A List of the Top 10 Best Selling PlayStation 2 Games of All Time

by | Oct 2, 2023 | General | 0 comments

Did you know that the PlayStation 2, fondly known as the PS2, took the gaming world by storm, selling over 150 million units worldwide? As one of the most iconic gaming consoles in history, it’s no surprise that it boasted an incredible library of games that captured the hearts of millions.

In this article, we delve into the realm of nostalgia and celebrate the best-selling PlayStation 2 games of all time. From immersive adventures to pulse-pounding action, these games not only pushed the boundaries of technology but also left an indelible mark on the gaming industry.

Whether you’re a veteran PS2 enthusiast or a newcomer curious about the console’s legacy, this list is sure to bring back memories and showcase the ingenuity that defined the PlayStation 2 era.

Final Fantasy XII

Final Fantasy XII just couldn’t be missed as one of the leading releases in the franchise. The action will take you to Ivalice. Two different empires are stuck in a war, with a small kingdom struggling to survive in the fight.

The small kingdom gets swallowed in at some point and that’s when the action begins. Princess Ashe, Vaan the adventurer, and their unique crew will need to battle the occupying empire. The storyline is amazing and well-detailed, but the actual gameplay is what makes the difference.

Kingdom Hearts

Kingdom Hearts is a beloved video game series that combines the enchanting worlds of Disney with the epic storytelling of Final Fantasy. Developed by Square Enix, this innovative franchise has captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide. Since its debut, the series has achieved remarkable success, selling over 5.9 million units globally.

With its iconic characters like Sora, Donald Duck, and Goofy, players embark on a captivating journey filled with friendship, adventure, and the battle between light and darkness. The series boasts stunning visuals, immersive gameplay, and a deep and complex storyline that keeps players hooked. 

Tekken 5

When you think about it, such a fighting game wouldn’t really impress with a story or top-notch gameplay, but Tekken 5 has done a fairly good job. Released in 2005, it’s no surprise how it managed to sell more than six million copies. However, improvements from previous releases will tell you why.

Some features from Tekken 4 were removed, but that didn’t hurt the franchise. In fact, it made the game even smoother and faster. Furthermore, this was the first release in the series where players were allowed to customize their characters with extras. Plus, don’t forget about the seven new fighters.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Every Metal Gear Solid game out there has something unique and this release makes no exception either. The story goes around the Big Shell, a facility that was taken over by a squad that’s turned against the government. The president’s life is at risk, as well as the humanity’s safety.

As you try to fight this squad, you’ll be impressed by the graphics and the gameplay. Moreover, the deep attention to detail makes this game a standalone masterpiece. And then, get ready for countless plot twists, as allies and enemies keep changing throughout the game.

Grand Theft Auto III

Grand Theft Auto III is the first game in the franchise showing everything from behind the character, rather than from above. It’s an excellent game allowing you to roam freely over Liberty City, which is split into three main areas. And just like you’ve imagined, there are lots of missions to complete too.

The action follows the main character after his girlfriend betrays him. He has to find revenge now and join a world of crime with countless opportunities. From drugs and crime to gang affiliations and corruption, you’ll be able to have a taste of everything in this world.

Final Fantasy X

Released in 2001, Final Fantasy X sold more than 8.5 million copies and still has an impressive fan base out there. It’s no surprise why. Although it’s shown in a third person point of view, like previous games, it also has a unique gameplay, mainly because of the top map perspective that’s missing.

You’re Tidus and you need to interact with numerous characters and objects to complete your missions. Everything is integrated there, meaning scaling is perfect. Battles kick in when you interact with a potential enemy and that’s when it all goes to a turn based fight.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

You can’t go wrong with this release. You navigate an open world, whether you choose to walk around or rob a vehicle. Vice City has two main islands and the best part about it is everything is incredibly realistic, as communities are based on real life characters.

For example, you’ll have biker gangs, but you’ll also interact with Haitians or perhaps Cubans. You’ll also notice a heavy influence from movies of those times, but especially Miami Vice and Scarface. The team took years to research the local areas for a realistic approach and did an impressive job.

Gran Turismo 4

Gran Turismo 4 was delayed for more than a year, so its official release was a hit and miss. It was going to be a hit or a massive disappointment. Luckily for the developer, it sold over 11.7 million copies, becoming one of the most successful PlayStation 2 games ever.

There are more than 720 cars to choose from, 80 different manufacturers, modern concepts, and classic cars. Also, you get to race over 51 different tracks, some of them being updated versions of tracks from previous releases. Asian releases came with extensive guides on the physics of racing too.

Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec

The third release in the series quickly became a top seller. It’s not just one of the best PlayStation 2 games out there, but also one of the greatest video games ever. The concept is fairly simple, you need to complete all the races and championships, not to mention grabbing all the rewards.

Whenever you complete 25% of the game, you’ll get a new car that you wouldn’t be able to find otherwise. There are 19 tracks, some of them inspired from real life courses. The release also came with a few unlicensed Formula One vehicles.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

This release sold more than 17.3 million copies and it’s the best-selling PlayStation 2 game ever, way ahead of its competition. Despite being released about two decades ago, it’s still heavily played today and has a massive community for support, guides, and ideas.

The game is extremely realistic. Sure, you have the open world scenario, but much of the action is inspired by real life events from those times, not to mention people, landmarks, and gang wars that were constantly in the news. Sexual content and violence don’t miss either.

Final Words

The PlayStation 2 has seen a remarkable lineup of games that have captured the hearts and minds of gamers worldwide. These top 10 best-selling titles have left an indelible mark on the gaming industry, showcasing the diverse range of genres and experiences available on the platform. For an engaging way to possibly enjoy gaming even more, an could offer a fresh experience. With their enduring popularity and impressive sales figures, these titles continue to stand as classics in the gaming world, forever etched into the memories of PlayStation 2 enthusiasts.

In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle