We already published the list of best PS2 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS2 survival/horror games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS2 definitely has a great library of survival/horror games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS2 and survival/horror games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Cold Fear
- Release Data: Darkworks/Ubisoft, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Although Cold Fear is a tidy survival horror game with some interesting gameplay elements, it suffers from being generic.
It’s definitely entertaining for a few hours, especially if you’re amused by the rampant clichés, but if you’re looking for a truly freakish survival horror game, you’ll be better off getting your fear somewhere else.
#24. Resident Evil Outbreak
- Release Data: Capcom, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Despite only having five levels, the game does have a decent amount of replay value.
The scenarios can differ a lot depending on your character choice, and there are a ton of still pictures, sound effects, music tracks, and silly alternate costumes.
Outbreak doesn’t really live up to its potential, but it’s a pretty good game for its audience.
#23. Clock Tower 3
- Release Data: SunSoft/Capcom, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Clock Tower 3 is mostly a welcome change of pace from the typical survival horror formula.
It’s interesting to play a game in this genre where your character basically can’t fight back.
And although it’ll probably only last you five to six hours, Clock Tower 3 still comes across as a surprisingly enjoyable survival horror game.
#22. Disaster Report
- Release Data: Irem/Agetec, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Yes, there are disasters in this game.
But Disaster Report’s gameplay is free of any severely damaging flaws.
It’s slower, and requires more use of the brain than most of the games out there, so it’s definitely not for every PlayStation 2 owner out there.
However, it is a lot of fun and will surprise you more than you’d expect.
#21. Siren
- Release Data: SCE Japan Studio/SCEE, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
While sightjacking is an interesting mechanic, its implementation here, and the way it bogs the game down, make it feel more like a gimmick than anything else.
All in all, fans of the genre wanting something new may be interested in Siren if they have some patience.
#20. Ghosthunter
- Release Data: SCE Studio Cambridge/SCEE, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Ghosthunter isn’t a game that will appeal to hardcore survival horror fanatics, nor is it going to have much appeal to anybody who wants serious challenge or longevity out of their survival horror games.
However, Ghosthunter is still a very enjoyable experience for as long as it lasts.
#19. Silent Hill: Origins
- Release Data: Climax Studios/Konami, 2008
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
With a good storyline, intriguing gameplay elements and excellent production and replay value, Origins is definitely worthy of a Silent Hill fan’s attention.
While the combat and camera system is pretty weak, and the manual control over shifting between dimensions removes the feeling of dread, Origins does justice to the series as a whole.
#18. Extermination
- Release Data: Deep Space/SCEI, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
This title is far from being poor and is certainly entertaining at times—it just lacks the originality and extra level of polish needed to provide a truly memorable gaming experience.
Die-hard survival-horror fans will feel like that the ground Extermination walks is too familiar, while others will enjoy it for what it is.
#17. Haunting Ground
- Release Data: Capcom, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
The relationship between the girl and her dog, really gives Haunting Ground its own special place in the horror genre.
The hide-and-seek gameplay is not without flaws, but if you’re a big horror fan and don’t mind something different, Haunting Ground is worth a look.
#16. Blood Omen 2
- Release Data: Crystal Dynamics/Eidos Interactive, 2002
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Blood Omen 2 can’t be recommended to everybody.
It isn’t quite as great as fans of the series would like, but it can still be worth a shot.
And if you’ve never played a Legacy of Kain game, then this is a good enough place to start.
#15. Forbidden Siren 2
- Release Data: SCE Japan Studio/SCEI, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
This is a love it or hate it horror game but if you love intelligent, otherworldly scares, it’s one you really ought to try.
In short, it’s a unique, genuinely scary Japanese horror experience, but one that still takes a real time investment to get into.
#14. Silent Hill 4: The Room
- Release Data: KCET/Konami, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Silent Hill 4: The Room is an interesting sequel that attempts to branch out in several areas of gameplay and setting while remaining true to the psychological thriller-style that’s always set the Silent Hill series apart from more action-oriented scares.
If you’re a horror fan or a Silent Hill fan, Silent Hill 4: The Room is certainly worth looking at.
