybody had. Which naturally implies that even with the slew of contemporary video games on supply today, many avid gamers are nonetheless eager to leap again into older titles for a pleasant little blast from the previous.

That is the place the PS Plus Catalog is available in, because the traditional assortment has a wealth of iconic PS2 titles. Some is probably not as eye-catching as others, however now we have curated a listing of all-killer, no-filler video games, that warrant a revisit in 2025 and past.

10

Darkish Cloud

Sony’s Alleged Zelda Killer

Again within the early days of the PS2, Sony was making strikes to try to create their very own Zelda to rival Hyperlink’s adventures on Nintendo consoles, which is what birthed the concept that would finally turn into Darkish Cloud.

Actually, the Zelda-style dungeon crawling elements do not even come near rivaling any 3D Zelda sport. However, because of enjoyable fight, an addictive gameplay loop, and an attention-grabbing city/metropolis builder facet that seems like one thing out of the Suikoden playbook, there’s loads to like about this one, Zelda fan or not.

The weapon degradation system is a ache, and the dungeons could be a little repetitive. However, as a sum of its components, Darkish Cloud is definitely a ray of sunshine, and a PS2 traditional effectively value diving into.

9

Summoner

A Uncommon PS2 Open World RPG

It is honest to say that the Western RPG style was one thing that did not fairly make the leap from PC to PS2 notably effectively. JRPGs had a swell time on console, however it will take a very long time earlier than conventional RPGs would have their second within the solar.

Video games like Morrowind, Gothic, and plenty of others had been absent from the PS2 lineup, however a sport boldly holding the road for RPGs in all places of their absence was Summoner.

Providing tactical fight, an unlimited and open world, a summon system that would assist or hinder you relying on the way you fared in battle, and a gritty fantasy story, Summoner has all of it. It is a plucky title that walked in order that video games like Baldur’s Gate, Divinity and The Witcher might run. So, play it and provides it the respect it deserves.

8

Timesplitters

About Time You Performed

Whereas I might have completely most well-liked to put Timesplitters 2 on this checklist, we sadly solely have the unique on the lineup on the time of writing. That mentioned, although, it is a traditional FPS title that goes to indicate that not all console FPS video games of this period had been objectively horrible. Simply most of them.

Positive, it would not have the marketing campaign of your Goldeneyes or your Excellent Darks to floor the expertise. However the missions are nonetheless high quality outings, if just a little random and disconnected. Plus, the gameplay is quick, fluid, and enjoyable in all of the ways in which these aforementioned traditional FPS hits had been too.

To not point out, this sport had a sturdy degree editor, which was just about unprecedented again then. Which doubled up properly with the standard native co-op to make sure you obtained out what you place in. It is just a little primitive, however even nonetheless, it is one which true FPS followers will love.

7

Lego Star Wars: The Authentic Trilogy

Strike Up The Cantina Band

There are such a lot of Lego video games on the market right now, together with a remake of this very sport listed. However if you wish to actually expertise one of the best model of the Skywalker saga in Lego type, then you might want to play the unique.

It is the traditional Lego method that has you remedy puzzles, partake in accessible fight and platforming, and gather as many studs as you possibly can. All of the whereas role-playing as nearly any of the foremost gamers this facet of Tatooine.

The extent design is rather more easy, and the quintessential slapstick humor of the Lego video games lands rather more usually on this model of the sport. Positive, it is rather less shiny and new, however there’s one thing about this sport’s simplicity that makes it the higher of the 2.

6

Forbidden Siren

A Fairly Literal Massacre

Relating to underrated horror gems, there aren’t many who deserve their props greater than the unique Forbidden Siren. A sport which may look just a little primitive by right now’s horror requirements. However even with out high-fidelity gore, this sport is creepy sufficient to maintain you in your toes.

Zombies are one factor, however if you tweak that method barely to put the participant in a village overrun with blood-cursed, demonically possessed townsfolk, the horror naturally elevates to a different degree.

Couple this with a gripping and tense plot, and the weak nature of your character as it’s a must to use sight-jacking powers to evade enemies, and you’ve got one thing actually particular. Alongside Silent Hill and Resident Evil, Forbidden Siren is likely one of the most interesting on the platform. No hyperbole, simply details.

