We already published the list of best PS2 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS2 action-adventure games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS2 definitely has a great library of action-adventure games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS2 and action-adventure games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within has lost some of the marvel that made The Sands of Time one of the greatest games.
The majority of those who enjoyed The Sands of Time will like Warrior Within, but a few may find the overly dark look a bit too much of a departure from the series’ roots.
#24. Katamari Damacy
- Release Data: Now Production/Namco, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
The concept for this game is so simple, yet it works so well.
Each of the levels are highly addictive, and they will keep you coming back for more, and to unlock all of the mysteries.
Do not pass up this game, because if you do so you will not know what fun times you will deprive yourself of!
#23. Onimusha 3: Demon Siege
- Release Data: Capcom, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Onimusha 3 maintains the series’ high standards for production quality, and it features vastly improved controls, an entertaining premise, and Jean Reno, who’s good in everything, including this game.
So, if you’re a fan of the series or just want to play an action adventure in which you can hack up tons of monsters then this game is the answer.
#22. Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
- Release Data: KCEJ/Konami, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance is a multi-platform updated version of the original Metal Gear Solid 2 released for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Microsoft Windows.
Substance contains the main Metal Gear Solid 2 game along with some subtle alterations, including new infrared effects for the thermal goggles, additional cutscenes, and a new set of dog tags.
#21. Silent Hill 2
- Release Data: KCET/Konami, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
As a PlayStation 2 game, overall, Silent Hill 2 is graphically stunning, while providing a full production package of surround sound techniques and good voice acting to boot.
It’s frightening, deep, clever, and tries to improve the genre, if just a little, and in the end, that’s all we really want in a survival horror game.
#20. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Though some new gameplay mechanics have been introduced, such as the speed kill and the new tricks of the Dark Prince, The Two Thrones is still basically very similar to the other two games.
But for those of us who love solving the environmental puzzles and seeing the beautiful environments, The Two Thrones delivers in spades.
#19. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow
- Release Data: Ubisoft Shanghai/Ubisoft, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
A few flaws aside, Pandora Tomorrow on the PS2 is pure stealth-action bliss and if you liked the original Splinter Cell you’ll love this one.
It’s beautiful visuals will blow you away and its online multiplayer alone is worth the price of admission.
Really, this is one of the greatest stealth action games of all time.
#18. Beyond Good & Evil
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montpellier/Ubisoft, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
While the game’s repetitive nature and short length take away from its overall impact, Beyond Good & Evil is a fantastic-looking game that tells its story well.
It may be short enough to complete in a day or two, but fans of action adventure games will find enough to love in the game’s overall design to make it worth having.
#17. Bully
- Release Data: Rockstar Vancouver/Rockstar Games, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Bully isn’t a difficult game, and it’s likely that you’ll be able to get through the storyline and see its conclusion in about 15 hours.
If you’re a completionist, there are plenty of hidden objects to collect, clothing items to purchase, and side missions to do, and you can go back and do those things after finishing the main game.
#16. Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition
- Release Data: Capcom, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Between the more-conventional challenge and the passage of time, this Special Edition isn’t quite as impressive as the original.
But it’s still a great action-adventure game on its own terms, and it packs a lot of added content, just enough for DMC3 fans to justify getting it again.
#15. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell
- Release Data: Ubisoft Shanghai/Ubisoft, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Splinter Cell takes stealth action and realism to all new jaw-dropping heights in this game that’s just too good to pass up.
No gamers should go without having this one in their library of titles.
Do yourself the favor and pick this one up right away.
#14. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
If you are a fan of the Splinter Cell series then getting this game is a no-brainer for you.
For everyone else out there, if you are searching for a really good stealth action-adventure game then Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is the game for you.
#13. ICO
- Release Data: SCE Japan Studio/SCEE, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Anyone interested in witnessing the cutting edge of art direction and atmospheric design in games will want to check out ICO.
