Burnout 3: Takedown (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Frantic alone and insane with friends, Burnout 3 is a game that'll make you fall in love with your PS2 all over again.

Headhunter: Redemption (Sega) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Despite its glorious looks and stunning music, Redemption's creaky old gameplay means this is a game out of place in 2004.

Colin McRae Rally 2005 (Codemasters) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

It might not look like much has changed but the improvements - although subtle - power through to make all the difference.

Silent Hill 4: The Room (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Feels different - faster paced, stronger in story - without solving old problems or really offering anything else new.

Juiced (THQ) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Arcade racer types may find the technical approach a tad brittle, but as a breezier sim alternative to GT4, this won't disappoint!

DJ: Decks & FX (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

An interesting attempt to create a live mixing experience, though some may become frustrated once they've mastered the basics.

Dynasty Warriors 4: Empires (Koei) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Empires is a worthy mix of strategy and action that adds to the Dynasty Warriors canon, but one more add-on will be one too many.

Conflict: Vietnam (SCI) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Has similar attributes as 'Nam 67, but does pretty much everything worse. Either play that, or wait for Snake's jungle adventures.

McFarlane's Evil Prophecy (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Just be thankful we played this for you. McFarlane's figures may be works of art, but this boring, ugly game is anything but.

Army Men: Sarge's War (Global Star) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

So broken it's severely wounded. Not just firing blanks, but also malfunctioning and losing blood like a baby does dribble.

U Move Super Sports (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Takes the winning EyeToy formula and updates it more than enough to tide you over until the next mini-game disc rolls along.

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

A nice idea, but we've been strung along too much. The pace has gone up a notch, but it's just too little, too late.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

At heart it's the same game as last year but with enough improved features and custom stuff that it's still a must-buy.

Spy Fiction (Sammy) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

What it lacks in originality it makes up for in variety. But all that good is thrown away by the cocked-up camera.