Every Year of The PS2’s Run, Ranked

by

When people debate the greatest video game console ever made, my choice is always clear. I was a huge fan of the PlayStation 2.

I was only on the PlayStation 1 for about a year before the PS2 launched, so I jumped to the next generation pretty quickly. Honestly, I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything! That leap in hardware was seriously the most impressive I’ve ever witnessed as a gamer.

The PlayStation 2 seemed incredible when it first came out. It felt like a huge step forward, with every detail appearing futuristic.

The PlayStation 2 was truly special – the games were fantastic, the console itself was impressive, and it built a wonderful community. From 2000 to 2007, the PS2 offered an amazing combination of innovative games and technology, and it remains one of the best examples of that I’ve ever seen. Let’s take a look back at the highlights from those incredible years.

I’m using the PlayStation 2’s peak years – approximately 2000 to 2007 – as a point of comparison. Even though the PlayStation 3 came out in 2006, Sony continued to support the PS2 throughout that year, so I’m including it in this timeframe.

8. 2000

The Y2K Era Of Gaming Begins

The PlayStation 2 had a slightly slow start because it was released in October, leaving it with limited time to develop a strong collection of games within that first year.

The PlayStation 2 still had a fantastic launch. I consider NHL 2001 and SSX to be two of the greatest sports games ever made.

And let’s not forget Tekken Tag Tournament – it remains a highlight of the whole series. It sparked some incredibly competitive battles during countless sleepovers with friends.

The year 2000 saw a transition between the PlayStation 1 and the newer PlayStation 2. While the PS2 was just getting started and even better years were ahead, it finished the year strong, marking a good beginning for Sony’s sixth-generation console.

7. 2007

PS3? Who Needs It

The PlayStation 3 came out in 2006, and like many others, I was shocked by how expensive it was and disappointed by the games available at launch.

In 2007, the PlayStation 2 was still incredibly popular. With fantastic games like God of War 2 and Rogue Galaxy still being released, many players didn’t see a need to upgrade to the newer PS3.

These games weren’t available for purchase on the PS3, and surprisingly, some of them looked even more impressive than the games that originally came out with the console.

The PlayStation 2 had a strong year in 2007, and this temporary solution helped bridge the gap until I finally purchased a PS3 in 2008, when it began to gain real popularity.

6. 2006

Got It Memorized

I remember when the PS3 came out in 2006, and honestly, as someone who already owned a PlayStation, I didn’t feel like Sony was leaving us behind. It actually felt like a really great year for them – one of their best, in fact! They really seemed to reward their loyal fans.

The 2006 game lineup was incredibly diverse and still stands out today. It offered everything from top-tier Japanese role-playing games like Final Fantasy 12 and Kingdom Hearts 2 to beautifully crafted, artistic games like Okami.

You know, some of the weirdest licensed games actually turned out to be really good! I was totally surprised by the *Charlotte’s Web* and *Chicken Little* games – they were way more fun than I ever expected!

In 2006, the PlayStation 2 saw the release of diverse games like Bully, Rule of Rose, God Hand, and Drakengard 2. It was a time when the console offered a really interesting and unique mix of titles.

5. 2002

With Great Hardware, Comes Great Games

2002 was a really exciting year for me. Not only did my favorite superhero, Spider-Man, finally get a major movie, but a new video game was also released for the PlayStation 2.

I’ll always remember going to the movies and playing video games with my dad. His support from the sidelines created a special memory that I’ll cherish forever.

Looking back, 2002 wasn’t just about remembering old times – it was an absolutely amazing year for the PlayStation 2! Some of the best games I’ve *ever* played came out then, and I still think about them fondly.

Games like Medal of Honor: Frontline, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance really showed how confident and skilled developers were becoming. Each year, they consistently released increasingly impressive titles.

4. 2004

Loyal To The End

I eagerly anticipated the release of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater in November 2004, but the games that came out earlier in the year were fantastic and kept me entertained in the meantime.

Titles such as Drakengard, Sly 2, and Shadow Hearts: Covenant provided plenty of great gaming experiences that year.

2002 was a year of creative experimentation for the console, with several games trying out new and different ideas.

The EyeToy, a webcam that let you control games with your movements, was surprisingly enjoyable despite its limitations and offered some unique gaming experiences. Alongside titles like Firefighter F.D.18 and Katamari Damacy, it highlighted the innovative spirit of that console generation.

3. 2005

Let’s Rock, Baby

By mid-2005, the PlayStation 2’s popularity was fading. Sony was preparing to launch the PlayStation 3, signaling another change in the video game console landscape.

Despite that, I played almost every PlayStation 2 game I could get my hands on. 2005 was definitely one of the best years for Sony’s consoles.

God of War first appeared in early 2005 and was a huge success. Sony continued to release popular titles afterward, including Haunting Ground, Psychonauts, and Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening.

Although the PlayStation 2’s popularity started to decline in 2005, Sony ensured it still had a strong final year with plenty of great releases.

2. 2003

No Disasters To Report, Just Good Games

I think two games really show how amazing 2003 was for the PlayStation 2. They might even surprise you with what they are.

My dad and I were big fans of The Getaway, especially because we both loved the movies it was based on. Even though it wasn’t perfect, I still think it’s a really fun game and a great nod to classic British gangster films.

Even now, Disaster Report remains one of the most captivating games I’ve played. It brilliantly blended the suspense of Resident Evil with the spectacle of large-scale disaster films.

Beyond those two standout titles, 2003 offered a wealth of other fantastic games. Titles like Dark Cloud 2, Silent Hill 3, Jak II, and Final Fantasy X-2 are just a few examples – the year was full of incredible releases.

1. 2001

In My Restless Dreams, I See That Year

Although 2000 saw limited activity for the console, 2001 marked a significant turning point.

It’s amazing to think that games like Metal Gear Solid 2, Silent Hill 2, Grand Theft Auto III, and Final Fantasy X all came out in the same year. It really was a fantastic year for gaming!

This year marked a turning point for me – video games went from a hobby I enjoyed to a career I wanted to pursue. I was particularly amazed by the huge improvement in technology between the original PlayStation and the current generation.

It’s hard to think of another year with such an incredible lineup of games. There was something for every type of player, with everything from superhero adventures and scary horror games to fast-paced racing, immersive RPGs, sprawling open worlds, and stealth action.

Read More

2025-10-13 17:15