PlayStation 2 might be an old school console, especially since it has been through a few significant upgrades overtime. But then, whether you have been gaming for years or you are after a few nostalgic feelings, there are still lots of games you can find – some of them better than what you can get in today’s market. All in all, here are some of the most successful PlayStation 2 video games in the US.
Resident Evil 4
This is one of the most successful Resident Evil games out there. You are Leon Kennedy and you are retired. However, you are so good that you need to save the president’s daughter from a sketchy cult. This is when the horror shooter begins.
You end up running down hundreds of monsters, zombies and bosses. Your ammo is limited, meaning you have to make each shot count. The series has seen lots of upgrades overtime, but this one will always be a legendary release.
Viewtiful Joe
Viewtiful Joe puts you in charge of a popular comic book. You lead the action and decide what happens next. You are Joe, a random guy who ends up in Movieland and has the unique mission to save the whole world.
Viewtiful Joe has stood up in the crowd because of its accurate reproduction of the comic book. The graphics still look good around two decades later. All in all, this is one of those few games that could actually get a revival.
God of War
This is not the 2018 release, but the classic game from 2005. Back then, it was one of the most overwhelming games for PlayStation 2. The game takes you closer to the Greek mythology and especially to Kratos.
The game features some notorious boss fights – you better get some training there, as well as the unique Blades of Chaos. Platforming sequences are just as attractive, not to mention the puzzles you had to complete to advance.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
This is one of the most ambitious games ever released on PlayStation 2. Brought in by Konami, it was a mix of a plethora of different themes. You could find political accents in it, as well as scenarios that have become reality over the past years.
You are Solid Snake and you have to go through one level after another to reveal a massive conspiracy that could destroy the world. At times, the game might feel a bit confusing, but it is still one of the best detailed games of all times.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
There is definitely something special about the Grand Theft Auto series – probably the possibility to do whatever goes through your mind. This game gained notoriety due to the foul language, strong sexual content and violence – you could murder anyone you wanted.
The action takes place in Miami. There are tons of missions, plenty of side puzzles and missions and a unique approach to the open world. While newer releases are more technically advanced, this one has redefined the gaming industry.
Silent Hill 2
Silent Hill 2 is similar to the first release, but it is not really a sequel. The initial game redefined the horror genre, but this one takes things even further. You follow James Sunderland and you go back to the town a few years after your wife’s death.
You get a letter and a few clues that may raise some question marks – is she actually dead? There is plenty of psychology in this game, but the horror profile is not to be overlooked either. You end up wondering what is real and what is in your imagination.
SoulCalibur II
SoulCalibur II is one of the most appreciated fighting games for PlayStation 2. Released in 2002, it became an instant hit. Everything was better than in the previous release – from the actual game play to the graphics. The game was more sophisticated and ready to push gaming further.
This franchise has always felt special because it brings in a bunch of melee weapons. You smash enemies off, which is more fun than punching and kicking them. The fighting experience is balanced and stable – anyone can win.
Gran Turismo 4
Gran Turismo 4 has always been rated as the ultimate racing game for Sony consoles. This fourth release had everything you could have wanted. It came with lots of different tracks, as well as numerous cars. However, the technical profile was just as attractive.
For instance, the rubber would wear out in the long run as you raced. This was not just a racing game, but a serious and apparently professional racing simulator. It was not the best choice for everyone, as some people simply found it too difficult.
Bottom line, these are some of the most successful PlayStation 2 video games in the US. While the list can go on for ages, these titles will most likely bring in some good old fashioned memories.