PS2 Games That Need To Be On PS Now (Now!)

Creating a list of the top PS1 games that need to be on PS Now was hard enough, but when I begin crafting the list for PS2 games that need to be on PS Now? It was even more difficult! I sincerely believe that the PlayStation 2 is the greatest console to ever be released: yes, even better than the Atari 2600, NES, and SNES. It may not have had the power or the (at the time) seamless online functionality of the original Xbox, but what it lacked in power and an online presence (although SOCOM was awesome) it more than made up for in a library of games so vast that it makes the PS1’s amazing library pale in comparison.

There is a reason why I still have a PS2 hooked up to my bedroom television. Many of the games are still great despite their age and I am always finding a new, awesome game that I missed out on. With so many amazing games, I had to cheat by inserting extra games into each entry of this top 10 list; I even had to add an honorable mentions section that is almost as large as the actual top 10 list! Even then, I’ve missed some great games so don’t fault me on that. If you think any games should have been added to this list, let us know in the comments below.

Anything Rockstar – GTA, Manhunt, Bully, The Warriors, Oni

The legend that is Rockstar Games begins on the PlayStation 2. Releasing hit after hit on the PS2 – from the GTA series to the unsettling Manhunt to the refreshing Bully and beyond – Rockstar’s catalog is nearly untainted (State of Emergency taints it a little bit). They even developed a movie tie-in via The Warriors that actually does not suck, and thanks to Red Dead Revolver? We were able to get Red Dead Redemption in the next console generation.

Most people also missed Oni – a little-known Rockstar game that was one of the first PS2 games to ever be released. While I am not going to promise that it has aged well, it is still worthy of a release on the PS Now.

Metal Gear Solid Series

Metal Gear Solid changed the gaming landscape on the PS1, and the trend continued with Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. I know, I know, nobody wanted to play as Raiden and it kind of put a bad taste in people’s mouths. Even so, it is still an entry worthy of release on PS Now. As for Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater? Despite its goofy name, is undoubtedly worthy of release. For my money, it is the best Metal Gear Solid game of all time and was a return to form for the series. Plus, it stores one of the greatest villains of the PS2 era.

God of War Series

So I have to admit something: originally, I saw God of War as a ripoff of Devil May Cry 3 (they both release at the same time). Boy was I wrong! While the gameplay of God of War isn’t exactly original (though Kratos’ default weapon sure is), where the game shines is in the story. Featuring the best mythological story since the original Clash of the Titans, this series has the most badass moments of any series on the PS2.

Devil May Cry

For years, everyone saw Devil May Cry as a one hit wonder; and depending on how you view the most recent installment in the series – DMC – you may still think it is. It’s a shame, but it is a testament to how amazing the original Devil May Cry actually was. This game had everything: frantic action, a bad ass protagonist, and awesome enemies. It is game ever lands on PS Now, play it immediately!

Final Fantasy X, XII

Final Fantasy X arguably made as big of a splash as Final Fantasy VII. While history tells us that Final Fantasy VII is the most memorable game of the two, but doesn’t take anything away from the greatness that is Final Fantasy X. One of the most epic stories in the franchise’s history, it felt like we were seeing the future when Final Fantasy X was originally released.

Final Fantasy XII is also a worthy addition to the list as well. Released at the end of the PS2’s life, it is one of the more forgotten entries in the series. Even so, it is still worth playing.

Platformers – Jak and Daxter, Ratchet and Clank, Sly Cooper

The PS2 saw a huge renaissance of 3-D platformers – the Jak and Daxter, Ratchet and Clank, and Sly Cooper series just to name a few. Each one of them is unique in its own way, but each one is a blast to play. Nearly every entry in each respectable series still holds up, so there is no reason why this series should not grace PS Now with their presence.

Silent Hill 2

As if the original Silent Hill wasn’t scary enough, Konami raised the bar of the series with the release of Silent Hill 2. This game is still great, and one of the creepiest games that you will ever play. If you don’t like psychological horror, stay far away because this game will mess with your head!

Kingdom Hearts Series

Who knew that combining Final Fantasy characters with iconic Disney characters would work so well? Apparently Square Enix did. One of the most original RPGs of all time, Kingdom Hearts will tug on your heartstrings and make you feel like a kid all over again. The original Kingdom Hearts was awesome enough, but its sequel was even better. Featuring locales ripped from popular Disney films that we wish we could have experienced the first time around (such as Tron and Pirates of the Caribbean), it is enough to get you excited about Kingdom Hearts III.

With the purchases of Marvel and Lucasfilm properties, who knows? Maybe Iron Man, Darth Vader, and Indiana Jones will crop up in the next entry!

Persona 3 and 4

Atlus has silently been developing some of the best JRPGs of all time for nearly 20 years. Persona 3 and Persona 4 are no exceptions. A little bit of a dating sim with a dungeon crawler feel and JRPG mechanics to boot, the Persona series is one of the most unique RPGs to ever grace the PS2.

Resident Evil 4

Last but certainly not least is Resident Evil 4: the best entry in the entire franchise. For years, the series was plagued with stiff controls and terrible camera angles. That all changed with Resident Evil 4. Featuring tight controls, nearly-perfect camera angles, terrifying enemies, and a story that was actually pretty engrossing, Resident Evil 4 is one of those games that still holds up today. If you have never played it, you’re going to be in for a treat!

Honorable Mentions:

• ICO
  • An amazing experience.
• Shadow of the Colossus
  • From the developer of ICO, SOTC is even better.
• Katamari Damacy
  • One of the craziest games you will ever play; it seriously feels like some sort of fever dream.
• Viewtiful Joe
  • One of the most stylish old-school platformers on the PS2.
• Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
  • The platformer that made Prince of Persia a household name.
• Indigo Prophecy (AKA Fahrenheit)
  • Without this one, there would be no Heavy Rain or Beyond: Two Souls.
• Clock Tower 3
  • An underrated survival horror game that still gives me the creeps.
• Fatal Frame
  • To survive Fatal Frame, you have to look terrifying, ghostly enemies directly in the face and snap their picture. How original and frightening is that?
• Rez
  • One of Sega’s best on-rail shooters.
• Fire Pro Wrestling Returns
  • Arguably the greatest wrestling game of all time.