The Getaway: Black Monday (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Black Monday feels too similar to its predecessor to land classic status. It's stylish and gritty, but there's just no evolution.

SingStar Party (London Studio) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A welcome addition to the SingStar family, even if we reckon its track list is slightly weaker than its predecessor's.

Jak 3 (Naughty Dog) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

You can't go far wrong with Jak 3 for an all-round, rewarding experience.

Tony Hawk's Underground 2 (Activision) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Precise, sharp and ultimately enjoyable: another class effort. Prepare to feel more than a little deja vu, though.

WWE SmackDown! Vs. Raw (THQ) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

Not so much a leap forward as a geriatric shuffle. It doesn't fix many of the last version's flaws, but still delivers plenty.

EyeToy Play 2 Vs. Sega Superstars (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Eye Like To Watch (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Scores (EyeToy Play 2) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

We are vindicated. EyeToy Play is better second time around and it's the best of the bunch this Christmas, but only just.

Scores (Sega Superstars) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

It's a bit of a mixed bag, really. But the use of Sega's back catalogue of stars is definitely a stroke of genius.

Under The Skin (Capcom) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Despite being massively original and fun while it lasts, Under The Skin is a game that eventually gets On The Nerves.

WRC 4 (Evolution Studios) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Genuinely different from WRC 3 - it's way more realistic but still accessible - and great fun with a decent steering wheel. Quality!

Need For Speed Underground 2 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

The open racing isn't entirely successful, but as an expanded version of last year's Underground, it's an addictive, fast and thrilling racer.

This Is Football 2005 (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Smart EyeToy gimmickry isn't enough. This is insultingly similar to This Is Football 2004 and is, therefore, still inferior to PES and FIFA.

Ratchet & Clank 3 (Insomniac Games) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A love-bullet to the brain, this is filled with an incredible amount of detail. Clearly put together with proper care and attention.

Get On Da Mic (Eidos) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Rap wannabes might get some joy out of this, but trying to rhyme with the likes of Missy and DMX is likely to end in some harsh dissin'.

Premier Manager 2004/2005 (Zoo Digital Publishing) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

An improvement on last time, but solid - if bland-looking - management fare is let down by dodgy game graphics.

Total Club Manager 2005 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Pips Premier Manager to the title, thanks mostly to a superior overall experience, friendlier options and much better graphics.

Pool Shark 2 (Zoo Digital Publishing) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Imprecise and uninvolving, even the well-constructed online mode isn't enough to make it worth missing a trip to the pub for!

NBA Live 2005 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

As good a five-on-five game as you'll see anywhere, but Street fans might miss Off The Heezays and 360 degree layups.

The Lord Of The Rings: The Third Age (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Goes deeper to reach the places other Lord Of The Rings games can't reach, but lets itself down with samey gameplay.

Crimson Tears (Capcom) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

This is another impressive and engaging effort from Capcom that's worth a closer look, despite offering few real surprises.

Worms: Forts Under Siege (Team 17) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

This worm has chanced its luck on the super gaming highway once too often and is consequently now rather flat.

Flatout (Empire) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

It looks like a destruction derby game, plays like a rally sim and punishes the behaviour it incites. It's fun, but not like you'd expect.

Metal Slug 3 (Ignition Entertainment) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

There's a very good reason why arcade machines collect so much money, you know, and SNK's Metal Slug is one of them.

King Of Fighters 2000/2001 (SNK Playmore) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

More flamboyant than Street Fighter 2, but it requires real effort to get at the meat of the depths on offer.

Ford Racing 3 (Empire) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A half-hearted attempt at a racing game, not pardonable just because it's offered at half the normal price.

X-Men Legends (Activision) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

As a budget game this would be worth checking out, but at full price it's underwhelming. We suggest Baldur's Gate instead.

Driven To Destruction (Atarisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Basic, frantic and forgettable, but still a huge amount of fun.

1945 I & II: The Arcade Games (Play-It) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Laughable old-skool graphics, sound that's the very best 1983 had to offer and gameplay that's about as basic as it gets.

Terminator 3: The Redemption (Atarisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Has a genuine "Terminator" feel to it, but suffers as a result of the mix of styles and an inability to do any of them really well.

Ribbit King (Bandai) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Original but childish. It's good to see something new in the PlayStation 2 world. It's just a shame it isn't that successful.

Midway Arcade Treasures 2 (Midway) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Treasure? Not quite. This lot are better left buried - they're little more than evidence in the case against retro games!

Jackie Chan's Adventures (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Spectacularly fails to capture any of Jackie's charm or charisma - and it's arguable that he's got that much to catch.

Ty The Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A likeable Jak II clone that should be a bargain for younger gamers.

Dragonball Z3: Budokai (Atarisoft) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

As ever, Dragonball Z possesses style and fan-pleasing touches but is let down by beat-'em-up dynamics that don't make the grade.

Crash Twinsanity (Naughty Dog) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

The script is there, but, while concentrating on being entertaining, Twinsanity has forgotten to be actually playable.

Robotech: Invasion (Global Star) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Robotech: Invasion has done itself no favours in ditching its rich Japanese history. Disappointingly average.

Shark Tale (Activision) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

High on production and low on creativity - your typical inoffensive, uninspiring, movie tie-in. Don't take the bait.