The best of Ps2?

I have a Ps2 now and I'm sort of new to the whole Sony thing. I have a ton of systems, from Virtual Boy to Jaguar, but I've never owned a Sony console. Back in the day I wasn't really impressed with the original Playstation when compared to the Saturn (sue me) and I just never bought into it.
The Ps2 never wowed me either.
But now I have one, based off the fact that it's the only Next-Gener that I was without. A friend of mine had introduced me to the Gran Turismo games, which I loved, so I've managed to pick up both A-Spec and GT2. Being a huge SNK fan, and since the Ps2 is getting some love (2001 is actually superior to it's original version) I've already picked up the double pack, and pre-ordered SVC.
But that's all I have. Two Gran Turismo games, and the double pack.
So my question is this:
What's some good games that are only on the Ps2? I'm into to just about every genre but the highlights would have to be-
First Person Shooter
Fighting (2d or 3d)
Platform
Racing

Like I said I can handle just about anything so please feel free to mention anything that you feel is a great game. I'm going to pick up some games sometime next week, and I'll grab the three that get the most votes on here...or if theres not a lot of replies, I'll just grab the three that sound the best. :D

I'm in the same boat. I asked for PS2 for lack of anything else big i wanted, so i have one along with gran tourismo 3, GTA double pack, and Ico. I know when i didn't have one there were a bunch of obscure games i always wanted to try, but now i can't really think of them. I'll be occupied with what i got for a while though, this is mainly for GT4 whenever that comes out

Maximo
Sly Cooper
Ridge Racer V
Gitaroo Man

ICO

Add to kidnemo's list:
Suikoden III
Xenosaga
Culdcept
ICO
Bombastic
Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution
Shinobi
Contra Shattered Soldier
Klonoa 2
Devil May Cry
Space Channel 5 Special Edition.

And I must also 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sly Cooper and Gitarooman... those two are two of the finest games on the PS2.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kidnemo

Maximo
Sly Cooper
Ridge Racer V
Gitaroo Man

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These are a must as well.

Rez is at least a must play.

Other great ps2 exclusives:
R&C, R&C:GC
VF4Evo
Gulity Gear X2
Dark Cloud 2

Zone of the Enders 2
The Getaway
The Mark of Kri
Ratchet and Clank
Metal Gear Solid 2
....

I'll whatever-number ICO, Turismo, GTA and VF4evo.

And adding, hey, I really thought the SSX games were a load of fun, if you're into the snowboarding. Kinda Tony Hawk-y on snow.

GTA III
GTA VC
Klonoa 2
Gladius
Disgaea
Ridge Racer 5
Tekken Tag Tournament
Virtua Fighter 4
Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution
Mark of Kri

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Giga Power

Back in the day I wasn't really impressed with the original Playstation when compared to the Saturn (sue me) and I just never bought into it.

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Wow. PSX had so many better games over the Saturn it wasn't even funny.

Anyhow, as for recommendations off of the top of my head... (and I'm going to list all my picks, even if they aren't of the genres that you mentioned)

Final Fantasy X
Disgaea
Devil May Cry
Fatal Frame 1 + 2
Silent Hill 2 + 3
Ico
Klonoa
SSX
Sky Odyssey
Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance
Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter
Guilty Gear XX
Grand Theft Auto 3 + Vice City

And since you don't have any PSX games, there are some you really should consider

Ridge Racer Type 4 (IMHO, one of the best racers ever)
Top Shop (one of the best party games ever)
Suikoden 2
Silent Hill
Incredible Crisis
Buishido Blade
Castlevania
Um Jammer Lammy
Tomba (really, really good platform game)