Shadow Of Rome (Capcom) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Occasionally frustrating but mostly fantastic. The battles are brilliant, the stealth bits are passable and the overall effect stunning.

Blood Will Tell (Sega) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

There's an inventiveness and style that largely manages to overcome some camera issues. A good slash-'em-up that could've been great.

Rumble Roses (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Drooling for more after spanking Trish Stratus raw in SmackDown!? Then you're really going to love this...!

Sonic Mega Collection Plus (Sega) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A lot of fun to be had with the original Sonic games, but out of the seventeen included, only a few are worthy of repeated play.

Ace Combat: Squadron Leader (namco) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Another sortie with the best fighter plane shooter you can buy on the PS2. Okay, so it's the only one you can buy, but it's still a blinder.

UEFA Champions: League 2004-2005 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

The work UEFA puts into creating a fresh new approach is blown away by the ham-fistedness of what really matters - the football.

ESPN NBA 2K5 (Sega) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

Licence-hungry hoop-dreamers may object but the ESPN label means nothing. This is unfriendly, unwelcoming and unagreeable.

ESPN NFL 2K5 (Sega) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

ESPN provides a complex and bewildering level of authenticity. Only hardcore fans should approach the ten-yard line.

ESPN NHL 2K5 (Sega) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

A deep, fairly tricky but rewarding experience that can be enjoyed almost as much by Joe Casual as by, um... Herbert Hockeyfan.

NFL Street 2 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

It won't replace PES4 as the post-pub knockabout, but it does make a refreshing change for anyone willing to give it a try.

The Polar Express (THQ) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Like a Christmas puppy a couple of months into spring, The Polar Express is small, pitiful and in dire need of a swift termination.

MegaMan X8 (Capcom) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

An average blaster that bores as much as it bewilders. You could have more fun making zapping noises at strangers.

Phantom Brave (Koei) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Not the best of the genre, but solid nevertheless. If you're after an RPG with a bit more strategy, then we recommend Disgaea.

Capcom Fighting Jam (Capcom) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

There's franchise exploitation and there's scraping the barrel. This paper-thin title comes perilously close to the latter.

Neo Contra (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

This is a fun old-skool blaster, but while there's some enjoyment to be had with what's on offer, a slice this thin won't satisfy many.

Trivial Pursuit Unhinged (Atarisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A perfect example of why board games don't work on PS2, this is a truly painful experience with nothing in its favour.

Habitrail Hamster Ball (Phoenix Games) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Real hamsters last a lot longer than this and also cost about the same. We recommend getting one of those instead.

Zoo Puzzle (505 Game Street) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A brilliant game in no way diminished by its simple concept and visuals. If you have to own one puzzle game, it should be this.

Astro Boy (Sega) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Ignoring the slow conversations and the mindless baby-simple boss battles, Astro Boy would still be classed as a bad game.