Jak And Daxter: The Precursor Legacy (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

A true PS2 original. Confident and utterly accomplished. This is, above all, a supremely enjoyable videogame. Get it. Get it now.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (Activision) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A stunning PS2 debut that will hook newcomers and Hawk's veterans alike. This is everything a great game should be - addictive, fun and veined with longevity. Buy it.

SSX Tricky (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

An instantly playable, brilliantly designed game with a perfect difficulty curve. SSX owners might find it over-familiar, but that's no reason not to buy it.

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? 2nd Edition (Eidos) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Buy the board game, play online or attend your local pub quiz to avoid supporting this rush-developed cash cow.

Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance (Interplay) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Sustains the reputation of the series for quality and epic drama, but does so in a way that is resolutely suited to a PS2 audience, delivering beguiling hack 'n slash on the way.

Rayman M (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Some good ideas but the finished article just doesn't really come up to scratch in both gameplay areas.

James Bond 007 In Agent Under Fire (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

This great exploration of the Bond universe offers a thrilling single-player experience - if you can cope with the rather complex controls.

Shaun Palmer's Pro Snowboarding (Activision) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A disappointment when contrasted with either SSX Tricky or stablemate Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3. Proof, indeed, that your wheels are definitely better than none.

Smuggler's Run 2: Hostile Territories (Rockstar Games) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Impressively big and entertaining, fast and frantic, but hardly the greatest ever game to grace the PS2.

Giants: Citizen Kabuto (Empire) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A great deal of honour and imagination has been injected into this title. It's worth a look, but horrific loading times will frustrate even the most patient gamer.

Jet Ski Riders (Eidos) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Another passable Jet Ski game that breaks no new ground. Opt for Splashdown instead.

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

Quite simply the best leather-on-willow sim on any console ever. Cricket 2002 catches the heart and soul of cricket with sweet perfection.

Capcom Vs. SNK 2 (Capcom) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Slick, quick and slightly rough around the edges, it's everything you'd expect from Capcom, the master of the genre.

The Simpsons: Road Rage (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

A frenetic helping of wanton, arcade driving, but it's a shame such a great licence can't be put to a more original use than this.

Driven (Bam Entertainment) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Straight to bargain bin release at best.

Bass Strike (THQ) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A competent stab at competition fishing, but in the final analysis: why?

NBA Live 2002 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

There's nothing massively wrong and there's nothing massively right. It's just, well, mediocre.

Syphon Filter 3 (Sony) (PlayStation (EU Version))

Damn it all to hell, this counter-terrorism stuff is fantastic virtual fun.

Worms World Party (Team 17) (PlayStation (US Version))

Wickedly addictive wormy mayhem, and only a tenner to boot? Guaranteed to provide months of worm-battering fun.

Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation (EU Version))

The simplicity will be a let-down for hardened gamers, but this is still an immensely varied platform adventure for Potter fans.

Hidden And Dangerous (Illusion Software Ltd) (PlayStation (EU Version))

Great in places, but awful controls and lack of precision drag it down.