Game Developers List All-Time Favorite PS2 Games

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Yesterday marked the 10-year anniversary of the PlayStation 2 in North America, so we thought it would be fun to ask a few high-profile game developers and journalists to name their top three “must play” PS2 games. Word quickly spread, the project swelled in scope, and the result is what you see here — a definitive list of “must-play” PS2 games by some of the greatest living game developers in the business.

A few quick numbers: Ico earned the most mentions at six, while Grand Theft Auto III and Shadow of the Colossus tied with five mentions. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, God of War, Okami, and Katamari Damacy were also popular picks.

stig

Stig Asmussen

Game Director, Santa Monica Studios

  1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – GTAIII was amazing. And with Vice City, they added a ton of new toys to boot – the game was huge! The missions made big leaps in diversity and they integrated seamlessly into the story in a way that we hadn’t seen yet. And you gotta love the 80’s flair.
  2. Resident Evil 4 – The best Resident Evil yet. The new camera perspective and controls were effective and helped to reboot the series. The game was epic but still delivered on the isolated spookiness we’ve come to know and love — The zombie showdown in the cabin is still one of my favorite gaming moments.
  3. Devil May Cry – When it came out, we called it ‘Game Developers May Cry’. The game just oozes style. I was always hoping for a 3D Castlevania worth something and this was as close as it got.
Cliff Bleszinski

Cliff Bleszinski

Design Director, Epic Games (Twitter: @therealcliffyb)
Current Project: Bulletstorm, Gears of War 3, and Project Sword

  1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – Took the bits that worked from GTAIII and polished the heck out of them.
  2. Katamari Damacy – Made “cleaning” super fun and had some of that trademark Japanese zaniness.
  3. Silent Hill 2 – Because it’s on a similar level to the classic book/film “Solaris,” which always destroys me emotionally.
Ed_Boon_2_0051

Ed Boon

Creative Director, NetherRealm Studios (@noobde)
Current Project: Mortal Kombat

  1. Guitar HeroCreated a new game genre. Sold millions just on “word of mouth.” Genius.
  2. God of WarMore anger, personality and pure brutality than any PS2 game released before it.
  3. Grand Theft Auto IIII have to admit that I didn’t ever come close to finishing it because I simply don’t have the time. But from what I played, it was clear that something revolutionary and NEW was being invented here.
scott_camb

Scott Campbell

Co-Founder and Co-director, Eat Sleep Play
Current Project: Twisted Metal

  1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Nice blend of espionage, stealth and high action-style gameplay.
  2. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec – It was fun to race my real car because it looked, handled and sounded just like the real deal.
  3. Katamari DamacyWeird, quirky, but totally fresh and highly addictive. It was a nice break from the more traditional games.
david_cage

David Cage

Co-CEO, Quantic Dream
Current Project: Heavy Rain: Move Edition

  1. Ico – The demonstration that games can trigger complex motions like empathy, a real sense of poetry and an unforgettable ending make this game a must still today.
  2. Rez – A really innovative idea based on the mix of images, sound and interactivity. It shows that games can become sensual (hypnotizing) experiences.
  3. Okami – Maybe the last major game on PS2, a very unique graphic style and gameplay based on drawing make for a fantastic game with a special mood and atmosphere.

alex_waga_sml

Alex Evans

Technical Director, Media Molecule (@LittleBigPlanet)
Current Project: LittleBigPlanet 2

  1. Burnout 3: Takedown – Because it makes you feel awesome, and they capture the sense of speed brilliantly – even if you’re rubbish at driving games like me.
  2. Ico and 3. Shadow of the ColossusBecause they are the games I wish that I had made. Their atmosphere still hasn’t been replicated or beaten in any other game. Roll on The Last Guardian!
ChetF

Chet Faliszek

Writer, Valve Software
Current Project: Portal 2

  1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas This is my favorite of the series, if for no other reason than driving around town with my gang in a bus grabbing territory.
  2. SSX3The single mountain and DJ that introduced levels tied together some great snowboard action.
  3. Burnout 3: TakedownHorrible car accidents can be funny, especially when playing this with a group of friends.
NateFox

Nate Fox

Game Director, Sucker Punch Productions (@SuckerPunchProd)
Current Project: inFAMOUS 2

