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Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas tops the GamesRadar+/Retro Gamer ranking used here, followed by Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and Shadow of the Colossus. That is one editorial ranking, not a universal verdict: the right PS2 classic depends on whether you want an open world, stealth, horror, racing, or a story-led RPG.
How to read a “best PS2 games” ranking
“Best” and “best-selling” measure different things. GamesRadar+, with contributions from Retro Gamer, ranks games by editorial judgment; the figures below are its positions, not an industry-wide consensus. A sales chart instead records purchases under its own reporting definitions, and its order can differ from a critics’ list.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Pac Man World 2 - PlayStation 2 (Renewed) | $16.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Grand Theft Auto San Andreas | $31.86 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Capcom Classics Collection | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Medal of Honor Frontline - PlayStation 2 (Renewed) | $13.46 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Mortal Kombat Armageddon - PlayStation 2 | $42.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The PS2 launched in Japan in March 2000. Sony announced that cumulative worldwide hardware sell-in reached 150 million units as of January 31, 2011; that is console hardware shipped into sales channels, not games sold or the number of active consoles. Sony’s announcement gives the figure and date.
Top-ranked PS2 games in the GamesRadar+/Retro Gamer list
The following order and descriptions reflect GamesRadar+’s ranking. The release years and developers are included where stated by that source.
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Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004, Rockstar North) — open-world action
The list’s number-one pick suits players who want room to roam, a large setting, gang-related features, and character customization. It is the broadest starting point here if you want an open-ended action game rather than a tightly linear adventure.
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Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004, Konami) — stealth and survival
Ranked second, it builds stealth around survival systems: hunger and injuries matter alongside avoiding detection. The ranking notes that the later Subsistence edition adds full camera control and extras, so check which edition you are considering.
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Shadow of the Colossus (2005, Team Ico) — atmospheric adventure
Third in the ranking, this is the pick for a spare, solemn mood and puzzle-like battles against giants. The source also notes later PS3 and PS4 versions, which may offer an alternative to tracking down the original PS2 release.
Rank #2
Grand Theft Auto San Andreas- Drive through the largest GTA environment ever -- The game has three cities players can explore, for a gaming area 5 times larger than Vice City
- Recruit new characters into a street gang and take over by leading drive-by shootings against rivals Steal all-new vehicles, including bicycles
- Improved fighting elements -- smoother hand-to-hand combat, plus the ability to hold a weapon in each hand
- New graphics elements as cars get dirty and even rust, the longer you drive them
- Advanced role-playing elements -- Unlike previous GTA characters, Carl can swim and he needs to eat to survive
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Resident Evil 4 (2005, Capcom) — action-horror
At number four, the original PS2 version is known for moving the series toward an over-the-shoulder view and more action-oriented play. A later remake is a distinct release: choose it only if you specifically want the remake rather than the PS2-era game.
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Silent Hill 2 (2001, Team Silent) — psychological survival horror
Ranked fifth, it is the strongest option on this list for psychological horror and atmosphere. The ranking notes a remake released in 2024; that version is separate from the original PS2 game.
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God of War (2005, Sony Santa Monica) — mythic action
Sixth place goes to a Greek-mythology action game built around boss battles and combo-focused combat, as described in PlayStation’s PS2 history. Pick it for direct, combat-led progression.
Rank #3
Capcom Classics Collection- Capcom Classics Collection includes the following features -
- Experience more than 20 groundbreaking and revolutionary games of their time on one disk
- Hundreds of hours of nostalgic gameplay
- Enjoy a wealth of added features including original artwork, remixed music and playing tips
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Final Fantasy X (2001, Square) — story-led RPG
Seventh in the list, it is a natural choice for players looking for a narrative RPG. GamesRadar+ highlights its fully 3D environments and voice-acted cutscenes; it also notes an HD remaster on several modern platforms.
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Gran Turismo 4 (2004, Polyphony Digital) — racing simulation
At number 20, it broadens a shortlist otherwise heavy on action and horror. The ranking emphasizes its extensive car roster and tracks, making it the genre pick for players who want a driving simulation.
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SOCOM 2: U.S. Navy SEALs — tactical shooting
Ranked 25th, it includes single-player missions as well as its historically important online mode. GamesRadar+ says the official servers are offline and mentions a LAN option; do not expect official online matchmaking to be available.
Rank #4
Medal of Honor Frontline - PlayStation 2 (Renewed)- Jimmy has been sent back behind enemy lines to steal the HO-IX flying wing, an experimental Nazi weapon
- To get it, you'll have to survive six major missions and 20 unique levels of gameplay
- There's all-new non-player character animations, with superior 3D details -- even full facial expressions and lip synchs
- Use 20 authentic WWII weapons, from a Colt. 45 pistol to a German Panzerschrenk rocket launcher
- You can even drive vehicles like the motorized rail car, train, and mine cart
What sales figures say—and what they do not
A 2013 Top Selling Games chart lists these global PS2 sales totals:
| Game | Reported global sales | Source context |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas | 20.81 million | Top Selling Games chart, published 2013 |
| Grand Theft Auto: Vice City | 16.15 million | Top Selling Games chart, published 2013 |
| Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec | 14.88 million | Top Selling Games chart, published 2013 |
Those figures belong to that chart’s dataset and should not be treated as directly interchangeable with totals from other sources. They answer a sales question, not which game is most acclaimed or best suited to a particular player.
For another geography and date, GamesRadar+ reported US retail-tracking figures from Circana analyst Mat Piscatella’s October 28, 2025 post: more than 46.5 million PS2 hardware units sold in the US, with San Andreas the best-selling PS2 game in both units and dollars in that market. The same report gives 147 million accessory units, 28.3 million 8 MB Memory Cards, and a 61% attach rate. These are US figures reproduced by GamesRadar+, not global totals.
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Best Value
- Mortal Kombat: Armageddon PS2
Choosing a way to play today
Access varies by game and platform. GamesRadar+ points to later editions or streaming for selected entries, while other games may mean finding a second-hand PS2 copy. A remake, remaster, or streaming version may not be the same release as the original PS2 game. Check the title, edition, platform, and current service catalogue before buying or subscribing; availability can change.
If you choose original hardware, confirm that the console, disc, and any required accessories are compatible and in usable condition. A memory card is relevant for saving on original PS2 hardware, but historical accessory sales do not establish the condition or compatibility of any particular used card.
PS2 online play is now historical context
PlayStation’s history page says the last official PS2 server, for Final Fantasy XI, remained active until 2016. SOCOM 2’s official servers are offline according to GamesRadar+, which notes LAN play as an option. Those facts describe the legacy of PS2 networking, not a current promise of official online service.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
