Dark Cloud (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

A traditional RPG buoyed spectacularly by a fascinating by a fascinating world-building aspect. One of the best PS2 RPGs available so far.

World Championship Snooker 2002 (Codemasters) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Encapsulates everything about snooker - both good and bad - and is thus incredibly playable.

Moderngroove: MOS Edition (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

As an interactive lightshow it's hard to beat, but you might well just as well turn it on and let it do its own thing after about half an hour.

Victorious Boxers (Empire Interactive) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A brave attempt to be different, but Ready 2 Rumble: Round 2 and Knockout Kings already have the boxing game market sewn up.

Rune: Viking Warlord (Take 2 Interactive) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

Lacks originality, good looks and a believable game world. Rune should be left where it belongs, in the Dark Ages of gaming.

Extreme G 3 (Acclaim) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

A souped-up neon beast of a bike racer that requires skill, brains and will not flatter mediocre gamers. Strictly for the hardcore and not for the faint-hearted.

Tokyo Xtreme Racer (Crave Entertainment) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

Safe and solid, but all at the expense of any real racing performance. Oh dear.

The Flintstones In Viva Rock Vegas (Swing) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

You should not care less about this game. Oddly, it seems, neither did the developer.

Digimon World (Bandai) (PlayStation (EU Version))

A likeable variation on the Tamagotchi theme. That said, the routine may start to grate after a while...

Roswell Conspiracies: Aliens, Myths And Legends (Red Storm Entertainment) (PlayStation (US Version))

Another cartoon licence that should have never been allowed to escape from the satellite TV schedules.

Tintin: Destination Adventure (Infogrames) (PlayStation (EU Version))

A tragic waste of a perfectly decent licence. Despicably shallow and far, far too easy. Terrible.

The Little Mermaid II (THQ) (PlayStation (US Version))

A reasonable sub-aquatic platformer in the traditional Disney mould of bright, friendly graphics and mucho collecting of gold coins.