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Top 20 PS2-Era Video Games That Desperately Need a Remake

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - February 23rd 2025, 11:18 GMT+1

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we’re diving into the *legendary* PlayStation 2 era, picking out all the games that were absolute *gems* and deserve a full-fledged remake for modern audiences to enjoy. Sure, some of these titles have resurfaced as part of special collections on PlayStation 4 and beyond, but let’s be real – just slapping on HD textures isn’t enough. These games need a proper, ground-up remake, with updated mechanics, enhanced gameplay, and all the love they truly deserve.

Did we miss a PS2 classic that you think *desperately* needs a remake? Drop your suggestions in the comments!

Cropped Dark Cloud — Dark Cloud (2000)

Ah, *Dark Cloud*, the game that tried to be *Zelda*, *SimCity*, and *Diablo* all at once – and somehow, it worked! This was the game that had us dungeon crawling for hours just so we could gather enough magic water to rebuild a town (because, you know, that’s how urban planning works). The weapon durability system was both brutal and addictive, forcing us to care for our swords like they were fragile relics from a lost civilization. And let’s not forget Toan, our mostly silent protagonist with a green hat (hmm, where have we seen that before?). A full remake with modern visuals and smoother mechanics could turn this cult classic into a true masterpiece. Plus, imagine the potential of *Georama Mode* with today’s tech – fully customizable cities with an actual physics engine? Sign us up! | © Level-5

Cropped Maximo Ghosts to Glory — Maximo: Ghosts to Glory (2002)

This game was designed to punish you. *Maximo: Ghosts to Glory* was the spiritual successor to *Ghosts ‘n Goblins*, which means two things: (1) You were going to die – a lot. (2) You were probably going to be fighting skeletons in your boxer shorts. But despite its brutal difficulty, *Maximo* had a charm that kept us coming back. The cartoony-yet-grim art style, the epic boss fights, and the tight platforming mechanics made it one of the most satisfying challenges of the PS2 era. A remake could do wonders with smoother combat, better checkpointing (please, we beg you), and maybe – just maybe – a little less underwear exposure. Or hey, keep the boxer shorts; just make them 4K. | © Capcom

Cropped The Getaway — The Getaway (2002)

Long before *GTA IV* tried to make Liberty City feel like a living, breathing place, *The Getaway* gave us a moody, cinematic tour of London’s underworld – gritty accents, high-speed chases, and all. This game took itself *very* seriously, ditching traditional HUDs in favor of immersive, realistic gameplay. Need to find your way? Follow the car’s blinking turn signals. Need to check your health? Look at how much blood is soaking through your shirt. It was ambitious, stylish, and – let’s be honest – a little frustrating at times. But with today’s tech, a remake could refine its vision, delivering a true crime-thriller experience with better controls, better AI, and fewer moments of slamming your controller in frustration. Just imagine this in Unreal Engine 5 – London has never looked so good (or so dangerous). | © Sony Computer Entertainment Europe

Cropped Xenosaga — Xenosaga Trilogy (2002 – 2006)

Ah, *Xenosaga*, the JRPG that made *Final Fantasy* look like a casual weekend trip. With a deep, philosophical storyline about godlike beings, existential crises, and… uh, space nuns with guns, it was as mind-bending as it was epic. Shion, KOS-MOS, and the rest of the crew took us on an emotional rollercoaster across three games – though let’s be real, *Episode II* was the weird middle child no one talks about. The combat was slow but strategic, the cutscenes were practically feature-length films, and the lore? Oh boy, the *lore*. A full remake with faster gameplay, modern graphics, and a slightly more digestible plot (just a *bit*) could elevate this cult classic into mainstream JRPG greatness. Come on, Monolith Soft – you’ve got the *Xenoblade* magic. Give *Xenosaga* the love it deserves! | © Bandai Namco

Cropped The Simpsons Hit Run — The Simpsons: Hit & Run (2003)

If *GTA* and *The Simpsons* had a baby, it would be *Hit & Run –* the open-world Springfield sandbox we never knew we needed. This game let us drive recklessly through town, cause mass chaos, and listen to Homer’s glorious one-liners while doing it. And the missions? Iconic. Who doesn’t remember racing against the nerds, collecting Buzz Cola cans, or running from an army of wasp drones? This game was pure nostalgia fuel, and a remake could elevate it with modern graphics, full voice acting from the original cast, and *actual* online multiplayer (*cough* co-op couch mode, please). The world needs *Hit & Run* back in its life – preferably before Disney decides to bury it in a vault next to *The Simpsons Arcade Game*. | © Radical Entertainment / Vivendi Universal Games

