The tiny characters are vividly illustrated and animated with surprising aplomb, remaining remarkably expressive despite their diminutive stature.

Perhaps the most gorgeous, addictive and exceptionally challenging rally title ever to hit a home console.

A staggering achievement in video gaming -- not only building on its stunning predecessor, but actually eclipsing it.

Those who haven't already bought a copy of it should promptly have their heads examined.

Although almost ridiculously simple, "Virtua Tennis" is more addictive than chocolate-coated, sugar-frosted crack.

The Bottom Line: Brilliant.

A brilliant game that brings some much-needed variety to the PS2's lineup.

A great experience. It's as close to a perfect rendition of the D&D universe as we've ever seen.

Though in five years we will not look back on "Icewind Dale" as the game that changed the world, we will likely remember it as one of the most enjoyable RPGs we've had the pleasure to crack open.

Smoother than The Glide, bigger than The Diesel and cooler than The Iceman, NBA 2K1 is as about as good as basketball gets.

UT fares better than "Quake III" in three of the categories: lag, amount of people allowed to play and levels.

Definitely a cut about the rest. Not only is it one of the best console-based strategy games of all time, it also shows a level of quality that is lacking in many PS2 titles.

If you're severely allergic to overly cute-and-cuddly games, take some Dramamine before heading off on Mario's adventure.

With a ton of options, gorgeous graphics running at consistently high framerates and plenty of tracks to choose from, the few niggling problems (like online lag and touchy controls) seem to slip away into meaningless babble in the heat of a close race.

This new version, in fact, is much the same as the ones of yesteryear. But since that means it still features great gameplay and some of the best multiplayer in existence, you won't hear us complaining.

Combining superb stealth gameplay with outstanding visuals and that crafty British humor, Chicken Run is more than worth crossing the road for.

Jaw-dropping graphics. The level of detail on each player is almost silly.

Blizzard has scored again with an object lesson in polish, depth and sheer compelling playability.

If nothing else, Final Fantasy IX is a work of utterly sumptuous beauty, with gorgeous environments, jaw-dropping cut-scenes and detailed characters.

For a complete package of plot, style, depth and action, few games rival "Deus Ex."

In short, Monkey Island has amazing production value, great graphics, good comedy, and a compelling story.

It has improved graphics, better controls, smarter AI and a new momentum meter that adds to the drama.

Sega GT is a nearly perfect racing simulation that offers hundreds of cars, dozens of options and weeks of deep gameplay.

Even players who aren't die-hard fans of the shooter genre will enjoy the game, if they give it a little time to grow on them.

MLS again uses that classic fluid passing game found in all the previous Konami soccer titles. The controls, which use the Japanese configuration, are responsive and logical and designed to keep the pace of the game loose and fast.

Those with the ultimate system and mad teamplay skills will eat this up, though; it's a triumph of teamwork, dynamic gameplay and some serious strategy.

Gamers with a penchant for shooting, sneaking and protecting the free world will no doubt find plenty to love in this finely crafted, story-driven actioner.

But for sheer fun, there are a few games that can compete with Tony Hawk 2's excellent mix of tricks, bails and hidden swag.