Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Not the leap over the original we were hoping for, but fun despite itself and great online.

Athens 2004 (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Does exactly what it sets out to achieve... in the most pedestrian manner humanly possible. Hardly Olympic standard.

Mashed (Empire) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Forget the single player game, the true and only Mashed experience is about four mates, a PS2 and a multitap. Go enjoy.

Richard Burns Rally (Warthog) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

This is tough, a rally sim that refuses to compromise. This is the real deal, the full enchilada; the closest you'll ever get to actual rallying without strapping on a helmet and taking out a five-figure life insurance plan.

World Championship Snooker 2004 (Codemasters) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Similar to both WC Snooker 2003 and WC Pool 2004, but with online play. Real snooker beyond your means? Go on, live the dream!

MTV Music Generator 3 (Codemasters) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

Simple to use, packed with features that almost all work and addictive as hell... but not deep enough for real music-making.

Deadly Skies III (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

This isn't big and it's not clever. And the dull core can't be hidden, even when it's drenched in non-flying 'lifestyle' elements.

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

Like mid-priced toilet paper, it should be quite absorbing but it's actually rather painful instead. And you end up with an infection.

Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

The best Potter game yet. Essential for Potter fans, but also recommended for all but the most cynical gamers.

Shrek 2 (Activision) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

As a title for young gamers, Shrek 2 is well pitched and fun. For anyone else, it's too simple. But you knew that already, right?

Karaoke Stage (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Karaoke Stage is huge fun and worryingly addictive. And it's different enough from SingStar to be interesting on its own merits,

Onimusha 3 (Capcom) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A work of art and the perfect climax to one of the best franchises on PS2, Onimusha 3 has been lovingly crafted for newcomers and old hands alike.

The X-Files: Resist Or Serve (Vivendi Universal) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Some lovely production values and much to coo over for X-Files fans, but very little to recommend it as a game.

Naval Ops: Commander (Koei) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

An adequate strategy game which, with a little more love lavished upon it, might have been so much more.

Malice (Evolved Games) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Although this isn't terrible, or even badly flawed, it is uninspired, uninspiring and just really, really average.

Powerdrome (Evolved Games) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A simple, satisfying, super-speedy racer. It trails WipEout Fusion in style and substance but is well up in its slipstream.

UFC: Sudden Impact (Global Star) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Another game about shattering other men's cheekbones that manages to miss the sport's appeal.

Samurai Warriors (Koei) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Plenty of options, plenty of characters and enough enemies to fill the Isle of Wight. It's also a serious amount of fun to play.

GT-R 400 (Midas) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Even as a budget racer, GT-R 400's sticky handling undermines the good work done on the visuals. Pity.

Ultimate Mindgames (Midas) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Lo-fi production values and patchy quality makes this strange games compendium a less than stellar option.

Dance UK: Extra Trax (Big Ben Software) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

The hardest game to rate ever. But we gave Dance: UK 60%, and the new tracks don't improve on it. So take 10% off and let's say 50% overall.