The Best PS2 Games Under $10
The next update to the Cheapest Games series is a look at the Playstation 2’s wonderful library. There are quite a lot of PS2 games now that are absolute steals considering the quality of the games. It probably helps keep resale prices down now that the newer PS3s are lacking PS2 backwards compatibility.
(Prices listed are an average eBay and Amazon prices for used US games, including shipping.)
Cheap Classics
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Jak & Daxter: $5 As the leader of the last console generation, the PS2 library was blessed with an incredible selection of many high-quality platforming series, each of which has a number of sequels. First up is the Jak & Daxter series from by Naughty Dog (of Crash Bandicoot fame). The original J&D game barrowed heavily from it’s Bandicoot roots with a great deal of running and jumping, but later installments had additional shooting action as well. If you remotely enjoy 3D platformers, each installment of the PS2 trilogy can be found for next to nothing. Shop for Jak & Daxter Series on eBay Shop for Jak & Daxter Series on Amazon.com |
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Ratchet & Clank, R&C Going Commando, R&C Up Your Arsenal : about $9 each If you want more shooting action in your platformers, Ratchet & Clank have plenty to keep you busy. The series is noted for the inclusion of many exotic and unique weapons and gadgets to blow up all sorts of stuff within a cool futuristic universe. Much like Jak & Daxter, the series became one of the PS2’s mainstays and is one of the more common titles on eBay. Finding lots of cheap copies should not be a problem for any new PS2 owner. Shop for Ratchet & Clank Series on eBay Shop for Ratchet & Clank Series on Amazon.com |
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Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution: $3 As one of Sega’s last incredibly solid franchises, the Virtua Fighter series is one of the best in its genre. Each iteration of Virtua Fighter 4 is top-notch, but as new installments are released, including the PS3 released of Virtua Fighter 5, it becomes easier to find copies of part 4 for next to nothing. The Virtua Fighter series has never been for the casual gamer, but if you want to have a beautiful and technical fighting experience without spending much, Virtua Fighter 4 can’t be beat. Obivously, the original release of VF4 is the cheapest, but if you want the extra characters in Evolution, you’ll have to pay an extra $5 or so. Shop for Virtua Fighter 4 on eBay Shop for Virtua Fighter 4 on Amazon.com |
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Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty: $4 While some MGS fans didn’t enjoy Sons of Liberty as much as the original PS1 Metal Gear Solid, part 2 was still a landmark experience, as you could expect from Hideo Kojima. Metal Gear Solid games are also, of course, a cornerstone of a PS2 collection for most gamers, so don’t hesitate to pick one up at this low price. Of course, there is also the MGS2 Substance release, that is essentially the same game, but with some added modes and options. Substance will nearly double the price, however at around $11 shipped. Metal Gear Solid 3 is also availible for around $13 if you want to expand your collection. Shop for Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty on eBay Shop for Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty on Amazon.com |
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Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater: $6 It was difficult to top the orignal Metal Gear Solid on the PS1, but Konami may have pulled it off with MGS3: Snake Eater. Now that the early adopters have finished up the game and are moving onto new stuff, Snake Eater is quickly dropping in value and you should be able to scoop it up for a bit less than $15 without too much effort. Shop for Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater on eBay Shop for Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater on Amazon.com |
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Gran Turismo 4: $7 Cutting-edge racing fans may be moving to the Xbox 360 and PS3, but if you are like me an are usually a generation behind, the PS2 installments of the Gran Turismo series will suit you just fine. Both Gran Turismo 3 and 4 are technical marvels and a still quite pleasing to the eye. If you want to be a cheapskate, you can probably get by with getting GT3, but if you want to “splurge”, spend a few extra dollars and pick up part four. Shop for Gran Turismo Series on eBay Shop for Gran Turismo Series on Amazon.com |
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Wipeout Fusion : $7 If you want a more arcade-like racing experience with a futuristic flair, you should look into the Wipeout series. Wipeout Fusion is the best value for the PS2 and will give you a healthy dose of speed and thumpin’ music to double the flow of adrenaline. Like its predecessors, the emphasis is on guiding your futuristic racing craft through twisting courses filled with loops, tight turns, and massive jumps, all while making use of the many power-ups littering each track. I personally prefer F-Zero GX on the Gamecube, but if you’re tied to Sony, Wipeout is still a solid futuristic racer. Shop for Wipeout Fusion on eBay Shop for Wipeout Fusion on Amazon.com |