5

Jak & Daxter: The Precursor’s Legacy

Mascot-Platforming Royalty

Talking of style pedigree, there are few dynamic duos that may stand in opposition to the long-lasting pair of Jak and Daxter. Now, I do know many will struggle on this, as lots of people favor the GTA-esque sequel, which can also be on the PS Plus Catalog. However for me, the unique continues to be one of the best by a protracted shot.

It is absent of that gritty, reluctant anti-hero shtick. It is vibrant, whimsical, and oozing with appeal, and above all, it feels rather more like a standard mascot platformer moderately than a sport making an attempt to mash collectively Ratchet and Clank with Grand Theft Auto.

Do not get me fallacious, love them each. However throughout the collection, The Precursor’s Legacy wins each time because of the superb semi-open-world construction, the excellent, memorable mini-games, and naturally, Daxter’s one-liners if you kick the bucket.

4

Okage: Shadow King

Launch Your Interior Demon

The PS2 was a continuation of the breakout success of the JRPG style on the PSX, and simply as you had unsung heroes like Vagrant Story and Parasite Eve, the PS2 performed host to its personal forged of JRPG gems. Of which Okage: Shadow King was actually one.

I will be trustworthy, the JRPG mechanics, whereas serviceable, had been nothing to write down house about. However, the place the sport shines is in its visible type and its writing, as the sport has a Tim Burton-esque, creepy however campy cartoon vibe. To not point out, it is a sport that dares to shoot for humor, and hits the goal greater than it misses.

There’s one thing moderately enjoyable about combating in opposition to the powers of evil whereas actively aiding and abetting a sleeping large within the evil villain panorama. It is a daring concept executed brilliantly, and it is one which JRPG followers value their salt ought to play.

3

Skygunner

An Alternate Persona

We all know ATLUS primarily for its assortment of long-running and massively profitable JRPG franchises. However, alongside being masters of the JRPG realm, this crew has additionally dabbled on the earth of flight simulation, permitting you to take management of the skyships which have turn into a staple of a number of main JRPG franchises. So there’s your hyperlink, nevertheless tenuous it might be.

What’s nice about this one is that, in contrast to typical aerial fight video games of the period like Ace Fight, this sport affords a extra light-hearted tone, a extra vibrant aesthetic, and, most significantly, gameplay that is not a lot targeted on sensible dogfighting as it’s enjoyable.

Image an arcade flight simulator with a steampunk Studio Ghibli vibe, a colourful forged of characters, and gameplay that seems like Kingdom Hearts Gummi Ship missions on steroids, and that about sums up what’s in retailer in case you select to play Skygunner.

2

Rogue Galaxy

A Not-So-Rogue Inclusion

There are fairly a number of genuinely magnificent JRPGs throughout the classics catalog, a number of of which now we have already talked about. However, the decide of the bunch, the place the PS2 line-up is worried, needs to be Rogue Galaxy.

Alongside providing an interstellar storyline value absorbing, the sport additionally supplies gamers with an amazing forged of characters to get to know intimately, wonderful real-time fight full with distinctive options like weapon fusion techniques. Plus, the sport supplies huge open planets to discover moderately than repetitive dungeons.

This, mixed with the truth that the visuals and rating nonetheless maintain up properly right now because of the sport’s timeless cel-shaded artwork type and the wealth of facet content material within the type of enjoyable mini-games, makes Rogue Galaxy a title effectively value exploring in 2025.

1

Deus Ex: The Human Conspiracy

Immersive Sim Heritage

Screw your Adam Jensen, I need JC Denton. When you’re somebody who was massively into gaming across the flip of the millennium, then I reckon you may really feel the identical approach.

This one may not be fairly as easy to play on console, because it was developed in an period when PCs had been king after which ported to the PS2. However, even nonetheless, it is a option to leap into an immersive sim that rivals the Thief collection by way of high quality and pedigree.

Every mission is one thing that may be approached in any approach you see match, with an insane degree of depth and adaptability, contemplating this was a sport made approach again in 2000.

It would not have the flashy gunplay of Mankind Divided, for instance. However with high quality degree design and immersive gameplay like this, you will not miss it.