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In June 2022, Sony launched a revampedPlayStation Plus, one that incorporates a subscription model akin to the defunct PS Now. As the service is split into three tiers, people can decide whether they only want access to online multiplayer and a few free games per month or hundreds of titles from across PlayStation history.PS Plus Premiumis the most expensive membership as it includes the Classics Catalog, a library consisting of PS3, PS2, PS1, and PSP games. The tier also has some PS4 remasters of PS3 releases.
The PlayStation 2 era produced some of the greatest games of all time, and a handful of these masterpieces are onPS Plus. Now, the service’s selection is not particularly extensive, but there is a decent array of games that are otherwise difficult to come by. The same could be said for the platform’s PS1 and PSP offerings, both of which only have a couple of representatives. What are thebest PS Plus PS2 games? Which are thebest PS1 and PSP games on PS Plus Premium?
Best PS1 Games On PS Plus
The console that started it all, the PS1 has a great and influential library. At the moment, PS Plus Premium does not have a particularly massive range of PS1 classics, although most months seem to bring with them one or two new titles. Still, there are some greatPS Plus PS1 games.
Added to PS Plus Premium in February 2023,The Legend of Dragoonwas one of the most highly sought-afterPS1 classicsthat people wished would be added to the service. Released late in the console’s lifespan, Japan Studio’s JRPG was an ambitious project that built upon the genre’s ideas while offering quite impressive visuals. The coreturn-based combat systemis relatively prototypical for the era, although the game does introduce a few wrinkles to the formula that give it a unique identity.
The Legend of Dragoonhas been difficult to come by since its release, especially since the game was never ported to other platforms. Consequently, the project’s PS Plus debut was a big deal as it made the JRPG easily accessible to a new audience and returning players. Hopefully, this turn of events suggests that Sony might be willing to revitalizeThe Legend of Dragoon. Nevertheless, this classic JRPG is probably thebest PS1 game on PS Plus.
Sony has largely ignoredTwisted Metalsince the release of the self-titled entry on the PS3. Even though there is nothing to suggest a sequel is currently in the works, the franchise did make its TV debut in July 2023, so it is not completely dead. To celebrate the launch of that project, Sony addedTwisted Metaland its successor to PS Plus Premium, a development that was long overdue. Regardless of its recent absence, the IP is nevertheless a staple of the PlayStation brand that produced a string of great titles across three generations.
Like many PS1 games, bothTwisted Metalprojects undoubtedly show their ages, and someone’s appreciation for their vehicular chaos might vary depending on their familiarity with the series. Just to be clear, these titles are still good fun despite their clunky controls, and their characters, stories, and maps have aged pretty well. Ultimately,Twisted Metalis a blast from the past that will trigger a nostalgic reaction in malnourished fans or spark an insatiable hunger in newcomers.
ConsideringTekken’s legacy on PlayStation consoles, the franchise’s limited presence on PS Plus is disappointing. The only title on the service isTekken 2, which is a very good fighting game that tends to be overshadowed by its superior sequel. That said, Namco’s second entry improved upon its predecessor in a few key ways, including the introduction of new modes that would become franchise staples.
Dated as the game’s visuals might be in this day and age,Tekken 2holds up reasonably well all things considered. While not the definitiveTekkenclassic, this PS1 game is nevertheless a classic.
Jumping Flash!came out at the height of platformers, but the game was unlike almost anything else on the market. Presented from a first-person perspective, the PS1 title drops players in (relatively) large areas and asks them to explore while collecting pods.
Jumping Flash!showcases just how versatile “jumping” can be as a mechanic. The controls are pitch-perfect, and the levels are charming in an old-school type of way. Provided somebody is not going in expecting something exactly likeSuper Mario 64orCrash Bandicoot,Jumping Flash!is a blast.
For roughly a decade, a year seldom seemed to pass without the release of a newWorms. Since 2016, the franchise’s output has slowed down considerably, although its most recent projects –W.M.DandRumble– are solid games in their own right. There are a lot of greatWormstitles, a few of which are on PS Plus, but if forced to highlight just one entry, 1999’sArmageddonrepresents the license at its peak in both popularity and quality. A 2D turn-based strategy game with a silly but endearing sense of humor,Worms Armageddonpits two armies of earthworms in over-the-top battles filled with explosions, ridiculous weapons, and death.
