We already published the list of best PS2 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS2 action games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS2 definitely has a great library of action games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS2 and action 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. Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy
- Release Data: Midway, 2004
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy is a great game overall.
While it may look like just another third-person shooter with military overtones, the psi abilities are implemented so well that it’s even worth taking a second try at the game once you’ve completed it, just to be able to keep using telekinesis to slam enemies around.
#24. Tekken Tag Tournament
- Release Data: Namco/SCEE, 2000
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
If you played so much Tekken 2 and 3 that you couldn’t possibly play another match, Tekken Tag doesn’t offer enough new features to draw you back in.
But if you’ve stayed away from the Tekken series for a long time, Tekken Tag is a very warm homecoming, delivering the same solid gameplay that Tekken fans crave in large doses.
#23. Guilty Gear X2
- Release Data: Arc System Works/Sammy Studios, 2003
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
In the end, Guilty Gear X2 is a commendable sequel and a great 2D fighting game on its own strengths.
It’s easy to recommend to just about any fan of the genre, except maybe for those who expressly dislike the game’s anime-inspired character design.
#22. DDRMAX: Dance Dance Revolution
- Release Data: KCET/Konami, 2002
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Dancing
As far as DDR games go, this here is about as good as you’re gonna get.
Fans of the PS1 release, DDR Konamix, should also find satisfaction in the fact that this game is, to some extent, backwards compatible with it.
Any stepping data you created in Konamix can be easily transferred into DDRMAX.
#21. SoulCalibur III
- Release Data: Namco, 2005
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Fans looking for more Soul Calibur will find just that in Soul Calibur III, a game that mostly just updates the look and some of the subtler aspects of play for this great series.
Nevertheless, this is still one of the fastest-paced, most technical fighting games around, even if it doesn’t necessarily rock the boat.
#20. We Love Katamari
- Release Data: Now Production/Namco, 2005
- Genre: Action » General
In this wacky sequel, you roll up everything in sight as you attempt to create the galaxy’s biggest ball of random junk!
The new cooperative play allows two players to roll together, adding a new degree of challenge and excitement.
In addition to the lengthy single-player campaign, players can also face off in intense ball-rolling competitive matches!
#19. Medal of Honor Frontline
- Release Data: EA LA/Electronic Arts, 2002
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
In this exciting first-person shooter, you’ll fight your way through a variety of missions behind enemy lines.
From beaches to bridges, you’ll fight through World War II in a blaze of gunfire.
The intense single-player levels task you with sneaking into enemy bases, exploring German towns, and fighting on iconic battlefields.
#18. Psychonauts
- Release Data: BudCat/Majesco, 2005
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
This colorful and imaginative adventure game blends will take you on a journey unlike anything else on the PlayStation 2.
As Raz learns the ins and outs of his psychic powers, you’ll join him on a journey through the minds of his friends and camp counselors.
Full of humor and wit, you’ll love this undeniably unique adventure!
#17. SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs
- Release Data: Zipper Interactive/SCEA, 2003
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Tactical
Strategy is essential in this tough shooter sequel.
There are 12 unique missions spread across 5 countries, each with various objectives that need to be completed.
And although it has since been discontinued, the online play was often regarded as one of the best tactical experiences on the PlayStation 2.
#16. DOA2: Hardcore
- Release Data: Team Ninja/SCEE, 2000
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Dead or Alive 2: Hardcore is a pretty good fighting game.
The fighting system is fast and fun, though not the deepest system in town.
Still, the pretty graphics make it a good showpiece, and the game has enough options to make it a worthwhile collection for PS2 fighter fans.
#15. Sly 2: Band of Thieves
- Release Data: Sucker Punch/SCEA, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
This sequel to Sly Cooper and the Thievius Racoonus makes some big changes to gameplay, including new characters and an open-world level design.
The missions are spread out across various hub levels, where you’ll have to use your stealth and cunning to sneak by undetected.
This is one sequel that is bigger and better in almost every way.
#14. Jak II
- Release Data: Naughty Dog/SCEE, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
After being experimented on for nearly two years, Jak gains some powers in this sequel.
Players can now transform into “Dark Jak”, unlocking impressive moves and abilities.
The game will have you exploring Haven City and the surrounding areas, completing quests for the citizens.
This awesome follow-up game gives you even more great gameplay, while also offering a dark and serious tone.
#13. Viewtiful Joe
- Release Data: Clover Studio/Capcom, 2004
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
If you’ve already played it on the GameCube, none of the additions are compelling enough to justify a second version, but the PlayStation 2 release is most definitely on par with the original.
