In June 2022, Sony launched a revamped PlayStation 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 Premium is 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 on PS 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 the best PS Plus PS2 games? Which are the best PS1 and PSP games on PS Plus Premium?

Best PS1 Games On PS Plus

The Legend Of Dragoon

Added to PS Plus Premium in February 2023, The Legend of Dragoon was one of the most highly sought-after PS1 classics that people wished would be added to the service. Released late in the console's lifespan, Japan Studio's JRPG was an ambitious project that build upon the genre's ideas while offering quite impressive visuals. The core turn-based combat system is relatively prototypical for the era, although the game does introduce a few wrinkles to the formula that give it a unique identity.

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The Legend of Dragoon has 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 revitalize The Legend of Dragoon.

Tekken 2

Considering Tekken's legacy on PlayStation consoles, the franchise's limited presence on PS Plus is disappointing. The only title on the service is Tekken 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 2 holds up reasonably well all things considered. While not the definitiveTekken classic, this PS1 game is nevertheless a classic.

Jumping Flash!

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 like Super Mario 64 or Crash Bandicoot, Jumping Flash! is a blast.

Syphon Filter

Since launching PS Plus Premium, Sony has drip-fed Syphon Filter games to subscribers. All three PS1 entries in the series can now be played on PS4 and PS5 consoles, and they each have their fans. Even though an argument could be made that Syphon Filter 2 perfects the formula established by its predecessor, the latter is nonetheless the best starting point for newcomers to this franchise.

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Now, these games show their age in many ways, and they are not as timeless as some other PS1 stealth releases like Metal Gear Solid. Be that as it may, Syphon Filter played a role in making the original PlayStation a must-own console.

Resident Evil Director’s Cut

Capcom's Resident Evil not 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.

The Director's Cut does 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 4 entries in the franchise, they would be doing themselves a disservice by ignoring everything that came before it. After all, Resident Evil is one of the best PS1 games on PS Plus​​​​​​.

Harvest Moon: Back To Nature

Harvest Moon has gone through some changes over the last two decades. In fact, the most recent Harvest Moon games like Light of Hope are part of a completely different franchise, while the classic series that many people grew up on is nowadays operating under the Story of Seasons moniker. Back in 1999, things were a lot simpler, and anyone looking for a relaxing farming simulator just had to pick up Back to Nature on the PS1.

At its best, this franchise's games are like a warm and comforting blanket, and Back to Nature finds Harvest Moon at its coziest. While far from the deepest farming simulator out there, the PS1 classic is not shallow either, and players are expected to keep track of a fair few elements as they look to build their farm. Ultimately, someone's mileage will come down to their love for farming sims, but considering the genre is not well-represented on PS Plus, Back to Nature is among the best options on the subscription service.

Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee

PS Plus Premium has 1997's Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee and its sequel, Abe's Exoddus, both of which are unsettling platformers with 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.

Oddworld has always lived up to its name, and while later releases like Stranger's Wrath are great, the original PS1 entries represent the franchise at its nightmarish best. PS Plus Extra subscribers can also jump into 2021's Oddworld: Soulstorm.

Best PS2 Games On PS Plus

Dark Cloud 2

Dark Cloud is 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.

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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 2 genuinely makes the player feel like they have accomplished a lot during their adventure.

Kinetica

Santa Monica Studio's portfolio consists of basically nothing but God of War, albeit with one notable exception. The studio's debut game was Kinetica, a sci-fi arcade racer split into three seasons.

Building on the foundations of (nowadays) dormant franchises like F-Zero, Kinetica delivered great visuals, audio, and decent controls; crafting a fun, if somewhat unspectacular experience overall. The futuristic setting can be a touch drab at times, but the gameplay is solid for the most part. While not a gamechanger, Kinetica is a pretty good racer.

Hot Shots Tennis

Taking a break from putts, in 2006, the Everybody's Golf series opted to try out a new sport. Like the other entries in the franchise, Hot Shots Tennis, or Everybody's Tennis, is designed to be accessible to everyone while still retaining a semblance of challenge. The game nails this balance well, so much so that it can be recommended to both children and older players looking for a fun sports game.

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Hot Shots Tennis is a bit lacking in content, as the single-player campaign is just a series of challenges. Consequently, this is the type of game that is fun in short bursts.