Cropped Freedom Fighters — Freedom Fighters (2003)

A game where you fight off a Soviet invasion of New York City with nothing but guerrilla tactics, charisma, and a whole lot of bullets? *Freedom Fighters* was basically *Red Dawn* meets *Squad-Based Shooter: The Game*, and we loved every second of it. This was back when third-person shooters weren’t just about hiding behind cover and regenerating health – this was a fast-paced, all-out street war where you recruited resistance fighters and turned the tide of battle. A remake could take this concept to *insane* new heights with modern squad AI, a full-fledged open-world NYC, and even online co-op. Just imagine taking the fight to the enemy in a seamless multiplayer mode – because let’s be real, *Freedom Fighters* deserves more than just being a forgotten classic. Someone call IO Interactive and tell them to put down *Hitman* for five minutes! | © IO Interactive / Electronic Arts

Cropped Manhunt — Manhunt (2003)

There’s *disturbing*, and then there’s *Manhunt*. This was the game your mom *definitely* didn’t want you playing, and honestly, she had a point. Rockstar’s ultra-violent stealth-horror masterpiece had you sneaking through dark alleyways, suffocating enemies with plastic bags, and using night-vision cameras to create some of the most unsettling scenes in gaming history. But here’s the thing – it wasn’t just shocking, it was *good*. The tension was *palpable*, the atmosphere was dripping with dread, and the AI? Relentless. A remake could fine-tune the mechanics, enhance the horror elements, and push the stealth gameplay to new levels. But let’s be honest, if this game ever got remade, it would *definitely* come with about fifty content warnings and a congressional hearing. And we’d still play it. | © Rockstar Games

Cropped Drakengard — Drakengard Saga (2003 – 2005)

Ah, *Drakengard –* the series that made you question if you were playing an action RPG or just experiencing a fever dream. With its bizarre, branching storylines, morally gray protagonists, and an *excessive* number of dragon-based aerial battles, this was *NieR* before *NieR* was even a thing. The combat was janky, the story was grim, and yet, there was something undeniably compelling about it. Of course, the real star was the unhinged narrative, which took us from medieval fantasy to *what the actual hell just happened* in a matter of hours. A full remake with *NieR: Automata*-style combat, polished visuals, and (let’s be real) *way* fewer repetitive battles could turn *Drakengard* into the masterpiece it was always meant to be. Square Enix, if you’re listening, just let Yoko Taro do his thing – we promise, we’re ready. | © Square Enix

Cropped Lord of the Rings Return of the King — The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Before the flood of forgettable *Lord of the Rings* games, there was *Return of the King –* the one game that made us feel like actual *badasses* in Middle-earth. This wasn’t just a movie tie-in; this was a *co-op hack-and-slash masterpiece* where you could play as Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and even Gandalf as you slashed your way through wave after wave of Uruk-hai. The combat was *surprisingly* deep, with combos, counters, and special abilities that made every fight feel cinematic. And let’s not forget the sheer joy of knocking enemies off Minas Tirith’s walls. A modern remake could take this *to another level –* imagine full-scale battles with hundreds of enemies, an open-world Middle-earth, and online co-op so you and a friend can yell *“For Frodo!”* as you charge into the fray. EA, you had something *special* here – time to bring it back! | © Electronic Arts

Cropped Tony Hawks Underground — Tony Hawk’s Underground (2003)

Before *Skate* made things all *realistic* and *gritty*, we had *Tony Hawk’s Underground*, a game that let you be a *skateboarding legend –* or, you know, just mess around doing ridiculous tricks off skyscrapers. This was the game that gave us a *story mode*, where you worked your way up from a nobody to a full-on pro, complete with betrayals, rivalries, and the ultimate gaming sin: *Eric stealing your tape*. And let’s not forget the sheer insanity of being able to *get off your board* for the first time. A remake could bring back the legendary soundtrack, expand the customization, and fine-tune the physics to balance arcade fun with modern precision. Plus, with online multiplayer, we could finally settle all those *who-has-the-best-custom-park* debates. Tony, please – *we need this*! | © Neversoft / Activision

Cropped Burnout 3 Takedown — Burnout 3: Takedown (2004)

