Top 10 best Platformers Games on PS2
Top 10 best Platformers Games to play on PS2 Emulators
PlayStation 2 became the best-selling legendary game system of all time because it had a high-quality game library with countless options. When talking about the game library on PS2, we have a wide range of diverse and attractive games in many different genres. For us, Platformer games hold a special place in this treasure chest so in this article, we want to share the best Platformer games ever released on PlayStation 2. If you want to relive one of the games in this list or any other game in the PS2 game library, we have introduced the best PS2 emulators for modern PC and mobile for you to download for free. Now let’s dive into the list.
Ape Escape 2
First up is Ape Escape 2 released in 2002. I admit I hadn’t played the first one on PS1 but I jumped into part 2 on PS2 and really liked it. You control a boy named Jimmy who is tasked with catching the mischievous monkeys who escaped. This game is known for its creative use of the Dualshock controller’s analog sticks to control different gadgets, providing some unique gameplay mechanics to go along with these colorful levels.
Download Ape Escape 2 ROM HERE (ISO)
Psychonauts
Next at number 9 is Psychonauts. This is a unique platforming game following Raz Putin, a young psychic runaway who joins a psychic summer camp. The game is renowned for its creative levels, each set in the mind of a different character, combining platforming, puzzles, and storytelling. The creativity and humor of this game and its sequel have earned it a loyal cult following.
Download Psychonauts ROM HERE (ISO)
Maximo: Ghost to Glory
Number 8 is Maximo: Ghost to Glory released in 2001. This is a 3D action platforming game, a sequel to the Ghost and Goblin series if you remember. You play as Maximo, a knight on a quest to rescue his girlfriend Sophia from the clutches of the evil demon king. The game has some pretty challenging platforming and combat but blends it with humor gracefully. This is the best game in the Ghost and Goblin series.
Download Maximo: Ghost to Glory ROM HERE (ISO)
Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex
At number 7 is Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex released in 2001. The Wrath of Cortex continues the adventures of action hero Crash Bandicoot. The game retains the classic platforming elements that all previous Crash games had. Once again Crash has to thwart the evil plans of Dr. Cortex. The game provides a familiar yet fresh experience—challenging gameplay and great-looking levels full of collectibles.
Download Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex ROM HERE (ISO)
Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly
Number 6 is Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly released in 2002. Personally, I had a good time playing this game but on release, it faced some negative reception due to technical issues. However, it still provides the fun platforming and exploration experience that fans of the series love. You play as Spyro the dragon across levels, collecting gems and rescuing dragonflies. I think this is the hardest Spyro game ever made.
Download Spyro: Enter the Dragon ROM HERE (ISO)
Klonoa 2
Midway through the list is Klonoa 2 released in 2001. Let me just say at the time, this was an impressive looking platformer about Klonoa on a journey to save the world. The game has a 2.5D platforming gameplay combined with puzzle elements. The game has lively graphics and a decent story. The unique mechanics and designs make it a rough gem on the PS2.
Download Klonoa 2 ROM HERE (ISO)
Rayman 2: Revolution
Number 4 is Rayman 2: Revolution released in 2000. This is the enhanced remake version of Rayman 2 for PlayStation 2 and was released as a launch title for the system. You play as hero Rayman fighting against the evil robotic Pirate Razorbeard to save his world. There are some great and fun level designs here combined with smooth controls and charming characters. Rayman 2 was already a great game and Revolution only made it better.
Download Rayman 2: Revolution ROM HERE (ISO)
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus
Number 3 is Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus released in 2002. This was a tough choice because part 2 in the series is also excellent, but I’m just trying to get one game per series on the list. The game introduces players to the fun duo of Sly Cooper, a nimble master thief raccoon and his robotic sidekick Clank. The game combines stealth elements with traditional platforming requiring you to use Sly’s agility to pull off heists. It has a unique art style and very engaging gameplay.
Download Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus ROM HERE (ISO)
Jak II
At number 2 is Jak II released in 2003. This game improved on an already fantastic game in the first one and still better than Jak 3 released afterward. This is a darker and grittier setting that really suits the game, and introduced the hoverboard that became my favorite. There are new weapons and gadgets to try out, new areas, and a story that picks up right after the previous one ends. So you may want to play the first one before jumping into this.
Download Jak II ROM HERE (ISO)
Ratchet and Clank
And my number 1 pick is Ratchet and Clank released in 2002. All the Ratchet and Clank games on PlayStation 2 are great but there’s just something extra fun about the first one that makes it much more enjoyable. The game introduces players to the fun duo of Ratchet, a lombax mechanic, and his robot friend Clank. The game combines platforming with shooting mechanics, providing many different weapons and gadgets. The humorous style, vibrant worlds, and innovative gameplay set a high standard for platformers on PlayStation 2.
Download Ratchet and Clank ROM HERE (ISO)
Conclusion
Those are the top 10 Platformer games I recommend people try out on PlayStation 2. Don’t forget to check out our most comprehensive collection of PS2 ROMs. You can download all the game’s original ISO ROM files for free and play them easily on the PS2 emulator.