Wild Arms 3

During Sony's first decade, the company's consoles were not exactly lacking for JRPGs. Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Suikoden were producing gold on a bi-yearly rate, while smaller titles like Wild Arms filled in the gaps wherever necessary.

As a turn-based JRPG with a western aesthetic, Wild Arms 3 boasts 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.

Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter

PS Plus Premium might not offer much in the way of PS2 games on PS5, but Sony's service does at least try to satisfy Star Wars fans. Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, Star Wars: Racer Revenge, and Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter are all available, with the latter being the best of the bunch.

Tying into the prequel trilogy, this 2002 game gives fans the opportunity to step into the cockpits of various starfighters as they take on missions. Although it does show its age, Jedi Starfighter is still a delight to experience all these years later, even if someone is not especially nostalgic for the game.

Rogue Galaxy

Once again, a JRPG makes the cut, serving as a testament to the PS2's impressive library. Level-5's Rogue Galaxy is a real-time action RPG that takes players on an expansive adventure across the universe, with multiple planets to explore.

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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.

Okage: Shadow King

Another JRPG, Okage: Shadow King has a lot going for it. With a Halloween-inspired setting and a comical tone, Okage follows a boy named Ari who ends up giving offer his shadow to an evil king named Stan, who plans to take over the world. The story is fun, if slightly too long, while the graphics are decent.

Ultimately, Okage: Shadow King is a middle-of-the-road JRPG, but it stands out due to a lack of options on PS Plus Premium. While it should satisfy die-hards of the genre, it is unlikely to leave too long-lasting of an impression.

Red Faction

With four games included, PS Plus Premium is an absolute gold mine for Red Faction fans. Putting aside the quality of the latter entries, Red Faction and its direct sequel are considered classics for a reason, although the former is the better of the two.

Even in 2019, Red Faction's GeoMod technology – which allows so much of the terrain to be destroyed – remains as fun as it was back in the early 2000s. The FPS genre has come a long way since 2001, so Red Faction does feel archaic compared to modern titles. While that cannot be helped, the PS2 shooter is still nothing short of brilliant.

Siren

A survival horror series that has been somewhat forgotten over the decades, Siren produced three titles, two of which are available on PS Plus Premium. 2008's Siren: Blood Curse is the better of the two games, but 2003's Siren is still a respectable entry in the genre. Set in a creepy Japanese village that practices a ritual, Siren places players in the shoes of multiple characters who are just trying to make it out of the area alive. These people (and the player) gradually uncover the mystery behind this village.

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Although the gameplay is not all that strong except for a cool mechanic that allows players to see from the point of view of a shibito, the game's monsters, Siren excels in its atmosphere and ambiance. This is a frequently creepy game.

Ape Escape 2

The last main Ape Escape game came out in 2006, so the world is long overdue for a new entry in the franchise. Only Ape Escape 2 is available on PS Plus Premium, which is a shame as Ape Escape 3 is also a PS2 classic, but beggars can't be choosers.

Ape Escape 2 is a bonkers collect-a-thon that really makes the simple act of catching monkeys a joy. Endlessly charming and quite pretty for its era, Ape Escape 2 is not just one of the best PS2 games on PS Plus Premium, but also one of the best games period.

War Of The Monsters

Kaiju-themed games are 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 Monsters is 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.

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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 Monsters does 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.

Jak Trilogy

Naughty Dog's PS2 era tends to be overshadowed by their Crash Bandicoot and Uncharted games, but the Jak trilogy 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."

• Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy – Released in 2001, this game finds Naughty Dog cautiously building on its Crash Bandicoot roots. The Precursor Legacy plays like a more open-ended collect-a-thon, and the game prioritizes platforming over combat. Even if an argument can be made that this is the least ambitious entry in the trilogy, a convincing case can also be presented that The Precursor Legacy is the best.
• Jak 2 – This sequel allowed Naughty Dog to expand out of its comfort zone. Jak 2 pushes combat and narrative to the forefront, the latter of which would come to define the studio's releases moving forward. Nearly every part of this package is fantastic; the gameplay is addictive, the characters are unforgettable, and the world is beautifully realized.
• Jak 3 – The trilogy ends on its weakest entry, although that serves as a testament to the high quality of the previous games rather than Jak 3's lack of it. Expanding the combat system significantly, Jak 3's core gameplay is an absolute blast, although the protagonist's expansive arsenal of weapons mutes most of the campaign's difficulty. While the story feels a bit rushed or undercooked in places, it still hits a few high points.

