The graphics may be of a lesser quality and the frame rate may not be as stable as on a good PC system, but as someone who doesn't give a whit about graphics and only mentions them for the sake of completeness, I can say I would vastly prefer the PS2's increased ease of use over the PC's unbelievably difficult interface.

There is some upgrading to this version of the series but I cannot help but get a feeling of Déjà vu.

It is the best platformer you'll play all year, guaranteed. The pacing is wonderful, controls are intuitive and responsive, the gameplay is addictive, the worlds are beautiful and the plot will keep you coming back for more.

Fable is not a game to rush through, though. I can almost guarantee if you hurry through it you'll have a terrible time. Fable is a game that demands to be enjoyed and savored.

With amazingly addictive gameplay, fabulous graphics, astonishing speed and enjoyable online gameplay (when EA's servers are cooperating) one cannot help but not want to play this title all the time.

I'm very grateful that Square Enix decided to release the Director's Cut version of the game, and not the original (maybe I should thank the bugs for that?). Maybe now tri-Ace will get the respect it deserved since "Valkyrie Profile."

If you like the game of golf, and appreciate a well styled, RPG-like game with an online component, then I would certainly pick up Hot Shots Fore!

For those of you that like "eye candy," look elsewhere. For those that like to play a space sim with simple controls and just enough reality (aside from space ships that burn forever), then Star Shatter is for you.

Extremely visually appealing and mentally stimulating.

You will be thinking about the game long after you played it, where should I place my artillery?

Butcher Bay soundly defeats "Halo" and takes it's place as FPS of this generation.

Despite the average graphics you'll find this game to be quite intriguing and I'm certain you'll not be able to put it down.

It would be nice if there wasn't such a heavy emphasis on menu driven gameplay, though it never gets in the way of having the best damn time of your life.

The refreshingly new approach to the game play in this one makes it among the best baseball games I’ve ever played!

An essential purchase for the new Counter Strike player who wants to get a spring into the action, rather than the veteran Counter Strike player looking forward to the future of the Counter Strike family.

With graphics that shine and improved gameplay over the prequel this game rocks.

It's been a while since I caught myself laughing out loud while playing a game. The game play is simple and really is an escape from some of the mind numbing titles out there.

From the graphics to the online play, this game just oozes quality.

Once you start this one you'll have a hard time putting it down - I found myself playing longer just to see the next weapon upgrade I'd get - it's like Christmas all over again!

For this game to lift the championship trophy there is some fine tuning to be done in the gameplay and commentary areas.

"The" best game I have ever played on the PS2.

Not only did Eye Toy get my wife to play a video game but more importantly it got me off the couch and into the action.

Top Spin manages to take the crown away from Sega's famed series as it ups the ante with superb graphics, a good career mode and great online play.

With great graphics, a more forgiving control scheme, great music and fantastic online play, videogaming snowboarders can't go wrong.

With a surprisingly good single player game and an addictive online multiplayer component, this game has replay value.

A refreshing challenge in the genre of real-time strategy games that started with games like Warcraft, and it does its best to provide da gamer with a powerful, fully featured, intuitive control interface for commanding all those units.

The cool thing about games like this is the never-ending factor – you drive around Springfield forever exploring all the ins and outs.

Getting by the learning curve will yield fantastic results as the game is quite deep, especially in the management of players and teams.

I had an overwhelming urge to yell at my character to stand up every time he or she (or it) fell down during a fight. This is my only beef with the game, though.

The graphics and sound are 100% authentic and the gameplay is perfectly in sync with the game strategy and layout giving the gamer a true Futurama experience.

By far the most enjoyable incarnation of the series, as the use of Microsoft's Xbox specific online service enhances the whole community idea thing.

If you are looking for a very rich, fantasy-themed MMO with a very large community behind it and an enjoyable PvP system, this is definitely the game for you. If you are looking for twitchy instant gratification, carry on... There is nothing to see here.

