Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A jungle remix where the result is a symphonic adventure that, once it grips you, swallows you whole.

Timesplitters: Future Perfect (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

The best PS2 shooter available.

SNK VS Capcom: SVC Chaos (SNK Playmore) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

We wondered what'd finally kill our love for these characters, and this game very nearly did it. Capcom, please don't do this any more.

King Of Fighters: Maximum Impact (SNK Playmore) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

Doesn't quite have the epic feel of Soul Calibur or Tekken, but this is still a quality slice of old-skool fighting. Well done, SNK.

Gran Turismo 4 (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

GT4 is unconditional love for cars. It's something to luxuriate in; more fun, but more challenging. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Project Snowblind (Eidos) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A great shooter held up by a few flaws - the biggest being its anorexic length. Totally worth playing though.

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

Rather than a full-on sequel, this is more like Viewtiful Joe Version 1.5. But that doesn't mean it's any less brilliant.

Constantine (SCI) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Not the worst film conversion we've seen, but far from an epiphany. Condemned by bog-standard action, enemies and gameplay.

Gallop Racer 2 (Zoo Digital Publishing) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Up for something different? If so, your reward is an engrossing and comprehensive racing game. Worth a rental at the very least.

The Spongebob Squarepants Movie (THQ) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

An absorbent sponge that's soaked up all sorts from many other games. It's not bad but doesn't have an original bone in its body.

Cold Fear (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Technically outstanding as it is, Cold Fear's seafaring survival horror is disappointingly gutless when it comes to innovation.

Nanobreaker (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Both the neat visuals and potential for customising your abilities are gently suffocated by a great big unimaginative pillow of a game.

Samurai Warriors: Xtreme Legends (Koei) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

Too pricey for an expansion disc, not enough fresh meat for a stand alone title, Xtreme Legends is fan-targeted gaming at its niche-iest.

The Punisher (THQ) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

The most faithful comic-to-game since Spider-Man 2. Tries to be more violent than Manhunt, but it doesn't quite have the balls.

EyeToy Monkey Mania (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

This is the first instance of EyeToy looking a bit rubbish. Even the monkeys do nothing to improve the situation.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Battle Nexus (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

Visually this is a great companion to the Fox Kids cartoon. Sadly, the 'game' part is terminally average. What a crying shame.

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

An entertaining mix of footie game and beat-'em-up, with the emphasis on Ronaldinho-style 'larging it'. Good stuff.

Suikoden IV (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A ponderous RPG experience delivering all the essentials but sadly lacking in excitement, fun or any hint of originality.

Shadow Hearts: Covenant (Midway) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

An adequate but unadventurous RPG. Pretty to look at and an enjoyable experience, just not a particularly new one.

NBA Street V3 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

The best-looking and most playable basketball game for PS2.

Death By Degrees (namco) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Even if Tekken's stock was huge, we'd still question the wisdom of this as a spin-off. It's not, and Death By Degrees is average, derivative and sleazy.

Legend Of Kay (JoWood) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Likeable and well designed as it is, Legend Of Kay just can't outshine the crowded genre's biggest hitters. Enjoyable nonetheless...

Yu-Gi-Oh! Capsule Monster Coliseum (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A low quality, exploitative cash-in, with nothing but the Yu-Gi-Oh! logo on the box going for it.