The PlayStation 2 is fondly remembered as a golden era for gaming, with a plethora of nostalgic and unforgettable titles that spanned numerous genres. Many of the classics from its 2000 to 2006 lifespan continue to be enjoyed and played in their original console format, via PlayStation 5's Classics Catalog, or from the countless remakes or remasters that are perpetually in development. Despite being developed 20 years ago, many PlayStation 2 titles have a timeless nature to them and are deserving of their legacy.

Among these titles, platformers had one of its greatest periods in the early 2000s. High-quality side-scrolling and 3D games were consistently being released on the PS2, Xbox, and Gamecube, with universal critical acclaim for several now-canonized titles. These platformers combined creativity, engaging narratives, and gameplay that could be enjoyed at any age. Ten of the best PS2 platformers of all time can be identified, which all experienced high levels of praise,...