Super Mario Sunshine plays pretty much like it's 64-bit predecessor and controlling Mario has never been easier.

There is definitely a good foundation here but with average graphics, mediocre gameplay and a lack of depth this title stays behind the pack.

The sound is fairly lackluster. But overall the game is rich and inviting, with a great storyline, lots of playable characters and an abundance of items for you to collect.

While the game conveys a good sense of realism, I can't help feel that it's somewhat linear. The tracks become too familiar until more are unlocked. Otherwise, Tokyo Extreme Racer is excellent.

This game takes all the best aspects of "SSX" and combines them with some Tony Hawk style gameplay to create a happy medium. While Cool Boarders 2001 can't hold a candle to "THPS," there is a very solid game here.

Echelon didn’t live up to its hype, and although the graphics can keep your eyes interested, the shallow entertainment of air combat will not.

With very few negatives and a lot of positives you cannot go wrong with this game.

A kick ass looking shooter. Unfortunately the length of the game combined with the unlimited continues makes it a short experience.

It plays well, and above all it is fun.

With great graphics and addictive gameplay Sega again shows why they are a leader in both the arcade and home videogame market. The only real problem here is that this game has to be played with a light gun.

Colorful environments and entertaining animations complete with Nintendo's patented stable of sounds ensure repeat enjoyment and lasting value.

The great difficulty is a good challenge to the hardcore shooter fan, and the extras are well worth the effort.

Control is generally good and the sound really helps out. Unfortunately, I cannot overlook the sometimes overly sensitive camera and the instances when the aforementioned control does become confusing.

This game is perfect for the promising portable (GBA), but on the N64 it comes across as a haphazard attempt at putting *one more game* on the market before the system's demise.

A very complex and fun to play strategy game, with enough modular options to keep the gameplay different each time you play it.

The learning curve is straight up with no handholds or shortcuts; there is just no quick way to get going on the servers. However, once you get a hand on the gameplay, Tribes 2 will definitely be a title that will keep you coming back for more.

The extensive Pokedex and library reference guide are almost worth the price of admission alone. Add to that, the capability of the Transfer Pak to access Pokemon from the Game Boy versions and things really begin looking up.

Improvements over the PSX version graphically, and the inclusion of more missions make this title a sure bet for owners of the PS2.

I think this game offers us far more than any other game we have seen before. Think of its functionality! Buy six and you’ll have the most fashionable coaster set a gamer could ever want!

The humor and voice acting are at the very top of any game list and make playing MDK2 an absolute pleasure.

I can only recommend this game to those who still play UO and enjoy it for the obvious benefits of the new interface and access to the new continent.

Plain and simple, Black and White is the most engrossing game I've seen in a while.

All of this as well as crisp, colourful graphics and clean, clear entertaining sound make it the definite BEST first person shooter to come out on PS2 so far.

Stellar.

I found that In Cold Blood moved along too slowly, and the action to be far too tame in some levels, and practically nonexistent in others. The plot had huge potential but it really failed in pushing the player forward with any kind of enthusiasm.

The process of learning prolonged dance patterns as the game unfolds can be a bit of a bummer. Still, the story and characters are enteraintaining, the graphics are uplifting, and selection of familiar popular dance tunes will keep you grooving.

The Unreal engine adds depth and life to the classic arcade platform. Adventure Pinball...pinball...on steroids.

If you like mindlessly shooting things (like me), buy this game! Well worth the bang!

This is one of those situations where the blemishes are outweighed by the enjoyability.

It’s a good game, there’s simply one question that I have: Why was this game made now, when Aladdin has been all but forgotten?

If you're a fan of squad-based combat, this title is a must!

It appears a new king has been crowned with the best graphical representation on the PS2 to date! The atmosphere is intense and gripping, keeping you thoroughly engrossed and on the edge of your seat.