Speed? Check. Destruction? Double check. The sheer, unhinged *joy* of smashing rival racers into oncoming traffic? *Burnout 3: Takedown* perfected the art of chaos, turning reckless driving into an *actual* sport. This was the game that made us care less about first place and more about *who we could take out along the way*. The *Crash Mode* alone was worth the price of admission, letting us turn busy intersections into Michael Bay explosions. And that soundtrack? *Chef’s kiss*. A remake with updated graphics, better physics, and full online multiplayer would be an instant classic. Seriously, EA – stop giving us *Need for Speed* every year and bring back *Burnout*! We *promise* we’ll still play it irresponsibly. | © Criterion Games / Electronic Arts

Cropped Sly 2 Band of Thieves — Sly 2: Band of Thieves (2004)

*Sly 2* wasn’t just a game – it was an *interactive heist movie*. This was the sequel that took everything great about the first *Sly Cooper* and dialed it up with open-ended levels, multiple playable characters, and a *plot that actually had depth*. Sly was as smooth as ever, Bentley was nerdier (and deadlier) than before, and Murray? Well, he went *full-on brawler*. The game’s blend of stealth, platforming, and stylish storytelling made it feel like a *Saturday morning cartoon come to life*. Now, imagine a remake with cel-shaded visuals in glorious 4K, fluid parkour mechanics, and – dare we say it – an actual *new* game to follow it up? Come on, PlayStation, don’t let our favorite thieving raccoon fade into the shadows! | © Sucker Punch Productions / Sony Computer Entertainment

Cropped Shadow Hears — Shadow Hearts: Covenant (2004)

A JRPG where *you* determine attacks with a spinning Judgment Ring? A *gothic horror* storyline that makes *Lovecraft* look cheerful? A protagonist who is basically a *werewolf-demon hybrid*? *Shadow Hearts: Covenant* was the dark, brooding, *slightly* unhinged RPG we didn’t know we needed. The mix of supernatural horrors, turn-based combat with actual timing-based mechanics, and a *surprisingly hilarious* supporting cast made it one of the most unique RPGs of its era. And that alternate history plot? Pure brilliance. A full remake could finally give this cult classic the recognition it *deserves*, with modern combat, a fully re-orchestrated soundtrack, and more nightmare-inducing monsters in stunning HD. If Square Enix won’t do it, someone call Atlus – they *know* how to handle weird RPGs. | © Nautilus / Aruze Corporation

Obscure msn — Obscure (2004)

Take the classic survival horror formula, mix in *co-op gameplay*, and set it in the most terrifying place imaginable – *high school*. *Obscure* was a horror game that *actually* let you play with a friend, something even today’s horror games rarely get right. The atmosphere? *Legitimately creepy*. The enemies? Pure nightmare fuel. And let’s not forget the *light-based combat system*, which made every flickering bulb feel like a lifeline. A remake with enhanced horror elements, dynamic co-op features, and *way* better voice acting (*you know it was rough*) could make this the sleeper hit horror fans *need*. Seriously, modern survival horror is great and all, but sometimes, you just want to fight mutant teachers *with your best friend*. | © Hydravision Entertainment / MC2-Microids

Cropped Midnight Club 3 — Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition (2005)

If you weren’t customizing your car to perfection and *tearing through the streets at 200 mph*, were you even playing *Midnight Club 3* right? This was the *street racing game* of the PS2 era, with an insane level of vehicle customization, sprawling open-city maps, and *pure, unfiltered speed*. This was the game that made us *feel* fast – one second you’re weaving through traffic, the next you’re *slamming* into a semi-truck because you thought you could thread the needle. A remake with modern graphics, real-time weather effects, and *online free roam* would be *absolutely* legendary. And while we’re at it – please, *please* bring back that *fire* soundtrack. Nothing hit harder than *racing through Atlanta to Lil Jon*. | © Rockstar San Diego / Rockstar Games

Cropped Ultimate Spider Man — Ultimate Spider-Man (2005)

Before *Insomniac's Spider-Man* swung onto our screens, *Ultimate Spider-Man* gave us one of the most *stylish* and *faithful* adaptations of the web-slinger to date. With its gorgeous comic book art style (literally animated panels come to life) and the ability to *actually play as Venom*, this game was a Spidey fan’s dream. Swinging through the cel-shaded streets of New York was endlessly satisfying, and the story – written by actual Spider-Man comics legend *Brian Michael Bendis –* made it feel like an *interactive* graphic novel. Now, imagine a remake with *ray-traced webbing, fluid parkour, and modern combat mechanics*. And, of course, let’s bring back *that* insane Venom gameplay – because nothing beats rampaging through the city and yeeting civilians like a snack. *Make it happen, Marvel!* | © Treyarch / Activision

