Project Gotham Racing 2 (Microsoft) (Xbox (EU Version))

The most complete and best-looking street racer steals pole position - the consummate and definitive driving experience.

The Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King (Electronic Arts) (Xbox (EU Version))

The biggest action game of the year based on the biggest action movie of the year - a truly winning combination.

Top Spin (Microsoft) (Xbox (EU Version))

Hands down this is the best tennis game in the world. Buy it even if you don't like tennis - you'll soon get hooked.

FIFA 2004 (Electronic Arts) (Xbox (EU Version))

Emerges from the shadow of the licence to fulfil its potential as the best Xbox footy title. The boy done good.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3 (Ubisoft) (Xbox (EU Version))

Rainbow Six 3 has delivered in every area possible.

Grabbed By The Ghoulies (Microsoft) (Xbox (EU Version))

Very polished. Should have been more demanding, but could be what Xbox needs to entice a new breed of gamers.

The Simpsons: Hit & Run (Sierra) (Xbox (EU Version))

Think GTA3 meets Burnout 2 all wrapped up in a Simpsons fan-fest package. As Mr. Burns would say, "Exxcccellllent!"

Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes (Atarisoft) (Xbox (EU Version))

Varied gameplay and a more interesting story could have made Heroes much more enticing, but it's a great rental.

Crimson Skies: High Road To Revenge (Microsoft) (Xbox (US Version))

A great package that's been well thought out and playtested to death - and it looks gorgeous too.

Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon (THQ) (Xbox (EU Version))

A classic detective game that will stick with you after you've finished. But not enough to make you play it through again.

Metal Arms: Glitch In The System (Sierra) (Xbox (EU Version))

Gorgeous, chunky graphics, engaging characters and stacks of variety make Metal Arms an essential shooter.

Gladiator (Acclaim) (Xbox (EU Version))

A generic hack 'n slash that's well presented but is ultimately let down by fundamental camera flaws.

XIII (Ubisoft) (Xbox (EU Version))

Unique, stylish and captivating from beginning to end. You simply cannot afford to miss this superb FPS.

SWAT: Global Strike Team (Sierra) (Xbox (EU Version))

An accomplished FPS, but the tough competition this month weakens the impact and innovation.

Dynasty Warriors 4 (THQ) (Xbox (EU Version))

Average. Lacks all the new features you'd expect in a 'proper' sequel. It's hard to see if the series will ever move on.

NBA Jam (Acclaim) (Xbox (EU Version))

This is a fun arcade title that does justice to its forebears, and is an absolute riot in multiplayer.

NHL Hitz (Midway) (Xbox (EU Version))

Outrageously good fun - one of the best hockey games around.

Amped 2 (Microsoft) (Xbox (EU Version))

A vast improvement on the original, this is the definitive extreme sports title of the year, aided by fantastic Live play.

SSX 3 (Electronic Arts) (Xbox (EU Version))

This is one small step for snowboarding titles, unfortunately, instead of one giant leap for the SSX series.

ESPN NFL Football (Sega) (Xbox (US Version))

A good American football game boosted by the addition of some very clever and completely new game modes.

ESPN NBA Basketball (Sega) (Xbox (US Version))

A definite grower in the long term, though you might need an interest in the sport to really appreciate it.

ESPN NHL Hockey (Espn) (Xbox (US Version))

Ice hockey fans are spoilt with three great titles. This is the best choice for enthusiasts, and is the only one with Live play.

Backyard Wrestling: Don't Try This At Home (Eidos) (Xbox (US Version))

It's been ages since a wrestling game set the world alight and this is a real step backwards. Deserves to be slammed.

Rolling (SCI) (Xbox (EU Version))

If you love extreme sports, this will pass the time, but with THUG just around the corner, it's already past its sell-by date.

NBA Live 2004 (Electronic Arts) (Xbox (EU Version))

A bit too arcade-like, but still a rock solid basketball sim, and certainly a decent improvement over its predecessors.

Ford Racing 2 (Empire) (Xbox (EU Version))

Aimed at casual gamers after cheap racing fun, but it has predictable tracks, simpleton challenges and dull graphics.

Gladius (Activision) (Xbox (EU Version))

Neither RPG not actioner, unfortunately Gladius lies slain in a pool of its own blood after its first fight.

Bionicle (Electronic Arts) (Xbox (EU Version))

Forty quid will buy you a lot of Lego, which will be infinitely more enjoyable than this pile of drivel.