10 Nostalgic Games For The PlayStation 2

As you could imagine, the best-selling video game console of all time came with a plethora of hit franchises. Some were so groundbreaking that we crave to play them once again. Not everyone owns a PlayStation 2, but several of its games are either ported or remade for the PlayStation 4, providing us with the opportunity for one last hurrah.

The following games are groundbreaking in more ways than one. Nostalgic appeal places them among the best games ever made—and justly so. Without further ado, here's a blast from the past. These are 10 nostalgic games for the PlayStation 2.

10 God of War 2

This hack n' slash epic video game is one of the most impactful games to release on a PlayStation console. Following the release of the original God of War, God of War II had big shoes to fill. The action is far more intense, and the game tells an intriguing story from ancient mythology.

Themes of anguish and hatred make God of War II deliver an experience like few other video games. This game is not recommended for kids because of its violence and mature subject matter, but it's still a nostalgic game for many.

9 Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

The gameplay developments in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater are arguably some of the most impactful in the series. Although Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty was groundbreaking, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater's twists and turns made it a worthy successor.

Hideo Kojima's integration of politics is masterful. Boss fights are challenging, yet rewarding. The game is fictional, but it seems so realistic at times that it is surreal. Time and time again, players can go back to this tangled story.

8 Burnout 3: Takedown

This racing game had a significant impact on later car racing games. Developer Infinity Ward commented on the game, describing it as "fighting through traffic" instead of "racing through traffic." Although Burnout 3: Takedown may have been inspired by games from the Need for Speed franchise, it took car collisions to a whole new level. Burnout 3: Takedown's catastrophic crashes gave the game flair like few other racing games. Its seamless transition between crashing and driving gives the game tremendous nostalgic value.

7 Kingdom Hearts 2

This Final Fantasy/Disney crossover is jam-packed full of classic Disney characters like Ariel, Mulan, Aladdin, Beast, Peter Pan, and Donald Duck. Although the game has its low points (most games do), Kingdom Hearts 2 is something special. The overarching story that connects each game in the series is perhaps the most convoluted in gaming. Kingdom Hearts 2 is a hidden gem that not a lot of people got to play. It has a little something for everyone.

6 WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain

6-man tornado tag with Kurt Angle, Undertaker, The Rock, Brock Lesnar, and Triple H

This wrestling game from developer Yuke's stands out in a saturated wrestling genre. Although the PlayStation 2 is a two-player console primarily, it allows players to play the game with up to six players using a multi-tap. This nostalgic wrestling game is one of the best WWE games to be made. It has great appeal because of a perfect blend of technical wrestling knowledge, counters, and strikes. Also, the weapons are balanced correctly for long-lasting appeal. Fighting in an Elimination Chamber match is unforgettable.

5 Soul Calibur II

Depending on the version you owned, you might have had Spawn on the original Xbox, Heihachi Mishima on PlayStation 2, or Link on the Nintendo GameCube. Regardless of your version, Soul Calibur 2 was a highly addicting game to play.

Clashes between various fighters were perfectly paced, and it provided local multiplayer that encouraged friends to come over. A re-release titled SoulCalibur II HD Online gave the game online functionality as its name suggests. Soul Calibur 2 put the series on the fighting genre map, and it's a game that still holds up today.

4 Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

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It can be argued that Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is more impactful than Grand Theft Auto III because it near-perfected the essence of Grand Theft Auto. Grand Theft Auto III is recognizable for making the jump to 3D and incorporating game-changing elements. Whether you're a fan of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City or III, it's clear that Grand Theft Auto: Vice City has huge nostalgic value. We can't forget its iconic locations that are reminiscent of Scarface or its wide array of weapons. Please bring back the chainsaw and the flamethrower! Does anyone else miss how weapons illuminated vibrant colors in Vice City?

3 Silent Hill 2

Konami's second attempt at the Silent Hill franchise created arguably the scariest in the franchise, and maybe the most terrifying game of all time. There is an existential feeling of dread as you progress through Silent Hill 2. A layer of fog creates an atmosphere for the fictional town of Silent Hill that is unique to the series. To top it all off, it has enjoyable gameplay that is reminiscent of Resident Evil. Enemy variety, among other reasons, makes this sentimental masterpiece a must-replay.

2 Ico

Made from the same developer as Shadow of the Colossus, Ico is a highly immersive action-adventure game with a sizeable cult following. Even though it is a game that released for the PlayStation 2, many will mistake it for a PlayStation 3 or 4 game because of how detailed the graphics are. Exploring Ico's castle while solving puzzles is a nostalgic trip like few other games. We already received the Shadow of the Colossus remake; now, where is that Ico remake?

1 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

After the release of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, it looked as if the series reached its peak. Rockstar Games answered back with its most expansive game yet, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

The game is set in a fictional state named San Andreas, which is loosely based off of California and Nevada. With a plot following ex-gangbanger CJ, the game did wonders for the series. This nostalgic car-stealing game allows players to build skills like strength, lung capacity, and flying by performing tasks. It's loaded with an abundance of content to keep players engaged, and it's available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.

NEXT: Ranking The 10 Best Open-World Games Of All Time