The PlayStation 2 stood as a giant in the world of gaming, and it hosted a collection of 23 fantastic first person shooting games for PS2 that still shine bright.
The PlayStation 2, the best-selling console in history, transformed the gaming world and thrust it into the mainstream. Its triumph was due in part to its built-in DVD player and mainly to its outstanding game library. It offered beloved action-adventure titles like God of War, Okami, and Devil May Cry, stealthy treasures like Splinter Cell, Metal Gear Solid 2 & 3, and Hitman, and top-notch sports games such as Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3, the Fifa series, and Gran Turismo 3. Many still hail it as one of the greatest consoles ever.
Additionally, the PlayStation 2 brought substantial hardware enhancements compared to its forerunner, the PlayStation 1. These upgrades empowered game creators to craft even more lifelike experiences, inspiring a surge in the production of first-person shooters. This genre witnessed an explosive rise in popularity during that era, and if you look at today’s gaming landscape, you’ll quickly recognize the firm hold first-person shooters maintain in the market.
23. Cold Winter
This exclusive first-person shooter for PS2 features an incredible, in-depth narrative about nuclear weapons. Additionally, its stunning gunplay makes an impression – more powerful weapons can tear apart enemies’ limbs with ease!
The multiplayer experience in Call of Duty 4 is incredible, offering endless customization options to make gameplay truly your own. While its predecessor, Call of Duty 2, is fantastic, an all-new remaster would truly captivate FPS enthusiasts everywhere.
This PS2 game’s multiplayer mode supports up to four offline and eight online players at once; human players can even be replaced by AI in offline playback. There are 12 maps and six game modes, such as deathmatch and king of the hill, offering plenty of variety and plenty of opportunities for gameplay!
22. Area 51
This game often goes under-appreciated by many players, yet it remains one of the most captivating first-person shooters available on PlayStation 2. Exploring Area 51 while aliens serve as your enemies adds an intriguing dynamic to gameplay; and its combat and storyline allows for unique approaches to approaching it.
Area 51 offers an accessible combat system, making it accessible even to newcomers. What sets it apart from similar games of its time is the unique dual-wield feature on certain weapons like shotguns and pistols; players also have the option of temporarily transforming into a mutant, unlocking special abilities that further add spice to gameplay – speed increases when fighting invisible foes; healing times decrease; speed gains when temporarily becoming an alien mutant are exhilarating!
21. Red Faction 2
Numerous fans believe Red Faction 2 missed several opportunities. It failed to build upon what made its predecessor successful, leaving many bewildered at its many changes made by developers.
Red Faction 2 stands up well as an FPS on PS2, even if its predecessor proved superior in quality. Even though its features might not be groundbreaking, players who give Red Faction 2 its due will probably enjoy what it offers.
20. Return To Castle Wolfenstein
BJ Blazkowicz remains an iconic figure in the world of video game protagonists. Fans rejoiced when he returned in another Wolfenstein game after a considerable absence. Return to Castle Wolfenstein delivers a tightly-knit and captivating FPS experience, especially enjoyable for longtime genre enthusiasts who cherished the older titles.
This game’s multiplayer mode was groundbreaking in its time, while the single-player campaign is engaging in its own right, expanding upon the series’ lore. It’s regrettable that Return to Castle Wolfenstein doesn’t receive much attention these days. The gameplay in this title has aged gracefully and can still provide heaps of enjoyment even today.
19. XIII
There are not many FPS games based on comic books, which automatically sets XIII apart as more engaging and unique than most titles in the genre. Additionally, the game’s cel-shaded art style and its commitment to a comic book aesthetic made it a joy to experience, even if the gameplay itself wasn’t the most captivating aspect.
Fans of XIII were thrilled to learn about the game’s full-blown remake, but their excitement turned to disappointment when the release turned out to be flawed and lacking inspiration in every way. Although another studio was brought in to create a better version of the remake in response to fan and critic feedback, the damage had already been done. XIII has sadly become a forgotten chapter in gaming history, rarely mentioned in conversations.
18. Unreal Tournament
While playing Unreal Tournament on a PC, the game achieved remarkable success, offering players complete freedom in their online battles. The online capabilities and challenging gameplay of Unreal Tournament fueled intense competition among players. On the other hand, the PlayStation 2 version faced some graphical and gameplay limitations, but it came remarkably close to replicating the PC experience, allowing PlayStation 2 owners to embrace their competitive spirit.
