The Best PlayStation 2 Hack And Slash Games

Over 1.5K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best PlayStation 2 Hack And Slash Games
Voting Rules
Games don't have to be console exclusive, as long as they were released for PlayStation 2 at some point.

If you owned a PS2 at any time during your life, then it's safe to say there were probably a few hack and slash games in your collection. With so many great options to choose from, there was never a shortage of games to play for fans of the genre. Since some games were much better than others, we've decided to rank the best PS2 Hack and slash games of all time.

This list will feature the most popular and best-selling hack and slash games that were released for PS2. While many of these games were console exclusive, we're allowing non-exclusives to be a part of the list as well. This list is made up of different items, including God of War and God of War II.

Vote up all your favorite video games below.

Most divisive: Shining Force EXA
Ranked by
  • God of War II
    1
    423 votes

    God of War II transports players into the rage-filled shoes of Kratos, a Spartan warrior who's been betrayed by the gods and seeks vengeance by changing the course of fate itself. With gameplay that pulls no punches (literally), players obliterate mythological beasts through a combo of brutal quick-time events and savage exploration, truly putting the "god" in "God of War." The game's impact is undeniable, as it cemented Kratos' status as an iconic character and solidified the franchise as a powerhouse in the gaming industry.

  • Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening dives headfirst into the origins of our silver-haired protagonist, Dante, as he faces off against his twin brother Vergil over a power struggle that could annihilate humanity. The gameplay is devilishly addictive, filled with frenetic combat and jaw-dropping combos that push players to their limits - it's no wonder DMC3 is hailed as one of the all-time greats in the hack n' slash genre. It's not just about button-mashing mayhem though, as the game's storyline unfolds like a Shakespearean tragedy, delving deeper into the lore and making a lasting impact on fans of the series.

  • Devil May Cry
    3
    304 votes
    Aug 23 2001

    Devil May Cry sets the stage for one hell of a ride, with demon hunter Dante slicing through hordes of demonic beasts in an adrenaline-fueled quest to avenge the death of his mother. The gameplay offers a delicious blend of swordplay and gun-toting action, with Dante's famous "style meter" encouraging players to chain together stylish and devastating combos. Devil May Cry's explosive debut put the hack n' slash genre on the map and spawned a legion of dedicated followers.

  • God of War
    4
    321 votes

    God of War unleashes the fury of Kratos, a Spartan warrior on a blood-soaked quest to bring down Ares, the god of war, and end his reign of terror over ancient Greece. Gritty combat, gripping puzzles, and an arsenal of divine weapons make for gameplay that is nothing short of epic. The game's impact was monumental, spawning a legendary series and etching the anguished visage of Kratos into the annals of gaming history.

  • Onimusha 3: Demon Siege
    5
    172 votes

    Onimusha 3: Demon Siege takes players through a time-bending adventure as samurai Samanosuke Akechi and modern-day cop Jacques Blanc battle otherworldly demons to save humanity. Players zip between feudal Japan and present-day Paris, slashing through demonic armies with a unique dual-hero system that spices up the gameplay and keeps things fresh. Demon Siege stands tall as a high point in the Onimusha series, leaving an indelible mark on fans and critics alike.

  • Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams
    6
    149 votes

    Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams picks up the sword fifteen years after the events of its predecessor, thrusting players into the midst of a troubled Japan where demonic forces are once again creeping in. Players navigate the challenges of strategic combat and clever puzzle-solving while immersing themselves in a deeply compelling story. As the final entry in the beloved series, Dawn of Dreams leaves a bittersweet aftertaste for the Onimusha faithful.