Top 10 PlayStation 2 Multiplayer Games

At a time when the seventh generation of consoles was already well underway, this game proved that the PlayStation 2 still had some fumes left in the ol’ tank. Complete with fancy new Les Paul guitars, this game gave players the best of both worlds, as it retained the magic of the previous “Guitar Hero” iterations while adding enjoyable game modes. Co-op is always a blast, as one player takes guitar and the other bass (just don't fight too much over it), while battle mode was a great new addition that provided hours of extra content and a more competitive edge to the game. Whether you're rocking out together or breaking each other’s strings, “Legends of Rock” was a loud, entertaining romp.

While admittedly short for an RPG, this game was nevertheless a memorable and insanely fun time, especially when you had a buddy to help hack and slash your way through enemies. Two players were able to play co-operatively through this gorgeous and intricately detailed world, and because each character has different skill types, the gameplay options were varied, encouraging experimentation and teamwork. Every playstyle and personality was present, including the magic geek, the guy who would rather hang back, and the guy who only wants to kill things with his bloody knuckles. If you wanted a Diablo style game on the PS2, this was basically it.

Continuing the fantastic “Tekken” series, this fourth main entry proved that the quality of the games would not be lost in the sixth generation. The console version ran on updated hardware, meaning that the graphics and animation were much more detailed than the arcade version, allowing for a more pleasant viewing experience. Up to four people can play together using the tag function, giving this entry an upgrade to the gameplay dynamics while still retaining the sense of fun unique to the “Tekken” series. Featuring a plethora of characters to choose from, this game proved that “Tekken” was only getting better and better.

A true jack of all trades, this third installment of the “TimeSplitters” series had it all, including a stellar campaign, fantastic co-op gameplay, a fun online mode, and a deep reservoir of unlockable and bonus content. This game’s co-operative campaign was easily one of the best on the PS2, as it took two players to different time periods and locales while providing them with cartoonish fun and agreeable humor. The competitive deathmatch style gameplay also proved to be a blast, as a variety of weapons and locations kept things fresh. While sales weren't great, the quality is outstanding, and really, isn't that what matters?

Improving on an already successful formula, “Soulcalibur II” upgraded the series and gave PS2 owners one of the best and most unique fighters available. This game continues the traditional weapons-based combat of the series while integrating new and improved additions, such as the ability to step and avoid, arena wall-specific moves, and Guard Break attacks. The graphics were absolutely jaw-dropping for the time, and the production qualities were second to none, making this one of the most polished and refined games of the sixth generation of consoles. A PS2 collection is not complete without it.

A realistic military shooter with a terrific sense of chaotic fun, “SOCOM II” provided PlayStation 2 owners with a great time and one of the best online multiplayer experiences of the sixth generation – not to mention one of the few that was widely adopted on the PS2. By using a broadband connection, gamers were able to play online in classic deathmatch and other tactical-based modes with up to seven other players. What resulted was strategic and intelligent gameplay, and the game proved that the PlayStation 2could provide a multiplayer experience rivaling anything on the Xbox. From the gorgeous locales to the team-based gameplay and friendly chat support, “SOCOM II” was an unforgettable game.

Marvel. Capcom. Those two words alone are enough to make any gamer excessively excited. In this fighting game, players choose between three characters from the Marvel and Capcom universes and proceed to duke it out between the three chosen fighters through a tag system. What results is incredibly varied gameplay, as the characters all have unique attributes and abilities. While the game was two years old by the time the PlayStation port arrived, it was still a blast, despite some dated animations. Between the 50+ playable characters and the insane amount of combo moves, this game could stand with the best of what the PlayStation had to offer.
That’s incorrect, the fights are 3v3

Ah, back in the good ol’ days when a game actually shipped with the full amount of intended content. The “Battlefront” games have always been known for their stellar multiplayer, and this game is no exception. Featuring up to twenty four players online, the chaotic game modes include conquest, hero assault, and space assault, in which players control starfighters for the first time in the series, effectively rounding out the immersive Star Wars experience. It was bigger and better than the original in every conceivable way, and the massive online games created bedlam which was second to none on the PlayStation 2.

With a cover that terrified everyone, “Twisted Metal: Black” was the fifth game in the series and easily one of the best, serving as a nice return to form after the disappointing third and fourth entries. With a diverse cast of new and returning characters and an array of terrifying vehicles, players fight in a demolition derby with ballistic missiles in an enclosed arena. If that sounds like a loud and chaotic masterpiece, that's because it is. Complete with stellar graphics, the carnage was always enjoyable to witness and take part in. While it wasn't exactly fun for the whole family, it was a must own for adult gamers and one of the PS2’s most rewarding games.

Before we get to the greatest experience, here are a few honorable mentions.

“SSX 3” (2003)
“Dance Dance Revolution Extreme” (2004)
“NBA Street V3” (2005)

Who would have thought that you could build such a great game out of breaking so much stuff. The gameplay is littered with intense moments like racing through oncoming traffic and intentionally crashing into your opponent, resulting in some of the most spectacular crash physics in a video game up to that point. It was so much fun that the game even included a mode meant exclusively for crashing into other cars to cause as much damage as possible. While there are countless racing games on the market, “Burnout 3” was unlike any other and is fondly remembered today as a masterpiece of the genre.

Do you agree with our list? What was your favorite multiplayer experience on the PS2? For more rewarding top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to Watchmojo.com.