Wormsis synonymous with multiplayer, to the point that the games are difficult to recommend solely on their single-player content.Armageddonis not an exception as the combat system really comes alive when solely human players are involved, ensuring matches descend into gloriously chaotic battlefields. While not amazing, the single-player campaign can keep someone engaged for a few hours, provided they can handle an occasional bout of frustration.
Now, these games show their age in many ways, and they are not as timeless as some other PS1 stealth releases likeMetal Gear Solid. Be that as it may,Syphon Filterplayed a role in making the original PlayStation a must-own console.
Capcom’sResident Evilnot only changed the survival horror genre forever but also made it mainstream. While an argument could be presented that the 2002 remake is the definitive way to experience this story, the 1996 original game holds up well as a nerve-racking third-person shooter with creepy enemies, atmospheric environments, and fantastic level design.
TheDirector’s Cutdoes not offer too many changes from the vanilla version, but it does include a few options that enhance the game’s replayability. If someone only has experience with the post-Resident Evil 4entries in the franchise, they would be doing themselves a disservice by ignoring everything that came before it. After all,Resident Evilis one of thebest PS1 games on PS Plus.
PS Plus Premium has 1997’sOddworld: Abe’s Oddyseeand its sequel,Abe’s Exoddus, both of which areunsettling platformerswith methodical rather than fast-paced gameplay. In a series of stages, Abe must traverse a horrifying world filled with deadly creatures as he attempts to rescue captured Mudokons, which are the species the protagonist belongs to.
A cult classic racing game,Rally Crosswas a blast on the original PlayStation. Developed by Sony, the title complementedGran Turismoby offering a rally option, a subgenre largelydominated by Sega. While not quite as highly decorated as arcade staples likeSega Rally Championship,Rally Crossis a very good game in its own right, and it has aged pretty well provided somebody goes in with realistic expectations. Sure, the graphics are nothing to write home about in this day and age, but they are charming and respectable for their era. The gameplay takes some getting used to, and the cars can be quite slippery and difficult to handle around corners; however, the controls are still fairly arcadey and accessible, just with a steeper learning curve than most games of this ilk.
In terms of content,Rally Crosshas more than enough to keep a driver entertained for a couple of hours. Players will largely want to work through the season mode, which will allow them to unlock more tracks. The latter is arguably the highlight of the game since the gameplay largely revolves around finding the ideal route around the courses. In terms of cars,Rally Crosshas a good selection as well, and they differ enough from each other to justify trying out a few to see which one fits the best.
Best PS2 Games On PS Plus
When Sony relaunched PS Plus, PS2 games were more abundant than PS1 or PSP, even if the selection was still fairly small. However, since then, the console has rarely been spotlighted, and it is now starting to feel like an afterthought.
A somewhat forgotten sequel,PaRappa the Rapper 2might have played things a bit too safe to leave a lasting impression the way its predecessor did; however, the fact the sequel is so similar to the PS1 classic means that fans of the latter are likely to have a blast with the former. Once again, PaRappa has to complete rap verses, repeating lines via player-inputted button presses. The simplistic concept has a rough albeit charming execution, but the overall campaign is a fun little ride while it lasts. The story is silliness personified, and it is elevated by endearing characters and a stylish presentation, although the latter’s impact might be slightly influenced by nostalgia.
PaRappa the Rapper 2is a good pick for young players since it does not have a steep learning curve or questionable content. More importantly, PS Plus Premium has veryfew rhythm games, so this PS2 release scratches a largely ignored itch. PaRappa is a PlayStation icon in his own right, and he deserves representation on Sony’s subscription platform.
Dark Cloudis on PS Plus Premium and well worth trying, but the sequel is better in every single way. The hack and slash combat is simplistic but enjoyable, while the weapon system provides a constantly satisfying feeling of progression. Level-5’s JRPG also benefits from an art style that has aged gracefully after nearly two decades.
An interesting addition is a city-building mechanic that permits the world to grow as the campaign progresses. While there is a lot to do and the story is only decent,Dark Cloud 2genuinely makes the player feel like they have accomplished a lot during their adventure.
During Sony’s first decade, the company’s consoles were not exactly lacking for JRPGs.Final Fantasy,Dragon Quest, andSuikodenwere producing gold at a bi-yearly rate, while smaller titles likeWild Armsfilled in the gaps wherever necessary.
