Despite the technical constraints of the PS2 during its era, the platform remarkably offered enduring open-world game experiences that continue to be a topic of discussion today. Without delving into specifics, join us on a nostalgic journey as we explore the best PS2 open-world games.
This curated list encompasses both well-known and underrated titles, providing a diverse selection that may introduce you to hidden gems. Explore the possibilities and, hopefully, discover something new among these noteworthy PS2 open-world games.
This curated list encompasses both well-known and underrated titles, providing a diverse selection that may introduce you to hidden gems. Explore the possibilities and, hopefully, discover something new among these noteworthy PS2 open-world games.
Scarface: The World Is Yours2006 |
About | |
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Release Date October 10, 2006 | |
Developer Radical Entertainment | |
Publisher Vivendi Games | |
Genre Open World | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin Canada |
PS2 Releases | |
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2006-10-10 | |
2006-10-13 |
Scarface is a movie-based game with an appeal that may vary among players. Finding a compelling tie-in movie game can be challenging, and Scarface is a notable exception. While its gameplay bears a noticeable resemblance to the Grand Theft Auto series, it successfully navigates moments where it stands out, avoiding being dismissed as a mere clone.
In Scarface, players assume the role of Tony Montana as he endeavours to reclaim control of Miami’s drug trade. To achieve this, he must obliterate rival gangs and rebuild his reputation in the criminal underworld. Serving as a sequel to the movie, the game presents an alternate storyline for Montana, exploring a narrative where he avoids his cinematic fate.
The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction2005 |
About | |
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Release Date August 23, 2005 | |
Developer Radical Entertainment | |
Publisher Vivendi Games | |
Genre Beat 'Em Up | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin United States |
PS2 Releases | |
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2005-08-23 | |
2005-09-09 |
The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction” still holds its place as the best Hulk game, even after all these years, thanks to its profound dedication to every fan. Radical Entertainment has masterfully crafted a game that truly immerses players in the experience of being the green giant. Unleashing chaos and smashing through the city is an immensely enjoyable experience. The game allows players to harness the environment to their advantage, as Hulk can grab hold of anything that proves useful, even innocent civilians, adding a unique dynamic to the gameplay.
The game presents challenges, especially when the army and various forces unite to take down the Hulk. Fortunately, as you advance, you unlock new abilities that empower you to overcome any threats posed to the green behemoth.
Bully2006 |
About | |
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Release Date October 17, 2006 | |
Developer Rockstar Vancouver | |
Publisher Rockstar Games | |
Genre Action Adventure | |
Perspective Third-Person | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin United States |
PS2 Releases | |
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2006-10-17 | |
2006-10-25 | |
2008-07-24 |
Bully stands out as a distinctive title, offering a gaming experience unparalleled by its counterparts. As we reflect on Rockstar Games’ diverse lineup during the PS2 era, it’s not just about Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto V. Titles like Bully, The Warriors, and the Midnight Club franchise brought unique and enjoyable open-world adventures to the table.
In Bully, players embody Jimmy Hopkins, navigating the challenges of Bullworth School infested with bullies and corrupt students. To rise above, Jimmy must navigate his way through the adversities. While Bully remains one of the best open-world games on the PS2, its standout feature is its unparalleled uniqueness
Grand Theft Auto III / Vice City / San Andreas2001 / 2002 / 2004 |
About | |
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Full Name Grand Theft Auto III | |
Release Date September 25, 2001 | |
Developer Rockstar North | |
Publisher Rockstar Games | |
Franchise Grand Theft Auto | |
Genre Open World | |
Graphics 3D | |
Perspective Third-Person | |
Interaction Real-Time | |
Concept Crime | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin United States |
PS2 Releases | |
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2001-10 | |
2001-09-25 | |
2001-10-23 | |
2001-10-26 |
About | |
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Full Name Grand Theft Auto: Vice City | |
Release Date October 29, 2002 | |
Developer Rockstar North | |
Publisher Rockstar Games | |
Franchise Grand Theft Auto | |
Genre Open World | |
Graphics 3D | |
Perspective Third-Person | |
Interaction Real-Time | |
Concept Crime | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin United States |
PS2 Releases | |
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2002-11 | |
2002-10-29 | |
2002-11-08 | |
2002-11-21 | |
2004-05-20 |
About | |
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Full Name Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas | |
Release Date October 24, 2004 | |
Developer Rockstar North | |
Publisher Rockstar Games | |
Franchise Grand Theft Auto | |
Genre Open World | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin United States |
PS2 Releases | |
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2004-10-24 | |
2004-10-26 | |
2004-10-29 | |
2005-01-25 |
The Grand Theft Auto Trilogy on the PS2 was and remains one of the best games to ever set foot on the platform. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was a huge deal since it featured a black character as the main protagonist, and the fact that it made the series far more popular than Rockstar Games could have ever imagined.
