Manhunt (Rockstar Games) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

The most compelling experience of the year bar none. Morally questionable? Yes. But Rockstar is all about gaming on the edge.

Rogue Ops (Kemco) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Unoriginal, frustrating, smart, and challenging. Like hanging around in cupboards dressed in a leather catsuit? This game is for you.

Destruction Derby Arenas (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

As an online or post-pub multiplayer arcade racer, Destruction Derby Arenas is ballsy, brainless entertainment. Offline, the game's far too short lived.

Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines (Atarisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Too easy, too simple and too short. This is a poor adaptation of a poor film, and the Terminator series deserves much better than that.

Grooverider: Slot Car Racing (Play-It) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Grooverider is a real trier. It tried our patience as well as our skill but, for the price, it's still a cheap couple of days of relative fun.

Mission Impossible: Operation Surma (Atarisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

It may be full of inventive gadgetry and gameplay, but it's far too frustrating and limited for anyone but serious stealth fans. Shame.

Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Milking the license for all it's worth? Hell yeah. Still, if you've not played the PSOne version then this is just about worth a visit.

Premier Manager 2003/2004 (Zoo Digital Publishing) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A marginal improvement on the last outing but it still looks and plays like Carlisle United's reserve team with hangovers.

Battlestar Galactica (Universal Interactive) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A simplistic game rendered ungodly by its staunch hardness. New PS2 owners will smash their tear-damped joypads.

Asterix And Obelix XXL (Atarisoft) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

Familiar stuff but, as a traditional platformer for pint-sized fans of the books, this does the trick. Fun but forgettable.

Curse: The Eye Of Isis (Wanadoo) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A sub Resi adventure that borrows much from the master but doesn't have the polish to shuffle shoulder-to-shoulder with it.