Rainbow Six 3 (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

All this squad-based shooting should be getting a bit tired, but Rainbow Six 3 works the formula brilliantly, and arguably outfights SOCOM.

This Is Football 2004 (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A long way off the league leader in terms of playability, but it's the best-executed footy game, so worth a look if that's your bag.

Alias (Acclaim) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

If it were a movie, it'd be Die Hard 2. We feel guilty for enjoying it, but while it's uncomplicated it doesn't treat you like an idiot either.

Tak And The Power Of Juju (THQ) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Pleasant and harmless platformer that's ever so polite, but lacks the bite and zip that makes Jak and Ratchet such firm favourites.

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Jungle Storm (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Only a marginal improvement on the original but a thoroughly enjoyable helping of shootery with plenty to keep you busy.

Cabela's Big Game Hunter (Activision) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Despite initial satisfaction in tracking down your prey, Cabela's Big Game Hunter is a little too one-dimensional to be worth hunting out.

World Championship Rugby (Acclaim) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

It's slightly simplified, but still a hugely playable and mildly addictive version of the sport of the moment.

LMA Manager 2004 (Codemasters) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Without question, LMA 2004 is the finest football management game for the PS2, but like all legends there's still room for improvement.

MX Unleashed (THQ) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A slow burner this one. Neither flashy nor instantly gripping, MX Unleashed gives up the goods the longer you play.

Risk: Global Domination (Atarisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A great game given a decent rebirth for the PS2.

.Hack/Infection (Bandai) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

It's by no means perfect but absorbing enough to make you occasionally forget you aren't actually online!

Pacific Theatre Of Operations IV (Koei) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Details? Check. Worthiness? Check. But next time, Mr. Publisher, can we please keep in mind that it's just a videogame?

Fallout: Brotherhood Of Steel (Interplay) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

The action RPG genre, such as it is, could do with a few less examples cut off the same block as Baldur's Gate. Plenty to like here, though.

Champions Of Norrath (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

Although a revamped Baldur's Gate in all but name, this is still top notch console RPGing boosted by the four-player and online options.

Romance Of The Three Kingdoms VIII (Koei) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Pretty incomprehensible to the casual observer and very slow paced, but dull looks conceal involving possibilities.

Lethal Skies II (Sammy) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

By-the-book combat flight sim that screams 'average' from take-off to landing and is extremely uneasy on the eye.

Cat In The Hat (Coktel Studio) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A migraine-inducing below-average platformer. This is one cat that should in absolutely no circumstances be let out of the bag.

Pitfall: The Lost Expedition (Activision) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Indiana Jones meets Crash in an average platform outing that's squarely pitched at young 'uns. Shallow but worth a look.

Bad Boys II (Empire) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Slipshod shooter which keeps you interest for about fifteen minutes or so of repetitive blasting before its many faults make it almost unplayable.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Sadly the retro arcade battling soon becomes little more than endless button bashing. Leave these turtles in the sewers...