Cropped Radiata Stories — Radiata Stories (2005)

A JRPG where *kicking people* is a valid interaction mechanic? Yes, *Radiata Stories* was quirky, weird, and *fantastic*. This was the game that let you *recruit literally anyone*, leading to an overwhelming number of choices in building your dream party. Oh, and let’s not forget the *real-time in-game clock –* because if you missed an event, *too bad*, the world *moved on without you*. A modern remake could take this concept to the next level with dynamic AI, a truly open-ended branching story, and – please – less *painful* missable content. Also, can we talk about that *gorgeous* art style? A modern glow-up with full voice acting could turn this charming cult classic into an *actual* RPG heavyweight. Square Enix, you’ve done *so many* remakes – throw *Radiata Stories* a bone already! | © tri-Ace / Square Enix

Cropped Haunting Ground — Haunting Ground (2005)

Imagine *Resident Evil* meets *Home Alone*, but instead of setting up traps, you’re just *running for your life*. *Haunting Ground* was pure psychological horror, with a unique hook: you’re *completely* defenseless – except for your dog. Fiona, the protagonist, spends most of the game desperately escaping unhinged stalkers, using clever hiding spots and her trusty canine companion, Hewie, to survive. And let’s be real – Hewie is the *best boy* in survival horror history. A remake could seriously *crank up the terror* with improved AI, better stealth mechanics, and more dynamic dog commands. Plus, modern graphics could make the game *even more unsettling*. Capcom, you’re already on a *remake spree –* why not give *Haunting Ground* another shot and let Hewie shine in 4K? | © Capcom

Cropped Bully — Bully (2006)

Long before *GTA V* took over the world, *Bully* gave us a different kind of open-world experience – one where instead of *stealing cars*, you were *stealing lunch money*. Playing as Jimmy Hopkins, you navigated the halls of Bullworth Academy, dealing with bullies, teachers, and *somehow* getting into just as much trouble as the *entire GTA roster combined*. The writing was *hilarious*, the school setting felt *alive*, and the mini-games – whether it was boxing, bike racing, or *acing a math test –* kept things fresh. A remake could expand the school, add more in-depth social mechanics, and give us an online multiplayer mode where players can *finally* settle the “Jocks vs. Nerds” debate. Rockstar, we know you’re busy counting GTA Online money, but *please –* bring Jimmy back! | © Rockstar Vancouver / Rockstar Games

Cropped God Hand — God Hand (2006)

*God Hand* was like if someone took an arcade brawler, fed it an entire can of *Red Bull*, and said, *"Make it ridiculous."* And ridiculous it was – in the best way possible. This game had some of the *most satisfying* melee combat ever, with a fully customizable moveset that let you punch, kick, and *launch* enemies into the stratosphere. The difficulty? *Brutal.* But when you mastered it, you felt *like a god*. A remake could keep the over-the-top combat while fine-tuning the janky camera and controls for modern players. And please, let’s not *touch* the absurd humor – it’s what made *God Hand* an *all-time* cult classic. Clover Studio may be gone, but *PlatinumGames*, we *know* you’re out there. Bring back the *God Hand*! | © Clover Studio / Capcom

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The PlayStation 2 era was a golden age for gaming, delivering unforgettable experiences that shaped the industry. From groundbreaking RPGs to cult-classic action games, many PS2 titles remain beloved but are now stuck in the past due to outdated graphics, clunky mechanics, or lack of availability on modern platforms. With the ongoing trend of remakes bringing nostalgic favorites back to life, these 20 PS2-era games are long overdue for a revival. Whether it's improved visuals, refined gameplay, or a full reimagining, these classics deserve a second chance to shine.

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The PlayStation 2 era was a golden age for gaming, delivering unforgettable experiences that shaped the industry. From groundbreaking RPGs to cult-classic action games, many PS2 titles remain beloved but are now stuck in the past due to outdated graphics, clunky mechanics, or lack of availability on modern platforms. With the ongoing trend of remakes bringing nostalgic favorites back to life, these 20 PS2-era games are long overdue for a revival. Whether it's improved visuals, refined gameplay, or a full reimagining, these classics deserve a second chance to shine.