3 PS2 RPGs Everyone Owned In The 2000s

Published Sep 10, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT

Ben Brosofsky has been writing for Screen Rant since 2022 and editing since 2024. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor's in Cinema & Media Arts. Writing serves as a much-needed distraction from tackling a backlog of Steam games that will never be surmounted.

The PlayStation 2 is still the best-selling video game console of all time, and that meant that the biggest PS2 games were omnipresent in a way that's hard to recapture today. The diversity of the PS2 library meant that any given shelf of games could look very different, but for RPG fans, there were a few inclusions that rose above the rest.

While some obscure PS2 RPGs are among the best on the system, the most popular games still earned their place at the top. They certainly got a leg up through name familiarity, but the fact that they were truly great is what helped them find their way into so many homes.

Final Fantasy 10

If you know anything about PS2 games, you can likely summon a clear picture of Final Fantasy 10's cover to your head in an instant. That's partly due to its clear iconography, with protagonist Tidus standing in the middle of some unbelievably inviting water, but it's also due to just how many copies of the game still litter the shelves of secondhand stores.

Following up the legendary run of Final Fantasy games on the original PlayStation was a tall order, but FF10 made it look easy. The game leaped to take advantage of the new hardware, leaning into a cinematic presentation that set the stage for many games that followed.

While it's easy to make fun of some of FF10's more over-the-top moments today, the extensive use of voice acting upped the immersion, making it easier than ever to become emotionally invested in the story. Beautiful environments and memorable character designs contribute to an overall sense of striking imagery, and it still looks great in either its original form or the modern remaster.

FF10's direct sequel, Final Fantasy 10-2, was also a popular title, as were the MMORPG Final Fantasy 11 and the next single player game, Final Fantasy 12. If one entry in the franchise truly defined the PlayStation 2 era, though, it was Final Fantasy 10.

Kingdom Hearts

Considering the aforementioned popularity of Final Fantasy, it's no surprise that mashing up the juggernaut IP with another powerful brand was a recipe for success. Kingdom Hearts leveraged the power of both Final Fantasy and a wide array of Disney films, making for an immediately intriguing prospect that would have seemed unimaginable just a few years prior.

Of course, it would have been all too easy to fumble such a strange mixture, but Kingdom Hearts delivered with style. The alchemical secret lies in its introduction of original characters and locations, from the unflappable protagonist Sora to the atmospheric hub of Traverse Town. Despite its familiar pieces, Kingdom Hearts managed to carve out a clear, compelling identity of its own.

It's also simply fun and approachable, even for those who aren't usually into RPGs. The touches of roleplaying and character-building are light, with the gameplay focusing more on action combat and platforming. With plenty of memorable worlds to explore — and Donald and Goofy at your side — it's hard not to fall in love with such an inviting adventure.

Kingdom Hearts 2 is also a PS2 staple, and even Kingdom Hearts: Re:Chain of Memories, an oddball PS2 remake of a Game Boy Advance spin-off, is a memorably interesting experience. All of them can be played in modern Kingdom Hearts collections, continuing their market dominance decades later.

Dragon Quest 8: Journey Of The Cursed King

Dragon Quest has never been quite as popular stateside as it is in Japan, but Dragon Quest 8: Journey of the Cursed King's worldwide renown is undeniable. While Dragon Quest 7 clung to sprite-based characters and top-down environments in 2001, Dragon Quest 8 made the leap to 3D, bringing the franchise to the attention of many players who hadn't previously given it a chance.

In Japan, Dragon Quest 8 set a record as the fastest-selling title on the PS2 and the best-selling PS2 game overall.

In classic Dragon Quest fashion, elements of Dragon Quest 8 are simple, like the straightforward combat and familiar fantasy flavor. In similarly classic Dragon Quest fashion, it makes that work by laying on the charm, serving up a platter of JRPG comfort food thanks to its inviting world of charming characters. The art style also contributes to the appeal, with character designs by Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama and a cel-shaded art style that perfectly translates his sensibilities to 3D.

Notably, Dragon Quest 8, Kingdom Hearts, and Final Fantasy 10 were all published by Square Enix, exhibiting the company's dominance in the RPG market. All three offer very different adventures, however, and each one can still be considered a PS2 must-have for its own reasons. If you don't have a PlayStation 2 on-hand, they're also all available on other platforms, although the 3DS version of Dragon Quest 8 may not be quite as convenient as the remasters of Final Fantasy 10 and Kingdom Hearts.