  1. God of War – It’s hard to resist the game’s clarity of vision, perfect pace and elegant cameras. The people who made that game are as badass as Kratos himself.
  2. Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando – Tons of guns, dudes to blow up, diverse worlds to visit… and a HUGE mid-game ice world that shattered their standard formula. Fantastic.
  3. Grand Theft Auto III – Allowed me to legally vent my backlog of sociopathic impulses. The star wanted levels are a game unto themselves.
Tasha Harris 2

Tasha Harris

Project Lead, Double Fine Productions (@tashascomic)
Current Project: Costume Quest

  1. OkamiUnique, inspiring art and fun game mechanics with the brush. Just an epic game, and so well crafted all around.
  2. FrequencyThe Harmonix rhythm game that was a precursor to Guitar Hero and Rock Band. So addictive, with great style and tracklist. I also loved the sequel, Amplitude.
  3. Final Fantasy XIIts hardcore difficulty was sometimes frustrating, but this highly polished MMORPG did a lot of innovative and fun things with its combat and class systems.
Todd_Howard

Todd Howard

Game Director, Bethesda Game Studios (@BethBlog)

  1. Grand Theft Auto IIIThe mark of a truly great game is how many people try to recapture or emulate it and fail. There’s a long line behind this one.
  2. Gran Turismo 3: A-SpecI think this game put the PS2 on the map for delivering really “next-gen” graphics that felt like a massive jump from before. And if you loved cars, this was the game to have: huge and deep, but easy to play.
  3. SSXThe best game of the PS2 launch. Why on earth do we not have another one of these for the current generation!?
Hermen-Hulst650

Hermen Hulst

Co-founder and Managing Director, Guerrilla Games
Current Project: Killzone 3

  1. God of War – Ahead of its time in terms of epic feel, fluidity of the experience and smoothness of the graphics.
  2. Ico – Wonderful audiovisual design combines with carefully crafted puzzles to deliver an experience that will evoke emotion in any player.
  3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The sheer amount of different gameplay elements from stealthy burglary missions to gang warfare, and all in a coherent experience.
david_jaf

David Jaffe

Co-Founder and Co-director, Eat Sleep Play (@davidscottjaffe)
Current Project: Twisted Metal

  1. Ico Moody, emotional, and just an overall fantastic adventure. People go on and on about the artistry of this game but many forget what a great GAME-Y GAME it was: great puzzles, fun exploration, and a great, hook-y ‘protect the girl’ core mechanic make this one of my top 10 games of all time.
  2. Devil May CryStylish, fun, and super cool. I’ll never forget playing this at E3 and being like, “Holy Cow! The bar has been raised crazy high and I don’t think we’ll ever be able to touch these guys!”
  3. Way of the SamuraiCore game needed polish but I loved the multiple story based outcomes to my actions. It felt like I really was living the story. In so many ways, the interactive storytelling that this game brought to the medium has still not been surpassed. A total lost gem.
KenLevine

Ken Levine

Creative Director, Irrational Games (@IGLevine)
Current Project: BioShock Infinite

  1. Dark Cloud 2 – It’s Diablo meets Sim City meets Tiger Woods Golf meets Pokemon. If you can only afford one game in your life, this might be the one to pick up.
  2. Mercenaries – Hijack a tank and take down a statue of the Dear Leader. Hey, you got something better to do with a Saturday afternoon?
  3. Culdcept – A love child of Magic the Gathering and Monopoly. Don’t believe me? The joke’s on you, pal, because it’s TRUE!
SteveP

Steve Papoutsis

Executive Producer, Visceral Games (@leveluptime)
Current Project: Dead Space 2

  1. Okami – Awesome art style, innovative use of analog sticks, and the wolf-based main character was kick ass.
  2. Persona 3Deep systems, a freaky story, and a very innovative friend system.
  3. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the KingAwesome hack ‘n slash with one of the best stories ever. Plus, it had online co-op way before anyone else. Best movie adaptation ever!
TedPrice

Ted Price

Founder and CEO, Insomniac Games (@InsomniacGames)
Current Project: Resistance 3, Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One

  1. SSXBrilliant combo system, fantastic depth, incredibly addictive. It’s the only PS2 sports title I owned because it didn’t feel like a sports game.
  2. Guitar HeroThe game that kick-started a genre, and probably inspired more people to start learning “real” guitar than Hendrix did.
  3. Gran Turismo 4Everything about this game was highly, highly polished. And you didn’t have to be a racing sim fanatic to get sucked in. I still don’t understand how they pulled off the graphics they did.
schafer

