If the game lags or stutters:
A standard ISO typically ranges from 4GB to nearly 8GB because it was one of the few PS2 games to utilize a DVD-9 (dual-layer) disc. "Highly compressed" versions use tools like 7-Zip or RAR to bring the download size down to as little as 200MB to 900MB . Estimated Size Original ISO Full dual-layer data Standard Compressed (CSO/CHD) 4.0 GB – 6.0 GB Lossless compression for emulators Highly Compressed (Zip/RAR) 200 MB – 1.3 GB Needs extraction before playing How to Use GOW 2 Compressed Files gow 2 highly compressed iso
Most modern repacks are regarding gameplay. That means the boss fights (Theseus, Perseus, the Kraken), the QTEs, and the voice acting are identical to the original. You lose no frames per second (FPS) due to compression once extracted . If the game lags or stutters: A standard