The Sims Bustin' Out (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

The Sims Bustin' Out builds on the first Sims with a broader range of options, but the gameplay's still an acquired taste.

Roadkill (Midway) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Mind-shatteringly unoriginal it may be, but Roadkill is well worth getting stuck in to nonetheless.

True Crime: Streets Of LA (Activision) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Swings between gleeful brilliance and car-crash awfulness. True Crime is good, but by no means great.

EyeToy: Groove (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

It's EyeToy, for God's sake, and thou shalt not kick it in. But... it's not the best use for the cam we've seen yet.

Fame Academy: Dance Edition (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Abysmal, clueless version of a horrible TV series interpreted through the medium of dance. Avoid!

Pop Idol (Codemasters) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A missed opportunity has been squandered on an average game that relies entirely on its franchise.

WWE Smackdown: Here Comes The Pain (THQ) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

We may have been cynical, but we can't fault the quality. Brilliant if you're a fan, but still fun if you're not.

Dynasty Tactics 2 (Koei) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

War strategy with very complicated rules. Approach with caution (and a degree in Ancient Chinese History).

Bloody Roar 4 (Hudson) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

It's no match for Soul Calibur II but for fighting fans and completists, it won't shame your collection.

Need For Speed Underground (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Street racing plus huge wodges of cash = fast, furious game that's executed with filmic sheen. Simply irresistible.

Total Club Manager 2004 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Hugely playable management sim with an innovative link to FIFA 2004 that takes it to another level.

Legacy Of Kain: Defiance (Eidos) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Elegantly-honed combat action and the power of telekinesis make Defiance the finest instalment yet.

Secret Weapons Over Normandy (Lucasarts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

It's hardly a Blitzkrieg of gaming fun but Secret Weapons Over Normandy gets by on accessibility and lively pace.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

If Woo-Ping Yuen were dead, he'd be spinning in his grave. This is an insult to the good name of the film.

Batman: Rise Of Sin Tzu (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

"Holy tedium, Batman! Average graphics and extra modes can't save us this time. To the bargain bin!"

ESPN NFL Football (Sega) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

Brilliant, and the first-person mode means it is different enough from Madden to make that matter.

Gladiator: Sword Of Vengeance (Acclaim) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Conveys the scale of its cinematic namesake, but some annoying faults ensure a decent meal for the lions.

Celebrity Deathmatch (Gotham Games) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

It's a promising licence, but wipe away the gore and Deathmatch becomes just another button-basher.

Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

This could've been a cynical money spinner, but it has been produced with real care. Potter fans will love it!

Crash Nitro (Universal Interactive) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A workmanlike karter that presses the right pedals but offers nothing in the way of innovation.

Dancing Stage Fever (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Better tunes are needed next time or it'll be laughed out of the club with its knickers tucked into its skirt.

The Hobbit (Sierra) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Endearing in many ways, and crisply presented. The Hobbit is built to a formula, though, and suffers for it.

Jimmy Neutron Jet Fusion (THQ) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A game for the younger end of the kiddie market, Jimmy offers just enough adventure for the young 'uns.

Bombastic (Capcom) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

An addictive puzzler that combines reaction gaming with sneaky strategy. Highly recommended.

ESPN NBA Basketball (Sega) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

Despite a pretty flawless execution, somehow there's no wow factor here to blow you away.

ESPN NHL Hockey (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

This is a potentially impressive game that's sadly ruined by a few easily correctable bugs. Shame.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 2 (Atarisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

This is visually impressive but the cel-shaded graphics hide a shortfall of combat complexity.

Whiteout (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Bottom-of-the-scale vehicles trying and failing to be interesting in a bottom-of-the-scale game.

Grand Theft Auto Double Pack (Rockstar Games) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

It couldn't be screaming "Buy me!" any louder if it pointed a gun at you and screamed "Buy me!" into your ear. Buy it!