I had an extreme amount of fun playing this one... The only issue I have is the sometimes-inconsistent frame rate, especially in split screen multiplayer.

With better than arcade graphics, an incredible frame rate, stellar multiplayer modes and an online mode, it is hard to pass up this title. Yes, the control is a little less than desired, but you can compensate for this.

Hardly any gaming value period. Trust me on this one.

The real problem is that the game makes my brain sting. What I mean is there are so many plot twists, story fluctuations and paradoxes that I found the game almost like work rather than play.

More fun than a barrel of monkeys. Its only weakness is that we've pretty much seen all of this before.

Wonderful. While raunchy (at times to the point of stomach turning) and offensive to nearly anyone, you have to understand it's all in good fun.

A good game with a great concept. I just can't get over the difficulty of the movement simulator. It is the main cause of frustration with poor implementation.

So lock those doors, close those windows and prepare yourself for something a little more involving, and a whole lot more terrifying.

It's just really creepy. The atmosphere created by the graphics and sound In Retro Helix is incredible.

The game succeeds in generating some excitement (especially in multi-player mode) and executes well on most levels. Still, if given a choice I'd lean more to "NBA Live 2001," which for the moment, at least, retains its title as the number 1 basketball title to buy.

Starfighter has refueled the Star Wars name with hope and glory as a solid title that shows off the PS2's graphical power very nicely. In fact you'll be hard pressed to find a title currently available for the PS2 that looks this good.

If you prefer the simple hack n' slash action almost on par with "Diablo 2," Heart of Winter might just suffice.

For Rally racing fans, this is a must have. For other racing fans it is a great product to introduce you to the adrenaline pumped world of rally car racing.

The learning curve is higher than some gamers may want.

Just pure fun.

With its light-hearted plot, loveable characters, innovative gameplay and perfectly fitting music, this game should appeal to anyone and everyone.

The challenge made for a frustrating game, but this keeps you driven to win. The graphics are nice, and the sound is good but the gameplay is what REALLY makes MMX5 worth playing.

The visuals are bang on with yesteryear but the unfortunate demise of the sound is quite disturbing.

The game is a near perfect expression of the 3D platform genre and its addictive gameplay will have you returning to it again and again.

Mediocre.

Oni has definitely redefined the action game genus; it may have created a new genre.

It boasts some very intelligent design concepts and the game was definitely well tested before it hit the stores. SC has an excellent replay value and anyone that likes theme park games should go out and buy it. It's well worth it.

As a single player game there is room for improvement but overall the stellar graphics, excellent sound and added touch of the online multiplayer ability make PSO a must have for any Dreamcast owner. The Joystick is way up.

If you can get past the learning curve then you will surely enjoy the game. Expect to be frustrated at first, especially because the moves are often hard to pull off.

True to their nature, EA Sports has created another title for the PS2 which delivers detailed graphics and sound, absorbing the gamer into the pseudo reality of video game sports.

Fans of the RPG genre who are looking for elements of "Diablo," "Darkstone," or "Nox" will probably have a good chuckle and move on.

But I cannot help but note that with the length of the development time why were there some faults with the game? Regardless, with detailed graphics and an innovative scoring system, MSR earns the Joystick up.

A classic example of a game that looks pretty decent of paper, but is actually horrible in application.

Aside for the difficult perceptive due to the lack of a better camera system, Aqua Aqua deserves more good points than bad.

This version of WDL is definitely a great improvement over the Psone's, so if you love battle tank games or just blowing things up then give this one a try.

In playtesting, I found that a number of new additions to the interface simply get in the way of gameplay.

It is by no means finished, but I eagerly await future games from them.

It is like "Diplomacy," "Privateer," and "Space Combat" merged into one. The thrill will linger for a long time as the options seem endless.

The graphics are wonderful, the sounds and voice acting are perfect, and the levels are huge. It's too bad there isn't a multiplayer option, but really, the single player game should keep you going for sometime.