We already published the list of best PS2 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS2 vehicle simulator games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS2 definitely has a great library of vehicle simulator games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS2 and vehicle simulator 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. Seek and Destroy
- Release Data: Barnhouse Effect/Play It!, 2002
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
Considering the already-stiff competition for vehicular combat on the PlayStation 2, there’s really no room for Seek and Destroy in most players’ libraries.
Still, Seek and Destroy could prove to be a useful distraction for kids looking for a simple game with a lot of stuff blowing up.
#24. Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Zeta Gundam
- Release Data: Capcom/Bandai, 2005
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
It has simple gameplay, pretty well done graphics and character voice acting that’s rather standard.
There isn’t much refreshingly original here so it’s not really worth getting if you’re not a fan, but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy it.
Have some fun flying around and blowing stuff up and then get back to your life.
#23. Armored Core: Nine Breaker
- Release Data: From Software/505 Game Street, 2005
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
If you were a big fan of Armored Core already and wanted a game whose focus is solely arena combat, then you’ll probably like Nine Breaker.
If you weren’t really familiar with the series going in, then Nine Breaker doesn’t try very hard to draw you in—you’re probably better off going with another, more accessible robot combat game.
#22. Armored Core: Last Raven
- Release Data: From Software/Agetec, 2006
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
It’s difficult not to be impressed on some level with the sheer amount of content available in Armored Core: Last Raven.
If you’ve played the previous games in the series, you’ll be right at home here, but you won’t find much of anything new or different.
#21. Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs. Zeon
- Release Data: Capcom/Infogrames, 2002
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
The gameplay mechanics are sound, and there’s enough variety in the missions that you won’t become bored with either the arcade or campaign mode too quickly.
Gundam fans will probably get the most enjoyment out of this game, but fans of giant robots fighting each other will undoubtedly have some fun with it as well.
#20. Smash Cars
- Release Data: Creat Studios/Metro3D, 2003
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
Though the game is predominantly simplistic, Smash Cars‘ gameplay is tight and well put together, and the game’s various modes and tracks are quite entertaining.
Smash Cars isn’t going to appeal to everyone, but its easy-to-pick-up style of play, often absurdly amusing level design make it an interesting title for any RC or kart racing fan.
#19. Motor Mayhem: Vehicular Combat League
- Release Data: Beyond Games/Infogrames, 2001
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
All in all, Motor Mayhem: Vehicular Combat League is a solid car-combat game and is sure to appeal to car-combat fans.
It also serves as an alternative for those who may be turned off by Twisted Metal: Black‘s mature rating.
The game manages to avoid the trappings of becoming a clone and establishes itself as a unique entry into the genre.
#18. S.L.A.I.: Steel Lancer Arena International
- Release Data: Genki/Konami, 2005
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
If you enjoy the robot combat genre, S.L.A.I. is a perfectly worthy choice.
The game’s single-player story mode will keep you busy for quite a while as you work your way up the various ladders.
Players who are interested in robot combat but are not quite as experienced may also find S.L.A.I. to be a good starter game.
#17. World Destruction League: Thunder Tanks
- Release Data: 3DO, 2000
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
World Destruction League: Thunder Tanks is a good entry into the vehicular combat genre.
The deviations it makes are interesting, though not terribly groundbreaking.
But what it lacks in innovation, it makes up for with a solid multiplayer game with respectable graphics, a number of variety, and plenty of replay value.
#16. Mobile Suit Gundam: Zeonic Front
- Release Data: Bec/Bandai, 2002
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
The strategic elements of the squad-based combat mix well with the explosive action, and enough of the back story is relayed in the mission debriefings.
The amount of enjoyment you’ll derive from Mobile Suit Gundam: Zeonic Front may be directly related to your love of the series, but the original approach of this game is refreshing.
#15. Silent Line: Armored Core
- Release Data: From Software, 2003
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
Being able to customize a mech in so many different ways is definitely the main attraction of Silent Line: Armored Core, but it’s too bad that the controls are so sloppy that they detract from the game.
But if you’re willing to overlook the clumsy controls and the dated look, then Silent Line might be worth your while.
#14. Armored Core: Nexus
- Release Data: From Software, 2004
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
The developer has taken an already complex and involving game and made it even richer by expanding the variety of customization options available, in addition to giving players an even larger array of aspects to concern themselves with when building and using their own giant robots.