However, the PlayStation 2 port lacked online multiplayer and only offered local multiplayer options, enabling friends to compete on the same console. Despite the absence of online play, players could still enjoy thrilling head-to-head matches in Unreal Tournament. The game’s high level of difficulty encouraged players to be aggressive and take calculated risks, adding to the excitement of the competition.
17. Killzone
In late 2004, Guerrilla Games, the developer behind the PlayStation-exclusive Killzone series, introduced the first installment. This first-person shooter transports players to the year 2357, more than 300 years after a devastating nuclear conflict reshaped Earth. It stands as one of the cherished PlayStation franchises that fans fondly remember.
Killzone aimed to distinguish itself in the crowded FPS market by delivering a more cinematic experience than its competitors. Guerrilla Games succeeded in this endeavor, with both the sound and art design setting new standards during Killzone’s release. Nonetheless, the game did have its shortcomings, notably in the areas of enemy A.I. and technical performance, leaving room for improvement.
16. Medal of Honor: Rising Sun
The Medal of Honor series from Electronic Arts might not be so familiar to people today, but back in 2003, it was a big deal in the world of first-person shooter games.
Medal of Honor: Rising Sun may not have reached the same level as the classic PlayStation 1 games, but it did bring us an exciting eight-hour campaign and some fun split-screen multiplayer action that any FPS fan would enjoy. While it may not be at the top of the list for Medal of Honor games, it made a significant impact on the FPS genre by introducing online multiplayer, which was quite rare on the PlayStation 2 at the time.
15. Brothers In Arms: Road To Hill 30
In March 2005, the first game in the Brothers in Arms series, titled “Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30,” was released. The series went on to have more than ten releases, with the most recent being the 2014 mobile game called “Brothers in Arms 3: Sons of War.”
Despite the numerous games that followed, Gearbox Software’s original “Road to Hill 30” is still seen as the pinnacle of the franchise. This game received acclaim for its innovative squad management mechanics, which were quite unique at the time. In 2005, when the FPS genre was seen as somewhat stagnant, these mechanics breathed new life into it.
14. Call Of Duty 2: Big Red One
The renowned Call of Duty series didn’t always feature modern online shooters; its initial games took players back to World War 2. An interesting historical tidbit is that the first two games weren’t available on PlayStation consoles. Fortunately, the game “Big Red One” came to the rescue for PlayStation 2 fans.
The spin-off game, “Call of Duty 2: Big Red One,” shared many similarities with the original “Call of Duty 2,” which led to some criticism and a slightly lower Metascore of 77, compared to the original’s 86 and 89. Nonetheless, for PlayStation 2 owners, it marked their first experience with the Call of Duty gameplay style, making it a special part of the series.
In this Call of Duty, players have the opportunity to accumulate experience points or in-game currency by successfully accomplishing straightforward tasks.
13. Black
Imagine if Michael Bay decided to create a video game; it might turn out something like “Black.” This game boasted impressive visual design for its era, top-notch sound effects, and even had real actors appearing in its cutscenes.
Developed by Criterion Games, “Black” was envisioned as the FPS equivalent of their Burnout series, and it fully delivered on that promise. The game offered a spectacular dose of action, with land mines, grenades, cars, and even buildings frequently erupting into chaos as part of the objective-based gameplay. This made “Black” one of the most cinematic gaming experiences you could find on the PS2. It’s a pity that this highly underrated FPS doesn’t get more attention and discussion.
12. Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game Of The Movie
The movie-themed video game, bearing a rather specific title, pleasantly surprised players upon its release. Such games usually face criticism for their rushed development due to tight schedules, aligning with the movie’s release. Many gamers had low expectations for King Kong. Even the game’s title hinted at a quick money-grab, with Ubisoft, the publisher, seemingly eager to connect it to the popular film.
However, Ubisoft Montpellier defied expectations with King Kong. The game proved to be an immersive delight with its absence of on-screen clutter and outstanding sound effects, creating a survival horror-like experience. Alongside its first-person shooting elements, King Kong also provided enjoyable third-person segments where players took control of the iconic gorilla himself.