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Viewtiful Joe & Viewtiful Joe 2 : $6 each As an old-school fan of the beatemup genre (think Double Dragon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, & Final Fight) and cel-shaded games (Jet Grind Radio, anyone), I couldn’t help but be excited about Viewtiful Joe. While it has the looks of a stylish, cartoon-like 3D game, it plays like a two-dimensional brawler with some Matrix-like gimmicks and mind-teasing puzzles thrown in. The Viewtiful Joe games were the talk of the game industry for a spell, but now that the hype has died down, you can pick up these gems dirt cheap. Shop for Viewtiful Joe on eBay Shop for Viewtiful Joe on Amazon.com |
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God of War: $9 This action/adventure masterpiece not only pushed the limits of what the PS2 could do, but it also brought new life into a rather over-played genre. The only reason why this doesn’t rank higher is that PS3 owners now have the God of War Collection availible to them. Of course, the PS2 originals are more affordable, but you might want to hold out for the enhanced versions. Shop for God of War on eBay Shop for God of War on Amazon.com |
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Devil May Cry: $7 Much like Viewtiful Joe, this rather new Capcom franchise had its time in the spotlight (and still has many fans). With Capcom pumping out sequels, you can easily pick up the first couple of installments for just a few dollars (although, you probably only want the first). Shop for Devil May Cry on eBay Shop for Devil May Cry on Amazon.com |
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Twisted Metal: Black : $8 Before he created God of War, David Jaffe started the PS2 off with this vehicular combat masterpiece. Considering it was released within the PS2’s first year, Twisted Metal: Black has maintained a surprising amount of value over the last six years. Nevertheless, this critically-acclaimed title is still a good value at the $8 range. Shop for Twisted Metal: Black on eBay Shop for Twisted Metal: Black on Amazon.com |
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Soul Calibur 2 : $7 Anybody remotely interested in 3D fighters should not overlook the Soul Calibur series. After the rave reviews as a Dreamcast exclusive, the original Soul Calibur was followed up as a multiplatform sequel with a great deal of hype. However, even though Soul Calibur III wasn’t much better, most gamers are selling off their copies and picking up newer installments. Now is your time to take advantage of this bargain. Shop for Soul Calibur 2 on eBay Shop for Soul Calibur 2 on Amazon.com |
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TimeSplitters 2 : $5 If you want a high-quality FPS that is designed for consoles, you need to pick up TimeSplitters 2. Developed by the same team that worked for Rareware on the N64’s Goldeneye 007, Timesplitters 2 has killer level design, great weapons, and a variety of multiplayer and minigame options. It may not have the realism that some modern gamers crave or a fascinating storyline, but it tops Halo in my book in terms of gameplay and all-out fun. Shop for TimeSplitters 2 on eBay Shop for TimeSplitters 2 on Amazon.com |
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Beyond Good & Evil: $9 This amazing adventure game didn’t get nearly the attention that it should have when it was originally on retail shelves, but it has since gathered quite a following and has shown up on my Hidden Gems series. Its engaging storyline, quirky characters, and enticing graphics come together in a treasure of a game from Ubisoft. Since it seemed to have a larger print run on the PS2, it is actually a bit more afforable than its Gamecube and XBox counterparts, so take advantage, PS2 owners. Shop for Beyond Good & Evil on eBay Shop for Beyond Good & Evil on Amazon.com |
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Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time: $6 For the longest time, Sands of Time nearly got ignored as much as Beyond Good & Evil, but eventually enough people read all the positive reviews and gave it a try. Over the last few years, numerous sequels have spawned, giving this classic franchise new life. The Sands of Time may still be a frontrunner for the best in the series, and it is definately the best value. Shop for Prince of Persia: Sands of Time on eBay Shop for Prince of Persia: Sands of Time on Amazon.com |
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Resident Evil 4: $9 After a long stint on the Gamecube, the Resident Evil series eventually returned to the PS2 (so it could make more money) with the highly-acclaimed Resident Evil 4. Resident Evil 4’s game mechanics have been completely redesigned to incorporate fast-paced gunplay, quick controls and shootouts involving massive crowds of enemies in large open areas. This, combined with an abundance of healing items and ammunition, results in a different gameplay experience from other Resident Evil games. Shop for Resident Evil 4 on eBay Shop for Resident Evil 4 on Amazon.com |
