Devil May Cry (Capcom) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Amazing, awesome and atypical. The vision and hard work of Shinji Mikami and team has culminated in another AAA title for the PS2.

Half-Life (Sierra) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

You probably won't ever play a better single player first-person shooter than Half-Life. Consider it your duty to buy and play this game to death.

Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath Of Cortex (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

Fantastic to look at, but not enough innovation in the gameplay.

World Rally Championship 2001 (Evolution Studios) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

An amazingly immersive driving simulation... but you don't have to be a petrolhead to enjoy it. An essential purchase.

Pro Evolution Soccer (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Realistic, fun and utterly addictive, this is the new benchmark in videogame football. Up there with GT3 as the best reason to own a PS2.

NHL 2002 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

The definitive ice hockey videogame. Hugely playable with fantastic graphics and a cool collection of extras make it a must-buy for NHL addicts.

Lotus Challenge (Virgin Interactive) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

On first glance, this certainly looks like a driving game, but closer inspection reveals there's little in the way of fun gameplay, and a total lack of racing action.

Soul Reaver 2 (Eidos) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Not a radical departure from its predecessors: dark, deep and enjoyable.

Airblade (Criterion) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

AirBlade's intricate environments and sublime handling make so-called 'extreme sports' look like a walk in the park. It's everything you wanted hoverboarding to be.

Stunt GP (Team 17) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Thankfully, there are plenty of far more accomplished alternatives to this racing game. A waste of anyone's time or money.

Silent Scope 2 (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Still an enjoyable arcade experience despite looking a little dated.

Supercar Street Challenge (Activision) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Little more than a turgid exercise in following the rules. If you're looking for a totally average experience, this game will dutifully provide.

FIFA 2002 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

EA has blown away the major cobwebs, but the stubborn grime remains. Despite commendable gameplay innovations, Pro Evolution Soccer is still an easy winner.

Arctic Thunder (Midway) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Don't let the crude visuals put you off. This is archetypal Midway arcade racing - fast, fearless and furious.

NYR: New York Racer (Wanadoo) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Smooth and frantic enough, but it has a severe lack of atmosphere.

18 Wheeler (Sega) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Big, brash, colourful and very, very heavy, but without enough substance to please all but dedicated haulage fans.

NHL Hitz 2002 (Midway) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

Lacks enough depth to secure a high score. Buy NHL 2002 instead.

Test Drive: Offroad Wide Open (Infogrames) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

It's a racing game that's quite unlike any other racing game on the PS2. Except for Smuggler's Run.

Global Touring Challenge: Africa (Xplosiv) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

An otherwise unspectacular racer is lifted by clever use of interesting locations.

Splashdown (Atarisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Splashdown does what it set out to do graphically, but has neglected to include similarly impressive gameplay.

DNA (Hudson) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

You'll need to wear a hat for all the head-scratching, but for those who persist it can be rewarding.

Top Gun: Combat Zones (Titus) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A flight sim that appears to have been designed by people who've never flown a plane. Now, how much for that 'Breakfast Club' licence?

Penny Racers (Takara) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A half-baked, underfed and weedy racer, with a few good tracks.

Batman Vengeance (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Despite the cool superhero setting, this is an all-too-typical conversion. A moodier edge and less mollycoddling could have made it a winner.

The Mummy Returns (Universal Interactive) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Want high adventure? Get Devil May Cry. Want by-the-numbers puzzling? Stick with the Tomb Raider collection.

The Weakest Link (Activision) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

There's more enjoyment in playing along with the TV programme than playing this.

Robot Wars (BBC Multimedia) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

We already have enough mech games thank you very much.

Lego Racers 2 (Lego) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

It's Lego! Build cars and characters! Then race them! And that's it!

FIFA 2002 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

The extra control gives fresh legs to this old pro. Worth picking up again.

One Piece Mansion (Capcom) (PlayStation (EU Version))

Not the perfect puzzle game, but still a lot of fun. As with many Japanese oddities, it deserves more attention than it'll get.

Rocket Power Team Rocket Rescue (THQ) (PlayStation (US Version))

Absolute rubbish. Fire a rocket up its ass and send it straight back whence it came.

SpongeBob Super Sponge (THQ) (PlayStation (US Version))

A solid platformer with few aspirations, but still a bit rough around the edges. You're unlikely to play it more than a few times.