ThePlayStationbrand is brimming with memorable software, from the blockyCrash Bandicootdays of the PS1, to the flashyHorizon Zero Dawnon PS4. One exciting PS5 revelation, aside from the anticipated Holiday 2020 release date, is that Sony’s new high-powered console will be backward compatible with the PS4.
RELATED:The 10 PS2 Hidden Gems Everyone Missed
Furthermore, much to the delight of old-school PlayStation gamers, it sounds as if Sony is looking to extend this feature toallof its previous consoles. While the details are sketchy, the Japanese company is seemingly even going a step beyondthis, with reports of patents that may bring trophies to PS1 and 2 software, and even remastered visuals with slickened textures. Given the PS2’s particularly strong library, one can’t help but be giddy over the prospect of reliving these classics from the early 2000s in glorious 4k. With that said, let’s take a look at 10 of the best PS2 games that we’d love to experience again with possiblePS5enhancements.
10Burnout 3: Takedown
The second or third installment in a series often proves to be the sweet spot, as many games on our list will show. Such is the case for Criterion Games' sequel to this chaotic arcade-style racer. Building from the foundation of this appealing driving series, the goal is to wreak havoc in unique ways as much as it is to win races.
This ‘04 follow-up truly hits its mark in terms of enjoyable content and its diversity of gameplay options. You’ve got the increased emphasis on Takedowns, showcased in Crash mode and Road Rage, where players must perform various Takedowns in a given time. You’ve also got some of the most solid split-screenandonline multiplayer in a racer. While the studio would expand upon this with the open-worldBurnout Paradise, this was really the original formula at its peak for most fans.Takedown, with its emphasis on flashiness and explosions, would surely make for a nice remaster on PS5.
9Jak II
Though Naughty Dog laid the foundation for a fun, whimsical new platforming universe withJak and Daxter, this follow-up brought some fresh elements to the table.
This sequel is amped up in terms of scale and darker cinematic qualities, but it also adds some more diverse gameplay styles. The game is renowned for its captivating narrative, but also its fun gun-laced action and inventive platforming. Despite dating back to 2003,Jak IIstands as a crowning achievement in platforming with its colorful Pixar-like visuals and interesting gameplay. It would definitely be a joy to experience the dystopian city of Haven in glorious 4k for the PS5.
8Final Fantasy X
We just can’t get enough of this RPG, which still shines as one of the best in theFinal Fantasyseries. There’s certainly been no shortage ofFinal Fantasycontent over the years and decades, even when it comes to the majestic universe ofFFX. Despite the recent HD remaster for the PS3, we’d surely enjoy revisiting this epic adventure with Tidus and friends, slaying baddies and engaging in some thrilling Blitzball on PS5.
It’d be quite interesting to see what further enhancements can be made to this already enchanting game. Between the gorgeous cinematics, gripping plot, great characters, and fun combat, this would make for one awesome remaster.
7Twisted Metal: Black
When it comes to great PlayStation experiences, thrilling action and cinematic bombast are traits that often come to mind, and Incognito’sTwisted Metalhas them in spades. Despite dating all the way back to 2001, this fifth installment still shines as one of the flashiest and most fun in the series for many fans. The game hinges on much of the same appealing formula - engage in crazy vehicular combat and fight to be the last car standing. On the other hand,Twisted Metal: Blackfleshes out the narrative even more, focusing on individual narrated stories for each character.
RELATED:10 PS2 Games Everyone Should Play
We can’t help but imagine how epic a retreading of this game could be - with slickened textures, added Trophies, and dynamic surround sound that makes us feel like we’re actually taking part in this demolition derby.
6Kingdom Hearts
What better way to follow up the recently-releasedKingdom Hearts IIIthan with the classic that started it all? It’d certainly be fun to retrace the origins of the “Dark Seeker Saga” from which that sequel expands upon, especially since many regard this ‘02 original as the best in the series.
This RPG is about as majestic as it gets, with its delightful blend of Disney and Square elements, enhanced by colorful settings and a gripping plot. This is one truly memorable collaboration that definitely warrants revisiting on Sony’s upcoming console.
5God Of War
Sure, there’s much to love about the awesome 2018 rendition ofGod of Waron PS4, with its enjoyable combat and cool Norse motifs. Yet, one can’t help but reminisce on the original Greek-inspired classic from ‘05.
Despite the anticipation for PS3 at the time, gamers were reminded Sony’s PS2 still had plenty to offer after spending hours slicing and dicing through ancient Greece with the mighty Kratos. Largely remembered as a swan song for the PS2, this action romp still holds up today with its cinematic bombast and onslaught of thrilling combat.
4Timesplitters 2
Though theCall of Dutyseries has largely usurped the FPS mantle for Sony consoles, theTimesplittersfranchise made a name for itself nearly 2 decades ago with its innovative concepts. Developers Free Radical are partly comprised of Rare refugees from theGoldeneyeera. Thus, the gameplay feels both familiar and inventive, blending retro charm with modern flashiness.
Timesplitters 2tosses all sorts of wacky elements at you, with its settings comprising different time periods and weapons that range from crossbows to fire extinguishers. The game never takes itself too seriously, with its inclusion of goofy dialogue and even Monkey-based missions. This is often considered the peak of theTimesplittersseries, and being a glitzy, dynamic shooter from ‘02, it’s aged quite well. It’d surely make for some exciting split-screen or online action on PS5.
3Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Nowadays, the fusion of action and stealth elements has been used quite a bit with franchises likeFar Cryand others. Yet, the origins of this can partly be traced back to this iconic PlayStation series. In ‘98, Hideo Kojima had established his own interesting formula withMetal Gear Solid’s focus on reconnaissance and evasion.
RELATED:Metal Gear Solid: The 5 Best final Boss Fights (And The 5 Worst)
With the flashier PS2 sequels, Konami succeeded in building upon this, with an even more in-depth story and dynamic stealth gameplay. This third installment particularly stands out for honing the formula while breaking from conventions of the franchise. The gritty realism ofMGS3still holds up well, and with some PS5 enhancements, this stealth-based journey for Snake can be as epic as ever.
2Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
To this day,Gran Turismo 3is seen as the pinnacle by many - notjustin this long-running franchise, but for racing sims as awhole. This PS2 follow-up offers more of the same mechanically solid gameplay, with more content and depth than ever. There’s much to get lost in with this exhilarating virtual ride, with its 19 unique courses and a slew of slick cars. It was also somewhat ahead of its time with its subtle use of RPG progression traits.
Given its 2001 origins, Polyphony Digital’s racer still shines as both smooth and visually appealing. Still, we can’t help but fantasize about the potential of an enhanced, backward compatible rendition on PS5
1Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Though many speak highly of the modern-eraGTAromps, few will argue that this gem makes for the better game, despite its cruder aesthetic. There’s just something special to this masterpiece that has rarely been matched, with onlyGTAIIIreally coming close.
The diversity of gameplay and the rich, sandbox world of Lost Santos offers a grand, enjoyable feel to this day. The potential of added Trophies and more vibrant visuals would sure only adds to its aura. Its near-endless replayability makes this the best option for a PS2 game worthy of revisiting on PS5.
NEXT:10 Classic Playstation Games We Can’t Wait To Replay If The PS5 Is Backwards Compatible
