Metric Gamer
Top Ranking

Top 5 RPGs On The PS2 – Part 2

Oct 16, 2026
Featured game screenshot
?
Featured game screenshot

Welcome to our guide on even more of the best RPGs on the PlayStation 2! Whether you're looking for a cult-classic simulation or complex turn-based strategy, you'll fine your next game in our definitive list! As always, each game is scored and ranked based on its own set of metrics unique to RPGs!

At A Glance

Shadow Hearts: Covenant
#1
4.6
Gameplay
5.0
Story
5.0
World Design
4.0
Character Development
4.5
Progression
4.5

Shadow Hearts: Covenant

Dark Cloud 2 (Dark Chronicle)
#2
4.4
Gameplay
5.0
Story
3.5
World Design
4.5
Character Development
4.0
Progression
5.0

Dark Cloud 2 (Dark Chronicle)

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
#3
4.2
Gameplay
5.0
Story
4.0
World Design
4.5
Character Development
3.0
Progression
4.5

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne

Final Fantasy XII
#4
4.2
Gameplay
4.5
Story
4.0
World Design
5.0
Character Development
3.5
Progression
4.0

Final Fantasy XII

Star Ocean: Till the End of Time
#5
3.9
Gameplay
4.5
Story
3.0
World Design
4.0
Character Development
3.5
Progression
4.5

Star Ocean: Till the End of Time

Top 5 RPGs On The PS2 – Part 2 Frequently Asked Questions

Shadow Hearts: Covenant ranks first on this list with an overall score of 4.6/5.

No, none of the games on this list are free to play.

No, none of the games on this list currently support cross-platform play.

Between them, these games are available on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS2, PS4.

Every game is scored against a defined rubric built from real player feedback on Steam, Reddit, and gaming forums, not press reviews. Each metric is scored out of 5, and games are ranked by their combined score for this specific list.

Detailed Breakdown

#1
Shadow Hearts: Covenant

Shadow Hearts: Covenant

JRPG
Retro
4.6
Sep 2004
Gameplay
Story
World Design
Character Development
Progression

The Good

  • Judgement Ring system adds a timing layer to every action in combat
  • Between the Crest Magic system and Yuri’s Fusions, the game allows for incredible freedom in how you build your squad
  • Tone shifts between dark narrative and humour give the game a unique identity
  • Multiple endings provide variation based on player decisions
  • The ability to chain all four party members' turns together create cinematic finishers

The Bad

  • Camera angles in certain areas can feel restrictive
  • Backtracking between locations can disrupt pacing
  • Some optional content is easy to miss without guidance

Final Verdict

"Shadow Hearts: Covenant delivers a distinctive RPG experience built around strong gameplay systems and a memorable story, with its combat mechanics providing a consistent sense of involvement. The blend of tone and setting gives it a unique identity that stands out on the platform. While some pacing and structural issues appear at times, the overall experience remains engaging and well balanced."

#2
Dark Cloud 2 (Dark Chronicle)

Dark Cloud 2 (Dark Chronicle)

Retro
RPG
4.4
Nov 2002
Gameplay
Story
World Design
Character Development
Progression

The Good

  • Georama system allows full control over rebuilding towns with specific conditions
  • Invention system encourages experimentation by combining ideas and items
  • Weapon evolution system creates long term investment in equipment
  • Photography mechanic ties directly into progression and crafting

The Bad

  • Weapon durability system can interrupt combat flow
  • Dungeon repetition becomes noticeable over longer sessions
  • Story pacing slows during certain progression sections

Final Verdict

"Dark Cloud 2 offers a highly system driven RPG experience that blends combat, creativity and progression into a consistent gameplay loop. The variety of mechanics keeps the experience engaging over time, even when repetition begins to show. While the story plays a more supporting role, the overall structure and depth make it a distinctive title on the PlayStation 2."

#3
Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne

3D
dungeon crawler
4.2
Feb 2003
Gameplay
Story
World Design
Character Development
Progression

The Good

  • Challenging gameplay that rewards planning
  • Deep and strategic turn-based combat system
  • Meaningful choices that affect the story

The Bad

  • Story can feel abstract and minimal at times
  • Characters are not heavily developed
  • Limited guidance can make progression confusing

Final Verdict

"Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne stands out as a challenging and deeply strategic RPG with a unique tone and atmosphere. The combat system and demon fusion mechanics provide a level of depth that keeps gameplay engaging, while the world design and themes create a memorable experience. The story and characters may feel minimal compared to other RPGs, but the gameplay and overall design make it a standout title for players looking for something more demanding and different."