Tim Schafer

President and CEO, Double Fine Productions (@TimofLegend)
Current Project: Costume Quest

  1. Katamari Damacy – This game takes me into a crazy world that I never want to leave. Growing from the size of a mouse to the size of a planet is incredibly satisfying to me.
  2. Okami – Running through a beautiful hand-painted landscape, clearing out the evil spirits, dropping the brown rage from time to time… that’s living.
  3. We ♥ Katamari – Yeah, that’s right. TWO Katamari games. What, you say? That’s not fair? Well, too bad. I loved them both.
warren spector

Warren Spector

Creative Director, Disney Interactive Studios
Current Project: Epic Mickey

  1. Ico – For one thing, the vistas and screens it offers are gorgeous. And all that gorgeousness offers a window into a world that feels more real than almost any other in gaming history. You can FEEL the history, the depth of this world in a way no other game can match.*
  2. Ratchet & ClankI’ve always found the Ratchet and Clank series oddly inspirational….I think what I love about them is the way they defy genre definitions. They feature RPG-ish character development and action-adventure story and puzzle-solving…These games are fun to play, witty to watch and just fine entertainment.
  3. Grand Theft Auto III – I’m a huge believer in the idea that games should be vehicles (pardon the pun) for player expression. The groundbreaking, open world, freeform, sandbox gameplay of GTA takes that idea – that games are about the PLAYER’S creativity as much as, or more than the designer’s creativity – to ridiculous heights.
  4. *Note: These are excerpts of Warren’s full responses, which you can read at the bottom of this post. Please do: As always, Warren is brimming with passion and insight into the art of great game making.

Evan

Evan Wells

Co-President, Naughty Dog (@naughty_dog)

  1. Fatal Frame 2 – By far, the scariest game I’ve ever played.  I actually had to put the controller down on multiple occasions because I was too scared to keep going.
  2. Ico – While I’m sure this won’t be a very original answer, I have to put Ico in my top 3.  It was an amazing experience start to finish and one that still is relevant almost 10 years later.
  3. Resident Evil 4 – This game has everything and influenced many games that came after it, including the games we make at Naughty Dog.
TimWillits

Tim Willits

Creative Director, id Software
Current Project: Rage

  1. Shadow of the ColossusTaught players and developers that there is more to fighting a boss than firing rockets into them.
  2. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of LibertyThe defining example of what a PS2 game should be: cinematics, story, action, and setting made this game near perfect.
  3. Silent Hill 2 – The scariest game on the PS2. Great story, setting, and creepy action.

Press & Community

Dan Hsu, Bitmob.com

Dan “Shoe” Hsu

Co-Founder and Editor, Bitmob.com (@bitmobshoe)

  1. Shadow of the Colossus – A dreamy (did I really play this game?), epic adventure that elicits fear, wonderment, and hope. A one-of-a-kind experience.
  2. Grand Theft Auto III All those GTA clones over the years? They’re actually GTAIII clones.
  3. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3Perfect arcade controls and clever, nutty levels provide for plenty of addicting grabbing, flipping, and grinding.
BenKuchera

Ben Kuchera

Gaming Editor, Ars Technica (@benkuchera)

  1. Gitaroo ManTo this day one of my favorite rhythm games, and the mechanic of button-presses plus analog direction control has never been replicated. Great music, great aesthetics, and it includes a boss named BEN K. There is no downside.
  2. Shadow of the ColossusEveryone is going to say this, so I considered leaving it off just to be different, but that’s silly. This is an obvious answer because the game really is that good. This is the first game that popped into my mind when asked to create a list of the best PlayStation 2 games.
  3. Bully It kills me how often people talk about Rockstar Games without bringing up Bully. Taking the Grand Theft Auto-style play out of the streets and bringing it to a private school was genius, and the voice acting and writing were top-notch. A surprising, amazing game.
GregMiller

Greg Miller

Executive Editor, IGN.com (@GameOverGreggy)

  1. Metal Gear Solid 2The story got off the rails, but the gameplay was insane. I spent the better part of my Mizzou freshman year collecting every dog tag.
  2. GrimGrimoireThe RTS is beautiful and quirky again.
  3. Spider-Man 2 – A free-roaming NYC? It was so good I traded it in and bought it back a month later.
TN-592278_Gary_Steinman_PTOM

Gary Steinman

Editor in Chief, PlayStation: The Official Magazine (@tinymanrages)

