We already published the list of best PS2 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS2 dance/music/rhythm games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS2 definitely has a great library of dance/music/rhythm games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS2 and dance/music/rhythm 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. SingStar ’90s
- Release Data: SCEE, 2008
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
Much like its 80s predecessor, this compilation feels like it does not capture what made the 90s so dynamic when it comes to music.
Perhaps what the developer needs to do is concentrate on certain aspects within the decade.
And while some of the tunes presented are fine, most of the time this is a mediocre game.
#24. In the Groove
- Release Data: Roxor Games/RedOctane, 2005
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Dancing
In the Groove isn’t really a game that’s going to win you over and make you a fan of the dance game genre.
However, if you’re already a fan of Dance Dance Revolution and you’re looking for some more steps and tracks for your PlayStation 2, In the Groove is a good addition to your library.
#23. Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA
- Release Data: Konami, 2006
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Dancing
If you’re still hooked on Dance Dance Revolution, this is a quality installment that you might actually hate, depending on how you feel about the song list.
But in the end, the old Dance Dance Revolution formula works well, but it feels old.
#22. Dance Dance Revolution Extreme
- Release Data: KCET/Konami, 2004
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Dancing
Dance Dance Revolution Extreme isn’t going to convert anyone who already feels one way or the other about the series.
But if you’re a DDR fan looking for some new challenges, or if you’re a DDR junkie who just wants some new songs to work with, DDR Extreme contains both of those things in abundance.
#21. SingStar Country
- Release Data: SCEE London Studio/SCEA, 2008
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
SingStar Country is a good SingStar game.
Of course, if you hate country music, you’ll hate this game, but for you out there who dig the story-driven lyrics and rhymes of country music, this is a high quality collection of playable songs.
#20. SingStar Amped
- Release Data: SCEE London Studio/SCEA, 2007
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
SingStar Amped is out to be a fun and engaging multiplayer karaoke game, and it succeeds at that.
If you’ve got a group of friends that’s in the mood to scream Audioslave and try to keep up with the Ramones, this is the title for you.
#19. SingStar Legends
- Release Data: SCEE London Studio/SCEE, 2008
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
SingStar Legends has one of the franchise’s best set lists and is a no-brainer for someone looking to expand or start their SingStar library.
There’s literally something on here for every type of music fan, and chances are you’re going to know most of these by heart.
#18. Taiko Drum Master
- Release Data: Namco, 2004
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
Like most rhythm action games, Taiko Drum Master is a title that’s great fun for all ages, but which is best played with friends and best played for short periods of time.
And the game’s hardest setting should provide a lasting challenge for just about anyone.
#17. Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol
- Release Data: Blitz Games/Konami, 2007
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol is one of the many variations of the franchise since its conception.
But when new songs make the experience fun again, you can’t blame the developers for not changing an effective formula.
The game rocks, whether you love American Idol or not.
#16. Dance Dance Revolution Extreme 2
- Release Data: Konami Computer Entertainment Hawaii/Konami, 2005
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Dancing
Dance Dance Revolution Extreme 2 feels like a good update to the series.
It packs a wealth of awesome tunes and a good number of characters and info for players to unlock.
In the end though, it’s still very much DDR. Extreme 2 is a nice addition, sure, but it doesn’t come close to revolutionizing the series.
#15. SingStar ’80s
- Release Data: SCEE London Studio/SCEA, 2007
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
SingStar ’80s is out to be a fun and engaging multiplayer karaoke game, and it succeeds at that.
If you’re in the mood to scream the lyrics of a Duran Duran classic or try to keep up with Madonna, this is the title for you.
#14. Space Channel 5 Part 2
- Release Data: UGA/SCEE, 2002
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Dancing
It might seem hard to believe, but Space Channel 5 Part 2 is much more insane, colorful and chaotic than its predecessor.
There are now also some singing parts during dance-offs, but they bring no implications for the gameplay other than making it more difficult to time button inputs.
#13. Karaoke Revolution Party
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/Konami, 2005
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
In all, Karaoke Revolution Party is the finest and most fun karaoke game on any console and even rivals many PC-based karaoke programs.
In other games, you sing. In this game, you sing and the computer tells you how much you blow.
#12. Karaoke Revolution Volume 2
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/Konami, 2004
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
The songs and quickplay modes bring a bit more to the table, and the scattered song catalog means that you might just want sing the four songs you can identify with, and then move on.
However, this installment does still have its place in a group environment and makes for a good party game.
#11. Gitaroo Man
- Release Data: Koei/Inis/Koei, 2002
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
Gitaroo-Man is arguably the most original and inventive rhythm game since the advent of Dance Dance Revolution, and it’s easily one of the best rhythm games for the PlayStation 2.
This is a must-own title for rhythm-game junkies, but the whole package is so compelling that it will also appeal to anyone who isn’t a fan of the genre.
#10. DDRMAX2: Dance Dance Revolution
- Release Data: Konami, 2003
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Dancing
The Dance Dance Revolution series has always been a great game to play in groups, and it’s also appealing to dance music fans who might not play other video games.
With its varied difficulty settings and a collection of music that is less likely to cause culture shock to those newcomers, DDRMAX2 is the most accessible version of the game.
#9. Karaoke Revolution
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/Konami, 2003
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
Karaoke Revolution is a cool game, and it definitely has the potential to be a lot of fun, especially when you’re with friends.
If you’re a fan of karaoke, or think that enough of the songs on the game are appealing, you’ll certainly have fun with the game.
#8. Frequency
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/SCEE, 2001
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
The gameplay is simple enough to draw in the most casual of gamers, but the incredible difficulty of the game’s later levels will challenge even the most experienced Dance Dance Revolution hardcore players.
Fans of the genre have no excuse for not picking up Frequency.
#7. SingStar
- Release Data: SCEE London Studio/SCEE, 2004
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
SingStar is easily extendable with the other games in the series, each offering either 20 or 30 additional songs to add to your library.
Overall, SingStar is a wonderful game, and is perfect for parties, or just singing alone. No matter what your taste in music, SingStar has something for everyone!
#6. Karaoke Revolution Volume 3
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/Konami, 2004
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
Karaoke Revolution Volume 3 is for the fans.
It’s not going to win over anyone who didn’t like the previous entries in the series, but you’ll find another good batch of music and some great gameplay additions here, making Karaoke Revolution Volume 3 a remarkable game for fans.
#5. Amplitude
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/SCEE, 2003
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
While the developers of other rhythm game franchises are perfectly happy with releasing the same game over and over again, Harmonix has raised the bar with Amplitude.
It’s an engaging, addictive experience that outstrips its predecessor and brings innovation to the genre.
If there were a game that could bring mainstream appeal to rhythm games, this would be it.
#4. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
- Release Data: Neversoft Entertainment/RedOctane, 2007
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
Although the difficulty can be frustrating, the game never loses its addictiveness, even at the height of its challenge level.
Once you start playing, you’ll be hooked for hours at a time. It might ultimately just be more Guitar Hero, but that’s hardly a bad thing.
#3. 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.
#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 dance/music/rhythm game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
