Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Rockstar Games

There are simply some titles that captivate audiences for years at a time due to their addictive gameplay and their rich environments. These are the games that constantly seem to host newer challenges or larger secrets each time you play the game. The entire Grand Theft Auto series, from its humble PC roots to the more elaborate console versions, have taken this concept to a new level. The captivating plotlines, autonomous cityscapes and massive layers of gameplay depth and interaction have not been simple successors to a popular franchise; each release revolutionizes the gaming industry, pushing developers to create more complex titles.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Konami

Set in the 1960s, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is the definitive stealth action experience with extraordinary depth and new gameplay mechanics. Moving beyond the series' signature radar control, the game thrusts players into a fully interactive and immersive jungle environment. Gamers must rely on elements such as the "camouflage index" to blend into the environments to sneak past enemies undetected or use the game's unique and in-depth hand-to-hand combat "CQC" system to take down their foes.

Where is it now?

Along with this incredible track record comes an incredible amount of pressure to meet or exceed expectations of previous titles. Up till now, the GTA series did that handily, addressing or improving on a number of gameplay facets across the board while retaining that trademark flavor. However, the typical measuring stick of success no longer applies to Rockstar?s latest title. Simply put, San Andreas obliterates any potential comparison to its forefathers with its sheer scale alone, a feat that easily establishes it both as one of the best PS2 titles made as well as (arguably) one of the best games ever made.

Where is it now?

Adding incredible realism and depth to the game, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater incorporates a "cure system," where players are able to heal Snake when he is injured during battle. Untreated wounds will affect the player's health, and thus, affect the outcome of their mission. Furthermore, players need to feed on animals, flora and fauna to survive in the jungle. Through the "food capturing" system, Snake can hunt for food and store the items in his inventory. Taking the realism of the game a step further, food will rot if gamers hold onto uneaten items for long periods of time.

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Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
Ubi Soft

Prince of Persia: Warrior Within features the all new, free-form fighting system that allows players to define their own fighting style as they combat and destroy enemies. Battling without boundaries, players will be able to manipulate their environment and enemies, using a lethal arsenal of weapons to create their own signature fighting style. Prince of Persia: Warrior Within promises to be an action-packed video game filled with treacherous landscapes, ferocious enemies and deadlier bosses with intense mêlées lurking around every corner.

Sly 2: Band of Thieves
Sony Computer Entertainment

Sony had no idea that when they launched Sly Cooper and the Thievius Racoonus two years ago that it would create a cult hit amongst gamers. Not only were players enthralled by one of the best platforming experiences in recent history, they were charmed by the titular hero and his adventure. In fact, the largest concern that most fans had was how short the game was, something they hoped would be addressed in a sequel. Well Cooper admirers, your time has come, as the Sly one, along with Murray and Bentley are back for more large scale capers.

Where will it go?

Prince of Persia was one of the first classic platform titles to really combine puzzle solving, action and fun in an exotic setting. Last year's release of Sands of Time single handedly resurrected the entire franchise. It also made its first compelling jump into the 3D world. With voice talents from prominent actress, Monica Belluci, the story in Prince of Persia: Warrior Within will no doubt be more cinematic than its predecessor.

Where is it now?

The limited replayability aside, every gamer with a PS2 should own this title. Sly 2: Band of Thieves takes the solid premise of the first title, captures the good elements and radically expands upon them to create one of the best platformers ever seen on the PS2, and indeed all of platforming history. If you like a solid story, buy this game. If you like impressive graphics and voice acting, buy this game. If you like solid mechanics that build upon each other without getting dull, buy this game. Believe me, your PS2 will thank you for it.

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Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal
Sony Computer Entertainment

Up Your Arsenal is technically significant within online play for a number of reasons. It will be able to support up to 8 players online in a match at 60 frames a second with full voice support. Players of the Ratchet and Clank Games have gotten used to the wacky nature of the weapons in the games. Well, this has been significantly upgraded within Up Your Arsenal too.

Katamari Damacy
Namco

Katamari Damacy's good for parties. Not only does it present you with the option of becoming the rolling terror of a cubist cartoon Japan, which is a recipe for high comedy any day of the week, but there's a multiplayer mode that's worth a few hours. You and a friend face off against each other in an arena full of stuff, and three minutes later, whoever has the larger katamari wins. You can even grab each other, although the victim can wiggle the sticks to get free.

Where is it now?

There are twenty weapons in this game, five of which make a return from Going Commando. Unlike the previous title, every single weapon can be upgraded five times, with an additional three levels of upgrades once you’ve completed the game once. This game looks like it’s be the greatest title in the Ratchet and Clank series.

Where is it now?

Here's the important thing about Katamari Damacy (ka-ta-mah-ree dah-mah-SHE): it's girl bait. Katamari Damacy is simple, addictive, colorful, and cheap; twenty dollars gets you about ten hours of entertainment, and more if you're a completionist. It's also difficult to describe in any way that makes any sort of sense, since it's one of those uniquely Japanese games that seems to have been conceptualized in the depths of a fever dream

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Buy at Amazon.com: PS2