The PlayStation 2 gave us some of the greatest action games of all time. For gamers who grew up in the PS2 era, nothing hits harder than the memories of its legendary titles. Recently, we’ve seen some of these classics return in modern form — Resident Evil 4 received a stunning remake, Silent Hill 2 is being reimagined, and Metal Gear Solid 3 is on its way back with modern visuals. But for every classic that gets a revival, many games remain stuck in the past, waiting for their turn. In this blog, we dig them out, reimagine them, and remind players why the PS2 was the king of action gaming.
Prince of Persia Trilogy
When you think of PS2 action-adventure with time magic, Prince of Persia instantly comes to mind. The Sands of Time trilogy redefined platforming with its fluid parkour, wall-running, and the now-iconic ability to rewind time. Warrior Within shifted gears with a darker tone, heavier combat, and a more mature story, while The Two Thrones tied the saga together with a gripping finale.
Despite being groundbreaking, the trilogy has been left behind. Ubisoft’s attempts at remasters and reboots never fully captured the magic of the originals. Imagine the fluid acrobatics rebuilt with today’s smooth physics engines, cinematic storytelling on par with modern Assassin’s Creed, and enhanced combat polished to match current action standards. A true remake of the trilogy could reintroduce Prince of Persia as more than just a fragment of the past — it could be the rebirth of a franchise that once defined the very meaning of adventure.
Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks
Ask any longtime Mortal Kombat fan which game they want remade, and Shaolin Monks almost always makes the list. The PS2 cult classic mixed action-adventure gameplay with the over-the-top violence the series is known for. Playing as Liu Kang and Kung Lao, fans fought their way through iconic stages, unlocking secrets, pulling off finishers, and chaining together some of the most satisfying combos of the generation.
And yet, it’s been left behind. With how far action games — and Mortal Kombat itself — have come, a remake feels overdue. Imagine seamless online and couch co-op, expanded move sets, cinematic storytelling, and the kind of brutal finishers the modern MK games have perfected. A remake could finally give fans the definitive Shaolin Monks experience they’ve been begging for — a dream come true for players who’ve been waiting almost 20 years for its return.
Devil May Cry Trilogy
The Devil May Cry trilogy on PS2 is remembered as the birth of stylish action games. The first game shocked players with its gothic tone and sharp swordplay, while Devil May Cry 2 stumbled but still paved the way forward. Then came Devil May Cry 3, which more than made up for it. Widely regarded as one of the greatest action games of its generation, DMC3 perfected the formula with deep combat styles, jaw-dropping boss fights, and a younger, cockier Dante who became a true gaming icon.
Despite the series continuing in later installments, the PS2 trilogy has never received the full remake treatment. Imagine reliving Dante’s rise with modern visuals, fluid combat systems, and expanded story sequences that dive deeper into his rivalry with Vergil. The Devil May Cry trilogy — and especially DMC3 — deserves a return not as a simple remaster, but as a complete reimagining. Among PS2’s greatest titles, few are as remake-worthy as Devil May Cry 3.
Tomb Raider (PS2 Era)
The PS2 era of Tomb Raider was packed with experimentation. The Angel of Darkness tried to give Lara a darker, edgier tone, while Legend revitalized her adventures with modernized controls and cinematic storytelling. Anniversary honored her roots with a reimagined classic, and Underworld expanded the series with massive, exploration-driven environments. Together, these games laid the groundwork for the successful reboots we’ve seen in recent years — yet the PS2 era itself has been left behind.
A full remake could breathe new life into these adventures. Imagine Tomb Raider rebuilt with today’s visuals and gameplay engines, setting the tone for polished remakes of Anniversary and Underworld. As a trilogy, they would showcase Lara at her most adventurous, reminding the world why she became the face of action gaming.
God of War 1 & 2
When God of War launched in 2005, it felt like a revolution. The combat was fast, brutal, and stylish, but it was the storytelling that left its mark. Kratos’ tragic rage gave the game a weight few others carried — he was broken, angry, and haunted by his past. The Hydra battle in the opening alone proved the PS2 had never seen anything like it.
Then came God of War II in 2007, and everything escalated. The scale was bigger, the mythology richer, and the set-pieces more daring. From battling towering titans to that legendary cliffhanger against Zeus, it delivered one of the most powerful endings in gaming history and cemented Kratos as a PlayStation icon.
These two titles showed that cinematic action games could balance deep gameplay with unforgettable storytelling. And if they were remade today, the Hydra fight and Titan climb would break the internet — nostalgia fused with modern spectacle, turning them into instant blockbusters.
Onimusha PS2 Games
The Onimusha series was one of the PS2’s hidden gems, blending samurai action with supernatural horror. From Warlords’ haunting first step into feudal Japan, through the branching drama of Samurai’s Destiny, the time-bending spectacle of Demon Siege, and the ambitious Dawn of Dreams, the saga grew into a cinematic action powerhouse. It delivered a unique mix of history, myth, and atmosphere that felt far ahead of its time.
Imagine the series remade today — rebuilt with modern visuals, fluid swordplay like Sekiro or Ghost of Tsushima, and reimagined demon battles powered by today’s hardware. The samurai drama, the eerie tone, and the complete style of Onimusha would easily return as a phenomenal franchise for a new generation.
Revisiting these classics shows how far games have come — and how much potential remakes still hold. They were the foundation of legends. Franchises like God of War and Devil May Cry didn’t just entertain; they defined what cinematic action could be. So tell me — which of these classics would you want to see remade first? Drop your thoughts in the comments, I’d love to hear which game defined your PS2 days.
Disclaimer: All images and game content used in this blog are the property of their respective developers and publishers. They are used under fair use for the purpose of commentary, criticism, and review.
