We already published the list of best PS2 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS2 open world games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS2 definitely has a great library of open world games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS2 and open world 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.
#10. The Simpsons: Hit & Run
- Release Data: Radical Entertainment/Sierra Entertainment, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
The game’s overall sense of humor is delightfully self-referential, and any hardcore Simpsons enthusiast should have a blast exploring the various levels and pointing out the numerous obscure locations and characters that pop up.
If you’re a fan of the show, you owe it to yourself to give The Simpsons: Hit & Run a look.
#9. Yakuza 2
- Release Data: Amusement Vision/Sega, 2008
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Yakuza 2’s main story will likely take most players roughly 20 hours to complete, though you could spend a great deal more time than that with the game if you seek out all the side quests.
And, like all good adventures, it has a scene where the hero fights two tigers with his bare hands.
#8. Gun
- Release Data: Neversoft Entertainment/Activision, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Genuinely enjoyable from start to finish, Gun is quite possibly one of the best western-themed open world games on the PS2.
It’s a game that truly brings the Wild West to life with its good story, interesting side missions and leather-slapping action.
While it’s on the short side, the ride is fun while it lasts. Give this one a try.
#7. Spider-Man 2
- Release Data: Treyarch/Activision, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
The game design doesn’t take full advantage of the huge city, so you’ll usually end up repeating the same half-dozen tasks over and over again.
But even with all this repetition, Spider-Man 2 is still a good game, since it does succeed at capturing the sheer thrill of webswinging through a metropolitan area.
#6. Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction
- Release Data: Pandemic Studios/LucasArts, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Mercenaries is dense with explosive content that satisfies on a fundamental level.
Of the games that have tried to borrow the GTA style of play, Mercenaries is one of the most successful.
Overall, it’s an engaging experience that should appeal to action-adventure fans looking for a good, messy thrill.
#5. The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
- Release Data: Radical Entertainment/VU Games, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Sure, it isn’t the deepest, longest, or most technically proficient game out there, but fans of the comic book are sure to have a blast smashing their way through every destructible obstacle the game throws at them, and anybody else with a penchant for obliteration ought to at least give Ultimate Destruction a look.
#4. Bully
- Release Data: Rockstar Vancouver/Rockstar Games, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Bully isn’t a very difficult game, and it’s likely that you’ll be able to get through the storyline in about 15 hours or so.
If you’re a completionist, there are plenty of hidden objects to collect, clothing items to purchase, and side missions to take on.
Overall, it’s interesting from start to finish and most definitely well worth playing.
#3. 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 GTA III, 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 own a PS2, or have an emulator installed, go play it.
#2. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
If a solid storyline and some incredibly tough 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 city, then you can do that too.
Live the life you want to live, do the things you want to do; it’s entirely up to you.
#1. Grand Theft Auto III
- Release Data: DMA Design/Capcom, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Unlike previous games in the series, 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 nature of the game will surely turn some people off, GTA III is, quite simply, an incredible experience that shouldn’t be missed by anyone mature enough to handle it.
Browse PS2 Games By Genre
See also: Best PS1 Games & Best PSP Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PS2 open world game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!