PS2 is the best-selling console of all time because it has an amazing game library with so many options. When we talk about the PS2 game library we have a lot of diverse and attractive games in many genres. For us, Platformer games are a part of this treasure trove so in this article, we want to share the best Platformer games ever released on PS2. If you want to play 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. Let’s get started.
First up is Ape Escape 2 released in 2002. I never played the first one on PS1 but I jumped into part 2 on PS2 and loved it. You play as a boy named Jimmy who has to catch the mischievous monkeys that escaped. This game is known for its creative use of the Dualshock controller’s analog sticks to control different gadgets, it has some cool gameplay mechanics along with these colorful levels.
Download Ape Escape 2 ROM HERE (ISO)
Next is number 9 Psychonauts. This is a unique platformer where you play Raz Putin, a young psychic runaway who joins a psychic summer camp. The game is known for its creative levels, each set in the mind of a different character, with platforming, puzzles, and storytelling. The creativity and humor of this game and its sequel have a dedicated cult following.
Download Psychonauts ROM HERE (ISO)
Number 8 is Maximo: Ghost to Glory released in 2001. This is a 3D action platformer, a sequel to the Ghost and Goblin series if you remember. You play as Maximo, a knight who has to rescue his girlfriend Sophia from the evil demon king. The game has some tough platforming and combat but it blends it with humor. This is the best game in the Ghost and Goblin series.
Download Maximo: Ghost to Glory ROM HERE (ISO)
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 has the classic platforming of all previous Crash games. Again Crash has to stop Dr. Cortex’s evil plans. The game is familiar yet fresh—tough gameplay and great-looking levels with lots of collectibles.
Download Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex ROM HERE (ISO)
Number 6 is Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly released in 2002. I liked playing this game but on release, it got some bad reviews due to technical issues. But it still has the platforming and exploration that the 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)
Midway through the list is Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil released in 2001. I’ll just say at the time this was an impressive-looking platformer about Klonoa on a journey to save the world. The game has 2.5D platforming with puzzle elements. The game has nice graphics and a good story. The unique mechanics and designs make it a hidden gem on the PS2.
Download Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil ROM HERE (ISO)
Number 4 is Rayman 2: Revolution released in 2000. This is the enhanced remake of Rayman 2 for PlayStation 2 and was 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 good game and Revolution made it better.
Download Rayman 2: Revolution ROM HERE (ISO)
Number 3 is Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus released in 2002. I had a hard time choosing because part 2 in the series is also great but I’m trying to get one game per series on the list. The game introduces you to the fun duo of Sly Cooper, a nimble master thief raccoon, and his robotic sidekick Clank. The game combines stealth with traditional platforming where you need to use Sly’s agility to pull off heists. It has a unique art style and very fun gameplay.
Download Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus ROM HERE (ISO)
Number 2 is Jak II released in 2003. This game improved on an already great game in the first one and better than Jak 3 released after. This is a darker and grittier setting that fits the game well and introduces the hoverboard which is my favorite. There are new weapons and gadgets to try out, new areas, and a story that continues from the previous game so you might want to play the first one before playing this.
Download Jak II ROM HERE (ISO)
And my number 1 is Ratchet and Clank from 2002. All the Ratchet and Clank games on PS2 are good but there’s something extra special about the first one that makes it more fun. The game introduces you to Ratchet, a Lombax mechanic, and his robot friend Clank. The game is platforming with shooting, loads of weapons, and gadgets. Humour, bright worlds, and innovative gameplay set the bar for PS2 platformers.
Download Ratchet & Clank ROM HERE
So there you have it, the top 10 Platformer games I would recommend trying on PS2. Check out our full PS2 ROMs collection. You can download all the original ISO ROMs for free and play them on the PS2 emulator.