In 2000, we jumped firmly into the 21st century with the start of the technological boom. We saw the release of the first camera phones, flash drives, Napster, and the iconic PlayStation 2.
The PS2 sold over 155 million units by the release of the PS3 in 2012 making it the best-selling video game console of all time. This was partially due to the built-in DVD and media player, the backward compatibility, and of course the release of some of the best video game franchises. So let’s take a look at 5 of the best PlayStation 2 games that helped give it that title.
5. Kingdom Hearts
Is it any wonder that millennials grew up to be Disney adults? We grew up in the prime of Disney Channel, Disney Stores were in every mall, and of course, we had Kingdom Hearts, which was released for PS2 in 2002.
The game follows 14-year-old Sora, Donald Duck, and Goofy as they adventure through different lands trying to find a way to defeat the heartless. Along the way, you meet characters from both Disney and Final Fantasy that give you more insight into why the heartless have gotten so powerful, and how to stop them.
4. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
This critically acclaimed title for PlayStation 2 was celebrated as one of the best video games of all time selling almost 4 million copies by 2010. The story follows FOX operative Naked Snake on his mission to recuse the Russian scientist Nikolai Stepanovich Sokolov and assassinate his former boss.
The game was released with some innovative features like injury tracking, its camo system, and a close-quarters combat system. While the camo system did receive some criticism you can see the Metal Gear’s influence in many of today’s most popular stealth games.
3. Need For Speed Underground
Underground is the 7th installment of the Need For Speed franchise, which introduced new features and gameplay that set the game up for major success. These new features set the standard for future Need For Speed titles.
Underground was the first Need For Speed title to have a career mode that immersed the player in a detailed storyline. It is also the first title to feature the garage mode where players could customize their vehicles with new performance parts and cosmetics.
2. Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex
This PlayStation 2 game was released in 2001 as a non-cannon addition to the franchise. It met with some criticism at its initial release but still holds up as one of the most popular titles for PS2.
In The Wrath Of Cortex, Crash and his sister Coco find themselves in the midst of several unusual natural disasters thanks to the elemental masks Dr. Cortex unleashed to power his new superweapon. It’s up to Crash and Coco to find the 25 missing power crystals to defeat the elemental masks and return them to their prison and defeat Dr. Cortex and his weapon.
1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
San Andreas is by far the most popular PlayStation 2 game selling more than 20 million copies since its release in 2004. It’s even being remastered for modern consoles.
The story features CJ after he comes back home to San Andreas due to a family tragedy. After seeing how bad the neighborhood has gotten, he tries to take back over his family’s neighborhood before the rampant crime goes too far.
More PlayStation 2 Fun
The PlayStation 2 era was full of amazing games, and the start for many of 2020s most played franchises. Today we are seeing many of these amazing titles being remastered for PS5, Xbox One, Windows, and even Switch. What are your top 5, and which games do you think should make a comeback?
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