The Getaway (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A compelling trawl through London's criminal underworld. The most cinematic experience yet on PS2 - a landmark title.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 (Activision) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Neversoft has delivered again with one of the most rewarding PS2 titles around. Not just a sequel - this feels like a new game!

James Bond 007 Nightfire (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

If the Bond movies seem rooted in 1967, the Bond games are stuck about 30 years later. It's progress, of a sort, but we want more.

Auto Modellista (Capcom) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Auto Modellista looks good, but the real bonus is how much fun it is to play.

Virtua Tennis 2 (Sega) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Virtua Tennis 2 is one outstanding tennis game, and is one of the PlayStation 2's essential multiplayer experiences.

Reign Of Fire (Bam Entertainment) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A great idea that fleshes out the film's anaemic plot, but is slightly restricted by its emphasis on vehicular battle.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter (Lucasarts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A Star Wars-themed 3D shooter with some optional bounty hunting. Good mindless fun, but it promised more.

The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (Black Bean Games) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Failing to capture any of the rich, creative landscape of the book, this game is fundamentally boring, and a chore to play.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2003 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A great golf sim and is easily the best around.

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

This is everything you'd want from a Clancy title: hectic, realistic action.

Castleween (Wanadoo) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Relatively fun while it lasts, but when there are so many better platformers around, its appeal is inevitably limited.

Run Like Hell (Interplay) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A valiant effort, but a game that feels two years out of date.

Robotech: Battlecry (TDK) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

We'd like to say that this will appeal to everyone who likes a good extra-terrestrial dogfight. In truth, only die-hard fans will take to it.

Alpine Racer 3 (namco) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

The Alpine Racer series started out as an arcade game, complete with a 'huge pair of skis' peripheral. It's great when played that way, but at home with a joypad, it's on a slippery slope indeed.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation Vs. Zeon (Bandai) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Brainless but bombastic and absorbing fun - even if you've never heard of either Federation or Zeon.

Sega Soccer Slam (Sega) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

This is just offensive. The only reason for playing it would be if, post-apocalypse, it's the only football game remaining?

Spyro: Enter The Dragonfly (Universal Interactive) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Spyro: Enter The Dragonfly is by no means a poor game, but it feels old and rehashed.

Myst III: Exile (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Dull and uninspiring. If this is the kind of game you really want to play, then a shopping trip to PC World is long overdue.

Butt Ugly Martians: Zoom Or Doom (Vivendi Universal) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Although the graphics are bold and colourful, Zoom Or Doom feels sluggish compared to the blistering speed of its rivals - it doesn't have the pure stomach-church factor that you expect from this genre. Still, it's the perfect Christmas gift if you've got a snotty little brother.

Pryzm Chapter One: The Dark Unicorn (TDK) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

This is just totally inept. And cute little unicorns make us puke.