#13. The Suffering: Ties That Bind
- Release Data: Surreal Software/Midway, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
If you’re a fan of the previous game and you’re looking for more of the same, Ties That Bind fits the bill, but more expansion on the themes of the first game would have made for a much more interesting final product.
#12. Legacy of Kain: Defiance
- Release Data: Crystal Dynamics/Eidos Interactive, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
With this title, there is so much to the story that fans of the series will be delighted.
Unfortunately, the game is rather linear in design, but counter that with terrific graphics and amazing sound and you have a game worth indulging in.
#11. Gregory Horror Show
- Release Data: Capcom, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Gregory Horror Show is one of those quirky, off-the-chart insane titles that no-one really understands.
Every single aspect of the game works exactly as it’s intended to, and the originality of the parody-horror concept is hilariously well-done.
Overall, the game is fun and offers something very different.
#10. Fatal Frame III: The Tormented
- Release Data: Tecmo, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Fatal Frame III: The Tormented is truly engaging, through the gameplay issues and the sometimes oddly paced storytelling—it’s thoroughly dark, depressing, and dire, just as it should be.
Any fan of horror games should consider this game worth checking out, and Fatal Frame fans will get the most out of it due to the overlapping stories.
#9. The Thing
- Release Data: Computer Artworks/Konami, 2002
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
In the end, The Thing‘s unique blend of action, puzzle-solving, and team management works very well.
The mix of gameplay elements really helps to keep the game interesting the whole way through, since at just about every turn the game asks you to do something that you haven’t done before.
#8. The Suffering
- Release Data: Surreal Software/Midway, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Though The Suffering tends to rely more on startling you with visual effects and sudden attacks than on actually trying to scare you, it’s still a pretty refreshing take on horror-themed games.
Overall, The Suffering is a fun shooter that fans of action horror games will get a kick out of.
#7. Soul Reaver 2
- Release Data: Crystal Dynamics/Eidos Interactive, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
It’s an excellent sequel in that its puzzles and combat have evolved to the next level, and it provides a compelling, if not wholly satisfying, storyline.
Unfortunately, if it were only a little longer, it could’ve counted among the best games available on the system.
#6. Fatal Frame
- Release Data: Tecmo, 2002
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
As far as horror-themed games go, Fatal Frame is one of the most interesting titles..
The game itself is as long as most of its kind, but quite a few options are unlocked when you play through it the first time.
If games such as Silent Hill and Resident Evil interest you, this should be added to your collection.
#5. Resident Evil Code: Veronica X
- Release Data: Capcom, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
It will satisfy fans thanks to filling in plot strands left hanging from the previous games, and its gameplay is just a refinement on what makes this one of the scariest games.
Anyone who has even a remote interest in the survival horror genre will find Code: Veronica X to be a worthwhile addition.
#4. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly
- Release Data: Tecmo/Ubisoft, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly may be light on challenge, but it’s still rich in great, dark atmosphere.
Fans of the first game will find a similar story that’s still plenty creepy, and while the lack of difficulty hurts the experience somewhat, those new to the genre will find this game really playable.
#3. Silent Hill 3
- Release Data: KCET/Konami, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
All in all, Silent Hill 3 is an excellent addition to the series.
There’s no remarkable new gameplay to speak of, so the game is clearly intended for fans of the series, who’ve been impressed over the years by Silent Hill’s unusually dark and psychological style.
#2. Silent Hill 2
- Release Data: KCET/Konami, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
As a PlayStation 2 game, overall, Silent Hill 2 is graphically stunning, while providing a full production package of surround sound techniques and good voice acting to boot.
It’s frightening, deep, clever, and tries to improve the genre, if just a little, and in the end, that’s all we really want in a survival horror game.
#1. Resident Evil 4
- Release Data: Capcom, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Originally released for the GameCube, Resident Evil 4 makes few sacrifices in bringing all its glory to bear on the PS2 and delivers one incredible thrill after another.
And the bottom line is, if you’ve been entertained by any other mature-rated action-adventure game recently, then chances are you’ll be blown away by this one.
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See also: Best PS1 Games & Best PSP Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PS2 survival/horror game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