11. Call Of Duty 3
Before the Modern Warfare series transformed online gaming, there existed the original trilogy. Call of Duty 3 divided its single-player mode into four parts, each with American, British, Polish, and Canadian campaigns. These campaigns created an immersive World War 2 experience, making the game one of the top historical FPS titles of its era.
Call of Duty 3, similar to the earlier mentioned King Kong, arrived late in the PlayStation 2’s lifecycle, pushing the console’s capabilities to their maximum and delivering some of the finest graphics for the system.
10. James Bond 007: Nightfire
Numerous James Bond video games face the challenging task of being compared to the iconic Nintendo 64 title, GoldenEye 007. Even though Nightfire was launched five years later, it carried the weight of those expectations.
Although it never quite reached the heights of GoldenEye 007, Nightfire stood out as an exceptional game in its own right. For instance, it succeeded in modernizing the split-screen multiplayer experience that GoldenEye had pioneered. Nightfire’s multiplayer mode offered a variety of weapons, playable characters, and skillfully designed arenas for competitive play. Additionally, Nightfire boasted one of the finest single-player campaigns in the history of Bond video games. Players could employ a plethora of gadgets, drive customized cars, and engage in thrilling gameplay that truly immersed them in the role of the legendary secret agent.
9. TimeSplitters: Future Perfect
TimeSplitters: Future Perfect stands as the third installment in the TimeSplitters series. In a fashion reminiscent of the entire series, Future Perfect draws significant inspiration from Rare’s classics, Perfect Dark and GoldenEye.
In addition, this game introduced online multiplayer, allowing players to put their shooting prowess to the test against human adversaries at long last. Moreover, it boasted an impressive roster of 150 characters, with numerous unlockables achievable by conquering levels and challenges within the game’s campaign. This added a compelling incentive for players to hone their skills, offering substantial replay value in the process.
8. Quake 3: Revolution
Porting PC’s Quake 3: Arena to the PS2 posed a tough challenge since it had to sacrifice its online features that made the PC version popular. Nevertheless, Quake 3: Revolution enjoyed strong sales on the home console.
Similar to many games on this list, Quake 3: Revolution placed a strong focus on multiplayer action. The developers at id Software offered players a wide range of maps and various game modes to enjoy. Additionally, they replaced the story-driven single-player mode with one that mimicked the multiplayer experience, pitting players against bots for intense battles.
7. Half-Life
Half-Life finds its place on this list as another game that made its way to the PlayStation 2. Unlike the simplified Quake 3, the PS2’s Half-Life port elevated the game with enhanced level designs and graphics. Valve’s celebrated first-person shooter received widespread acclaim upon its release, thanks to its lifelike combat, clever puzzles, and a compelling story seamlessly woven into the gameplay.
Back in 2007, IGN recognized Half-Life as one of the gaming industry’s top 10 influential titles, alongside classics like Space Invaders and Super Mario 64. Its impact still resonates today, as contemporary franchises like Dishonored and Metro draw inspiration from Half-Life’s playbook. While many still consider the PC the ultimate way to savor this masterpiece, the PS2 port provided a respectable avenue to experience the game as well.
6. Red Faction
THQ’s Red Faction transports players to a thrilling futuristic journey on the planet Mars. The game’s marketing prominently highlighted its engine’s remarkable capability to craft environments that could be torn apart. These groundbreaking destructible landscapes garnered widespread acclaim during that era.
Moreover, the story-driven solo adventure of Red Faction served as a muse for various other creative works. This was quite uncommon back then, as most video games from the early 2000s leaned on familiar story formulas and clichés. Yet, Volition, the game’s developer, broke the mold by crafting an entirely original narrative. Their innovation paved the way for more intricate and finely-crafted stories in the world of gaming.
5. Star Wars Battlefront 2 (2005)
Undoubtedly, one of the finest Star Wars games to date, Star Wars Battlefront 2 offered an expansive online universe that granted players complete dominion—a dream come true for Star Wars enthusiasts and then some. With its captivating single-player campaign and immersive multiplayer section, it carved out a legendary status.
The game’s profound and intricate gameplay kept players returning for more, and its competitive nature reignited the passion of returning veterans. This combination made it one of the most comprehensive Star Wars experiences.