#4
Final Fantasy XII

Final Fantasy XII

JRPG
Retro
4.2
Mar 2006
Gameplay
Story
World Design
Character Development
Progression

The Good

  • Gambit system allows detailed control over party behaviour without constant input
  • Seamless overworld removes traditional battle transitions
  • Hunts system adds structured optional challenges throughout progression
  • License Board offers flexibility in character builds

The Bad

  • Story pacing can feel uneven across certain sections
  • Some characters receive limited focus compared to others
  • Navigation across large areas can feel time consuming

Final Verdict

"Final Fantasy XII offers a system driven RPG experience that focuses on scale, strategy and player control over party behaviour. The world design and combat systems provide a consistent sense of depth, even if the story and character focus are less central than in other entries. While some pacing and engagement issues appear over time, the overall experience remains structured and rewarding."

#5
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time

Star Ocean: Till the End of Time

JRPG
Retro
3.9
Feb 2003
Gameplay
Story
World Design
Character Development
Progression

The Good

  • Item Creation system allows deep crafting and experimentation
  • Multiple recruitable characters encourage different party setups
  • Private Actions system adds optional character interactions
  • Postgame content offers significant additional challenges

The Bad

  • AI party members can behave inconsistently in combat
  • Backtracking between planets can interrupt pacing
  • Voice acting quality varies between scenes

Final Verdict

"Star Ocean: Till the End of Time delivers a system focused RPG experience with strong progression mechanics and flexible gameplay options. The combat and crafting systems provide consistent depth, even if the story does not always land as effectively. While some design choices can affect pacing and clarity, the overall experience remains engaging for those willing to invest time into its systems."

Latest Rankings

Best Free Online FPS Games — featured game
?
Best Free Online FPS Games — featured game
Ranking

Best Free Online FPS Games

Free online FPS is one of the most competitive categories in gaming, and in 2026 it's also one of the most populated. Across the five games below, the combined monthly player base runs into the tens of millions. What separates the best free online FPS games from the rest isn't download count. The gunplay either rewards investment or it doesn't, and whether the paid model stays outside the competitive game is the other axis that matters. Those distinctions don't show up in a marketing headline, but they determine whether a game is worth investing time in. The five games ranked below are all free to play and were each scored on the metrics most relevant to their sub-genre. The individual metric scores from each game page built these rankings, so you'll see exactly what earns a position and what costs one. The breakdown covers what each game does well and where the friction sits, so you can judge whether it's worth your time before downloading anything.

View
Best Free Two Player Shooter Games on PC — featured game
?
Best Free Two Player Shooter Games on PC — featured game
Ranking

Best Free Two Player Shooter Games on PC

Split-screen gaming has been a cherished tradition for generations of gamers. But which game is actually worth your time? This list delves into the best the best free two player shooter games available on the PC, with each game scored and ranked on a defined set of metrics unique to the shooting game niche!

View
SEGA Classics That Still Hold Up Today — featured game
?
SEGA Classics That Still Hold Up Today — featured game
Ranking

SEGA Classics That Still Hold Up Today

Ready to find something new or ready to remember something old? Dive into our guide on the SEGA classics that still hold up today! From arcade racing legends to some of the most influential action games ever made, SEGA's library is packed with games that helped define entire genres!

View
3 Online Board Games You Should Check Out — featured game
?
3 Online Board Games You Should Check Out — featured game
Ranking

3 Online Board Games You Should Check Out

Welcome to our guide on the best online board games you should check out today! Whether you're looking for something to play with friends on a Saturday evening or your craving an experience packed with tactical decision-making, these are three online board games that are well worth adding to your collection. As always, each game has been ranked and scored based on a set of metrics unique to online board games!

View
Top 5 RPGs On The PS2 – Part 2 — featured game
?
Top 5 RPGs On The PS2 – Part 2 — featured game
Ranking

Top 5 RPGs On The PS2 – Part 2

Welcome to our guide on even more of the best RPGs on the PlayStation 2! Whether you're looking for a cult-classic simulation or complex turn-based strategy, you'll fine your next game in our definitive list! As always, each game is scored and ranked based on its own set of metrics unique to RPGs!

View