#13. RoadKill
- Release Data: Terminal Reality/Midway, 2003
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
This game may not be the next GTA, but it’s got a lot of the same good, simple shooting action.
If you think the idea of a game about driving around in a machine-gun-toting car while completely ignoring traffic laws and blowing away anything in your path sounds like fun, then you’ll get it out of RoadKill.
#12. Gungriffon Blaze
- Release Data: Game Arts/Capcom, 2000
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
Despite the uninspired visuals and generic sound, Gungriffon Blaze is a worthwhile game.
The plot is engaging, the action is fast, and the game itself offers one of the better takes on mech piloting genre.
The result is a fun, strategic game that doesn’t ram reality down your throat.
#11. Twisted Metal: Head-On – Extra Twisted Edition
- Release Data: Eat Sleep Play/SCEA, 2008
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
Not a must-buy for everyone, but a must-play for every Twisted Metal fan.
You’ll love the bonus stages, the chat with the game’s director, and the series facts held within Sweet Tour.
And if by some chance you haven’t played Head-On on the PSP, then it most certainly is a must-buy on PS2.
#10. Armored Core 2: Another Age
- Release Data: From Software/Metro3D, 2001
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
As far as mech fighting games go, Armored Core 2: Another Age lives up to the proud tradition established with the first Armored Core game.
New missions, an improved single-player campaign, and some new equipment make this an enjoyable trip down a familiar road.
#9. Armored Core 3
- Release Data: From Software/Metro3D, 2002
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
The actual gameplay of Armored Core 3 is responsive and action-oriented enough that it should appeal to fans of giant robot action games.
It’s not the prettiest game around, and it’s basically similar to what the series has always offered, but this third game in the Armored Core series is still a good, solid game.
#8. Armored Core 2
- Release Data: From Software, 2000
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
Those who’ve tried the original Armored Core and found the gameplay model not to their liking will probably not have much time for this one, either.
But after you’re done wondering about what this game could have been, you can’t deny that Armored Core 2 is still the best Armored Core on the PS2.
#7. Twisted Metal: Black Online
- Release Data: Incognito Inc./SCEE, 2002
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
Twisted Metal: Black Online is essentially the same game as Twisted Metal: Black, except this version is for online play only.
There is no storyline or single-player mode and it also features 15 vehicles and 20 levels from the original game with 4 modes of online play: Deathmatch, Last Man Standing, Collector and Manhunt.
#6. Jak X: Combat Racing
- Release Data: Naughty Dog/SCEA, 2005
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
Jak X: Combat Racing does a good job of moving an existing franchise into an entirely new genre.
Though there are some problems with the single-player artificial intelligence in the later levels, there is an overwhelming amount of value from the multiplayer modes and unlockable options.
#5. Zone of the Enders
- Release Data: KCEJ/Konami, 2001
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
There is a lot of good stuff here; good graphics, good sound, good control scheme, even some good gameplay, but overall, it lacks variety and innovation in terms of storyline, graphics, gameplay and overall presentation.
It’s definitely not a terrible game, but it’s still worth playing.
#4. Mashed: Drive to Survive
- Release Data: Supersonic Software/Empire Interactive, 2004
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
Mashed: Drive to Survive is looking good and the reasons are that it has extra tracks, cars, better handling and all the little things that make it better.
With a learning curve of about 30 seconds, Drive to Survive is a ton of fun that you should be able to keep coming back to time and time again.
#3. Robot Alchemic Drive
- Release Data: Sandlot/Enix Corporation, 2002
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
Even though Robot Alchemic Drive has a few quirks, it is still a blast to play.
Players will find enjoyment of the strategy they have to use during a battle.
If you are into mecha or giant robot games, anime, or games that stray away from the norm, this game might surprise you.
#2. Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner
- Release Data: KCEJ/Konami, 2003
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
Its excellent combat system, combined with the game’s focus on blowing up everything in sight, makes for an enjoyable gameplay experience.
As it is, Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner is just fun to play, and it will inevitably keep drawing you back in even when you’ve already seen most of what the game has to offer.
#1. Twisted Metal: Black
- Release Data: Incognito Inc./SCEE, 2001
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
In the end, Twisted Metal: Black is a terrific game in every respect.
The game looks, sounds, and, most importantly, plays better than any car combat game before it.
Add in a fantastic two-to-four-player multiplayer mode, and Twisted Metal: Black is the only game you’ll need for a long time to come.
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See also: Best PS1 Games & Best PSP Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PS2 vehicle simulator game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!