Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (Ubisoft) (Xbox (EU Version))

An amazingly good-looking, exciting adventure that's so addictive it should carry a Government Stealth Warning.

Unreal Championship (Atarisoft) (Xbox (EU Version))

This sets a new standard for multiplayer shooters. On Xbox Live this will blow other games of its type out of the water.

Tennis Masters Series 2003 (Microids) (Xbox (EU Version))

Another tedious tennis title with almost nothing to recommend it.

Sega GT 2002 (Sega) (Xbox (EU Version))

An incredibly comprehensive and polished game very much in the style of Gran Turismo, so if you like that...

Rally Fusion: Race Of Champions (Activision) (Xbox (EU Version))

Not really a 'proper' rally sim, but instead this is a quality arcade racer that looks great and is a ton of fun to play.

Micro Machines (Atarisoft) (Xbox (EU Version))

A game offering disposable fun by sacrificing longevity for the sake of arcade action and short-term entertainment.

FIFA 2003 (Electronic Arts) (Xbox (EU Version))

A highly polished sports game, and a great improvement over previous FIFAs. This is the best footy game you can get on Xbox.

Ty The Tasmanian Tiger (Electronic Arts) (Xbox (US Version))

It won't win any awards for originality, but with its charm, look and gameplay, this pushes all the right platform buttons.

Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (Lucasarts) (Xbox (US Version))

If you must plump for a Star Wars game, this is better than Star Wars: Obi-Wan, but it still doesn't pull up any trees.

NFL Fever 2003 (Microsoft) (Xbox (EU Version))

Easy to get into and a blast to play, Fever has all the thrills and none of the pain of big match NFL.

Colin McRae Rally 3 (Codemasters) (Xbox (EU Version))

An excellent, superbly playable game that tops the rally podium. Could have looked a bit better, but this is a class act.

Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 (Capcom) (Xbox (EU Version))

Fun so far as it goes, but with gaming well and truly established in 3D, the limits of 2D combat are all too obvious.

Phantom Crash (Phantagram) (Xbox (EU Version))

Extremely enjoyable robotic frolic, unique on Xbox. Frantic action backed up with an impressive career mode.

LMA Manager 2003 (Codemasters) (Xbox (EU Version))

For a lighter and visually more exciting look at the footy management biz than Champ Man, this is just the ticket.

Dynasty Warriors 3 (THQ) (Xbox (EU Version))

Look beyond the limited graphics to discover a tasty beat-'em-up with strategic elements on an epic scale.

The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Rings (Black Bean) (Xbox (EU Version))

Might be a bit too simple for RPG fanatics, but this is a half-decent and smart-looking stab at the Rings world.

Transworld Snowboarding (Atarisoft) (Xbox (EU Version))

A bit of a looker, granted, but the beauty's only piste-deep. Boredom sets in once the views have been admired.

Shadow Of Memories (Konami) (Xbox (EU Version))

In concept, it's an interesting bit of timeline management. In practice, though, it's drab, clumsy and low on enjoyment.