Pro Evolution Soccer 4 (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Still not as good as actually playing football with your legs but, worryingly, it's getting there. A masterpiece.

FIFA 2005 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

Acres ahead of last year's effort and full of little flashes of genius.

Gametrak Dark Wind ()

The hardware is genuinely amazing, but the software is a lightweight fighter dressed up in a heavyweight's pants.

Star Wars: Battlefront (Lucasarts) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

Star Wars fans will revel in this toybox of Jedi iconography. Everyone else will probably get bored sooner rather than later.

Rocky Legends (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Not a lot more than an add-on pack with new fighters but we still loved getting back into the ring with Rocky and the boys.

Def Jam: Fight For New York (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Fight For New York does everything right that Vendetta did wrong. It's stylish, brash and brutal, and its faults don't mar the final product.

Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone (Atarisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

More reasons to commit orc genocide than ever before and enough fresh ideas to keep your thumbs from button-bashing fatigue.

Viewtiful Joe (Capcom) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Never disappointing - although sometimes discriminatingly tough - Viewtiful Joe is a brilliant game, especially at this bargain price.

Obscure (Mc2) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Obscure offers a refreshing spin on horror staples, but fails to correct some of the flaws. Plenty for gore hounds to enjoy, though.

Mortal Kombat: Deception (Midway) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Are too many modes spoiling the game or is this just an old dog failing to learn new tricks? Either way, it's a disappointment.

NHL 2005 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

There are patches of thin ice in places, but skate around them and you'll find this to be an incredibly enjoyable experience.

Madden NFL 2005 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

The perfect US footie game gets better and better. Go on, give it a try - we promise you'll be surprised how good it is.

Gradius V (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Meanness resonates from every laser-scorched pixel, but there's still no better way to save the world in the second dimension.

TOCA Race Driver 2 (Codemasters) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A racing game in a class of its own, TOCA 2's inviting storyline and uncomplicated racing will draw in even the most casual of drivers.

Star Ocean: Till The End Of Time (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Massive RPG which takes patience and perseverance to fully enjoy. Make the effort, though, and you'll be rewarded in spades.

Club Football 2005 (Codemasters) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A marketing ploy that translates into a joyless playing experience. It's got loads to do before it can go out and play with the big boys.

Vietcong: Purple Haze (Gathering) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Nice set pieces and apparent authenticity - but not surprising or thrilling, and has the visual appeal of a napalm-sprayed village.

Ghost Master (Empire) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A good idea that's mostly well executed, but is neither scary or funny and ultimately a bit empty. Shockingly average.

Future Tactics: The Uprising (JoWood) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Incongruous elements mean this is neither fish nor foul. It's just too simplistic to engage, even in two-player mode.

Crisis Zone (namco) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A pooper shooter in comparison to Time Crisis 3. One for mentalist Crisis zealots only and for those with an unnerving love of weaponry.

LMA Manager 2005 (Codemasters) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

While definitely a minor tweak rather than a serious overhaul, LMA retains the management silverware... for now.

Sly 2: Band Of Thieves (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Charming and slick, if a little basic, Sly 2 deserves your pennies - even if you choose to play some bigger hitters first.

Dance UK XL (BigBen Interactive) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Dance UK XL is the guy on the dancefloor who tries a little bit too hard and fails with each and every move. Best to avoid.

Adiboo And The Energy Thieves (Coktel Studio) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

The kids loved it, which shows it serves a market. But even they would do well to avoid it and head for Jak or Ratchet instead.