Star Wars Battlefront 2 featured diverse modes that ensured every battle felt fresh, spanning across various Star Wars eras, an exhilarating prospect for devoted fans. Thanks to these aspects, its enduring impact resonates in modern Battlefront games, cementing its pivotal role in the series.
4. Medal Of Honor: Frontline
The Call of Duty series didn’t always rule the FPS market as it does today. Before the Modern Warfare series changed the game, Medal of Honor held the title of the best series.
So, when Frontline came along, it carried hefty expectations. The success of two outstanding PS1 games, Medal of Honor and Medal of Honor: Underground, along with the PC classic Medal of Honor: Allied Assault, had propelled the Medal of Honor series to the pinnacle of the FPS world. Fortunately, the first Medal of Honor game for the PS2 didn’t disappoint. It stuck to its roots, focusing on enhancing the objective-based gameplay instead of fixing what wasn’t broken.
3. Battlefield 2: Modern Combat
The PlayStation 2 marked the start of a new era in gaming with shooters that felt super real and had a tactical edge. The console version of Battlefield 2 played a big role in introducing this fresh wave of games. It was a top-notch experience for gamers. You could dive into huge maps, steer all sorts of vehicles, and team up with a bunch of other players. This feature has become a trademark of Battlefield games.
Yet, unlike the majority of popular shooters of its time, Battlefield 2: Modern Combat embraced a more realistic and hands-on approach to gameplay, while others opted for a more arcade-like direction. This distinctive choice set Battlefield 2: Modern Combat apart from the rest because it dared to offer something different to players. It introduced iconic game modes like conquest and rush, which were unique to Battlefield 2: Modern Combat when compared to the more streamlined gameplay of its competitors. Battlefield 2: Modern Combat put a strong emphasis on all-out warfare, a mantra that would later define the Battlefield series in its subsequent games.
2. Call Of Duty: Finest Hour
The very first Call of Duty game to make its way onto consoles established a significant standard – that such games could be enjoyed on consoles if executed properly, and it certainly was. This marked the beginning of a fresh era in online gaming for the PlayStation 2, as it was among the pioneering titles on the platform to offer online gameplay. This gave players the chance to put their skills to the test against others, and this is what made Call of Duty: Finest Hour stand out as one of the top shooters, not only for the PlayStation 2 but also for the other gaming systems of its time.
Moreover, Call of Duty: Finest Hour delivered a truly captivating narrative rich in emotion and character depth, encompassing the significant theaters of World War 2. This aspect set Call of Duty apart from its rival, Battlefield, as Call of Duty: Finest Hour and the entire series placed a strong emphasis on storytelling. Nevertheless, Call of Duty: Finest Hour’s multiplayer component brought about a substantial shift in the online gaming realm, spanning both PCs and consoles, offering a more arcade-like experience. Players could effortlessly dive into the online action, racking up kills with ease. Thanks to its accessibility, Call of Duty: Finest Hour left an indelible mark on modern online shooter gaming.
1. TimeSplitters 2 (The Best First Person Shooting Game for PS2)
TimeSplitters 2 stands out as the ultimate TimeSplitters experience and the finest FPS game available on the PS2. Free Radical Design, the developer, wisely stuck to the tried-and-true formula, preserving the fast and enjoyable action gameplay that was a hit in the original.
This game took the series to new heights by building upon its existing features. Most notably, the introduction of the Mapmaker mode allowed players to craft their own narrative levels for the first time. Additionally, the single-player campaign received substantial enhancements, requiring players to complete specific objectives to advance through each level.
As a result, TimeSplitters 2 garnered immense acclaim from both critics and fans, earning the distinction of being the PS2’s highest-rated FPS game on Metacritic, boasting an impressive score of 90.
Final Thoughts on The Best First Person Shooting Games for PS2
The PlayStation 2 marked a revolution in gaming, raising the bar for video game experiences. Equipped with formidable hardware and an expansive game collection, it clinched a spot among the top-selling consoles in history. A standout feature was its abundant selection of action-packed first-person shooters, making optimal use of the console’s enhanced graphics capabilities.
These FPS games on the PS2 brought together captivating stories and heart-pounding action sequences, highlighting the remarkable progress in the gaming world. While some believed that a mouse and keyboard were essential for FPS enjoyment, these console shooters debunked that notion, proving that players could have a blast using a controller. They shattered the myth that precise aiming was the sole key to success in these games.
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