As aturn-based JRPGwith a Western aesthetic,Wild Arms 3boasts a fantastic story that offers a genuine sense of discovery, mainly due to the world map not revealing locations until they are found by the player. The combat does get a bit repetitive, but it is still a decent system.
Once again, aJRPG makes the cut, serving as a testament to the PS2’s impressive library. Level-5’sRogue Galaxyis a real-timeaction RPGthat takes players on an expansive adventure across the universe, with multiple planets to explore.
The battle system is fluid and holds up strangely well, while there is a decent list of side-quests that generally avoid being too meaningless.Rogue Galaxy’s progression system is also quite unique, as abilities and stat boosts are unlocked by equipping specific items to a flow chart.
The last mainApe Escapegame came out in 2006, so the world is long owed a new project in the franchise. OnlyApe Escape 2is available on PS Plus Premium, which is a shame asApe Escape 3is also a PS2 classic, but beggars can’t be choosers.
Ape Escape 2is a bonkers collect-a-thon thatreallymakes the simple act of catching monkeys a joy. Endlessly charming and quite pretty for its era,Ape Escape 2is not just one of thebest PS2 games on PS Plus Premium, but also one of the console’s best games period.
Kaiju-themed gamesare in short supply, and few of these releases are worth playing beyond a match or two. Even though it lacks recognizable characters like Godzilla or King Kong,War of the Monstersis generally regarded as one of the better examples of this style of project. The PS2 classic serves as a homage to old-school monster movies, specifically those that had an endearing cheesy edge to them.
As one of 10 monsters, players are dropped into decently sized cities and pitted against other massive behemoths. Using the buildings around them as weapons, the kaiju engage in epic brawls while occasionally replenishing their health with a quick pick-up.War of the Monstersdoes get repetitive after a while since the fighters are not that unique from each other, however, it is a fun ride for a couple of hours.
Naughty Dog’s PS2 era tends to be overshadowed by theirCrash BandicootandUnchartedgames, but theJaktrilogy is nevertheless fantastic and would be most studios' crowning achievement. This series blends quite a few genres, incorporating elements from platformers, third-person shooters, and even pseudo-open-worlds. It is a mix that works shockingly well, and while some entries are better than others, the trilogy never dips below “pretty good.”
Best HD Remasters & Remakes Of PS2 Games
The above PS2 games were converted to the PS4 (or PS5). PS Plus Premium barely makes a dent into the PS2’s glorious library, but its tiny collection is improved by a number of HD remasters or remakes. The PS3 releases can only be streamed on PS Plus Premium, which is notfantastic, but they at least present a way to access somePS2 classics.
Another example of a franchise that went dormant after producing a few great games,Klonoadeserves a lot more attention than it tends to receive. At least, the IP’s two main entries are available on modern consoles courtesy of a compilation that also remasters them. Blending side-scrolling action with 3D visuals, these platform games have aged well, and newcomers can look forward to playing a delightful PS1 classic and its arguably superior PS2 sequel.
Although not a huge departure for the genre,Klonoahas a unique identitythat sets it apart from other 2D or 3D platformers, be it through its colorful stages or its combat system. Whether someone is searching for a nostalgia hit or looking to try out some new platformers, this collection is an easy recommendation.
In 2001,Capcom’sDevil May Cryhack and slashed its way onto the PS2 and player’s hearts, instantly establishing Dante as an elite gaming protagonist. Following a brief stumble,Devil May Cry 3hit the scene and revolutionized the action genre, delivering a combat system that has very few peers to this day. Although an inconsistent ride, the PS3’s HD collection is still a fantastic way to experience this iconic trilogy, particularly if someone has yet to try out this franchise.
Tempting as it might be to jump into the third game, especially since it is a prequel, it is best to start with the originalDevil May Cry. This Gothic masterpiece has atmosphere to spare, tight level design, and a killer soundtrack; however, the gameplay is not a patch on its sequels, so its restrictive and bare-bones nature can be hard to stomach after playing through the third game. However, feel free to skipDevil May Cry 2the second boredom sets in as the game doesn’t eventually improve.
While perhaps overshadowed by the SNES, Nintendo 64, and PS1, the PS2 has one of the best selections of platformers in gaming history. As classics likeCrash BandicootandSpyrofaltered, IPs such asRatchet & ClankandJakrose from the ashes and carried the genre on their sturdy shoulders. Second-tier properties likeKao the Kangaroo,Tak,Maximo,Ty the Tasmanian Tiger, and thePac-Man Worldsequels guaranteed fans of the genre always had something to fall back on. Then, there were all the non-franchise releases that were rough but charming, including games likeVexx,Whiplash,Scaler, andI-Ninja.