  1. IcoNot just a great PS2 game, but perhaps the greatest game of all time. Story that unfolds via the action, puzzles that all make perfect sense within the environment, and a subtle soundtrack with melodic snippets that still haunt me.
  2. Jak and Daxter: The Precursor LegacyLater iterations were more ambitious, but the first game stands out as the best pure 3D platformer on PS2. This is one that deserves an HD remake.
  3. Final Fantasy XBest battle system in a proper Final Fantasy release, and the second-best cast of characters (behind PSone’s Final Fantasy IX). Tough call, though, since I also adored the absurdly playful FFX-2.
Ricardo

Ricardo Torres

Editor in Chief, GameSpot

  1. Dark Cloud 2Level 5’s deep sequel to the original Dark Cloud improved on the original in every way. The weapon crafting system was incredibly addictive and let you “Macgyver” yourself just about anything you needed..
  2. Monster Rancher 3Tecmo’s continuation of its cult hit bumped up the visuals and monster count, ensuring you’d be trying every disc in your house to get yourself a new battle ready critter.
  3. Ratchet & Clank: Going CommandoInsomniac’s Mario-caliber platforming series hit a high note on the PlayStation 2 with improved gameplay, more minigames and spherical worlds
Sid

Sid Shuman

Senior Social Media Specialist, PlayStation (@sidshuman)

  1. Shadow of the Colossus – Final proof that games can have the emotional impact of literature and film. Future generations of game designers will cite this as a key inspiration.
  2. The ThingThis shudder-inducing shooter preys on your paranoia, making you question the motives of every member in your fragile team. Outstanding mood and atmosphere.
  3. Resident Evil 4Innovated hugely by introducing the now-standard over-the-shoulder camera and shooting interface. More important, it’s an absolute blast to play. Don’t miss Mercenaries!
r3yg

Rey Gutierrez

Senior Social Media Specialist, PlayStation (@r3yguti3rr3z)

  1. Rez – Take that Dreamcast! Simple geometry flying at you in a rail shooter, with a killer soundtrack to boot. Sold. It’s like a peanut butter jelly sandwich made love to an oreo cookie.
  2. God of War II – The original is an instant classic, but the sequel took it to the next level. Its only flaw was that I wanted more. Zeus! Ares! Athena!
  3. Devil May Cry – DMC is God of War’s rebellious punk step-brother. Fast, fun and obnoxious.
Jeff

Jeff Rubenstein

Social Media Manager, PlayStation (@jeffrubenstein)

  1. Gran Turismo 3: A Spec – this is the reason I bought a PS2 back in the summer of 2001. I kitted out my favorite car at the time, the Lancer Evolution VI, and raced through most of the game with it over the course of a whole summer.
  2. Grand Theft Auto Vice City – I was so enamored with the style, music, and overall feel of Vice City (didn’t hurt that I was living in Florida at the time) that I themed out an entire awards banquet that I had to produce with a Vice City motif… which was wildly inappropriate. Also: Flock of Seagulls “I Ran.”
  3. Shadow of the Colossus – I tried to restrict myself to only fighting one colossus per day, but I caved and fought the last two in a row – I just had to see the ending (which still haunts me to this day). Oh, and since it’s our Blog, I’m going to cheat: 4. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King 5. Hot Shots Golf 3 6. God of War II 7. Okami 8. Final Fantasy X 9.Guitar Hero 10. Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence

*Appendix: Warren Spector’s Full Comments
1. Ico – I don’t typically like puzzle-oriented adventure games. You know – games where your primary goal is to read the designer’s mind and solve his or her fiendishly complicated environmental puzzles just so you can see the next screen, the next amazing vista, maybe a bit of combat. And Ico is very much that sort of game. Yet I love it. LOVE it. For one thing, the vistas and screens it offers are gorgeous. Not PS2 gorgeous – just plain, unqualifiedly gorgeous. And all that gorgeousness offers a window into a world that feels more real than almost any other in gaming history. You can FEEL the history, the depth of this world in a way no other game can match. But pretty pictures and puzzles do not a great game make. Story helps in that regard. But, really, the story Ico tells is nearly incomprehensible. It’s good enough not to detract from the experience but that’s about it.

