The PS2 is still the best-selling home console of all time. It is a great achievement considering that more than 20 years have passed since its original release.
This console also has the most extensive catalog of games of all the videogames consoles, which stands out in all genres. Based on this, this list will only focus on the fighting genre, specifically, the best fighting games.
The Best PS2 Fighting Games Of All Time!
14. Def Jam: Fight For NY
Def Jam: Fight for NY has a good number of game modes, a competent and solvent story, and a large number of characters. Additionally, it also possesses unlockable scenarios, the options to customize our characters, and the large number of hours of gameplay, and all that makes this game a good purchase.
All lovers of beat’em up and fighting games should try this game. However, the great fighting games on the market are far ahead of it in each of its aspects.
13. Bloody Roar 3
Even though Bloody Roar 3 is still lacking to compete with the great games of the genres, it turns out to be a good fighting game. It is fast, spectacular and has a lot of fun. However, it has few characters, few movements, and a few game modes.
In short, with some improvements here and there, Bloody Roar 3 could become an excellent option for fighting lovers. Even so, as we have already said, it is a good game recommended for fans of the genre.
12. Naruto Ultimate Ninja 3
The Ultimate Ninja series closes its cycle on PlayStation 2 with a video game that mixes adventure, fights, mini-games, and, of course, the story of Naruto. All that as a whole is the result of CyberConnect2’s several years working with the ninja.
The great character roster, the customization possibilities, and the long duration of the program make Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 a must-buy for fans of the manganime created by Masashi Kishimoto.
11. Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008
Smackdown vs. Raw is a highly recommended title for all those who want to have a good time with a fun game that takes advantage of the official WWE license. It can be repetitive in the long term, but everyone who enjoys wrestling will undoubtedly love it.
This game is for WWE fans what Pro Evolution Soccer is for soccer fans or Gran Turismo for car racing lovers.
10. Capcom vs. SNK 2
The best of Capcom and the best of SNK is in here. This game includes all the gameplay and all the spectacularity that has characterized its best-known fighting sagas.
Capcom vs. SNK has a luxurious soundtrack, with new themes and mythical music from the sagas included in this title.
9. The King Of Fighters XI
In The King of Fighters XI, we find a very classic bet, luckily following the slow but constant improvement within the franchise productions made after the bankruptcy of SNK.
This game has been able to correct the errors of the past installments. It is a complete fighting game in all aspects and a very entertaining story mode with several available endings. It is indeed a title that fighting game fans cannot miss.
8. Guilty Gear XX
Sammy and Arc System Works have created the definitive Guilty Gear.
The best graphics up to date, modern aesthetics, great music, and overall, an excellent gameplay, make Guilty Gear XX the best in its saga for PS2.
If you are a fan of the saga or these kinds of games, you should not miss this title. In addition to having new characters and new movements, we can enjoy 60 Hz that we claimed in its previous installments.
7. Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
Until Mortal Kombat 9 arrived, Armageddon was probably the best Mortal Kombat in 3D. This title is very extensive, loaded with extras, with more than 60 controllable characters, a lot of game modes for action, and another for kart racing.
It has a solid combat system with one of the most extensive rosters of fighters in a game with these characteristics. The diverse modes that it includes, make this title a must for fans and to keep in mind for fans of the genre.
6. Street Fighter Alpha Anthology
It does not matter if we are in 1995 or 2020, there will always be guaranteed fun with a Street Fighter game. The magic of Street Fighter does not seem to age, and this compilation shows its best forms in this edition for Playstation 2.
Without a doubt, this Street Fighter compilation is a must-buy for all fans of the saga. We highly recommend it for fighting lovers and even for those who have never tried a Street Fighter game yet.
5. Soulcalibur III
Soulcalibur III polishes what the saga achieved previously. It also increases the number of fighters and includes updates that are worthy of attention, such as the character creator.
We are facing a spectacular game, with fast combat and full of emotion, able to satisfy both experts and new players.
Gamers who have played the previous installment could criticize it because of its lack of novelties in some aspects. However, Soulcalibur III is an excellent game and was one of the best PS2 fighting games and also of its generation.
4. Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 3
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is the ultimate experience based on the already mythical world created by Toriyama 24 years ago.
The game is extremely fun. Tenkaichi 3 has a wide variety of high-quality game modes available. Hours and hours await us in front of the TV, challenging the most potent rivals. This installment has the most massive cast of characters ever seen in a fighting video game.
This game finally reflects 100% of the true spirit of the animation series.
3. Virtua Fighter IV
Virtua Fighter IV is a game that will be remembered as the perfection of the saga. It has hundreds of hours of gameplay ahead thanks to its great game modes and the number of prizes hidden in it.
It is best enjoyed in the company of a friend to demonstrate our skills at the controls of the PS2.
The best thing about the game is the disappearance of the graphic errors and the addition of the Quest Mode and the new characters. Besides, the AI of the rivals and the improvement of the control of the characters are excellent.
2. Marvel vs. Capcom 2
Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is a real gem, and easily one of the best PS2 fighting games out there. A must-buy for fans of 2D fighting, even those who hate this kind of game should check it out.
The game combines excellent graphics with a very wild and addictive fighting system and a luxury option such as the Secret Factor. That feature tries to increase our team of fighters based on the scores we achieve when completing the game, which will serve unlock costumes, settings, and new characters in the game. Also, we will increase our experience.
Marvel vs. Capcom is a fighting game that no one should miss.
1. Tekken 5
Tekken 5 became the best Tekken in its day and also became the best PS2 fighting game. Instantly it became a classic in its genre.
It has everything that makes a fighting game great, and much more. One of the best graphics sections seen on the console, more than 30 different fighters, a refined gameplay, and a lot of extras with which to stay glued to the console for a long, long time.
All gamers who waited for a worthy successor to Tekken 3 were not disappointed. Tekken 5 is for PS2 as as Tekken 3 was for PS1, one of the best PS2 Fighting Games Of All Time.
Check out our picks for the most Underrated PS2 Games of All Time.