Similar to previous GTAs, you roam the city of Los Santos listening to great soundtracks, completing missions and earning money. Unlike GTA 3, the driving mechanics have been drastically improved as well as the third-person shooting experience.
On the other hand, there is also GTA 3 and Vice City. The third instalment in the franchise was a big deal as it revolutionized the open-world genre, pushed developers to re-think their decisions and revamped the way people would look at action games in the future.
Spider-Man 2™2004 |
About | |
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Release Date June 28, 2004 | |
Developer Treyarch | |
Publisher Activision | |
Franchise Spider-Man | |
Genre Action Adventure | |
Concept Superhero | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin United States |
PS2 Releases | |
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2004-06-28 | |
2004-07-09 |
Spider-Man was a significant milestone during its launch on the PS2 in 2004. As one of the pioneering open-world Spider-Man games for the PS2, Spider-Man 2 was groundbreaking and innovative, offering the closest experience to living out the adventures of Peter Parker in a 3D world.
In the game, players swing around New York City, undertaking missions, confronting villains, rescuing innocent lives, and performing heroic stunts that make you feel like, well, Spider-Man. However, how does Spider-Man 2 fare in the present day? While its visuals may not meet contemporary standards, the action remains excellent, and the web-swinging mechanics continue to deliver a fantastic and immersive experience.
Just Cause2006 |
About | |
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Release Date September 22, 2006 | |
Developer Avalanche Studios | |
Publisher Square Enix Europe | |
Franchise Just Cause | |
Genre Open World | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin Sweden |
PS2 Releases | |
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2006-09-22 | |
2006-09-27 | |
2006-09-28 |
Just Cause 2 was a massive hit when it first launched, but I feel that people forget the origins of the series, Just Cause. The latter is an open-world game originally developed by Avalanche Studios and published by Eidos Interactive before they were acquired by Square Enix. For fans of destruction and chaos, the original Just Cause is something they should try out.
Sure, in the beginning, it’s pretty slow as you have nothing but two pistols and a bomb. However, as you progress, you unlock new destructive arsenals, vehicles, and items. Similar to Red Faction: Guerilla, you participate in missions where you have to free people from tyrannical forces and reclaim their territory. While the graphics may be rough around the edges, the action makes up for that.
True Crime™ Streets of LA™ / True Crime™ New York City2003 / 2005 |
About | |
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Release Date May 28, 2003 | |
Developer Luxoflux | |
Publisher Activision | |
Genre Open World | |
Concept Modern | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin United States |
PS2 Releases | |
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2003-11 | |
2003-11-04 | |
2003-11-07 | |
2004-10-28 |
About | |
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Release Date November 16, 2005 | |
Developer Luxoflux | |
Publisher Activision | |
Genre Open World | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin United States |
PS2 Releases | |
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2005-11-16 | |
2005-11-25 | |
2006-07-27 |
True Crime: Streets of LA and New York City are two interesting open-world games on the PS2 that are sadly forgotten these days. And in case you didn’t know there was supposed to be a third entry to the franchise until it was cancelled to become what’s known as Sleeping Dogs.
Surprisingly, while some compared these two games to Grand Theft Auto, I found them to be completely different. The two True Crime games put heavy emphasis on melee combat and action-packed shooting that features bullet-time sequences similar to that of Max Payne. The driving in True Crime: Streets of LA can be horrible at times, but with little practice, you’ll get used to it. Hurry up and grab this game before it goes rare and expensive one day, but if you’re an emulator guy, the game works on PCSX2 and Dolphin.
Destroy All Humans! / Destroy All Humans! 22005 / 2006 |
About | |
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Release Date June 21, 2005 | |
Developer Pandemic Studios | |
Publisher THQ | |
Franchise Destroy All Humans! | |
Genre Open World | |
Graphics 3D | |
Perspective Third-Person | |
Interaction Real-Time | |
Concept Sci-Fi | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin United States |
PS2 Releases | |
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2005-06-21 | |
2005-06-24 | |
2007-02-22 |
About | |
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Release Date October 17, 2006 | |
Developer Pandemic Studios | |
Publisher THQ | |
Franchise Destroy All Humans! | |
Genre Open World | |
Graphics 3D | |
Perspective Third-Person | |
Interaction Real-Time | |
Concept Sci-Fi | |
Players Single Player, Split-Screen Co-Op | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin United States |
PS2 Releases | |
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2006-10-17 | |
2006-10-20 | |
2006-10-26 |
Destroy All Humans takes you deep into the mind of an alien who’s descended to Earth to cause havoc and terror. Most of the game sees you using other-worldly weapons and tools which give you the power to kill humans and even steal and control their bodies. The environments of the game are wide-open so you can move freely all around. Destroy All Humans, while remembered for its intense action, features hilarious cutscenes that will last with you forever.