So what is it that makes Ico great? It’s the characters, and, more importantly, their relationship to one another. And even MORE important than that is the relationship the PLAYER has with those characters – the boy in the horned helm you play and the girl that boy has to protect. The first time your character holds hands with that girl who needs protecting, you feel something never before felt in a game. It’s an almost indescribable feeling born of the power of touching, even virtually, another person. The fact that the girl is weak and slow, the fact that you have to wait for her, putting yourself in peril?… That’s design genius, friends. And then, toward the end when there’s a magic moment of role reversal? That’s when I knew I’d played one of the best games I would ever play. If you haven’t played it do so. Now. It takes, like six hours to get through, so no excuses. Beg, borrow or steal a copy and get ready to FEEL something as you play – and that’s a statement that can’t be made about many games, sadly.

2. Ratchet & Clank – I’ve always found the Ratchet & Clank series oddly inspirational. I don’t typically make games like them and don’t really love playing them as a rule. They’re action adventures, mostly, I guess. But I think what I love about them is the way they defy genre definitions. They feature RPG-ish character development and action-adventure story and puzzle-solving. Plus there’s some platforming. (If that sounds a little like Disney Epic Mickey, that’s no accident.) And beyond gameplay, the character designs of Ratchet, Clank and the rest of the cast are on par with anything Hollywood has ever put on the silver screen. The list of good things goes on: The writing, animation and cinematics work are all first rate. These games are fun to play, witty to watch and just fine entertainment. Now, for my money, the series has gone from good to even better with each installment. But the core goodness was all there in the PS2 entry in the series. I’ve been more influenced by these games than I like to admit. Gotta have a place on my list.

3. Grand Theft Auto III – I’ve gone on record – somewhat foolishly, I admit – as being annoyed with the GTA games. But I’ve always tried to be clear that while the CONTENT makes me feel this way, I’m in awe of the DESIGN thinking behind GTA. And I’ll be damned if the level of execution doesn’t match the conceptual brilliance. I’m a huge believer in the idea that games should be vehicles (pardon the pun) for player expression. The groundbreaking, open world, freeform, sandbox gameplay of GTA (with a story thrown in for good measure) takes that idea – that games are about the PLAYER’S creativity as much as, or more than the designer’s creativity – to ridiculous heights. I still don’t quite get how Rockstar pulled this off on a PS2!

Comments are closed.

244 Comments

32 Author Replies

  • In any order:
    – All the Jaks
    – All the Ratchet and Clanks
    – All the Sly Coopers
    – All the God of Wars

  • Way too many great games on a great and awesome system but if I had to pick my top three it would be:
    1) GTA Vice City: It was my first GTA game and still one of my all time favorite games.
    2)Devil May Cry: Never had I experienced such a fun fast-paced, stylish game.
    3) God of War 2: I would have put the first but the sequel made what was great in the first even more epic. I shall never forget the battle with the Colossus of Rhodes. Quite easily one of the best boss fights in the series.
    Honorable Mentions: Kingdom Hearts 1+2, God of War, Gran Turismo 3, Resident Evil 4, Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3.

  • What the heck dudes!? No ape escape?!
    1.metal gear solid 2
    2.ape escape 2
    3.dragonball z budikai 2
    4.gran turismo 4

  • 1) God of War one and two.
    Two of the greatest games ever made, awesome story, game play/combat, visuals, soundtracks, just everything. And Kratos is the baddest muther….

    2) Metal Gear Solid 3 Subsistence.
    Another overall outstanding title, unlocked the 3D camera control, brought MGS online, and came with Metal Gear and MGS 2.

    3) Gran Tursimo 4.
    The Real Driving Simulator. I think that sums this one up.

    Just a few of my other favorites.
    Resident Evil 4, Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance, Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, Grand Theft Auto III, Vice City, and San Andreas, Okami, Katamari both of them, Bully, Red Dead Revolver…… I’ll stop there it seems that I could go on and on.

  • My top 3 PS2 games are:

    1) God of War – A perfect game, bloody, fluid and awesome animation. It showed what PS2 was capable of with its graphics, gameplay and etc.
    2) Metal Gear Solid 3 – The perfect stealth-action game for PS2. Also the best choice of MGS for PS2. Surviving in the forest by killing animals and getting some fruits too. It’s also really addictive.
    3) God Hand – A 3D beat’em up game made by Clover Studios with really fun and nostalgic feelings. Tons of moves, many ways to punish the enemies. Insanely good and funny.

  • 1) Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence
    2) Shadow of the Colossus
    3) Devil May Cry

  • 1. Gran Turismo 4
    2. Grand Theft Auto San Andreas
    3. Final Fantasy X
    Then theres like 50+ games that tie for 4th :)

  • Tekken Tag Tournament is definitely my favorite PS2 game. My older brother got it when he got his PS2 and it’s lead me to be a Sony fan ever since.

