Even though several new games come out every week, sometimes you just want to go back in time and enjoy the forgotten classics. The PlayStation 2 was a memorable console that brought several masterpieces that drew in first-time gamers. If you want to revisit some of the best PS2 games, fret not, as I have just the list for you.
Top PS2 Steam games to play
For this list, I've selected titles that have been bestsellers on Steam and are highly rated by the community. I've also made sure to include games from various genres, i.e., RPGs, shooters, horror, racing, and platformers, so there's something for everyone.
It's not a ranking list either, so go through all the games and shortlist the ones that you prefer playing!
Star Wars: Battlefront 2
While the recent Star Wars: Battlefront 2 (2017) was released not long ago, the original game from 2005 is still considered a masterpiece by players and amongst the best games in the franchise. This sci-fi, third-person shooter game tells the Star Wars story from the perspective of a veteran Stormtrooper and also features an enjoyable online PvP mode.
Obscure
Obscure is a survival horror game in which you take control of five students from Leafmore High School, which has seen several unaccounted disappearances. Use weapons, the character's special abilities, and your survival skills to solve the mystery and come out of it alive. The sequel, Obscure 2, also follows the same concept, but there's more to do and a new story to indulge in if you like the first game.
Bully
Bully is one of the most loved games produced by the developer Rockstar Games. In this open-world, third-person adventure game, you play as Jimmy, a 15-year-old mischievous boy in a boarding school. It's a fun single-player story in which you complete missions, all while getting into school fights and enjoying the high-school drama.
Psychonauts
A platformer adventure game that follows the story of a young psychic boy who wants to join the Psychonauts, an elite group of psychic spies. In his attempt to join the Psychonauts summer camp, Raz discovers that someone has stolen the brains of his fellow campers. Your job here is to rescue the lost minds while fighting off demons and misfits using your special powers.
TY The Tasmanian Tiger
Yet another platformer in this list is the story of one of the last surviving Tasmanian Tigers in Australia—TY. You come to know that your family is still out there, and you need to rescue them from a mysterious portal. Set on an adventurous course to find five Talismans to unlock the portal while defending yourself from the evil Cassowary—Boss Cass.
Final Fantasy X/X-2
The HD remaster of Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2 is a title you can't miss playing if you're into story-rich JRPGs. This adventure, turn-based combat game is one of the most loved ones in the entire FF franchise. While the first game tells the story of a star blitzball player who is on a quest to save the world of Spira, X-2 follows it up with a quest to find answers to new mysteries.
Killer7
Killer7 is a distinct shooter game with a violently surreal presentation. A hidden gem that I thought must be included in this list, this action-adventure game follows the story of an elite assassin group called the Killer7 tasked to bring down Kun Lan and stop his plan of global dominance.
Flatout 2
This list wouldn't be complete if I hadn't added a racing game into the mix, so I suggest Flatout 2, a combat racing with lots of destruction and a quality soundtrack. Your objective during the high-speed races isn't just to be the first but to inflict as much damage as possible to the objects, terrain, and, most importantly, the opponents.
Crazy Taxi is another good racing game you may try after Flatout 2!
Max Payne
This list would be incomplete without the classic third-person shooter game Max Payne. Max is a fugitive undercover cop framed for murder who's being by both the police and the mob. The cinematic plot and action-packed gameplay of the game are enough to reel you in, but Max Payne is known for introducing the bullet time effect that slows down time to make gunfights look even cooler.
Yakuza Kiwami 2
A sequel to Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a third-person action RPG set in an open-world environment. The story-rich plot tells you about the rivalry between Kazuma Kiryu and Ryuji Goda, members of two renowned yakuza clans. While Kiryu wants peace, Ryuji isn't going anywhere without a fight.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory continues the story of Sam Fisher, a black-ops agent working for the NSA. If you've been waiting for a stealth shooter game, this one's for you. To prevent cyber and electronic attacks in the country, infiltrate into hostile territory and gather intelligence while being tactical and hidden out of enemies' sights.
Persona 4 Golden
For the final entry in the best PS2 games on Steam list, I present to you Persona 4 Golden. This JRPG, turn-based combat game not only has a story-rich gameplay but also an exceptional soundtrack. This is the journey of a high-school student investigating mysterious murders with his friends while summoning physical manifestations of their spirit called Persona.
While this is the end of my list, some other games I'll suggest are Mafia, Resident Evil 4, Quake 3 Arena, Okami, Katamari Damacy Reroll, and Hitman Blood Money. For more video game recommendations, check out Best games that support Ray Tracing and Best games to play when you’re short on time.