ICO serves as a strong testament to the potential of video game aesthetics and boldly asserts that a strong production can indeed drive a game, when it’s coupled with solid play mechanics.
#12. Shadow of the Colossus
- Release Data: SCE Japan Studio/SCEA, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
The game makes a great showpiece—you’ll be able to go back and fight individual colossi time and again and experience that same thrill as you battle with these beings, some of which are hundreds of times your own size.
Shadow of the Colossus deserves a look by anyone with an interest in cerebral, slightly offbeat action adventures.
#11. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
- Release Data: KCEJ/Konami, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Like the first game, you can’t play through it just once.
There are some frustrating moments and a few times when you’ll feel like you’re going in circles — that’s true of all the games in the series.
But when this game is on, it’s on. Nothing can compare to it, not even Splinter Cell.
#10. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is an outstanding game—a dazzling, masterful achievement.
Whether you’re a diehard Prince of Persia fan or somebody with a mild interest in action-adventures, The Sands of Time is a must own—a classic worthy of a permanent place in your collection.
#9. Devil May Cry
- Release Data: Capcom, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Those able to look past the overly dramatic voice acting and superficial story will find themselves being utterly enveloped by the stunning visuals and, in particular, the engrossing and satisfying gameplay.
Devil May Cry generally lives up to its considerable hype and is one of the PlayStation 2 must-haves for fans of the action-adventure genre.
#8. Okami
- Release Data: Clover Studio/Capcom, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Okami is a game that has lived up to gamers’ extremely high expectations.
It’s beautiful, charismatic, engaging and one of the most original games you’ll play.
All in all, Okami is a game that any self-respecting PlayStation 2 owner should pick up simply because you’ve never played anything like it before.
#7. God of War II
- Release Data: SCE Santa Monica/SCEA, 2007
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
While the game definitely feels familiar, there’s more to it than just a simple rehash of what made God of War fun, making it one of the best action adventure games for the PS2.
For fans of the first game, and fans of bloody, violent, exciting action-adventure in general, God of War II shouldn’t be missed.
#6. God of War
- Release Data: SCE Santa Monica/SCEA, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
When all is said and done, God of War is simply a high-class production in every single facet of its package.
It’s simply a marvelously executed experience that’s fun from beginning to end, and anyone with a taste for mature content and the action adventure genre would be foolish to pass it up.
#5. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2002
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Despite the fact that this game plays a lot like its predecessor, GTA: Vice City is still one of the most impressive games of 2002, without a doubt.
It’s highly recommendable, as long as you pay attention to the adult rating. If you’re an adult, I strongly urge you to get it.
#4. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
San Andreas is so awesome: it’s a world that can offer different people different things.
If a solid storyline and some hard missions are all that you’re looking for, then you can have them.
If you’d rather spend your time doing nothing but exploring the cities, then you can do that too.
This is one of the best PS2 games ever made.
#3. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
- Release Data: KCEJ/Konami, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Popular opinion will ensure that Metal Gear Solid 2 will be remembered not just as a great sequel, but as a defining accomplishment in the history of gaming.
You need to play it because it stands a good chance of becoming one of your all-time favorite games.
#2. Grand Theft Auto III
- Release Data: DMA Design/Capcom, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Unlike the previous games, the game is extremely fun whether you play it as it was intended to be played or eschew the game’s intended mission structure.
While the violent nature of the game will surely turn some people off, Grand Theft Auto III is an incredible experience that shouldn’t be missed by anyone mature enough to handle it.
#1. Resident Evil 4
- Release Data: Capcom, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Originally released for the GameCube, Resident Evil 4 makes few sacrifices in bringing all its glory to bear on the PS2 and delivers one incredible thrill after another.
And the bottom line is, if you’ve been entertained by any other mature-rated action-adventure game recently, then chances are you’ll be blown away by this one.
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See also: Best PS1 Games & Best PSP Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PS2 action-adventure game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!