  • is it just because this is post of the PS blog, or none of them mentioned any xbox games?? (i dont like xbox, but im just wondering)

    still awesome list and devs are actually gamers.

    you guys are awesome!!

  • p.s.

    my list

    1. socom 2 (really suck me in to 3rd person shooter games)
    2. ace combat 5 (best flight games ever created)
    3. GTA:SA (best open world game EVER.)

  • disregard my first comment. im an idiot lol

    it says “ps2 games” deerrrrr.

    srry for spam ^_^

  • Okami
    Dark Cloud 2
    Final Fantasy X

  • their is a serious lack of persona love here guys.

    1.persona 4
    2.disgaea
    3.we <3 katamari

  • D: there*

  • I have to pick games that made an impact on industry and on me
    and believe me 3 isn’t enough :
    1)GTA 3.. sandbox games was better after it , and vice city was everything missing in GTA 3
    2)MGS2… I don’t have enough words
    3)Devil May Cry … as a ” its the scale that Action games are measured with”
    the days of gaming was with Playstation 2 , alot of sequels are present these days because of a such a great console ..
    I only can say Thanks SONY .

  • Top 3 PS2 Games

    1)Shadow of the Colossus – What an amazing experience. I honestly can’t describe what it feels like to play this game. You just have to play it.

    2)Grand Theft Auto 3 – I remember walking into Target and going “What is that?” I took a gamble and bought it. One the best decisions of my life. I never had so much fun.

    3)SSX 3 – I have seen no mention of any sports games so I present SSX 3. I bought the original SSX on launch day and loved the game. The design, the gameplay, the music was all awesome. This definitely felt like a next-gen game to me.

    But it was SSX 3 really made think the PS2 is damn powerful. Being able to go down the entire mountain just awesome. The gameplay was perfected even more and the music surpassed the original. Sure wish there was a SSX for the PS3 in the future.

    Come on EA!

  • 1- Gran Turismo 4
    2- Driver 3
    3- Burnout 3: Takedown
    4- Crach & NFS Carboon

  • 1)Metal Gear Solid 3

    Great gameplay with a great story. Player years later of it’s launch and I was still amazed about how good the game was.

    2)Persona 3 FES

    A RPG that took me more than 80 hours to complete and it always managed to keep itself interesting. After the Journey, I find myself playing even more in the Answer part of the game. Absolutely genius.

    3)Yakuza 2

    Open-world plus dozens of addictive mini-games plus engaging story plus fun combat equals to win. Yakuza series was a surprise to me the first time I picked up and I coudn’t stop playing for a minute after that.

    Honorable Mention: Shadow of the Colossus, ICO, Persona 4, God Hand, Zone of the Enders 2nd Runner, Burnout 3 Takedown and many,many others =)

  • Cool – finally folks are mentioning Sly Cooper! :)

    1) Sly Cooper
    2) Spider Man II [love the free-roaming web-slinging through the city – not-so-much the missions]
    3) God of War

  • btw FF12 would have won a place… but the crappy story ruined everything – tho it has the almost best gfx and battle system among all RPGs – RPGs, are about the stories told, by the end of the day.

  • 1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence
    This game has EVERYTHING. You have the best PS3 single player experience (seriously, the game is almost flawless when it comes to both story and gameplay) summed with two classic MSX Metal Gear games, never released before in english, as well as a competitive online mode that combined stealth, tactical action and shooting like none other has done before.

    2. Forbidden Siren 2
    The original Siren provided an unique experience, which combined Stealth, Puzzle Solving and Survival Horror gameplay in a very original way. The characters are the most well developed on the Survival Horror genre, and the story is as complex and deep as it can get. The sequel solved a lot of issues from the first game, while adding new features in order to deliver what, for me, was one of the greatest PS2 experiences. It’s a shame the game is not that well known.

    3. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES

    The Persona series exceeds in the RPG genre, with its dark atmosphere, charismatic characters and intricate storytelling. It’s a rare gem, a reminder from the time a lot of unique and innovative JRPGs were released every year, and the western public had a lot of interest on them. Times that will never come back.

  • It kinda surprise me that Warren Spector is on the list, by the way, Cliffy B is also working on Gears i think.
    WOW WHAT A GREAT LONG LIST! CAN WE GET ONE FOR THE PS1 GAMES????

