The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Hardly ringing in any great changes, but with slick looks and feverish swordplay, we're not complaining.

Ghosthunter (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A few camera issues aside, this ethereal beauty makes a good case for possession. Mwahaha.

The Simpsons: Hit & Run (Sierra) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Fans will be upset at the severe lack of humour. Others will find it an inoffensive, bland GTA makeover.

Tony Hawk's Underground (Activision) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Underground takes skating games one step further up the evolutionary ladder. Utterly brilliant and addictive.

Dog's Life (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Dog's Life is good, innovative fun, but it's also a bit twee and unexciting. Hands up for Monkey Life!

SSX 3 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Expands an already huge game. Not always successful but with massive style and verve. You should own it.

WRC 3 (Evolution Studios) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

WRC 3 captures the thrills and spills without resorting to petrolhead fanaticism or uber-technical detail.

FIFA Football 2004 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

PES keeps its nose ahead, but this is the best FIFA title ever. The hole in the defence is closing, Konami!

NBA Live 2004 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

A comprehensive sim that grows with you. But those not in love with the real sport may remain stunted.

NBA Jam (Acclaim) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

NBA Jam is approachable for such a well-stacked game, delivering instant fun at the expense of longevity.

XIII (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

An inspired comic-book conversion that's full of fresh ideas, looks gorgeous and demands to be played.

Time Crisis 3 (namco) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Lightgun gaming hasn't evolved dramatically, but who cares where it's this much fun?

Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Innovative, original and enjoyable. Prince Of Persia is only let down by some niggling flaws.

SWAT: Global Strike Team (Sierra) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

If you're after a rumble in the name of Peace, Justice and the American Way, this is your best bet. Great stuff!

Metal Arms: Glitch In The System (Sierra) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A PS2 Halo, for kids. And robophiles. Slow to start, but turns over nicely when warmed up.

Gladius (Lucasarts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Initially perplexing, gradually more and more engrossing, and eventually tremendously tactical.

Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon (THQ) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

An engrossing, quirky adventure that satisfies the Indiana Jones and Miss Marple in us all.

Backyard Wrestling: Don't Try This At Home (Eidos) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

We're not sure how it's possible for a bloodbath to be this uninteresting...

Beyond Good And Evil (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Better than Haven, not quite a Jak II-beater, this is nevertheless a gripping and totally engaging platformer.

The Gregory Horror Show (Capcom) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

One of the craziest things you'll ever play on the PS2. Be glad there's nobody else quite like Gregory!

Rolling (SCI) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A decent skate-alike that copies Tony Hawk's but can't match the big fella's gnarled greatness.

Ford Racing 2 (Empire) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

An easy going, accessible racer spiced up by challenge variety. File under cheap and cheerful. Result.

Super Farm (Ignition Entertainment) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

For a favourable price, the whole family can enjoy being flung like dung from a Friesian's fart flaps.

Naval Ops: Warship Gunner (Koei) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Solid presentation, thoughtful controls and an unusual subject matter make for surprisingly enjoyable combat.

Worms 3D (Team 17) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

While it's not Armageddon for the lil' wrigglers, the lack of anything new means it's not the leap we were after!

Ratchet & Clank: Locked And Loaded (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Doesn't break new ground like the original, but it's still a clanking corker and ratchets up a good score.

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

Ice, ice baby... NHL Hitz Pro is offensive second to NHL 2004, but not by more than the width of a puck.

Robin Hood: Defender Of The Crown (Capcom) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

Robin Hood's adventures make for an enjoyably energetic addition to the PS2's lightweight RTS portfolio.

Dance: UK (BigBen Interactive) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Like Gareth Gates and slumber parties? You'll probably love this. Otherwise, it's a housewarmer only.

Hot Wheels: World Race (THQ) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A fun game with great pick-up-and-play value if nothing much else. It's a bit like WipEout, just not as shiny.

Space Invaders: Invasion Day (Taito) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

We didn't expect to like it. We were prepared for a rant. We were wrong. It's a good, fun, cheap little game.