This week marks a significant milestone for British gamers: the 25th anniversary of the PlayStation 2's launch in the UK. While Sony has remained surprisingly quiet about the occasion, the console's legacy is undeniable. It remains the best-selling console of all time, with over 160 million units sold, and was supported by Sony until 2013.
To honour a quarter-century of this iconic machine, we look back at the game franchises that started on the PS2 and have persisted to the modern day, as well as those beloved series that, sadly, have not.
The Enduring Legacies: PS2 Franchises Still With Us
Devil May Cry burst onto the scene, inventing a new style of action game with complex, fighting game-style moves in 3D. Despite a misstep with its second entry, the series was redeemed by the classic third game. The franchise remains relevant, with 2019's Devil May Cry 5 still selling well, though a sixth instalment has yet to be announced.
Anyone who met Kratos in 2018's soft reboot would be shocked by the original God Of War PS2 games. They featured a very different, combo-heavy style and a deeply unlikeable protagonist. The modern games have masterfully crafted a redemption arc from this foundation. While a new game is undoubtedly in development, its setting—rumoured to be Ancient Egypt or a return to Greece—remains a mystery.
The delightfully bizarre Katamari Damacy became an unlikely franchise. The simple premise of rolling up objects with a sticky ball charmed players. While recent sequels have struggled to innovate, the series persists, with Once Upon A Katamari launching just last month.
The crossover that no one saw coming, Kingdom Hearts, blending Final Fantasy with Disney, became an instant icon. After a 17-year story arc concluded in 2019's Kingdom Hearts 3, the series is charging ahead with Kingdom Hearts 4, announced in 2022.
Lego Star Wars established a template that would be used for countless Lego games. Known for their co-op fun and humour, these games remain a staple. 2022's The Skywalker Saga was a high point, and all eyes are on the upcoming Lego Batman: Legacy Of The Dark Knight.
Cult Classics and Modern Revivals
Before it was a global phenomenon, Monster Hunter was a niche title on the PS2. It has since exploded in popularity, with Monster Hunter: World becoming Capcom's best-selling game ever. The franchise shows no signs of slowing down.
Two Capcom gems, Ōkami and Onimusha, are experiencing a remarkable renaissance. Ōkami, celebrated for its beautiful watercolour art and unique Celestial Paintbrush mechanic, has a sequel in the works. Similarly, the samurai action series Onimusha is returning after nearly two decades with Onimusha: Way Of The Sword slated for next year.
Of the PS2's platforming mascots, Ratchet & Clank had the most staying power. The series has continued through multiple console generations, even debuting on the PS5 with Rift Apart. While the next major game might be a few years away, the franchise remains a core part of PlayStation's identity.
Yakuza (now known as Like A Dragon) has undergone a dramatic transformation. From a niche PS2 brawler in the West, it blossomed into one of Sega's flagship franchises following the success of Yakuza 0. The series now enjoys global simultaneous releases, with a remake of Yakuza 3 coming in 2026.
The PS2 Franchises That Time Forgot
Not every classic could stand the test of time. The high-octane arcade racing of Burnout seems to have ended with the muted response to the 2018 Paradise remaster.
The living-room dominating Guitar Hero met its end in 2015 with Guitar Hero: Live, though its spirit lives on in modes like Fortnite Festival.
Sony's sci-fi shooter Killzone, once a intended Halo rival, was abandoned by developer Guerrilla Games after middling PS4 launch sales, as the team moved on to the Horizon series.
SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs was a pioneer for online multiplayer on the PS2 but hasn't seen a new entry since 2011.
Finally, the beloved multiplayer shooter TimeSplitters, a spiritual successor to GoldenEye 007, met a tragic end when a planned revival by a reformed Free Radical Design was shut down in 2023 after just two years.
The PlayStation 2's library was a treasure trove of innovation and creativity. A quarter of a century on, its influence is still felt, with many of its greatest franchises continuing to define the gaming landscape, while others are remembered fondly as icons of a bygone era.
