Best Games on PS2 by User Score
Metacritic aggregates music, game, tv, and movie reviews from the leading critics. Only Metacritic.com uses METASCORES, which let you know at a glance how each item was reviewed.
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2. God Hand

With great power comes great responsibility. Play as a drifter bestowed with supernatural-like abilities who must confront the fate and responsibilities inherent with this new found power. Hand-to-hand combat is at its best when gamers unleash the power of the God Hand to deliver righteous punishment onto worthy enemies. Centuries ago, the world was in imminent doom until a man defeated Angra and sealed away his godly powers into his own arms. People feared and revered this person who would become known as "God Hand". Legend has it that anyone who acquired such hands would possess immense power that could turn them into a deity or demon. Fast forward to a small town overrun with thugs wielding super-human strength. A gruff drifter named Jean finds his way to this troubled region and defends a woman surrounded by a brutal mob. Despite his valiant efforts, Gene is overpowered by these thugs and his right arm is severed before falling into unconsciousness. He later awakens to find his limb whole again and that he is now the possessor of the legendary God Hand. The burden of being hunted by demonic legions seeking the right hand of God soon begins. [Capcom]

73

Metascore

3. NFL Street 2

NFL Street 2 adds a whole new dimension to gameplay with wall moves and high flying football this year. Now for the first time, receivers can run off the walls, change passing lanes by running the QB up a building, and take advantage of eye-popping wall jukes and all-new hurdles. Players will descend on Bay City?s 10 new environments in an all-new persistent world to build their teams, their reps, and their battle plans one field at a time. Once you own the walls, you will own the city. [Electronic Arts]

77

Metascore

4. Shadow of the Colossus

(Also known as "Wanda and the Colossus" or "Wanda to Kyozou" in Japan) In Shadow of the Colossus, players take the role of a young man seeking the truth of an ancient tale of power hidden in a mystical land. Shadow of the Colossus is a majestic journey through ancient lands to seek out and destroy gigantic mythical beasts. With a trusty horse at your side, players explore the spacious lands and unearth each Colossi. The uneasy task of defeating a Colossus relies on intelligent puzzle solving and action oriented gameplay. Armed with strong wits, a mystical sword and a sturdy bow, players use cunning and strategy to topple each behemoth. [Sony]

91

Metascore

5. ESPN NFL 2K5

ESPN NFL 2K5 is uniting fans with a coupling of the most responsive and intense gameplay and the richest multi-player gaming experience possible. Maximum Tackling brings unique on-field control allowing gamers to go for the wrap-up tackle or deliver the big highlight hit. The addition of the V.I.P. System? allows gamers to play friends, even if they're not there! Players are invited to show off their coaching skills in Franchise mode and utilize Weekly Prep to fully plan the training schedule, intensity, and regimen each week. Full online leagues and tournament play with living rosters rounds out the most complete online experience. [Sega]

90

Metascore

6. Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition

Devil May Cry 3 marks the return of the world’s toughest demon slayer, Dante, in a riveting new game marked by complex storylines, striking graphics and unadulterated stylistic action. As a prequel to the first Devil May Cry, the story unfolds an earlier chapter in Dante’s history, to a fateful clash with his evil twin brother. In addition to its characteristic fast paced action, the game increases the intensity with a new "style" system. It adds more depth to gameplay and allows players to choose between short-range, long-range, defensive or evasive play styles. Each system has its own range of features and players can power up their favorite style for increased special attack abilities. Special Edition feature: Now play as Dante’s twin Vergil! [Capcom]

87

Metascore

8. Okami

In Okami, the legendary monster Orochi has come back to life and turned the world into a veritable wasteland. Players must assume the role of a wolf, an embodiment of the sun god Amaterasu, which is capable of wielding unimaginable power. The state of the world lies in gamer's hands as they must fight ominous beings and reclaim the earth from a curse that plagues it. It is crucial to help Amaterasu make the world a place where all living creatures can dwell once again. [Capcom]

