King Kong (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A brilliant action adventure that could well be the world's first classic movie tie-in. Innovative and flawlessly paced.

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

This is a rollicking, if flawed, Star Wars combat game.

The Warriors (Rockstar Games) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

An enjoyable beat-'em-up that does the movie justice. But there's little more than a basic scrolling brawler under all the great ideas.

WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2006 (THQ) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

We expected a humble roster update. Instead we got a game so comprehensive it renders every previous wrestling title redundant.

The Sims 2 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Filled with neat innovations and bringing a real focus to its story-mode gameplay, The Sims 2 is the best console God sim yet.

Ultimate Spider-Man (Activision) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

This could've been stunning, but after a strong start, the story and missions descend into repetitive, formulaic play.

SSX On Tour (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

SSX still rules the snowboard scene, but On Tour fails to live up to its predecessors.

The Matrix: Path Of Neo (Atarisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Fun on a kicking-people-in-the-face level, but below the surface this is as shallow as groping a computer-generated lady.

From Russia With Love (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

The best Bond film becomes the best Bond game on PS2. Like all the best entertainment, it's simple, undemanding and enjoyable.

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

This is not Jak 4. It's just a kart racer, albeit a quality one with bags of online potential.

LMA Manager 2006 (Codemasters) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Restrictive in-match options, but LMA is a better bet than Championship Manager and succeeds in creating a deep, enjoyable footy experience.

Sly 3: Honour Among Thieves (Sucker Punch) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A brilliant adventure with more ideas in its little digital finger than some games manage in a whole disc. An essential purchase.

X-Men Legends II: Rise Of Apocalypse (Activision) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A game that's forgotten it's about superheroes. They're supposed to be spectacular, aren't they? This isn't.

Marvel Nemesis: Rise Of The Imperfects (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

With its horrible looks, non-existent gameplay and shallow controls, every possible effort should be made to avoid this.

Soul Calibur III (namco) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Calibur makes every other fighting game feel outmoded.

EyeToy Play 3 (Sony) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

If you've never played an EyeToy title before then this probably isn't the best place to start. New ideas needed next time please.

Xenosaga Episode II (namco) (PlayStation 2 (US Version))

More story than game, Xenosaga II just about prevails in spite of itself as a title worth witnessing... for the patient.

Tony Hawk's American Wasteland (Activision) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Underneath the mixed bag of superfluous trimmings lies a game that's still highly playable despite feeling very familiar.

Brothers In Arms: Earned in Blood (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

It's a great shooter, especially if you want to use your brains as much as your ammo, but it doesn't quite add enough as a sequel.

American Chopper (Activision) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A raggedy-ass pointless cash-in that offers little to anyone and stinks like a fat biker's leathers on a sunny day.

Capcom Classics Collection (Capcom) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A nice enough, but very brief, trip down memory lane, which would be better value stripped down and bundled as an extra with a more modern game, or on PSP.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi (Bandai) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Closely in tune with the spirit of the Dragon Ball Z universe, which must be brilliant for some gamers, but if that means nothing to you then neither will this game.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Melee (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

From heroes in half shells to zeroes in bargain bins, this is a tawdry effort and should be justifiably ignored by all but the criminally insane.

Ninjabread Man (M3) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

A basic and old-fashioned platformer, but Ninjabread Man has just a smidge of old-skool charm that makes it mildly likeable and just about passable.

Dancing Stage Max (Konami) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

No reinvention of the wheel, but the wheel remains firmly unbuckled and turning... good stuff for the fleet-footed.

Anubis II (Metro 3D) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Platform games like this were ten a penny a decade ago and have no place on a PS2 in 2005. Leave well alone.

Trixie In Toyland (Data Design Interactive) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

This might have appealed to young kids who have 20 bucks to spend were it not for the rough edges and lack of, well, fun.

Mini Desktop Racing (Metro 3D) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Buy some toy cars and push them around your actual desktop with a pen. Faster, and considerably more fun.

Rugby Challenge 2006 (Ubisoft) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

An enjoyable sim with some brilliant touches. Decent AI, great controls, smooth action. Certainly worth a try.

NBA Live 2006 (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation 2 (EU Version))

Shoot a hoop, defend, repeat to fade. NBA Live 2006 is an enjoyable update, but one that only the most ardent of fans will appreciate.

Pro Evolution Soccer 5 (Konami) (PlayStation Portable)

It's Pro Evo no doubt about it, and it's a thrill to have it in portable format, it just ain't quite right at the moment.

The Lord Of The Rings Tactics (Electronic Arts) (PlayStation Portable)

Take away the goodwill generated by the movies and the flaws in Tactics begin to show. There's fun here, but not a lot of it.

Namco Museum Battle Collection (namco) (PlayStation Portable)

Playing this retro collection will only make you realise how much the present day rocks.