PlayStation 2 is easily one of the best Sony consoles ever made. From sales to the number of games, everything has gone in favor of the PS2, and it's been a win-win for gamers in general. Sony's PlayStation 2 was discontinued in 2013, making it one of the longest-running consoles ever. Throughout these years, there have been countless video games released on the console, some of which are the best looking games of the time.
But how many of these games stand the test of time? More specifically, how many PS2 games are there that still look so good that it is almost impossible to deny them, even in this day and age. Let's find out.
10 Shadow of the Colossus
This is easily one of those games that can stand the test of time, mostly because of its exciting gameplay and a true-to-story art style. Shadow of the Colossus is a 2005 title. This means it is almost fifteen years old, but even now, it looks pretty phenomenal. The desaturated and scenic feel of the game can easily pass for a unique style. However, one problem players may feel can be the low framerate, so playing the HD remaster on PS3 or the Remake on PS4 is a much better option.
9 God of War II
God of War II is the benchmark of PlayStation 2 in every sense possible, and there's a reason for that. The game offers graphics and visual fidelity not easily seen in many other PS2 games of the time. This game does everything the original does, but almost to a potentially unreal extent. It breaks the limitation of the hardware by allowing players to experience a game so beautiful and smooth that it can easily be played in 2020, without even realizing the fact that it is a 13 years old game.
8 Black
There's been many a time when a specific developer creates something different from their usual style, and this game is one of those. The game is developed by Criterion Games, a developer team known for their work in racing games such as Burnout. However, with Black, the team has taken a lot of liberty in creating probably the best-looking shooter on the PS2. Arguably, the gameplay of this game might be outdated, but visually it is still pretty good.
7 Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 is one of the greatest games in the franchise, and that isn't because of the visuals. However, if we dive into the way this game works on PS2, it is almost unreal that it even works at all. The credit for this goes to the unique art style Capcom picked for their characters and the unique setting of the game.
Even by today's standards Resident Evil 4 can easily pass for a pretty good horror-survival shooter. The only downside would be the controls.
6 Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is Kojima's masterpiece and the most excellent Metal Gear game for many fans. The main reason why the game is so popular is easily the storyline of the game and the journey of Naked Snake. The game, like its predecessors, is full of details and carefully crafted visuals. This is easily one of the games that can pass the visual test of time, but the overall controls could be a problem. Nonetheless, the story and cinematic cutscenes alone are worth playing this one.
5 Final Fantasy XII
Final Fantasy games have always looked great, and Final Fantasy XII took it to a whole new level. It was the year 2006 when the game was released on PS2 with a horde of positive reviews. These review scores are because of the game's deep focus on the story and its visual brilliance. The game is creatively glorious, and that is why its visuals will probably be pretty useful for today's standards as well. Some people might not enjoy the gameplay than the newer FFXV, but the visuals and story are sure to deliver.
4 Tekken 5
It is hard to believe that Tekken 5 was released in 2004 because the style of the game is pretty much on par with many modern fighting games. On top of that, this is the successor to one of the best looking PS1 games, so it has to look just as good on PS2. Every character in this game seems very well built, with animations that are miles ahead of its time. Tekken 5 is one of the games that players will be hooked onto, not realizing it is almost 16 years old.
3 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3
Budokai Tenkaichi series has been the highlight of Dragon Ball games on PS2, and Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 takes it to a whole new level. This game offers a gameplay that is very well the groundwork of most Dragon Ball games nowadays.
However, it's the visuals of the game that are still unmatched and that is because of the simplicity and cel-shaded graphics. The game looked like it's part of the anime, and the toon shader is very well implemented, to the point that it can easily be enjoyed in 2020.
2 Persona 4
There's a reason why Persona 4 Golden is considered to be the best game on PS Vita by many, and that is because of its story. However, if we look at the fact that it was originally a PS2 title, suddenly, a sense of respect emerges for the game. Persona 4 offers a unique anime art style and a story that shouldn't be missed by any gamer. This is what makes it such a unique blend of great gameplay and visual storytelling, unlike any other title on the list.
1 Okami
Okami is what you call the arthouse game on PS2. The style of the title is easily memorable to date since it is unlike any other game on the system. Players will control Amaterasu, a white wolf who is based on a Japanese goddess. Throughout her journey, players will witness beautifully creative and artistic environments, with a deep focus on action-adventure gameplay. This game is easily the best example of a PS2 game, not aging a bit, and that's all thanks to the artistic visuals.