Now that the PlayStation Classic is officially out, we’re in full nostalgia mode. The original PlayStation made gaming history, pioneering 3D graphics and giving us classic games we (obviously) still play today. While the PS1 will always hold a special place in our hearts, the PlayStation 2 is widely considered one of the best consoles of all time. So, if you’re not looking to buy a new console this holiday season, but you still want to play some of your old favorites from the PS2, you’re in luck.
Here is our comprehensive list of PS2 games you can play on your PS4 console right now via the online PlayStation Store — no new hardware or emulators required. (This list does not include remasters/re-releases such as Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, or Shadow of the Colossus. Those games are awesome and you should play them too).
Jak and Daxter Bundle
One of the most slept-on classics of the PS2 era, Jak and Daxter is an upbeat-turned-bleak platform adventure series from the same developer that brought us Crash Bandicoot. This bundle includes all three games, so it’s quite a deal if you’re looking to run through this entire series. Grab it for $39.99.
Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life Special Edition
An early predecessor to games we love like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, Harvest Moon is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing, slice-of-life farming sim. This special edition has extra content too, so it’s a great one to grab if you enjoy this genre. On sale for $14.99.
Red Dead Revolver
If you already finished Red Dead 2 and are looking for more, why not try the game that started it all? Revolver is a classic that ushered in an era of some of the most beloved games of all time, and it’s one you simply can’t miss. Buy it here for $14.99.
Psychonauts
An indie game that is now a cult classic, Psychonauts is a creative platformer with an interesting story about a gifted psychic who runs away from the circus to find other like-minded kids. This is definitely one you’ll want to pick up before the sequel drops soon. Don’t miss it for $9.99.
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy
We all love Grand Theft Auto V, so why not go back to some of the best of the series? This bundle includes GTA: III, GTA: Vice City, and GTA: San Andreas, all of which are considered some of the best games of all time. If you’re over GTA V, now you can wreak havoc all over new cities you haven’t explored yet. What’s not to love? It’s available for $34.99.
Twisted Metal: Black
Cars. Flames. Rock and roll. If you’re looking to race around a track and blow up as many vehicles as you can, this demolition derby series is endless fun. You can get it for $9.99.
Bully
Another classic from Rockstar Games, Bully is basically GTA set at a private boarding school. In a game where attending classes is actually fun (it is, I promise), this game will leave you wishing that it gets a sequel after all. It’s available for $14.99.
Max Payne
If you’re looking for a stylized, cinematic, neo-noir shooter, Max Payne is for you. This game helped redefine not only shooters, but also narrative shooters. Also, bullet time! It’s on sale for $14.99.
PaRappa the Rapper 2
PaRappa is a classic of the rhythm genre. This sequel adds new gameplay to an old favorite, and it’ll have you grooving all night long. Grab it for only $9.99.
Wild Arms 3
If you’re looking to spend some time with a good JRPG, we’ve got the one for you. Wild Arms 3 includes a large and dynamic world, interesting characters, and fun spins on turn-based combat. Don’t miss it for $14.99.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
We all loved the bounty hunters from the Star Wars movies, and this is the perfect opportunity to dive a bit further into their stories. Bounty Hunter is a 3D action game that takes place right before Attack of the Clones, so it’s good fun for any die-hard Star Wars fan. It’s on sale for $9.99.
Resident Evil — Code Veronica: X
An extended cut of the fourth main installment of the Resident Evil series, Code Veronica takes place three months after the events of Resident Evil 2. The first game in the series to include a dynamic camera, this is a great game to pick up for any fan of RE or horror in general. Grab it here for $14.99.
Metal Slug Anthology
Including games one through six in the series, as well as Metal Slug X, this anthology gives us everything we love in side-scrolling shoot-em-ups. The games have not been altered as they were ported to the newest system, so get ready to go full nostalgia mode with these classics. It’s a steal for $19.99.
Image Sources: Rockstar Games, SNK, Naughty Dog, Capcom, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Incognito Entertainment, LucasArts, Media Vision, Double Fine, Nintendo
