Confession time: no matter how innovative EyeToy is, no matter how popular it is (over a third of you plucky readers own one) or how many awards it's won (lots!), the novelty wore off pretty quickly. Don't get us wrong, we doff our hats to the clever people at Sony London who thought it up, but most games designed for the device have just revolved around the basic principle of whacking things on screen (barring U-Move Super Sports, which tried to spice things up a few months ago by introducing a few original touches). So it's no real surprise to find EyeToys sat atop TV sets, tucked into a cosy blanket of dust or, like ours, nestling in a drawer calmly awaiting new games and next year's EyeToy Chat.

With this Christmas' pair of big EyeToy games, we're hoping that someone has looked past the impressive but shallow 'Look, I'm on telly!' buzz that has since been killed by really bad ads for car insurance, to deliver something that is more game than gimmick.

First in for its close-up is EyeToy Play 2. As its forebear was the mould-definer, this should surely be the mould-breaker - and it doesn't disappoint. While the overall mini-game vibe remains, each of the themes has been broken up into rounds and levels, adding depth and longevity. The best of the batch are Secret Agent, Mr. Chef and DIY, which give you a series of stealth/culinary/handyman chores to complete. If the first Play's WishiWashi was Mr. Myagi's "wax on, wax off" training (simple and repetitive), then this lot is like training for the SAS - it's tougher, well paced and a decent challenge.

Sega Superstars, on the other hand, takes practically every major Sega character you can think of and turns them into an EyeToy game. A newly devised sensor technique minimises the amount of space, meaning mini-games like Monkey Ball and NiGHTS sense your movement back, forth, up and down, giving you control over 3D environments and putting Play 2's flat designs to shame. Conversely, some of the basics don't work as well as they do when compared to the Sony ones. The Space Channel 5 gave may be great-sounding rhythm action, for instance, but it can be imprecise - and is outshone by Play 2's brilliant Air Guitar. Although, at the same time, Play 2 does have the odd dud game in its stable, such as the dull table tennis.

Before we hit the verdict, though, remember this: both discs have a weakness, which is unoriginality. Play 2's Table Tennis and Goal Attack, and Superstars' House Of The Dead and Virtua Striker are retreads of old EyeToy concepts. Play 2 counters this with a playbox full of memorable toy elements, such as bubblewrap and spellcasting. Superstars tries to spice things up with a monster-nurturing element that keeps track of your score, but is ultimately quite forgettable and a little dull.

It's because of this that EyeToy Play 2 wins the fight, but only just. The game you should buy is really dependent on what exactly it is you want. If it's instant fun you're after, go for Play 2. If you want slightly longer-term joy from characters you'll recognise, then Sega Superstars is for you. Of course, in a perfect world the EyeToy faithful might want to consider buying both for a really happy Christmas.

Graphics 60%
Still basic, but they do the job.

Sound 70%
Good sounds and great effects.

Gameplay 80%
Rejigged with depth.

Lifespan 80%
These ones should go the distance.

Overall 80%
We are vindicated. EyeToy Play is better second time around and it's the best of the bunch this Christmas, but only just.

Graphics 80%
It's like playing a 'proper' game.

Sound 70%
Worth it for Space Channel 5.

Gameplay 80%
Some great touches, if randomly fiddly.

Lifespan 70%
Depends how much you love Sega.

Overall 80%
It's a bit of a mixed bag, really. But the use of Sega's back catalogue of stars is definitely a stroke of genius.