Best games
Best Platformer games on PlayStation 2
The 42 best Platformer games on PlayStation 2, ranked from 11,241 critic and player ratings.
The best Platformer game on PlayStation 2 right now is God of War II, with a critic score of 93/100 — updated September 2026.
How this ranking is built
- Games are ranked on the aggregated critic score out of 100 imported from IGDB and Metacritic, never on Tier's own grades.
- A game only enters the ranking with at least 80 external ratings, so a single enthusiastic review never outranks a proven classic.
- Each game is ranked in one genre only, the one that defines it best, so the same title never tops two different genre charts.
- Community grades from F to S are shown next to every game, and only stated as a fact above 5 Tier ratings.
- Release window covered: 1970 to 2026.
- 42 games are listed on this page, carrying 11,241 ratings between them.
- Rankings are recomputed hourly; this one was last rebuilt on 28 September 2026.
Top 42
01
S
God of War II
God of War II, an action-adventure hack-and-slash video game, was developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE). Initially launched for the PlayStation 2, it serves as the second installment in the God of War series, the sixth in chronological order, and a sequel to 2005's God of War. The game is rooted in Greek mythology and unfolds in ancient Greece, revolving around the theme of vengeance. The protagonist, Kratos, is the new God of War, having defeated the former, Ares. However, Kratos is betrayed by Zeus, the King of the Olympian gods, who not only strips him of his godhood but also kills him. Dragged slowly to the Underworld, Kratos is rescued by the Titan Gaia, who guides him to seek out the Sisters of Fate. These entities have the power to enable time travel, allowing Kratos to prevent his betrayal, and ultimately seek revenge on Zeus.
93
/100
02
Shadow of the Colossus (2011)
An open-world action/adventure game in which a young wanderer, along with a stolen magical sword and his steed companion, trespasses a cursed land, makes a deal with an ancient being to bring a sacrificial victim back to life, and sets off to fulfill his end of the bargain, which involves tracking down and infiltrating the abodes of sixteen colossi and sacrificing them to achieve his goal.
91
/100
03
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
A 3D platform video game and the third installment in the Ratchet & Clank series. The gameplay is similar to previous games in the series but introduces new features such as a new control system and more levels in the upgrade system for weapons. It follows Ratchet and Clank's adventure through a fictional universe to defeat a robotic villain, Dr. Nefarious, who intends to destroy all organic life. Characters such as Dr. Nefarious and Sasha, a Cazar starship captain who helps Ratchet throughout the game, are introduced, and a number of characters return from the original Ratchet & Clank.
91
/100
S
God of War II
God of War II, an action-adventure hack-and-slash video game, was developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE). Initially launched for the PlayStation 2, it serves as the second installment in the God of War series, the sixth in chronological order, and a sequel to 2005's God of War. The game is rooted in Greek mythology and unfolds in ancient Greece, revolving around the theme of vengeance. The protagonist, Kratos, is the new God of War, having defeated the former, Ares. However, Kratos is betrayed by Zeus, the King of the Olympian gods, who not only strips him of his godhood but also kills him. Dragged slowly to the Underworld, Kratos is rescued by the Titan Gaia, who guides him to seek out the Sisters of Fate. These entities have the power to enable time travel, allowing Kratos to prevent his betrayal, and ultimately seek revenge on Zeus.
93
/100
02
Shadow of the Colossus (2011)
An open-world action/adventure game in which a young wanderer, along with a stolen magical sword and his steed companion, trespasses a cursed land, makes a deal with an ancient being to bring a sacrificial victim back to life, and sets off to fulfill his end of the bargain, which involves tracking down and infiltrating the abodes of sixteen colossi and sacrificing them to achieve his goal.
91
/100
03
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
A 3D platform video game and the third installment in the Ratchet & Clank series. The gameplay is similar to previous games in the series but introduces new features such as a new control system and more levels in the upgrade system for weapons. It follows Ratchet and Clank's adventure through a fictional universe to defeat a robotic villain, Dr. Nefarious, who intends to destroy all organic life. Characters such as Dr. Nefarious and Sasha, a Cazar starship captain who helps Ratchet throughout the game, are introduced, and a number of characters return from the original Ratchet & Clank.
91
/100
04
ICO
An action-adventure game in which a boy is abandoned and taken to a massive castle by his people. After exploring it for a while, he meets a girl who speaks a different language than him, then decides to get both of them out of the castle grounds by leading her along, in order to escape the shadow-like creatures that frequently try to kidnap the girl.