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Burnout 2: $10 Burnout 3 & Burnout Revenge: $12 each I have to admit, I’m personally not much for Gran Turismo and those overly-realistic racers. The Burnout series, on the other hand, it a racing series for the rest of us that want more high-speed action and fun gimmicks such as Burnout’s glorification of high-speed crashes. While the original Burnout can be picked up for about $9, I would recommend either paying an extra dollar for Burnout 2 or just a few more for Burnout 3 or Burnout Revenge. I think most fans of the series would agree that the third installment was the peak of its excellence. Shop for Burnout Series on eBay Shop for Burnout Series on Amazon.com |
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Katamari Damacy : $9 Katamari almost lived a life as an obscure import title or at least a hidden gem on the PS2, but its quirkiness and unique gameplay caused fans to spread the word about Namco’s fantastic ball-rolling treasure. The eventual success got more copies printed and sequels as well bringing the aftermarket price to an affordable level. Shop for Katamari Damacy on eBay Shop for Katamari Damacy on Amazon.com |
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Final Fantasy X: $9 Final Fantasy X was an early showpiece for the Playstation 2 and its beautiful cinematic experience attacted a new audience. (Much like Final Fantasy VII did on the PS1). It’s also worth noting that Japanese Famitsu readers voted Final Fantasy XI the best game of all time. Shop for Final Fantasy X on eBay Shop for Final Fantasy X on Amazon.com |
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Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus : $5 Sly 2 & Sly 3 : $6 each This wonderful platformer series has a lot of good things for it. In addition to a slick cell-shaded graphical style, it also incorporates a number of gameplay elements such as stealth and acrobatics in addition to standard platforming fare. Sly 2 ditched the original game’s lengthy platforming levels for a nonlinear approach. Players must complete missions not only as Sly but as the brawny hippo Murray and timid turtle Bentley, in order to give variety. Roaming around the city levels, staying hidden by creeping along the shadows and rooftops, is a thrill. Shop for Sly Cooper Series on eBay Shop for Sly Cooper Series on Amazon.com |
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Super Monkey Ball Deluxe : $8 The Monkey Ball series was some of Sega’s last true example of pure creativity and genius as a multiplatform developer. Both games have a fun and challenging single-player mode, but also serves as a killer party title due to its diverse mini-games. As opposed to Gamecube owners, who had to buy both installments to get all the puzzles and mini games, Super Monkey Ball Deluxe give PS2 owners everything (plus bonus levels) on one convenient (and affordable disc). Keep in mind, however, that these games require precise controls and the Gamecube controls are still regarded as superior in the original ports. Shop for Super Monkey Ball Deluxe on eBay Shop for Super Monkey Ball Deluxe on Amazon.com |
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The Red Star: $8 So this pick might appeal a lot more to the old-school enthusiasts that frequent this site as opposed to the general gaming public. However, this hybrid beatemup/shootemup is one of the best hidden gems of the PS2’s library for fans of the genres. Shop for The Red Star on eBay Shop for The Red Star on Amazon.com |
Other Cheap Favorites
Grand Theft Auto III: $6 – eBay / Amazon.com
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City: $6 – eBay / Amazon.com
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: $8 – eBay / Amazon.com
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell : $4 – eBay / Amazon.com
Space Channel 5: Special Edition: $8 – eBay / Amazon.com
Maximo: Ghosts to Glory : $8 – eBay / Amzon.com
Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil : $9 – eBay / Amazon.com
Tekken 4 : $8 – eBay / Amazon.com
Headhunter: $5 – eBay / Amazon.com
Headhunter Redeption: $6 – eBay / Amazon.com
Star Wars Starfighter : $7 – eBay / Amazon.com
SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy Seals : $9 – eBay / Amazon.com
Ridge Racer V: $6 – eBay / Amazon.com
Need for Speed Underground: $8 – eBay / Amazon.com
V-Rally 3 : $7 – eBay / Amazon.com
SOCOM II: U.S. Navy Seals : $8 – eBay / Amazon.com
Rayman 2: Revolution : $9 – eBay / Amazon.com
The Mark of Kri: $8 – eBay / Amazon.com
Smuggler’s Run 2: Hostile Territory : $7 – eBay / Amazon.com
MDK2 Armageddon : $6 – eBay / Amazon.com
X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse : $9 – eBay / Amazon.com
Bombastic : $7 – eBay / Amazon.com
X-Men Legends : $8 – eBay / Amazon.com
Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction: $9 – eBay / Amazon.com
Dark Cloud : $8 – eBay / Amazon.com
Silpheed: The Lost Planet : $6 – eBay / Amazon.com
ChoroQ: $6 – eBay / Amazon.com
16 Comments:
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, and Katamari Damacy are great games!