93

Metascore

9. NFL Street

Hard-hitting 7-on-7 arcade gameplay challenges players to show their skills on both offense and defense. Big jukes with bone-crunching tackles, pitches, and a wealth of showboat moves are available. Create a player and build a team, filling all positions. Choose from hundreds of swappable clothing, accessories, colors and logos. NFL Challenge: Bulldoze through 31 teams while building the ultimate team with dozens of unlockables. Pick Up Game: You're always the captain and you take turns with your opponent, selecting your team from 40 randomly selected NFL stars. More than 300 current NFL stars and legends such as Barry Sanders. Each player model exaggerates the real-life features of their counterparts. Great plays earn Showboat points which will eventually reward gamers with a Gamebreaker. Gamebreakers put a player into "the zone" where they can plow through the opposing team or knock the ball loose on defense. Online Play for PlayStation 2: Rule the streets from coast-to-coast. [Electronic Arts]

80

Metascore

11. Aliens Versus Predator: Extinction

On a cold distant planet, the war against extinction is on and your command skills will determine its outcome. Control an Alien hive, Predator clan, or lead an elite squad of Colonial Marines and fight for the survival of your race. Harness the unique advantages as an Alien, Predator or Colonial Marine to wage war in 21 single-player missions. Control one of three different races - each with its own characteristics and abilities to suit any style of play. Upgrade up to 10 different unit types of various races including new, never before seen units such as the Predator Hydra or Alien Ravager. Engage the enemy in 21 unique maps, from jungles to deserts to high-tech laboratories. Utilize powerful resources and strategies including pulse rifles, exosuits and air strikes to unleash devastating attacks on your enemies. [Electronic Arts]

66

Metascore

15. God of War II

[Metacritic's 2007 PS2 Game of the Year] God of War saw Kratos, a mortal warrior, set upon an epic quest to dethrone a God. But his journey did not end there. In God of War II, Kratos sits atop his Olympus throne, as the new God of War – far more ruthless than Ares ever was. To end his continued torment, Kratos must journey to the far reaches of the earth and defeat untold horrors and alter that which no mortal, or god has ever changed, his fate. God of War II sets an epic stage for a devastating mythological war to end all wars. In God of War II, players retake the role of Kratos. Armed with the deadly blades and blistering rage, players are aided by new breath-taking magic and new brutal combat moves. The journey takes them through vividly striking environments where they are faced with a labyrinth of challenging puzzles and mini-games intricately woven into the story. The violent world of Greek mythology comes to life in gory detail as Kratos encounters new mythical characters, and compete in epic boss battles in his quest. [SCEA]

93

Metascore

16. Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005)

Star Wars Battlefront II improves upon the original game's single-player experience with open-ended, mission-based objectives inspired from all six Star Wars films. The compelling storyline spans more than 12 new locations, many from Episode III, including volcanic Mustafar and the space battle above Coruscant. All-new classic movie moments complete the Star Wars Battlefront II experience, as players battle within the interior of the Death Star and visit Princess Leia’s blockade runner, the Tantive IV, as seen at the beginning of Episode IV A New Hope. In addition, at certain key moments within the battles, players can feel the Force as a Jedi. For the first time ever, Star Wars Battlefront II players can engage in space combat and, during the same battle, board enemy ships to attack from within. Starting on foot inside a capital ship, players can enter the spacecraft of their choice and travel into space to dogfight with the rival faction. From there, they can dock within the enemy’s capital ship, overtake the ship’s command posts, man its turrets to disable its shields and destroy it from within! Or, they can simply stay inside their own capital ship and defend it from attacks and enemy fire. The choice is theirs. The stellar online play that marked the original Star Wars Battlefront returns even bigger and better for Star Wars Battlefront II. Players can locate their buddies and track their stats as they battle alongside more players than ever (up to 24 on PS2, 32 on Xbox, 64 on Windows). [LucasArts]

84

Metascore

17. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

[Metacritic's 2004 PS2 Game of the Year] Five years ago Carl Johnson escaped from the pressures of life in Los Santos, San Andreas... a city tearing itself apart with gang trouble, drugs and corruption. Where filmstars and millionaires do their best to avoid the dealers and gangbangers. Now, it's the early 90s. Carl's got to go home. His mother has been murdered, his family has fallen apart and his childhood friends are all heading towards disaster. On his return to the neighborhood, a couple of corrupt cops frame him for homicide. CJ is forced on a journey that takes him across the entire state of San Andreas, to save his family and to take control of the streets. [Rockstar]

95

Metascore

18. Kingdom Hearts II

It has been a year since the events of "Kingdom Hearts." Sora and friends are joined by a vibrant new cast of characters, including the king himself. Together, they will face countless dangers in worlds both familiar and brand-new. It seems the Heartless still exist. A new villain also awaits - but is it an old foe behind the mask, or a new menace? This mystery and others will be solved as the story unfolds in a grand adventure.

