Splinter Cell (Ubisoft)

Tension, action, spectacular moves and gadgets combine to make Splinter Cell one of PS2's best. A stealthy triumph.

Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance (Konami)

Metal Gear Solid 2 virgins should buy this sharpish.

Devil May Cry 2 (Capcom)

Devil May Cry 2 is still slicker than your average action fare, but as a sequel this is more of a whimper than a bang.

Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc (Ubisoft)

Rayman 3 is vivid, vibrant and thoroughly charming - stick it up there with the platforming greats.

Pride FC (THQ)

A very realistic take on the Nipponese no-holds-barred sport, but a lack of followers could make it fall flat on its face.

War Of The Monsters (Sony)

Colossal cartoon creatures brawling like drunken dads fighting at a school sports day. And yes, it is just as fun.

Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis (Konami)

A prehistoric premise, sure. But Operation Genesis puts a fresh spin on the God sim genre. Hammond would be proud.

Vexx (Acclaim)

Vexx is quality platform fare but its shortcomings can be summarised in four words: Ratchet, Clank, Jak and Daxter.

Dark Angel (Sierra)

What Buffy The Vampire Slayer gets right, Dark Angel gets wrong. You won't be missing out on much.

Galerians: Ash (Sammy)

Confusing, poorly designed and a displeasure to play. All but the most action-starved should think twice.

Everblue 2 (Capcom)

Has a quirky charm all of its own, but there's very little real gameplay.

Sega Bass Fishing Duel (Sega)

The Gran Turismo of fishing games. Sadly that makes it a very dull experience indeed.

Ben Hur (Microids)

Circus Maximus is better. Is there anything more humiliating than being the PS2's worst chariot sim?

Largo Winch: Empire Under Threat (Ubisoft)

It promises 'adventure, suspense and glamour'. But, lady-loving aside, this is complete merde.

Fisherman's Challenge (Konami)

A thoughtful fishing sim. Consequently, as dull as the real thing.

NHL 2K3 (Sega)

Runabout 3: Neo Age (Bam Entertainment)

There's little to recommend about this shallow urban racer.

Guilty Gear X2 (Arc System Works)

Guilty Gear X2 is a labour of love that now has all the features you wanted in the previous game.

Dakar 2 (Acclaim)

Dakar's the star? Not really. Like its forefather, there's little here to excite.