So you said Famitsu readers voted FFXI as the #1 game of all time under the FFX article. I’m guessing you meant FFX.
It depresses me how little Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution goes for these days, especially considering how much I paid for it at launch! Oh well, totally worth it for the time I put into it.
Super Monkey Ball Deluxe had huge lag time and control was pretty bad.
Supers dupers thanks for this one. I’ve been Planning on buying an ps3 for the backwards comparability and this has seriously set me on a gaming spree. I’ve been spending to much time with mame anyways. I just wish you had some good rpgs on the list. Sorry I don’t feel that ffx count s as a good RPG but I just personally hate that game. I know that there are plenty of rpgs I just don’t know of enough good ones. Maybe a rpgs of the ps2 is in order but I do feel that it would be to soon. As I type this I relize that maybe all the good RPGs are prob more than 10bucks.
Bah humbug
I like some of those games listed above however,i surmised the prices that are listed here are probably for used games only.Here’s a list of game titles for under $10.00 that i got as new from Amazon.com:Gran Turismo 3,Hot Shots Tennis,Sega Genesis Collection,World Series Baseball 2K3,Scarface,Destroy All Humans 2,etc.
Oh dear, FFX recommended? ignoring the horrible voice acting and generic gameplay, its got a crap story too. get FFXII instead
Hate on FFX ALREADY? Get a soul people. It’s like the picture perfect turn-based-lovestory-fantasy-world-RPG filled with SO MUCH additional content that you’d need extreme devotion to complete. I realize that the majority of people on these forums aren’t that type who falls into a trance with games but I certainly am, and will fight to the dying day that FFX is one of my favorite rpgs of all time.
Just thought I’d let people know that on a technical scale, Gran Turismo 4 is possibly the best looking PS2 game. I think Gran Turismo 4 is one of the few PS2 games with progressive scan, plus, one of the very few games that scale to 1080p.
I’d say God Of War looks better on all accounts. Doesn’t it have progressive scan…or am I just imagining it.
Sorry Crystalis, although you may have taken your name from the best action adventure game on the NES, your taste in PS2 RPGs is questionable.
Flat characters, predictable story, no exploration and game-breaking character-empowerment mechanics (Sphere Grid) are all marks against FFX. I honestly wouldn’t hate FFX as much as I do if it didn’t start a trend for Final Fantasy entries to come, and RPGs in general.
Final Fantasy X is still an RPG that people should experience. As cheap as it is, you may as well try it out – perhaps you will see more value in it that I did. For me, however, Final Fantasy X is the very last Final Fantasy I bought and is the very last Final Fantasy that I ever will buy – I also hold it responsible for killing my interest in one of my long-time favorite genres.
Wow! I’m glad that you mentioned TimeSplitters 2! I just bought that game about 3 weeks ago and the first time I played it I knew there was something special about that game. Especially when you first hear the music on the first level of the game. It’s EPIC!! This game NEEDS to be known. This is seriously one of the best shooters that I have ever played in my life!! SPREAD THE WORD!! GET THIS SERIES HEARD!!
Final Fantasy XII is an abomination…
the7k said everything I would say about FFX, almost to a word. I was huge into FF games on the SNES and PS1 (though I completely missed 9 because I wasn’t gaming much at the time). I was pumped about X and enjoyed it for a few hours but then realized it was just turning me off. Haven’t touched a FF since. I’m interested in 13, though…. Maybe a return to form…?
Great list. Just goes to show what a great machine the PS2 is for budget gaming. This is one of the reasons I wanted full BC in my PS3.
My suggested addition would be Maximo: Ghosts to Glory and the sequel. Video Game Price Charts shows the price as $1 and $4. I haven’t played the sequel but the first one is great modern take on Ghosts n Goblins. No retro gamer with a PS2 should miss it.
FFXII is easily the best entry in the series, and it’s a shame to see the embarrassing (at best) FFX recommended over it. Seriously the7k & RadarScope1, you really owe it to yourselves to try it out, it’s only $11.99 used at Gamestop, and it pretty much addressed every single complaint I had with X. It also has the most mature story of any of the other Final Fantasies, barring Tactics. Not surprising, considering they both sprang from the mind of the brilliant Yasumi Matsuno. It’s a great game, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who can go in with an open mind and understand that this ain’t your big brother’s Final Fantasy.
You need to to make a ps3 list
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