We already published the list of best PS2 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS2 shooter games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS2 definitely has a great library of shooter games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS2 and shooter 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. R-Type Final
- Release Data: Irem/Metro3D, 2004
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Horizontal
R-Type Final has plenty to offer to its fanbase.
From the game’s alternate paths and armada of ships, to its in-depth information gallery, shooting fans have just about everything they’re looking for.
It’s not a perfect game by any means, but it’s a deep and entertaining tribute to one of the greatest shooting games of all time.
#24. 007: NightFire
- Release Data: Eurocom/Electronic Arts, 2002
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
While NightFire is relatively short, the game’s single-player mode is well constructed, and its multiplayer mode is good too.
Those purely looking for a first-person shooter won’t find that NightFire is the best choice around, but as a James Bond game, NightFire successfully re-creates the style, presentation, and action of its source material.
#23. SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs
- Release Data: Zipper Interactive/SCEA, 2005
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Tactical
Whether you’re a longtime fan of SOCOM or you’re new to the series, SOCOM 3 is well worth the price of getting it, and is proof positive that a great, large-scale third-person shooter can be done well on the PlayStation 2.
#22. MDK 2: Armageddon
- Release Data: BioWare/Interplay, 2001
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
MDK2 Armageddon is a solid shooter with plenty of ingenuity and slick presentation.
PS2 owners who haven’t played any other version of MDK2 should be pleased with the game, and Dreamcast owners who didn’t have the dedication to complete the game might want to see what they missed on the PS2.
#21. Time Crisis 3
- Release Data: Namco, 2003
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Light Gun
Namco has introduced some genuinely interesting new mechanics, creating a game that’s deeper and more action-packed than its predecessors, but without sacrificing accessibility.
If you’ve never liked light gun games, it won’t change your mind. But, if you’ve grown tired of the genre, Time Crisis 3 might just bring you back in.
#20. Rez
- Release Data: UGA/Sega, 2002
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Rail
The game part of Rez is most definitely lacking when compared with that of other shooters.
And of course, Rez isn’t for everyone.
But if you’re in the mood for something that is decidedly different than other games on the market, this abstract art-influenced shooter just might fit the bill.
#19. Call of Duty 3
- Release Data: Treyarch/Activision, 2006
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Thanks to better graphics, the Xbox version is preferable over the PS2 version, but even with some issues, the game is still great on the PS2.
If the Call of Duty series hasn’t won you over previously, Call of Duty 3 isn’t going to do much to change your mind.
But for anyone else, Call of Duty 3 is a must-own.
#18. Ratchet: Deadlocked
- Release Data: Insomniac Games/SCEA, 2005
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
All in all, it’s an excellent game that combines humorous presentation, stylish weaponry, and a ton of different modes into one cohesive package.
If you like the idea of weapon-centric gameplay with a charming platformer twist, this game will be a welcome addition to your collection.
#17. Star Wars: Battlefront
- Release Data: Pandemic Studios/LucasArts, 2004
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Overall, Star Wars: Battlefront delivers a satisfying team-based shooter experience that many hardcore Star Wars fans will probably enjoy.
The console versions of the game might seem more fresh and appealing to their respective audiences, who don’t have as many choices in team-based shooters.
#16. Gradius V
- Release Data: Treasure/Konami, 2004
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Horizontal
If you fundamentally agree with the notion that action games should deliver challenging, intense experiences that reward practice and skillful play, then you’ll like Gradius V no matter what.
It’s a loving tribute to a classic series and to a style of gaming that may be old fashioned, but one that certainly isn’t obsolete.
#15. Half-Life
- Release Data: Gearbox Software/Sierra Entertainment, 2001
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Half-Life is one of the best-produced and best-looking games on the PlayStation 2.
The menu and interface design are impeccable, and the load and save times are amazingly quick, which you will be grateful for.
If you own a PS2 and you like first-person shooters, you should absolutely get this game.
#14. SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs
- Release Data: Zipper Interactive/SCEI, 2002
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Tactical
The single-player aspect of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs, while certainly not problem-free, offers more exciting moments than any other console tactical shooters.
While the main attraction of the game was the online mode, the single-player game alone offers enough reason to pick this one up.
#13. Quake III Revolution
- Release Data: Bullfrog Productions/Electronic Arts, 2001
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
The single-player campaign is varied and challenging, creating an actual game that people will want to play, and the four-person multiplayer games are top-notch stuff.
So, if you like playing video games with your friends, Quake III definitely fits the bill for endless hours of four-player deathmatches.
#12. Red Faction II
- Release Data: Volition Inc./THQ, 2002
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Red Faction II is a great shooter overall, offering up a short but sweet single-player campaign and a solid multiplayer mode for the long run.
It’s a must for all those who liked the original, as they’ll find in Red Faction II a similar yet much more intense experience.
#11. Freedom Fighters
- Release Data: Io Interactive/Electronic Arts, 2003
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Tactical
While the game could have been longer, Freedom Fighters is an outstanding blend of pure action and tactical squad combat.
The squad control works incredibly well, making it easy even if you haven’t had much experience with squad-based games in the past.
Anyone looking for thrilling action with refined control and a great premise will do great with Freedom Fighters.
#10. Star Wars: Battlefront II
- Release Data: Pandemic Studios/LucasArts, 2005
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
If you already played the first game, you won’t be surprised to see the same maps in this one.
And while there haven’t been any radical changes made since the first game, Battlefront II remains a worthwhile choice for Star Wars fans looking for a good team-based shooter.
#9. TimeSplitters
- Release Data: Free Radical Design/Eidos Interactive, 2000
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
TimeSplitters is the PlayStation 2 launch game that makes the Multitap a real must-have.
The level design is quite good, and the sheer number of configurable options is staggering.
Fans of the N64 classics like GoldenEye and Perfect Dark should definitely give this one a try.
#8. James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing
- Release Data: EA Redwood Shores/Electronic Arts, 2004
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Everything or Nothing isn’t without a few faults, but it’s still a really great game.
While some may still hold nostalgia-filled memories for the classic first-person shooting of GoldenEye, Everything or Nothing does an amazing job of including a lot of different gameplay elements and making them work.
#7. Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30
- Release Data: Gearbox Software/Ubisoft, 2005
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
The PlayStation 2 version of Brothers in Arms attempts to bring together the best aspects of squad-based shooters and the freedom of a more action-oriented game.
While the result is still a game that offers a unique and overall enjoyable feel, the lack of polish in the gameplay design detracts from what should have been a truly great experience.
#6. TimeSplitters: Future Perfect
- Release Data: Free Radical Design/EA Games, 2005
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
All in all, TimeSplitters: Future Perfect makes for good, meaningless fun.
However, many of its modes don’t feel complete.
But still, TimeSplitters: Future Perfect is a remarkable package overall. It’s rich with humor, charm, and personality, and it’s got one of the most substantial replay values in a console title.
#5. 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.
#4. 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.
#3. 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.
#2. 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.
#1. 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.
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See also: Best PS1 Games & Best PSP Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PS2 shooter game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!