PS Plus Premium does not even begin to scratch the surface of the PS2’s platformer library, but at least there are a few heavy hitters.The Sly Collectioncontains remasters of Sucker Punch’s PS2 trilogy, a trio of games that stand alongsideJakandRatchet & Clankas the console’s peak for 3D platformers. The series works well as a whole since its characters and stories develop naturally from entry to entry. However, each title also stands out as a unique package, with the gameplay evolving nicely as the trilogy progresses.
Final Fantasyhelped cement Sony’s PS1 as a must-own console, andFinal Fantasy 10proved that would remain the case for the hardware’s sequel. Tidus finds himself teleported to Spira, a world that is facing a calamity brought on by “Sin.” Consequently, Tidus joins a group dedicated to protecting Yuna as she sets out on a journey to defeat Sin.
Final Fantasy 10is an accessible, ambitious, and epic JRPG, and the HD remaster introduces plenty of quality-of-life improvements that make the game easier to revisit all these years later.Final Fantasy 10-2has a great combat system, although its narrative and tone tend to be a bit more polarizing. Together, these JRPGs should keep somebody busy for a few months.
Team Ico does not publish a game often, but they tend to be worth the wait. On the PS2, the studio produced 2001’sIcoand 2005’sShadow of the Colossus, both of which serve as prime examples of gaming’s potential to deliver works of art. Set in largely desolate worlds, these games are mood pieces that deliver a perfect marriage of gameplay and story, with the latter dictating the former’s place and purpose. Neither one wastes a single moment.
Icotends to be overshadowed byShadow of the Colossus, but it should not be skipped over for its bigger sibling. Its puzzles, characters, environments, and sound work are second to none.
Shadow of the Colossusis an ambitious project that pushed the PS2 to its limits, and the HD version retains and even enhances its brilliance. In order to save a girl, Wander is told to kill massive and largely peaceful colossi.
AsThe Ratchet & Clank Collectionis a PS3 remaster of the PS2 trilogy, Premium users will need to stream the games. Although not ideal, they at least present an opportunity to revisit these titles without requiring the original console.
God of Warmight very well be the most famous Sony series to debut during the PS2 era, andPS Plus Premium contains Kratos' home console saga. The HD remasters of the first and second games got the ball rolling on the PS3’s Classics HD run, and this package only had to take the timeless awesomeness of the originals and make them playable on modern systems to be a resounding success. It is a resounding success.
Bloody, epic, visceral, and cathartic,God of Warhas accessible but engaging combat, dynamic boss fights, and puzzle sections that provide a welcome break from the hack and slash mayhem.God of War 2is a considerable step up from its predecessor and a contender for thebest PS2 game of all time.
Best PSP Games On PS Plus
Compared to PS1 and PS2, PSP started out with a very weak selection on PS Plus Premium; however, the service has taken some steps to rectify this shortcoming. While still a drop in the bucket when compared to the platform’s overall library, Premium now has some notable PSP representation.
Killzonemight not have developed into the juggernaut FPS franchise Sony envisioned when the original game launched on the PS2, but the license deserves way more love than it has received over the last decade. At the bare minimum, the PS2 and PS3 trilogy should have been part of PS Plus Premium’s launch lineup, and the fact they have yet to be added is disappointing. Although a fine enough game in the grand scheme of things,Killzone Shadow Fallis nowhere near good enoughto carry and preserve the franchise’s memory and legacy. Thankfully, as of June 2023, the PS4 entry is no longer alone.
Due to launching on the PSP, a handheld console that was not a great match for first-person shooters,Killzone Liberationutilizes an isometric camera to display its action. Unsurprisingly, this change results in a wildly different experience than the home console entries, transformingKillzonefrom a cinematic FPS to something of a tactical shooter. Despite this switch in point of view,LiberationretainsKillzone’s trademark graphical prowess and thrilling combat, the latter of which packs a considerable punch as the game loves to flood stages with enemies.
Up until the PS3 era, Sony typically launched a console withRidge Racerin some form or another. The arcade racing series often acted as a hardware showcase, all the while still delivering fun and addictive gameplay. The PSP was no exception since it launched withRidge Racer, which is one of the console’s highest-rated games.