If you’ve ever held a grudge against the human race and wanted to take your revenge, Destroy All Humans will fill that need. Looking back, Pandemic Studios was ahead of its time with the heavy emphasis on destruction, havoc and a cool idea of controlling an evil alien who just wants to destroy all humans.
The Simpsons: Hit & Run2003 |
About | |
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Release Date September 16, 2003 | |
Developer Radical Entertainment | |
Publisher Vivendi Games | |
Genre Adventure | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin Canada |
PS2 Releases | |
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2003-09-16 | |
2003-10-31 | |
2003-11-13 |
The Simpsons Hit & Run remains one of the best games based on the critically acclaimed Cartoon series, The Simpsons. You would think that with how gaming has evolved, you’d see a new Simpsons game, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Currently, no one knows who exactly owns the rights to this. Fingers are pointing to EA which has published several Simpsons games recently, but those remain mere rumours and nothing else. We can only hope that a remaster or, why not, a remake becomes a possibility in the foreseeable future.
Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction2005 マーセナリーズ (Māsenarīzu) |
About | |
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Release Date January 11, 2005 | |
Developer Pandemic Studios | |
Publisher Lucasfilm Games | |
Genre Adventure | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin United States |
PS2 Releases | |
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2005-01-11 | |
2005-02-18 | |
2005-04-28 |
Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction was developed at a time when every publisher wanted to compete with Rockstar’s juggernaut Grand Theft Auto. However, Mercenaries isn’t a clone in any way. While it borrows some of the influence from the former, it manages to carve an identity for itself. If you can’t have enough of games where you’re the embodiment of destruction, Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction has got your back.
For fans of chaos and putting everything on fire, Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction, as well as its sequel, World in Flames, is a title you shouldn’t miss.
Mafia2002 |
About | |
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Release Date August 28, 2002 | |
Developer 2K Czech | |
Publisher Gathering of Developers | |
Franchise Mafia | |
Genre Open World | |
Concept Crime | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin Czech Republic |
PS2 Releases | |
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2004-02-04 | |
2004-02-13 |
The original Mafia is one that those seeking iconic games will always want to go back to. Call it a fever or an infectious disease, but it seems that GTA 3 has infected everyone with its success to the point where every game out there had to be an open world. Surprisingly, Mafia, while being an open-world game, doesn’t feel like a complete GTA clone. Of course, the open-world gameplay and the gun shooting may be similar to that of Grand Theft Auto, however, the graphics, voice-acting, and sound are superior to the latter.
The first Mafia went on to sell very well, which guaranteed the release of one of the best-selling open-world games to date, Mafia 2.
Jak II2003 |
About | |
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Release Date October 14, 2003 | |
Developer Naughty Dog | |
Publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment | |
Franchise Jak and Daxter | |
Genre 3D Platformer | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin United States |
PS2 Releases | |
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2003-10-14 | |
2003-10-15 | |
2003-10-17 | |
2003-12-01 | |
2004-03-11 |
Jak II was two steps ahead of the original Jak and Daxter when it launched. Having a dark futuristic open world imbued with a gloomy atmosphere, Jak II was the best thing to happen to the franchise. While this entry is notoriously known for its severe difficulty, the game featured an over-the-top action platform packed with blazing guns and incredible graphics for the time.
Amazingly, the game has aged like fine wine, and can still be fun even after all these years. It just goes on to show that the developers have spent a great deal of time with the entire franchise, and it shows.
Ultimate Spider-Man2005 |
About | |
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Release Date September 22, 2005 | |
Developer Treyarch | |
Publisher Activision | |
Franchise Spider-Man | |
Genre Action Adventure | |
Concept Superhero | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin United States |
PS2 Releases | |
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2005-09-22 | |
2005-10-14 | |
2006-08-24 |
Ultimate: Spider-Man is a game that time can’t seem to forget despite being decades old. Looking at the success of Marvel’s Spider-Man on the PS4, and the Batman Arkham series, makes one think; Why aren’t they making more cel-shaded superhero games based on the exact comic? Could it be because these games don’t sell? or is the general gamer base only interested in high-stunning graphics?
The PS2 had two of the best superhero games, Ultimate Spider-Man and Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu. Two of which features cel-shaded art style similar to their comics counterpart. And that’s one of the reasons that makes Ultimate Spider-Man recommended on this list. Not only that but the inclusion of many characters from the Marvel universe is worthy of praise. You can swing around the city freely as the Spider-Man, or Venom, battle foes and complete various missions as well as encounter popular villains like Carnage, Electro, Beetle and more. While the open-world here may not be on the same scale as Spider-Man 2, it remains one fun-to-play open-world Spider-Man game.
