While the first PlayStation introduced iconic franchises like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, its successor was the system that took those series to the next level. Whether it was big AAA games or smaller titles, the PS2 era saw the release of some of the best horror games.
The PlayStation 2 remains one of the best-selling consoles of all time, and its massive library is a major reason for that success. Looking back at iconic PlayStation 2 games, here are five of the best horror games released on the console that are still worth playing today.
Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 is undoubtedly one of the biggest titles released on the PlayStation 2. Although the game originally debuted on the Gamecube in 2005, the PS2 version introduced several new features, including “Separate Ways,” a new campaign where you play as Ada Wong, new weapons and unlockable costumes for Leon and Ashley, support for progressive scan, and a 16:9 widescreen mode.
The game was among the few that pushed the PlayStation 2 hardware to its limits, offering magnificent graphics, intense gameplay, and much more. Although you can now play the remake of Resident Evil 4, the original remains one of the best horror games ever released on the PlayStation 2.
Silent Hill 2
Just a year after the release of the PlayStation 2, Silent Hill 2 came to the system in 2001, becoming a groundbreaking title for the console. The game was truly ahead of its time and remains one of the best horror titles ever released.
Not only was it praised for its compelling story, but Silent Hill 2 was also lauded for its complex characters, exceptionally detailed environments, and beautiful soundtrack, which remains one of the most haunting and atmospheric soundtracks of all time.
After much demand and years of buildup, the remake of Silent Hill 2 was released in October of 2024. It received a great reception and was praised by an overwhelming majority of series fans. However, the original remains a classic and is at the top for me.
Kuon
Before they were developing Souls-like titles, FromSoftware once tried its hand at horror games and released Kuon in 2003, which remains iconic to this day.
The title offered a distinctive experience compared to Western horror games by incorporating a compelling story based on Japanese mythology. Players can control two characters, and the game was praised for its focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and captivating story. It’s an amazing title to revisit.
Fatal Frame
Fatal Frame was another terrific title released in 2001 and was highly praised for its psychological terror. The game introduced the Camera Obscura mechanic, allowing players to see and fight ghosts with the help of an antique camera.
The story follows Miku Hinasaki, a young woman searching for her missing brother Mafuyu in the haunted Himuro Mansion. The captivating story, combined with great innovation, made Fatal Frame one of the best horror games released on the PlayStation 2 and something I wouldn’t mind playing even in 2025.
Rule of Rose
One of the most controversial horror games, Rule of Rose, was released in 2006 for the PS2. The title faced much controversy for tackling topics like child abuse and was even banned in many countries.
Despite that, the game deserves to be on the list as the developers did their best to offer a disturbing experience without shying away from any subject matter. Therefore, Rule of Rose remains iconic, even if it was a controversial release.
The list above includes some of the best horror games released in the early 2000s for the iconic PlayStation 2, making the console much more successful thanks to its vast and immersive library.
It should also be noted that the list is not ranked, and all the mentioned titles are equally significant. Some offered extreme horrors, while others were innovative and creative to the point that they continue to inspire other studios.