  • Great article. the ps2 is FOR SURE, the best console of all times.

    1.) Final Fantasy X
    2.) Persona 4
    3.) Kingdom Hearts

  • 1. Ratchet and Clank (series): My favourite game series of all time. Awesome level design, storytelling, and graphics. Tons of cool weapons. Doesn’t get any better than these games.

    2. Twisted Metal Black: My favourite Twistem Metal game. Awesome graphics, really cool character stories, and just a fun to play.

    3. God of War 1 & 2: Too good not to be on my list. Awesome in every possible way.

  • “My favorite PS2 games of all time”

    Fighting:
    mortal kombat deception
    Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution
    Tekken 5
    SoulCalibur III
    Capcom vs. SNK 2
    Marvel vs Capcom 2
    Street Fighter EX3
    Tekken Tag Tournament
    Bloody Roar 3
    Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus
    Garou: Mark of the Wolves
    Art of Fighting Anthology
    World Heroes Anthology
    Samurai Shodown Anthology
    Fatal Fury: Battle Archives Volume 1
    Fatal Fury: Battle Archives Volume 2
    Street Fighter Alpha Anthology
    Street Fighter Anniversary Collection
    KOF COLLECTION – OROCHI SAGA

  • FPS:
    Killzone
    Red Faction
    Red Faction II
    Darkwatch
    Urban Chaos: Riot Response
    Black
    Light gun:
    Time Crisis II
    Time Crisis III
    Virtua Cop: Elite Edition
    Shooters:
    Neo Contra
    Contra: Shattered Soldier
    R-Type Final
    Gradius III and IV
    Gradius V
    Raiden III
    METAL SLUG ANTHOLOGY
    Metal Slug 6
    Metal Slug (2006)
    Gigawing Generations
    Gunbird 1 & 2
    Strikers 1945 I+II
    Thunder Force VI

  • “My favorite PS2 games of all time Part 2”
    FPS:
    Killzone
    Red Faction
    Red Faction II
    Darkwatch
    Urban Chaos: Riot Response
    Black
    Shooters:
    Neo Contra
    Contra: Shattered Soldier
    R-Type Final
    Gradius III and IV
    Gradius V
    Raiden III
    METAL SLUG ANTHOLOGY
    Metal Slug 6
    Metal Slug (2006)
    Gigawing Generations
    Gunbird 1 & 2
    Strikers 1945 I+II
    Thunder Force VI

  • Only 3 titles for the best gaming system is quite a task, but here goes:

    1. SOCOM II- Being that I had just got out the Army (after being in Iraq for the first six months of combat) 3 days before it was released, it not only helped me and many others relieve stress, but was also the most addictive game I have ever played. Compared to shooters today I still rather SOCOM II hands down. I can only hope SOCOM 4 can live up to the SOCOM name, because if so there will be no need for anymore shooters this gen!

    2. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty- If games today can have the quality, depth & story that this game had, consumers would be buying these type of games as if they were $20 instead of the $60 we pay now. I know I would.

    3. SSX3- The first was probably the best launch title of any system, but this one was so creatively & brilliantly done that I can not understand why EA has not released one for the PS3!

    *side note*
    I have never played Ico nor Shadow of the Colossus, so I cannot comment but I will be picking it up when it makes its HD release on the PS3.

  • 1)Final Fantasy X
    2)Shadow of the Colossus
    3)God of War 2

  • That’s just my favorite fighting games on PS2 of all time & fighting games are my top favorite type of games period & then so on.

  • “My favorite PS2 games of all time part 2″

    Shooters:
    Neo Contra
    Contra: Shattered Soldier
    R-Type Final
    Gradius III and IV
    Gradius V
    Raiden III
    METAL SLUG ANTHOLOGY
    Metal Slug 6
    Metal Slug (2006)
    Gigawing Generations
    Gunbird 1 & 2
    Strikers 1945 I+II
    Thunder Force VI

  • 1) Final Fantasy XII
    2) Legend of Legaia 2
    3) Jade cocoon 2
    4) Kingdom Hearts 2
    5) Gran Turismo 4
    6) Monster Rancher 3

    My dream is someone announce: Legend of legaia 3 and Jade Cocoon 3.
    But It’s my opinion.