The Mark Of Kri

The Mark of Kri might not seem like too impressive of an action-adventure game in 2022, but it has some neat ideas when it debuted in the early 2000s. The game uses a unique lock-on mechanic that allows its combat system to be more fluid than most of its contemporaries. Whenever the battle system is the focus, this title comes alive in spectacular fashion, more than justifying its inclusion on PS Plus Premium.

The Mark of Kri does fall a bit flat in some other areas, especially its story and stealth mechanics. Still, the game's strengths outweigh its weaknesses.

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 not fantastic, but they at least present a way to access some PS2 classics.

Devil May Cry HD Collection (PS3)

In 2001, Capcom's Devil May Cry hack 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 3 hit 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.

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Tempting as it might be to jump into the third game, especially since it is a prequel, it is best to start with the original Devil 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 skip Devil May Cry 2 the second boredom sets in as the game doesn't eventually improve.

The Sly Collection

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 like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro faltered, IPs such as Ratchet & Clank and Jak rose from the ashes and carried the genre on their sturdy shoulders. Second-tier properties like Kao the Kangaroo, Tak, Maximo, Ty the Tasmanian Tiger, and the Pac-Man World sequels 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 like Vexx, Whiplash, Scaler, and I-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 Collection contains remasters of Sucker Punch's PS2 trilogy, a trio of games that stand alongside Jak and Ratchet & Clank as 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.

• Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus – The first game in the trilogy is, unsurprisingly, the most straightforward. In many ways, Sly 1 plays like a straightforward, linear platformer, albeit one that incorporates light stealth elements. Although it does not bring many new ideas to the genre, this 2002 release holds up pretty well in most aspects.
• Sly 2: Band of Thieves – A significant departure from its predecessor, Sly 2 opens things up through the introduction of a hub world and a shift towards open-ended level design that emphasizes stealth and action as much as standard platforming. The eponymous raccoon is also joined on this mission by two friends who have unique play styles.
• Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves – Bringing the trilogy to a close on a positive note, Sly 3 believes that "more is more." There are more playable characters, mission types, and minigames. Unlike the previous entries, this sequel is less concerned with collectibles, which can be a blessing or a curse depending on the player.

Final Fantasy 10/10-2 HD Remaster (PS4)

Final Fantasy helped cement Sony's PS1 as a must-own console, and Final Fantasy 10 proved 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.

RELATED: Where Final Fantasy 10's Story Could Have Gone After 10-2

Final Fantasy 10 is 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 10-2 has 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.

Ico & Shadow Of The Colossus Collection (PS3)

Team Ico does not publish a game often, but they tend to be worth the wait. On the PS2, the studio produced 2001's Ico and 2005's Shadow 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.

Ico tends to be overshadowed by Shadow 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 Colossus is 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.

2018's Shadow of the Colossus remake is also on PS Plus Premium.

Resident Evil – Code: Veronica X (PS3)

Capcom's early Resident Evil games are survival horror classics, but newcomers looking to experience these seminal releases should track down the remakes if they exist. Code: Veronica has yet to receive that treatment, and the game does need it. Originally released on the Sega Dreamcast before making its way to the PS2, this spin-off was brilliant at the time of its debut, featuring state-of-the-art visuals and plenty of scares.

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Time has diminished Code: Veronica's appeal, particularly when it comes to its dated gameplay and once-lauded graphics that are now too cheesy to offer much in the way of genuine frights. That said, Code: Veronica is still one of the best PS2 games of all time, regardless of whether it has aged well or not. As long as someone goes in with adjusted expectations, the game's brilliance can shine through.

Ratchet & Clank Collection

A convincing argument could be made that Insomniac's Ratchet & Clank trilogy was the PS2's best platformers, and now all three games are available on PS Plus Premium. In celebration of the franchise's anniversary, Sony added a host of Ratchet & Clank games to the service in November 2022. Consequently, subscribers have access to 10 space-faring adventures with the lovable PlayStation mascots.