90
/100
05
Ratchet & Clank (2002)
Ratchet & Clank is a 3D platform-adventure game featuring the protagonists Ratchet, a furry alien creature, and Clank, a small robot. The two travel across the galaxy in search of Captain Qwark and ultimately become involved in an effort to prevent a threat to the galaxy. The game follows conventions established by earlier 3D platform games such as Rayman, Sonic, and Mario while introducing its own mechanics and structure. Its levels consist of large environments with detailed buildings and distant areas that can often be reached and explored. The game also includes several gameplay sequences outside its standard platforming, including space combat and first-person turret sections resembling Missile Command. The game contains more than twenty levels, each set on a different planet, along with numerous real-time cutscenes that develop the story. Progression is partly non-linear, requiring the player to revisit previous planets to complete objectives and offering multiple routes through portions of the game. Ratchet can also acquire or purchase a range of weapons, gadgets, and accessories, each providing different functions in combat, exploration, or puzzle-solving.
88
/100
06
Sly 2: Band of Thieves
Sly 2: Band of Thieves is a stealth-action platformer developed by Sucker Punch Productions and released for PlayStation 2 in 2004. Players control Sly Cooper and his gang as they attempt to dismantle the Klaww Gang and recover the scattered parts of Clockwerk. The game expands on its predecessor with open-ended mission structures, multiple playable characters, and improved stealth mechanics. The story takes place two years after Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus. In the first game, Sly was becoming a professional thief, but in Band of Thieves, he is a professional thief, so he retains all of the moves from the first game. He also earns new moves and gains different items to assist him in his dark craft. Players might start a level as Sly, and then after completing a particular task, players switch to Bentley, and Murray, respectively.
88
/100
07
Jak II
Jak II is an open-world platform, third-person shooter, and an action-adventure video game. It is the second game of the Jak and Daxter series and a sequel to Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy.
87
/100
08
Psychonauts
Psychonauts is a platform-adventure game developed by Double Fine Productions and released in 2005. It follows Razputin “Raz” Aquato, a young psychic who runs away from the circus to attend a summer camp for aspiring psychonauts. Players explore imaginative levels set inside the minds of different characters, each reflecting their mental states. Gameplay combines platforming, combat, and the use of psychic abilities such as telekinesis and levitation. The game was praised for its creativity, humor, and distinctive art style.
85
/100
09
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Deceived by the treacherous Vizier, I was led to unleash the Sands of Time curse upon the Sultan's kingdom. With little but an ancient dagger and a devious princess to aid me, I must undo my fatal mistake. Mine is a fight for survival… not glory. • Reverse, accelerate, and slow time itself with the almighty Sands of Time. • Master the Prince's speed, agility, and ferocious fighting skills. • Explore and survive the vast kingdoms of medieval Persia.
84
/100
10
Jak 3
Jak 3 is a platform game developed by Naughty Dog for Sony's PlayStation 2 console. The game is the sequel to Jak II, and third in the series. The game features new weapons and devices, new playable areas, and a storyline that picks up after the events of the previous games. As in the other games in the series, the player takes on the dual role of recurring protagonists Jak and Daxter.
84
/100
11
MDK 2
83
/100
12
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus
82
/100
13
Ratchet: Deadlocked
81
/100
14
LEGO Batman
80
/100
15
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
80
/100
16
Lego Star Wars: The Video Game
80
/100
17
Sonic & Knuckles
80
/100
18
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
80
/100
19
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2
77
/100
20
Spider-Man
74
/100
21
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
74
/100
22
Madagascar
73
/100
23
Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc
73
/100
24
Rayman Raving Rabbids
70
/100
25
Legacy of Kain: Defiance
70
/100
26
The Simpsons Game
70
/100
27
Tomb Raider: Anniversary
69
/100
28
LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
69
/100
29
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
68
/100
30
Rayman 2: The Great Escape
68
/100
31
Sonic Heroes
67
/100
32
Crash of the Titans
63
/100
33
Shrek 2: The Game
63
/100
34
Spider-Man 3
62
/100
35
Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness
62
/100
36
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
60
/100
37
Tomb Raider: Legend
60
/100
38
Sonic Unleashed
60
/100
39
Spider-Man: Friend or Foe
60
/100
40
Ratatouille
60
/100
41
TMNT
56
/100
42
Shadow the Hedgehog
48
/100
ICO
An action-adventure game in which a boy is abandoned and taken to a massive castle by his people. After exploring it for a while, he meets a girl who speaks a different language than him, then decides to get both of them out of the castle grounds by leading her along, in order to escape the shadow-like creatures that frequently try to kidnap the girl.
