The 10 BEST First Party PS2 Games
“Killzone” (2004)
The “Halo’ killer, well not so much, but “Killzone” was a great first attempt from PlayStation and Guerrilla Games to make a first person shooter. “Killzone” set itself apart from the competition by being set after a nuclear war on earth. With earth looking like hell the world government created the United Colonial Nations with the goal to invade other planets to create human colonies. While “Killzone” was praised for its excellent audio and visuals it lacked a bit when it comes to enemy AI and a handful of technical issues. Despite not being the “Halo” killer most were hoping “Killzone” was going to be, this game spawned a slew of sequels with each entry being better than the last.
“SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs” (2003)
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When it comes to tactical military games, “SOCOM” is a bonafide classic. The PS2 received three games in the “SOCOM” series and while all are great, “SOCOM II” is probably the better of the trilogy. With 12 missions set around the world “SOCOM II” has a stressful yet rewarding layout with a multitude of bonus objectives. With “SOCOM” being more grounded and tactical, you’ll be graded on your teamwork, stealth, and completed objectives. “SOCOM II” also has amazing online play which was rather rare back in the day. The online play put two teams of eight going head to head using all the tactical skills they’ve learned in the campaign to claim victory.
“Twisted Metal: Black” (2001)
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Cars with guns, killer clowns, and a heavy metal soundtrack! “Twisted Metal: Black” is one of two Twisted Metal games on the PS2, alongside the port of the PSP games, “Twisted Metal: Head-On” In “Black”, we see the story unfold through vignettes that sheds some light on the characters dark and troubled past. It took the series in a more mature direction to the earlier games, however the core gameplay is still here. Cars equipped with guns in an all out vehicular combat brawl!
“Sly 2: Band of Thieves” (2004)
No debate - this second installment was the pinnacle of this beloved Sucker Punch franchise, and it's easy to see why. In Sly 2 you’re still doing what thieves do best - sneaking around while looking for valuables. Sly 2 took everything the first game did and built upon it. With some new additions to the stealth mechanics, breaking and entering had never been so fun! However, we don’t just play as Sly, since the duo of Bentley and Murray join us on each caper, with their own diverse range of moves to help us get away with the goods.
“Ico” (2001)
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There is something truly spectacular about “Ico”. The game oozes in minimalist world building combined with intricate puzzles. We play as Ico; a young boy dead set on saving his friend Yorda from her imminent doom. “Ico” doesn’t shove a story down your throat, in fact that’s what makes it so amazing. Every floor and encounter in the dark gloomy castle helps the player interpret the narrative in their own way. All of the movements feel deliberate. Sure there’s platforming and combat, but compared to other games every jump or swing of the sword feels real and meaningful. “Ico” is often overlooked, but with the unique and somewhat simplistic design, it still feels fresh even compared to today's games.
“Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy” (2001)
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The more edgy of the three family PS2 mascots, “Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy” was a great jumping point for the series. In order to reverse Daxter’s transformation, the duo have to collect power cells and ultimately stop Gol Acheron before he awakens the Dark Eco Sage. While Jak and Daxter is your typical 3D platformer of the time, the one sided banter from Daxter bring much needed comedic relief to the game. There are two more Jak and Daxter games and a racing spin-off on the PS2, but the first game felt more streamlined and stuck to the 3D platforming compared to the others. Plus, as a collectathon, it's hard to beat.
“Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec” (2001)
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The PS1 graced us with one of the best simulation racing series ever with the introduction of “Gran Turismo”. “Gran Turismo 3” took everything the first two games pioneered and turned it into one of the best racing sims ever - think of it like having a Toyota Corolla and upgrading to Supra. “Gran Turismo 3” still has the iconic lineses challenges, arcade mode, and simulation mode. It was also the first in the series to bring the popular F1 racing to the game. Even to this day “Gran Turismo 3” feels and looks amazing, which is thanks to the amazing feel of each car.
“Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal” (2004)
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Just like Jak and Sly, Ratchet & Clank was one of the more family friendly mascots for the PS2, possibly being the biggest of the three as we’re still seeing new games in the series to this day. There were a total of five Ratchet and Clank games on the PS2 and all were amazing, however Up Your Arsenal is probably the best. Dr. Nefarious is up to no good, and is turning everyone into robots, and it's up to Ratchet & Clank with the help of the Galactic Rangers to stop him. The Ratchet & Clank games are known for having crazy silly over the top weapons and the third entry is no different. Load up your RYNO and go wild!
“Shadow of the Colossus” (2005)
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Just like “Ico”, “Shadow of the Colossus” is top notch when it comes to world building and storytelling with minimal dialogue and exposition. In order to save his beloved from death, Wander must traverse and eventually slay giant beasts known as the Colossi, with each having unique weak points, while all Wander can do is run, climb and chip away at their massive stature. In-between this gauntlet of boss battles, we’re free to explore an empty landscape, but one filled with immense beauty. Shadow of the Colossus truly flipped perspectives on what a game could be, and even by today’s standards, it’s viewed as one of the strongest examples of how video games can be art.
“God of War II” (2007)
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Revenge truly is the best medicine. After being betrayed by Zeus, Kratos seeks revenge on him as well as the rest of Olympus, but first, he’s got to hunt down the Sisters of Fare to alter his destiny and prevent his death. “God of War II” kept the over the top bloody hack and slash action, puzzles, and grandiose boss battles from its predecessor, but improved just about everything along the way! “God of War II” is a wild adventure with huge set pieces, and no shortage of enemies to rip and tear through with the blade of chaos. Put it all together and you just might have the best first party PS2 game.
