Despite the fact that the developers still quite haven't managed to replicate the bounce of a rugby ball entirely satisfactorily, kicking now forms a vital part of the gameplay and every kick imaginable can be used to your advantage, including the good old 'Garry Owen' and grubber.

Though not particularly hard, the gameplay feels realistic, and the differing heights of certain sections of routes, as well as the surface and weather conditions, give the gamer plenty to think about.

In the greater scheme of things, this is not barrier-breaking software, but it is crisp, clean fun at a budget price.

In the greater scheme of things, this is not barrier-breaking software, but it is crisp, clean fun at a budget price.

But the game does have drawbacks. The road to the top is a long one and things become repetitive long before you get the chance to glove up against "The Greatest". And training - which is essential to boost your power, stamina and chin - becomes a real chore.

But the game does have drawbacks. The road to the top is a long one and things become repetitive long before you get the chance to glove up against "The Greatest". And training - which is essential to boost your power, stamina and chin - becomes a real chore.

Worryingly, opposing computer-controlled teams seem to have a habit of always scoring in the third quarter from a cheaply-taken goal - I would have put this down to my poor play but the problem has been reported elsewhere.

Passing between players is slow and cumbersome, kick-offs are genuinely ugly, rucks are something of a lottery and to top it all off the game is far too easy.

Apart from featuring a slightly dated roster of tennis stars, the only other drawback is the inability to play men against women - alas the Kournikova-Sampras clash will have to wait.

Overall while it's actually quite fun it really is lacking in imagination, leaving it in the same league as many of its average competitors.

The effort required to make any progress is so frustating that you'll undoubtedly start to wonder what you're doing playing an IndyCar racer when there are plenty of decent Formula 1 games out there already.

Passing between players is slow and cumbersome, kick-offs are genuinely ugly, rucks are something of a lottery and to top it all off the game is far too easy.

One brave new inclusion is a first-person mode. Step inside the helmet of the quarterback and attempt to play the game through his eyes. There's a realistic claustrophobic sensation as the linemen pile through attempting that sack before you can launch the perfect pass to an open wide receiver.

If you like pure simulation stick with world number one Tiger Woods, but if you are ready for a wackier round of golf, let your favourite Italian plumber come to the fore.

The difficulty level, although frustrating at first, certainly adds longevity to the game.

The effort required to make any progress is so frustating that you'll undoubtedly start to wonder what you're doing playing an IndyCar racer when there are plenty of decent Formula 1 games out there already.

The controls are difficult to master at first - with the option of both front and rear brakes - but persistence is rewarded and within hours you will be hugging the fringe of a curve and finding the right racing line.

The controls are difficult to master at first - with the option of both front and rear brakes - but persistence is rewarded and within hours you will be hugging the fringe of a curve and finding the right racing line.

The atmosphere of NBA Street is enhanced by an excellent soundtrack including hip-hop tracks from the likes of Nelly and Nate Dogg, plus various sound effects from the street - traffic, sirens, crowd abuse etc.

The atmosphere of NBA Street is enhanced by an excellent soundtrack including hip-hop tracks from the likes of Nelly and Nate Dogg, plus various sound effects from the street - traffic, sirens, crowd abuse etc.

The atmosphere of NBA Street is enhanced by an excellent soundtrack including hip-hop tracks from the likes of Nelly and Nate Dogg, plus various sound effects from the street - traffic, sirens, crowd abuse etc.

That, combined with the absorbing way the game draws you into the season, through neat animations and an impossibly stylish menu system, makes this the motor sport title to own - for purists and weekend drivers alike.

The control system just isn't up to scratch and this makes passing the ball a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack.

The arenas are superbly well done, with excellent layout and ultra smooth texturing.

If you already own the 2002 edition then there is possibly not enough that's new for you to part with your hard-earned cash.

Personally I'd rather face 15 rounds with Mike Tyson than play this again.

With plenty of racing challenges it should have a decent amount of longevity but their repetitive nature might grate for some.

True purists may prefer to look elsewhere for their hockey action, but those seeking a fast-paced, action-packed game are in for a real treat.

While "NFL 2K3" still has slightly better graphics, Madden's updated controls, the excellent franchise features and its heavenly tactical play make it one of the best sports games ever to grace the PS2.

The cars handle superbly well and you'll soon realise there's no better F1 game around than this - even Michael Schumacher would be happy.

While this is definitely not a game to for serious fans, for those who want a half decent footie title with lots of fun extras - then Red Card makes a great alternative.

Its thrilling mix of visuals, dynamics handling and speed, together with a superb four-player split-screen, puts its rivals in the shade. Nothing else comes close, for now.

The controls do take a while to learn - but an excellent tutorial helps you grasp the essentials fairly quickly.

The camera angles in the game are brilliantly done - and can be altered during play. You also get an excellent two-player split screen option on the snowboard slalom.

Its gameplay is superb, the visuals excellent and the whole experience leaves you on the edge of your seat.

It's by far the most realistic game of its genre available - and that is likely to remain for some time to come.

When you press a button to pull off a move there's far too long a wait for any action, and the game actually builds up a queue which can mean you are waiting for moves to happen before you can continue.

From the ring entrances to the expanded storyline mode, it is the most authentic WWF video game ever.

Although its gameplay isn't bad, the fact it's so short-lived means it will inevitably end up on the scrap heap.

And while "Pro Evolution Soccer" could well reclaim its place at the summit shortly, for now FIFA 2002 - both for playability and aesthetically - is the champion of football games.

The feeling of speed in Formula One 2001 really gives you a thrilling ride. This coupled with the excellent AI, great handling, the latest F1 data and faultless presentation push it streets ahead of the competition.

The game comes complete with more detail about how to achieve that crucial 'full back enters line' move that was so lacking in the original. The control functions for the rucks and mauls are also infinitely more simple.

Quite simply the best racing game ever created - and with supreme playability it's going to be a long time before it is overtaken.

It's fast, furious and, whether you like basketball or not, fantastic fun.

If you like rock music to accompany your efforts, this has some of the best with even the Stone Roses lending their tracks.

Although Ducati World does not quite meet the standards set by GT on PlayStation, it's easily the best motorcycle game for years.

Knockout Kings 2001 had all the potential to strike a telling blow to all its competitors, but with below average gameplay, spending your hard-earned cash on this will hurt more than a Tyson uppercut.

In the greater scheme of things, this is not barrier-breaking software, but it is crisp, clean fun at a budget price.