90
/100
05
Ratchet & Clank (2002)
Ratchet & Clank is a 3D platform-adventure game featuring the protagonists Ratchet, a furry alien creature, and Clank, a small robot. The two travel across the galaxy in search of Captain Qwark and ultimately become involved in an effort to prevent a threat to the galaxy. The game follows conventions established by earlier 3D platform games such as Rayman, Sonic, and Mario while introducing its own mechanics and structure. Its levels consist of large environments with detailed buildings and distant areas that can often be reached and explored. The game also includes several gameplay sequences outside its standard platforming, including space combat and first-person turret sections resembling Missile Command. The game contains more than twenty levels, each set on a different planet, along with numerous real-time cutscenes that develop the story. Progression is partly non-linear, requiring the player to revisit previous planets to complete objectives and offering multiple routes through portions of the game. Ratchet can also acquire or purchase a range of weapons, gadgets, and accessories, each providing different functions in combat, exploration, or puzzle-solving.
88
/100
06
Sly 2: Band of Thieves
Sly 2: Band of Thieves is a stealth-action platformer developed by Sucker Punch Productions and released for PlayStation 2 in 2004. Players control Sly Cooper and his gang as they attempt to dismantle the Klaww Gang and recover the scattered parts of Clockwerk. The game expands on its predecessor with open-ended mission structures, multiple playable characters, and improved stealth mechanics. The story takes place two years after Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus. In the first game, Sly was becoming a professional thief, but in Band of Thieves, he is a professional thief, so he retains all of the moves from the first game. He also earns new moves and gains different items to assist him in his dark craft. Players might start a level as Sly, and then after completing a particular task, players switch to Bentley, and Murray, respectively.
88
/100
07
Jak II
Jak II is an open-world platform, third-person shooter, and an action-adventure video game. It is the second game of the Jak and Daxter series and a sequel to Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy.
87
/100
08
Psychonauts
Psychonauts is a platform-adventure game developed by Double Fine Productions and released in 2005. It follows Razputin “Raz” Aquato, a young psychic who runs away from the circus to attend a summer camp for aspiring psychonauts. Players explore imaginative levels set inside the minds of different characters, each reflecting their mental states. Gameplay combines platforming, combat, and the use of psychic abilities such as telekinesis and levitation. The game was praised for its creativity, humor, and distinctive art style.
85
/100
09
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Deceived by the treacherous Vizier, I was led to unleash the Sands of Time curse upon the Sultan's kingdom. With little but an ancient dagger and a devious princess to aid me, I must undo my fatal mistake. Mine is a fight for survival… not glory. • Reverse, accelerate, and slow time itself with the almighty Sands of Time. • Master the Prince's speed, agility, and ferocious fighting skills. • Explore and survive the vast kingdoms of medieval Persia.
84
/100
10
Jak 3
Jak 3 is a platform game developed by Naughty Dog for Sony's PlayStation 2 console. The game is the sequel to Jak II, and third in the series. The game features new weapons and devices, new playable areas, and a storyline that picks up after the events of the previous games. As in the other games in the series, the player takes on the dual role of recurring protagonists Jak and Daxter.
84
/100
11
MDK 2
83
/100
12
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus
82
/100
13
Ratchet: Deadlocked
81
/100
14
LEGO Batman
80
/100
15
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
80
/100
16
Lego Star Wars: The Video Game
80
/100
17
Sonic & Knuckles
80
/100
18
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
80
/100
19
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2
77
/100
20
Spider-Man
74
/100
21
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
74
/100
22
Madagascar
73
/100
23
Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc
73
/100
24
Rayman Raving Rabbids
70
/100
25
Legacy of Kain: Defiance
70
/100
26
The Simpsons Game
70
/100
27
Tomb Raider: Anniversary
69
/100
28
LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
69
/100
29
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
68
/100
30
Rayman 2: The Great Escape
68
/100
31
Sonic Heroes
67
/100
32
Crash of the Titans
63
/100
33
Shrek 2: The Game
63
/100
34
Spider-Man 3
62
/100
35
Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness
62
/100
36
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
60
/100
37
Tomb Raider: Legend
60
/100
38
Sonic Unleashed
60
/100
39
Spider-Man: Friend or Foe
60
/100
40
Ratatouille
60
/100
41
TMNT
56
/100
42
Shadow the Hedgehog
48
/100
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Platformer game on PlayStation 2?
God of War II currently tops the ranking with a score of 93/100 across 1,032 ratings. Ranking updated September 2026.
How is this ranking built?
Games are ranked on their aggregated critic score out of 100, with a minimum vote threshold so a single glowing review never outranks a proven classic; the Tier community's own F-to-S grades are shown alongside each game.