In short, those looking for something new and exciting in action gaming should definitely add Viewtiful Joe to their collection if they haven’t already.
#12. Red Faction
- Release Data: Volition Inc./THQ, 2001
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
This first-person shooter is all about destructible terrain and letting the player blast a hole in whatever they want.
Playing as Parker, you’ll have access to a wide range of weapons and mining tools to help you during your rebellion.
Using explosives and other tools, you’ll do your job as a miner while simultaneously fighting the system.
#11. Tekken 5
- Release Data: Namco, 2005
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
A big part of Tekken 5‘s appeal is due to the quality of its execution.
Toss in a fantastic soundtrack and some of the best-looking graphics, along with an insane number of different moves to master from a variety of interesting characters, and you’ve got a fighting game that’s even more addictive and exciting than the original Tekken.
#10. Ratchet & Clank
- Release Data: Insomniac Games/SCEE, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Often considered to have some of the coolest weapons in gaming, this action game is about mayhem and ridiculous weaponry.
Players will embark on an adventure that spans several planets, where Ratchet will have to defeat enemies and find items.
Combined with the interesting stealth sections where you play as Clank, this adventure is packed with awesome gameplay and hilarious cutscenes.
#9. Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
- Release Data: Naughty Dog/SCEE, 2001
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Often considered one of the best PlayStation 2 franchises, this title kicked off the Jak and Daxter series in style.
Controlling Jak, players will navigate a handful of partially open-world maps, completing missions and earning power cells in order to travel to new lands.
And the interesting story and beautiful graphics are sure to keep you glued to the screen.
#8. Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando
- Release Data: Insomniac Games/SCEE, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
This sequel to Ratchet and Clank amps up the explosions and adds even more wacky and inventive guns.
You’ll blast your way through a variety of levels, spread out across a number of cool alien planets.
If you love crazy guns and hilarious space antics, this is the sequel for you.
#7. Virtua Fighter 4
- Release Data: Sega AM2/SCEE, 2002
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
You can’t tell right off the bat, but Virtua Fighter 4 is one of the best fighting games for the PS2.
The quicker pacing, the perfected controls, and the great-looking character designs, along with the outstanding AI and the unparalleled gameplay depth, make this a fighting game that just about everyone will agree on.
#6. SoulCalibur II
- Release Data: Namco, 2003
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
The simple fact of the matter is, Soul Calibur II is best weapons-based fighter for the PS2, period.
It’s also one of the best games in the fighting genre itself.
There’s a diverse selection of characters, a deep fighting system, a decent single-player mode, and the multiplayer is as fun as it ever was.
#5. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
- Release Data: Insomniac Games/SCEE, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Although other Ratchet & Clank games are well-known for their bombastic action, this third game amps things up even more.
While there are still puzzles and platforming, you’ll spend a lot of time defeating alien enemies with a variety of unique and explosive weapons.
There’s even a challenge mode that unlocks after you beat the main game, adding another dash of replayability.
#4. Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution
- Release Data: Sega, 2003
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Previous year’s Virtua Fighter 4 bordered on perfection, and this new game is technically even better.
Both its training mode and its main single-player mode have been further enhanced.
The gameplay is as fast, well balanced, and exciting as ever, and hardcore fans should appreciate some of the new high-level tweaks and adjustments made to it.
#3. TimeSplitters 2
- Release Data: Free Radical Design/Eidos Interactive, 2002
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
This inventive and content-rich shooting game delivers awesome weapons, well-designed missions, and a slew of additional modes to enjoy.
Players can dive into the story mode, which takes place across ten unique missions.
Generally speaking, TimeSplitters 2 offers an endless amount of content and gameplay that calls back to classics like GoldenEye 007.
#2. Guitar Hero
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/RedOctane, 2005
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
This rhythm game opened the floodgates for plastic instruments, starting a trend in rhythm gaming that is still prevalent today.
The songs range from modern metal hits to rock ‘n roll classics, covering a wide variety of genres.
Both single-player and multiplayer modes are available, as well as multiple difficulties to test your skills.
#1. Guitar Hero II
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/RedOctane, 2006
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
Just like in the original Guitar Hero, players will utilize their sleek plastic guitar peripherals to jam along with a variety of popular rock songs.
There are over 40 different tracks included in the game, spanning both modern and classic hits.
New multiplayer modes include cooperative play, which includes rhythm and bass guitar sections!
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See also: Best PS1 Games & Best PSP Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PS2 action game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