2006’s sequel offers more of the same, to the point that the game largely plays and looks identical to its predecessor. However,Ridge Racer 2added a whole host of new tracks, making it sort of like the franchise’s definitive option on the portable system.
The PlayStation Portable has an array of exclusive IPs that never made their way to other platforms, dooming them to a short-lived span of relevancy. While the service has barely made a dent into the handheld console’s library, PS Plus at least incentivizes Sony to bring a few forgotten titles back into the limelight, making them available to an audience that would otherwise never hear of them.Pursuit Forceis one such project, as the vehicular combat game can now be experienced on modern consoles.
Although it does not look impressive on a big-screen TV,Pursuit Forcefared pretty well on the PSP. The story follows a rookie cop who is assigned operations that are ripped right out of classic ’80s Hollywood blockbusters. This means a lot of car chases, shootouts, and jumping from moving vehicle to moving vehicle. Frantic and explosive, the campaign never hits the brakes on the action, ensuring dull moments are few and far in-between. While charmingly over-the-top, someone’s mileage withPursuit Forceis likely to depend on their fondness for old-school 2000s games as it does feel like a product of its time.
Extreme Justicehas also been added to PS Plus Premium, and the sequel largely offers more of the same. Luckily, that is not a bad thing.
An innovative puzzle game,Echochrometasks players with guiding a stick figure through three-dimensional spaces filled with obstacles or holes. Rather than control the characters, players are asked to manipulate the terrain by rotating the space itself.
Echochromeis simple but challenging. On the surface, the game seems quite basic, but its gameplay is versatile and deep.
Similar toKillzone: Liberation,Resistance: Retributionsought to adapt a home console staple for the PSP ecosystem, and the latter arguably did it better. Unlike the first-person originals,Retributionis a third-person shooter that takes smart steps to bypass the console’s single thumbstick, largely through the implementation of a forgiving assist system that does not punish players too harshly. More importantly, this spin-off tells an impressive and lengthy story that complements the PS3 trilogy, delivering a similar tone and sense of gravitas.
Retributionfollows a protagonist who has lost everything, and his only goal is to pursue revenge against the Chimera. The narrative is one of the campaign’s strongest suits, and it is backed by exhilarating action and solid weapons. Now, the game shows its age in many places and might struggle to entertain newcomers who have no nostalgia for it; however, fans of the overall series who missed out onRetributionshould give it a try.
Tekken 6
This is a whole lot of fighting action packed into one game! Graphics which spotlight fighting action, a cast of 40 unique characters, and a battle system that has been refined over the series’ long history.The game also features Story Battle, which allows players to experience the story of each character, and Gold Rush.In addition, each character’s appearance can be customized to your liking!Hand-to-hand battle in a test of power - the Tekken saga continues!
After the astronomical high ofTekken 5, its numbered successor felt like a bit of a comedown, although that speaks more to the quality of the PS2 entry than the PS3 and PSP sequel.Tekken 6was still a very good fighter, and it was more impressive on the portable system than on the home console.
Now, the 2009 game is almost unquestionably the franchise’s lowest point, which is likely the reason it tends to be forgiven. That said,The Lost Frontieris still a perfectly enjoyable adventure that tries hard to capture the magic of 2001’sThe Precursor Legacy. Pushing combat to the back burner, the campaign prioritizes platforming and puzzles, along with aerial dogfights that threaten to overstay their welcome. Due to originally coming out on the PSP (and PS2),The Lost Frontier’s controls are not ideal for a 3D platformer, although they generally get the job done.
Ultimately,The Lost Frontieris only for die-hardJak and Daxterfans who just want to spend some more time in this universe. If they should keep expectations relatively low, they should have a solid time.
Another PSP fighting game,Soulcalibur: Broken Destinyis comfortably one of the portable system’s crowning achievements in the genre, at least mechanically. Project Soul did a fantastic job of portingSoulcalibur 4’s core mechanics intoBroken Destiny, delivering a combat system that does not feel shortchanged despite the limitations of the hardware.
Admittedly, the overall package lacks some retention power due to the absence of a proper story mode outside the too-simple Gauntlet, making it a not-so-great pick if someone is specifically searching for a traditional campaign. However, when it comes to pure gameplay,Broken Destinywas about as good as the fighting genre got on the PSP.
