Primal (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A finely crafted adventure which reveals its depths gradually, unfolding at a pace to suit even the most fantasy-challenged.

The Sims (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Some of you won't see what all the fuss is about. But The Sims is an innovative, engrossing and life-affirming game.

SOS: The Final Escape (Agetec) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Despite the lack of polish, SOS still shines, and shows there's more to videogames than just shooting stuff.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Lucasarts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

One for the Star Wars collectors, and a great battlefield game in its own right. Shallow, but still worth investigation.

Silent Scope 3 (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

When arcade games were better than console games, we were happy to have this. Now, it's just substandard.

Contra: Shattered Soldier (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

An aging formula that was never going to compete with the big boys. Shattered Soldier is surviving on past glories.

Wild Arms 3 (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Unless you enjoy really long films devoid of a plausible plot, we doubt you'll go wild over this one.

Hot Wheels Velocity X (THQ) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Velocity X is worth a punt, but only if you can pick it up cheap in the January sales.

4x4 EVO 2 (Bam Entertainment) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Off-road racing that lacks va-va-voom. Plenty of features, but thrills aren't on the list.

Legends Of Wrestling II (Acclaim) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Nostalgia aside, there are better wrestling games out there. WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth puts this firmly in its place.

Grand Prix Challenge (Atarisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Offers a huge variety of race and set-up options in a nice-looking package.

Disney's Donald Duck PK (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Although initially promising, this quickly reveals itself to be the usual Disney crap.

Master Rallye (Microids) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

More rallying, with nothing to make it stand out from the massed ranks of the competition.

The Simpsons: Skateboarding (Fox Entertainment) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A game that may lure in both Simpsons and skateboarding fans with its cartoon-coated ramp-jumping. Don't be fooled.

Go Go Golf (Midas Touch) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

That this game even exists shows how far the PS2 has penetrated the non-gaming market.

Tokyo Road Race (Taito) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Find the arcade game. Play it once. Save yourself the cover price.