RELATED: Ratchet & Clank: All The Games, Ranked According To Metacritic

As The Ratchet & Clank Collection is 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.

• Ratchet & Clank – Debuting in 2002, this classic introduced the world to Insomniac's property. Unlike some of its sequels, Ratchet & Clank prioritizes platforming over gunplay, although the latter is still a fixture of the campaign. Modern players might be familiar with 2016's remake, which was the license's only PS4 entry. While that version has superior gameplay, the 2002 original does a far better job with its story, showcasing why Ratchet, Clank, and Captain Qwark would become such beloved figures.
• Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando – This entry is frequently cited as the franchise's best game, although it faces stiff competition from its direct sequel and the PS5's Rift Apart. Going Commando improves upon its predecessor in nearly every way. Along with fine-tuning the base mechanics, the combat introduces a weapon upgrade system based on usage, a fantastic addition that quickly became a staple of the series. The sequel's story also builds nicely on the first game and allows Ratchet and Clank's friendship to blossom beautifully.
• Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal – The final mainline PS2 entry in the series does not deviate too far from Going Commando's blueprint, but offering more of the same is not a bad thing when the fundamentals are so strong. Up Your Arsenal's gunplay is impeccable and satisfying, ranking as the best in the trilogy. Narratively, the game brings this saga to a close at a high point. While Insomniac would go on to produce plenty of other games in the series, the PS2 Ratchet & Clank trilogy arguably still represents the franchise at its peak.

God Of War 2 HD (PS3)

God of War might very well be the most famous Sony series to debut during the PS2 era, and PS 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 War has accessible but engaging combat, dynamic boss fights, and puzzle sections that provide a welcome break from the hack and slash mayhem. God of War 2 is a considerable step up from its predecessor and a contender for the best PS2 game of all time.

Best PSP Games On PS Plus

Ridge Racer 2

Up until the PS3 era, Sony typically launched a console with Ridge Racer in 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 with Ridge 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 2 added a whole host of new tracks, making it sort of like the franchise's definitive option on the portable system.

Blade Dancer: Lineage Of Light

The PSP was and still is a fantastic platform for JRPGs. Valkyria Chronicles 2, Brave Story: New Traveler, and Phantasy Star Portable helped the system establish its own identity, and they are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to PSP JRPGs. While not as highly regarded as those projects, Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light nevertheless serves as an example of the hardware's quantity and quality when it comes to this genre. Even though it is far from one of the best games on PS Plus Premium, Blade Dancer is such an obscure name that it is still an ideal addition to the subscription service.

Now, just because there are better JRPGs on PS Plus does not mean Blade Dancer has nothing to offer beyond its rarity and novelty. While its story produces very little in the way of surprises or intrigue, the game's battle system presents an interesting twist on the turn-based formula that demands more active participation from players. Blade Dancer has fun combat along with an enjoyable weapon crafting system, and these two elements are strong enough to justify a playthrough.

Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror

Sony has been quietly bringing Syphon Filter to PS Plus Premium, with there now being four games on the service. The PS1 games are rightfully hailed as classics, but they show their ages in a lot of ways. Conversely, the PSP's Dark Mirror holds up better through a modern lens, even if the game does not shine as brightly on a large TV as it originally did on the handheld system. In 2006, the third-person shooter proved that a home console experience was possible on a portable platform, and Bend Studio executed this transition without sacrificing much in the way of performance, controls, or depth.

Once again, Dark Mirror follows Gabe Logan as he goes on a globe-trotting adventure that largely revolves around stopping terrorists. Even if the core story beats are nothing to write home about, Dark Mirror nails its presentation. The title also plays really well on the PSP, to the point that it is one of the hardware's best releases (along with its sequel, Logan's Shadow, which is also on PS Plus Premium). While not quite as impressive on a PS4 or PS5, Dark Mirror is still a solid stealth game.

Pursuit Force

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 Force is 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 Force fared 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. Basically, 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 with Pursuit Force is likely to depend on their fondness for old-school 2000s games as it does feel like a product of its time.

Echochrome

An innovative puzzle game, Echochrome tasks 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.

Echochrome is simple but challenging. On the surface, the game seems quite basic, but its gameplay is versatile and deep.

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