87

Metascore

19. Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening

Devil May Cry 3 unfolds an earlier chapter in Dante's history, before the original Devil May Cry, to the fateful clash between Sparda's twin sons, divided by the divergence of their chosen paths. Along the way, Dante encounters formidable foes and unusual characters including a mysterious man named Arkham and a female hunter named Lady whose mission is to take down all demons, including Dante. These precursory events disclose the complex roots of Dante's character and reveal insight into his clouded past. In addition to its strong roots, the game increases the intensity of gameplay with a new "style" system, which adds an additional level of depth. Depending on preference, players can choose to use short-range, long-range, defensive or evasive play styles. Each system has its own range of gameplay features and players can choose to power up their favorite style for increased special attack abilities. [Capcom]

84

Metascore

20. Resident Evil 4 (2005)

In Resident Evil 4 players are reacquainted with Leon S. Kennedy, Raccoon City Police Department's idealistic rookie cop from "Resident Evil 2." It has been six years since the destruction of Raccoon City and in that time, the U.S. government has been able to destroy the nefarious Umbrella Corporation. Fast forward to 2004 and players rejoin Leon, who is now a U.S. agent with a top-secret mission. He has been tasked to look into the abduction of the President's daughter and his investigation has led him to a mysterious location in Europe. As Leon encounters unimaginable horrors, he must find out who or what is behind everything. [Capcom]

96

Metascore

21. Gran Turismo 4

Gran Turismo 4 features a truly authentic racing experience spanning 100 years of automotive history. Packed with more cars, courses, race modes and online gameplay via the Network Adaptor, Gran Turismo 4 delivers enhanced, if not perfected game physics and graphics. New physics engine adding a higher level of realism in cars, which allows for cars to be handled easier. More than 5,000 polygons per vehicle capture exceptional detail, right down to the disc brakes behind the wheel. Up to 100 courses including Nurburgring, New York City, the Grand Canyon, Tsukuba Circuit, Fuji Speedway, Citta di Aria, Hong Kong, Costa di Amalfi and others. Includes courses that can be played in reverse mode. More than 500 vehicles encompassing manufacturers from around the world with a range from vintage to modern models seen today. All vehicles are fully customizable from racing tires to gear ratio. Race opponents posses advanced artificial intelligence, which allows for behavior that captures human-like emotion. Compatible with the Logitech Driving ForceTM Pro Wheel. GT Career 'Simulation' Mode ? Via the GT Universe, players start from the bottom and race to earn money, unlock cars and courses, buy and sell cars and upgrade parts while competing in more than 200 various championship races. GT Online Mode ? Features head-to-head racing for up to six players per race. Chat functionality and in-depth menu screens for the ability to build communities to interact about automotive topics. GT Arcade Mode - Players compete against each other or the artificial intelligence with select cars on select courses. More cars and course are available in the GT Arcade Mode when they are unlocked in the GT Career Simulation Mode. GT Photo Mode ? Players can travel around the globe with their car(s) and conduct photo sessions in various popular locations that include Piazza San Marco, Shibuya, Tsumago, Sagano and more. Once the photo is taken in the game, the player can save it to their memory card and have the option to share with friends or print out a color copy via a USB Printer. [Sony]

89

Metascore

23. Kessen III

Kessen III marks the franchise's return to Japanese history and aesthetics. It is the middle of the turbulent Sengoku or "warring states" period. Endless chaos and plunder have consumed the islands of Japan. A young teenager, known for his extravagant appearance and unconventional attitude emerges from Central Japan- he is Nobunaga Oda. While elders admonished him, his contemporaries admired him. Blessed with an indomitable vision and fearless constitution, the soon-to-be legendary Nobunaga will stand against legions of warriors in order to resurrect a land filled with chaos and sorrow. KESSEN III now features non-linear stage selection, an officer and troop development system, and a process that allows players to equip officers with over 450 weapons, helmets, and samurai armor. The game's deep and compelling narrative will unfold throughout 120 combined minutes of movie sequences, accompanied by a stirring musical score from legendary composer Reijiro Koroku. [KOEI]

73

Metascore