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

Redefines how a stealth game should look and play, with a fun and furiously addictive multiplayer mode. Superb.

Sphinx And The Cursed Mummy (THQ) (Xbox (EU Version))

An above-par adventure that starts slowly but impresses midway through with some nice surprises.

Silent Scope Complete (Konami) (Xbox (US Version))

A competent conversion that'll save you a fortune in £1 coins. But don't buy it with a lightgun in mind - stick to your pad.

Alias (Acclaim) (Xbox (EU Version))

A stealth title without much stealth but loads of high-kicking violence instead. It's okay, but not a serious must-have game.

James Bond 007: Everything Or Nothing (Electronic Arts) (Xbox (EU Version))

The finest Xbox 007 adventure, only let down by poor targeting. Forgive this and you'll love it for the mature cheddar it really is.

Carmen Sandiego: The Secret Of The Stolen Drums (Bam Entertainment) (Xbox (EU Version))

If this were a colour it'd be grey. It's limp, it's uninspired and it is near the bottom of its league in terms of playability.

Whiplash (Eidos) (Xbox (EU Version))

A comprehensive and involving platformer with an off-the-wall sense of humour that makes it stand out. Great fun.

Spawn: Armageddon (namco) (Xbox (EU Version))

A competent action game that stays faithful to the source material but is ruined by an awful camera.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Ubisoft) (Xbox (EU Version))

A bit broken, and a bit old. It tries hard, bless it, but for such an epic film it should've been more like Prince Of Persia.

Curse: Eye Of Isis (Wanadoo) (Xbox (EU Version))

Fun, in a camp, old-fashioned way, but not sophisticated or clever enough to even touch the Resident Evil franchise.

The Cat In The Hat (Sierra) (Xbox (EU Version))

A bizarre, creepy, old-skool platformer. Buy this and you have serious therapy issues that need addressing.

Sonic Heroes (Sega) (Xbox (EU Version))

Beautiful but disappointing in terms of playability. Long lifespan, but you'll need plenty of stamina to clock it all.

Barbie Horse Adventures: Wild Horse Rescue (Vivendi Universal) (Xbox (US Version))

Good clean fun for children. It's also Xbox's only horseriding title (besides Dynasty Warriors 4) so equestrians can rejoice.

Robocop (Titus) (Xbox (EU Version))

Sad game based on a franchise that has long since passed it sell-by date. Some nice touches can't lift it much above middling.

R: Racing (namco) (Xbox (EU Version))

Decent racer with some slick touches but the serious lack of multiplayer options bumps it to the back of the Xbox pack.

Urban Freestyle Soccer (Acclaim) (Xbox (EU Version))

This is an awful attempt at being down wid da kids. At least UFS calls itself soccer and not football.

Spy Hunter 2 (Midway) (Xbox (EU Version))

A no-frills blaster on wheels. It may appeal to a few, but it has no staying power for people wanting any substance.

LMA Manager 2004 (Codemasters) (Xbox (EU Version))

A great management sim. Intuitive and accessible, greatly improved by using voice commands. Back of the net!

Dancing Stage Unleashed (Konami) (Xbox (EU Version))

A gimmick that everybody should own. When better songs are available on Xbox Live, it'll become a must-have!

Puyo Pop Fever (Sega) (Xbox (EU Version))

A fun and frantic puzzler, curiously addictive yet bizarrely themed, with an entertaining multiplayer mode.