The Getaway2002 ゲッタウエイ (Gettauei) |
About | |
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Release Date December 11, 2002 | |
Developer Team Soho | |
Publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment | |
Genre Open World | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin United Kingdom |
PS2 Releases | |
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2002-12-11 | |
2003-01-19 | |
2003-11-20 |
The Gateway was Team Soho’s last breath before the company closed for good. For a 2002 title, The Gateway was impressive in every way possible. The movement flexibility was surprisingly engaging, the gunplay felt straight out of the Payback movie, and driving through the city of London felt realistic at the time.
This and Mafia are games you shouldn’t sleep on, even if they’re old, they’re worth every second of your life. The Gateway did indeed receive a sequel titled The Getaway: Black Monday which was released exclusively on the PS2.
The Godfather™ The Game2006 |
About | |
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Release Date March 21, 2006 | |
Developer Visceral Games | |
Publisher Electronic Arts | |
Genre Open World | |
Perspective Third-Person | |
Concept Crime | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin United States |
PS2 Releases | |
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2006-03-21 | |
2006-03-24 | |
2007-03-22 |
The Godfather: The Game is an open-world action-adventure game following a non-canon character, Aldo Trapani who is recruited into the Corleone family and has to work his way up to its ranks while not forgetting the promise he held for so long; taking revenge against those who murdered his father.
Before heavily focusing on Battlefield, Sims and the Star Wars Battlefront saga, EA used to make great tie-in movie games. Titles such as James Bond 007: From Russia with Love and The Godfather are remembered for their careful approach to emulating these movies into games. Instead of completely mimicking the movie piece by piece, these games manage to please fans of the source material and newcomers.
Beyond Good & Evil™
2003About Release Date
November 11, 2003Developer
Ubisoft MontpellierPublisher
UbisoftGenre
Action AdventureGraphics
3DPerspective
Third-PersonInteraction
Real-TimeConcept
Sci-FiPlayers
Single PlayerMonetization
Buy to PlayCountry of Origin
FrancePS2 Releases 2003-11-11 2003-11-14
Beyond Good & Evil is a cult hit that casts you in the role of Jade as she uncovers the mystery behind the Doomz and the Alpha Section. This brave journalist is well-equipped with a powerful stick, her camera, and companions to back her up. The best thing about the game is taking pictures. Of course, taking pictures doesn’t come without any reward, the game rewards you for your efforts by granting blue orbs which you can use to purchase items.
Developed by Michel Ancel who’s notably known for other works such as Rayman, and Peter Jackson’s King Kong video game, Beyond Good and Evil is a game like no other. It just goes on to show that the Ubisoft of 20 years ago, isn’t the Ubisoft nowadays. While this game may not be considered an open-world game, in essence, it features open areas that you can explore with your small ship.
GUN™2005 |
About | |
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Release Date November 08, 2005 | |
Developer Neversoft | |
Publisher Activision | |
Genre Third-Person Shooter | |
Graphics 3D | |
Perspectives First-Person, Third-Person | |
Interaction Real-Time | |
Concept Cowboy | |
Players Single Player | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin United States |
PS2 Releases | |
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2005-11-08 | |
2005-11-11 |
GUN is an open-world third-person shooter where you play as a skilled gunslinger named Colton White who seeks revenge on Thomas Magruder. The tyrant who killed Colton’s father, Ned White. The best thing about GUN is the engaging gunplay. The developers had made sure players could get to experience the deadly nature that is the brutal West.
While the PS2 didn’t enjoy a wide range of Western-themed games during its reign, there were some pretty great titles on the system. Darkwatch, Red Dead Revolver, and GUN remain some of the best Western-themed games to ever land on the system.
RoadKill™2003 |
About | |
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Release Date October 13, 2003 | |
Developer Terminal Reality | |
Publisher Midway Games | |
Genre Vehicular Combat | |
Graphics 3D | |
Perspective Third-Person | |
Interaction Real-Time | |
Players Single Player, Split-Screen Co-Op | |
Monetization Buy to Play | |
Country of Origin United States |
PS2 Releases | |
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2003-10-13 | |
2003-11-21 |
Roadkill can be best described as a fusion of GTA and Twisted Metal. This open-world vehicular combat gem often goes unnoticed these days. Set in the streets of Hell County, the game puts you behind the wheel of a weapon-equipped car, ready for mayhem with guns and explosives. Hell County consists of three cities—Paradise City, Lava Falls, and Blister Canyon—each offering various missions. The objective is simple: wreak havoc, annihilate rival gangs, and climb the criminal ranks.
Starting with just one car, players progressively unlock deadlier vehicles and upgrade each part as they delve deeper into the game. A treat for Twisted Metal enthusiasts, Roadkill has unfortunately faded into relative obscurity today. It’s worth noting that the game poses a significant challenge.
That’s it for the list. Thank you for reading.
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FreeckyCake
I'm just your average gamer who enjoys hunting hidden gems and underrated games. My love for Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams is like a truck and I recommend that you play it.
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