  • 1)God Hand – It remains my PS2 favourite for it’s insane story, stupid jokes and awesomely brutal gameplay.
    2)MGS2 – 3 never quite did it for me. 2 had an insane plot, the gameplay from 1, a First-person aiming view and amazing graphics or it’s time.
    3)Silent Hill 3 – It was scarier/more insane than 2, had a better combat system and weirder unlockables. It will always be my favourite SH.

  • 1) Metal Gear Solid 3
    2) GTA San Andrea
    3) Okami/Indigo Prophecy

  • 1. Final Fantasy XI
    2. Persona 4
    3. Virtua Fighter 4 Evo

  • Ohhh what a ludicrously difficult task! Only top 3?!

    Ok, if you’re going to make me…

    1. Shadow of the Colossus – I can still remember flinching when the second Colossi swings it’s sword slamming it into the ground spraying mud into the air! The feeling of being so insignificant and wondering how in the hell am I going to topple this monolith?? It was literally breath taking, and the story; the impact of the haunting ending… wow.

    2. Devil May Cry 3 – DMC3 was easily the best of all the DMC games. Seriously, I have been dying for DMC to be that good again. The fantastic story, the great selection of fun weapons and the brilliant cast of characters – love Vergil; can only hope he makes a reappearance one day!

    3. Jak 2 – I loved Jak and Daxter, especially the humour and charm of the main characters as well as the fabulous voice acting which has become a staple of Naughty Dog games. It really made the original for me, so when they went all ‘GTA’ in Jak 2 I was totally bowled over and loved every minute of it.

  • Guess mine would have to be
    1.Star Wars Battlefront 2
    2.First 2 NFL Street Games
    3.NFL 2K5

  • Though I definitely have tons of favorites (MGS3, Ratchet & Clank, Jak & Daxter, GTA, ICO), the PS2 game (or series of games I guess) that will always stand out to me is God of War.

    I don’t know what everyone at Sony Santa Monica did, or how they did it, but they pretty much reinvented the definition of great entertainment. Maybe it was the pacing. Maybe it was the fact that the story was so deep that it felt like it could have actually been a Greek myth itself. Maybe it was because the Blades of Chaos/Athena/Exile are still to this day the best weapons ever created in an action game. Or maybe it’s because the graphics looked so damn good!

    Whatever it was, it was something I don’t think I’ve ever seen any video game do as well as God of War. So….bravo Dave & Cory & Stig & everyone at SSM for making (as far as I’m concerned) the best action game of all time.

  • 1. Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater
    2. Final Fantasy X
    3. Zone Of The Enders: The Second Runner
    4. Metal Gear Solid 2 Sons of Liberty
    5. Front Mission 4

    I Regret Selling 2, 3, and 5. Sony! Work with Kojima to make an HD remake of Zone of the Enders one and two! Please!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Final Fantasy X as well)

  • The mainstream part of me says
    ESPN NFL 2K5
    Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
    Resident Evil 4

    The quirky part of me says
    Katamari Damacy
    Psychonauts
    Shadow of the Colossus

  • So happy to see Way of the Samurai and Culdcept mentioned!

  • 1) God of War 2
    2) Metal Gear Solid 3
    3) ICO

  • Won’t even dare attempt to select just 3, or just 10, or just 30.

    I need a top 50 at least.

  • Primal, anyone?

    http://www.primalgame.com/

    (Someone from Sony still cares about Primal, my avatar is Scree from the game!)

  • Wow, not as hard as I thought: 1. GTA: Vice City 2. Katamari Damacy 3. Gran Tourismo 4

    But Playstation 1? It would be impossible to just pick 3, since the best games for almost every series came out for it, including the very best games companies like Squaresoft and Namco ever released.

  • This is the best post I’ve ever seen on the blog.

    1) [Tie} Ico and Okami
    3) Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne

  • 1 ) Shadow of the Colossus – It`s a unique experience, unlike anything seen before or after it!

    2 ) MGS 3 Subsistence – Everything in this game is fantastic. Graphics, gameplay, the camouflage system, weapons, and on top of everything, boss battles. This game has the best boss battles ever (The End and The Boss, I`m looking at you).

    3)God of War – The beggining of one of the best franchises out there, a game that redefined action games.

  • 1.) Shadow of the Colossus
    2.) Ico
    3.) Gran Turismo 4

  • 1.Ico and Shadow of the colossus
    2.Yakuza 1 and 2 in Japanese
    3.Devil May Cry 1 and 3

  • 1. God of War
    2. Ratchet & Clank
    3. Devil May Cry

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