Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (Activision) (Xbox (EU Version))

An awesome demonstration of what Xbox can do, and great fun. But not enough game to make it an essential purchase.

Dave Mirra FreeStyle BMX 2 (Acclaim) (Xbox (EU Version))

Solid, solid, solid - this is decent enough extreme sports, but poor controls spoil the overall experience.

Shrek (TDK) (Xbox (US Version))

A plain and unrewarding platform game. With all that fairytale folklore, it should have been so much more.

Genma Onimusha (Capcom) (Xbox (EU Version))

Worth a look if you fancy a no-frills hack 'n slash think-a-bit adventure. Fun, but flawed.

Championship Manager: Season 01/02 (Eidos) (Xbox (EU Version))

If you buy this game now, you'll still be playing it at Christmas. Easily the best game of its kind.

Max Payne (Rockstar Games) (Xbox (EU Version))

The ultimate Marmite video game - you'll love it or hate it. Flashy, stylish and repetitive but worthy of your time.

Cel Damage (Electronic Arts) (Xbox (EU Version))

A dreamy-looking game, but hectic gameplay and over-responsive controls make for a frustrating experience.

NHL 2002 (Electronic Arts) (Xbox (EU Version))

An excellent multiplayer game with joyful passing and shooting. Deserves a place on any sports game fan's bench.

Jet Set Radio Future (Sega) (Xbox (EU Version))

An impossibly cool, distinctive platformer. It's hard to resist the groove, man.

Blood Wake (Microsoft) (Xbox (EU Version))

Shoddy and flawed. More like Howard's Way than Sink The Bismarck. One to rent, if that.

Transworld Surf (Atarisoft) (Xbox (EU Version))

For hardcore extreme sports nuts only. Not enough variation, or freedom to explore, but okay if you can stick it out.

Dark Summit (THQ) (Xbox (EU Version))

A poorly stitched Frankenstein of half-hearted gameplay, fleshed out with a pointless storybook aspect.

NBA Live 2002 (Electronic Arts) (Xbox (EU Version))

It won't be too long before you're searching for new thrills.

NHL Hitz 20-02 (Midway) (Xbox (EU Version))

This won't keep you up late, but it's ideal for short bursts of high-fun action.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (Activision) (Xbox (EU Version))

The biggest and best extreme sports title in the world.

Batman: Vengeance (Ubisoft) (Xbox (EU Version))

Wholly lame adventure, Batman! Too easy, too samey and nothing new. Even a hefty pinch of Bat-lore can't save it.