The PlayStation 2 is widely regarded as one of the most influential and beloved video game consoles of all time. Released in 2000, the PS2 went on to become the best-selling video game console in history, with over 155 million units sold worldwide. The system‘s massive success was due in large part to its incredible library of games, spanning a wide range of genres.
Among the PS2‘s most popular and critically-acclaimed titles were its platformers – games that challenged players to navigate treacherous levels by running, jumping, and using special abilities. Platformers have been a gaming staple since the early days of consoles, but the PS2 era saw the genre reach new heights with lush 3D graphics, innovative gameplay mechanics, and memorable characters.
But what makes a great platformer? At their core, the best platformers feature tightly-designed levels that are challenging yet fair, forcing players to master the game‘s mechanics to proceed. Responsive controls are a must, as is a sense of momentum and satisfying movement. Many platformers also include light combat and puzzle-solving elements to keep the action varied. Memorable protagonists, colorful art styles, secrets to uncover, and strong replay value are other hallmarks of the genre‘s greatest entries.
With that criteria in mind, let‘s dive into the 10 absolute best platformers on the PlayStation 2:
- Klonoa 2: Lunatea‘s Veil
Kicking off our list is this delightful, dreamlike adventure from Namco. As the floppy-eared hero Klonoa, players run, jump, and hover their way through a fantasy world in order to stop an evil spirit from spreading nightmares. Klonoa‘s ability to grab and throw enemies adds a unique twist to the standard platforming action. With gorgeous cel-shaded visuals, creative level design, and charming characters, Klonoa 2 is a overlooked gem in the PS2‘s library.
- Psychonauts
This quirky cult classic from Double Fine puts players in the role of Raz, a young psychic attending a summer camp for those with special mental abilities. When a sinister plot threatens the camp, Raz must dive into the minds of various characters, with each "mental world" serving as a wildly imaginative platforming level. Psychonauts‘ offbeat humor, bizarre character designs, and heartfelt story made it a hit with critics, even if it struggled to find a wide audience upon release. Thankfully, the game has since earned a much-deserved following.
- Ratchet & Clank
Insomniac‘s lombax-and-robot duo made their debut on the PS2 in 2002 and promptly became PlayStation mascots. This first entry sees Ratchet and Clank traveling to various planets, jumping and shooting their way through armies of cartoonish aliens and robots. Players can utilize a wide array of outlandish weapons and gadgets, which are a joy to experiment with. Topped off with vibrant graphics, a cheeky sense of humor, and great chemistry between the two leads, the original Ratchet & Clank still holds up as an exemplary 3D platformer.
- Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus
Sucker Punch Productions made their mark on the PS2 with this endearing stealth-platformer starring a gentlemanly raccoon thief named Sly. Drawing equal inspiration from films like Ocean‘s Eleven and old-school 2D platformers, players must sneak through various exotic locales, pickpocketing guards and pilfering treasures. The game‘s striking cel-shaded art style set it apart from the competition, as did the unique use of Sly‘s ancestral book of thieving moves to learn new techniques. The start of a beloved franchise, the original Sly Cooper remains the series‘ peak.
- Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
Naughty Dog made a name for themselves in the PS1 era with the Crash Bandicoot series. For their PS2 debut, the studio created a more ambitious 3D platformer in Jak and Daxter. The game‘s lush, vibrant environments were a technical marvel at the time, and the colorful cast of characters brought plenty of personality. While the platforming itself was somewhat conventional, the responsive controls, expansive levels, and lack of loading screens made it a real showcase for the PS2 hardware. Plus, the friendship between the elfin Jak and wisecracking ottsel Daxter gives the game tons of heart.
- Ape Escape 2
The Ape Escape series has always been proudly weird, tasking players with capturing mischievous monkeys by using a variety of gadgets. The second PS2 entry refines the formula with even sillier ape antics, tighter controls, and more creative tools, including a slingshot and RC car. The game‘s boisterous sense of humor and wide range of pop culture references – everything from Planet of the Apes to Dragon Ball Z – cement it as one of the most unique and purely fun platformers on the system.
- Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
The third entry in the Ratchet & Clank series is a strong contender for the best, offering the most robust and varied gameplay in the franchise. In addition to the series‘ signature run-and-gun platforming, Up Your Arsenal also includes spaceship combat missions and multiplayer for the first time. There‘s even more crazy weapons to experiment with, and the story – which sees Ratchet and Clank trying to stop an alien despot from destroying the galaxy – hits harder emotional beats than in previous games. Gaming at its most unapologetically fun.
- Sly 2: Band of Thieves
Expanding on the original in every way, Sly 2 is a masterclass in how to craft a sequel. The introduction of an open hub world structure makes the levels feel more organic and interconnected. Players can now freely swap between Sly, Bentley, and Murray, and each character has their own style and skill set. The story is meatier, delving deeper into Sly‘s criminal family legacy and his relationships with his crew. Sly 2 doubles down on the series‘ signature capers and heists, imbuing it with the feel of an interactive cartoon caper. A must-play for platformer fans and lovers of lighthearted action-adventure romps.
- Psychonauts 2
While technically not a PS2 game, I‘d be remiss not to mention the recent sequel to Double Fine‘s mind-bending platformer. Psychonauts 2 brings back everything that made the first game great – the distinctive characters, zany humor, inventive level design – and amplifies it all. Raz‘s psychic abilities have been greatly expanded, and the mental worlds he explores are even more visually stunning and thematically rich. The story also goes to surprisingly dark and emotional places as it delves into topics like PTSD, addiction, and guilt. Psychonauts 2 is a rare sequel that not only lives up to its predecessor but surpasses it in every way.
- Jak II
While the first Jak and Daxter was a fairly traditional mascot platformer, its sequel took the series in a much darker, more ambitious direction. Set in a gritty, dystopian city, Jak II introduces gunplay, vehichle sequences, and a shockingly mature story that deals with themes of revenge and moral ambiguity. The game was a revelation at the time for the way it blended platforming, shooting, driving, and RPG-lite mechanics into one seamless open world. Jak himself is now a tortured antihero with anger issues, a far cry from his mute, innocent persona in the first game. Though some found the game‘s difficulty and tonal shift divisive, there‘s no denying Jak II‘s impact and influence. It‘s a landmark title that pushed the boundaries of what a platformer could be.
The PlayStation 2 will always be remembered for its groundbreaking, genre-defining titles, and its lineup of platformers are a huge part of that legacy. These games represent the pinnacle of 3D mascot platforming, combining vibrant characters and worlds with rock-solid gameplay. While recent indie titles like Yooka-Laylee, A Hat in Time, and the Crash Bandicoot remasters have helped revive interest in the genre, the PS2 remains the premier destination for fans looking to run, jump, and explore.
But these are just my picks for the cream of the PS2 platforming crop. I‘d love to hear your thoughts – what are some of your personal favorites? Are there any underrated gems I overlooked? Sound off in the comments and let‘s keep the celebration of this legendary console going!
