Using some of the finest visuals to grace a next-generation platform, and solid gameplay, the game proves that PlayStation 2 has more than a bit of fight left in it.

While the PS2-level graphics make the game prettier than its PSone predecessors, the basics of gameplay remain essentially unchanged since the debut of the first title.

Some baseball games may offer sharper graphics or more voice acting, but no game offers a deeper, more realistic simulation of America's pastime.

The amount of playing time between save points and the lengthiness of the story segments might annoy a less patient gamer, but if you wanted a shallow storyline, why are you buying RPGs?

Takes the ideas presented in the original game and expands and improves upon its predecessor in every imaginable way, and by leaps and bounds at that.

Highly original and addictive, .hack is more interesting than most of the MOM-RPGs the game attempts to simulate.

A groovy game surround by a "so what?" story. Here's hoping the inevitable sequel will see both aspects "get it right" at the same time.

If this game didn't have such a robust (yes, that's right, robust) track creation engine, then HSX would only be worth a weekend rental.

This game deserves a look at, even if just to admire the scope to which Lindon was recreated and the movie-like feel.

This is a straight up monster brawler done right.

Easily the best college basketball game ever made.

By far a breath of fresh air on PlayStation 2, a system with far too many FPS games that simply have lackluster plots and characters that are basically on a mission to kill everything using the biggest explosions possible.

Although it is hampered with framerate issues and a bit of a clumsy interface, the game delivers on mostly every other aspect.

Fast, frenetic, and most importantly fun.

The replay value for this title is huge and the amount of time that it's going to require to unlock everything is significant and will keep gamers glued to see what they can unlock next.

Definitely one of the best Rally racing games out in the market.

The gameplay is tight (after a few initial tweaks) and it blurs the line between sim and arcade styles of gameplay.

It’s incredibly fun, and incredibly addicting. It’s just too bad that the camera system is incredibly flawed.

You get tight gameplay, flawless control, addictive mini games, and fun, competitive racing. Too bad about the online aspect though.

A gaming masterpiece... Combines action, platforming, and RPG elements convincingly, creating one of the best platformers in recent memory.

Sets a new standard when it comes to wrestling games.

Contains a lot more of what people loved about GTA3, along with a dream-come-true soundtrack and voice cast, and over twice as many missions.

The best DDR out right now. You get a plethora of songs, better graphics than those found on the PSone versions, the new freeze arrows, and more difficulty settings.

Tells a great story with great characters, offers a lot of variety and, despite its graphical and audio deficiencies, is still the best RPG of 2002.

A great online game that will give you tons of replayability long after you are done playing its single player mode. Hats off to Neversoft for creating such a stable online environment with GameSpy.

Due to the sheer difficulty, it's actually only for a select few.

Well-presented, deep and involving.

It's still great, but I felt that the original Red Faction was a bit more engaging.

Simply put, NBA 2k3 is the best basketball game ever made.

The best FPS currently out on PS2.

Very few racing games in the past few years have actually been thoroughly invigorating, and this title comes through in the clutch to deliver a singular racing experience that is nearly unmatched.

Minor problems such as a cumbersome weapon selection system, tough difficulty which makes it tough to be stealthy, and unclear objectives can be frustrating, but they are overshadowed by this game’s overall package.

Incorporates a moving story with surprisingly addictive gameplay, while adding a dash of comedy to spruce up an otherwise sinister plot. The environments are beautiful and highly detailed.

High time demands put on the gamer by the "no saves in dungeons" design... won't bother hardcore fans but may tax the patience of the more casual fan.

Fast, furious, not to mention loads of fun.

One of the best puzzlers to ever grace a console, and almost a must-have party game.

What Sly Cooper lacks in length, it makes up for in gameplay variation, character design, as well as level design.

The well-told story, furious battles, and engrossing settings should allow you to look past a few design problems.

Although the improvements are small and some pre-existing flaws were ignored, it’s still a great fighter.

Strategy games are never meant to be flashy or hectic, but if they become too slow and complicated for the sake of being complicated…well, then we have a problem. Dynasty Tactics walks a very fine line here, and luckily, does not fall into the aforementioned abyss.

Fluid gameplay, great visuals, and a huge amount of overall depth easily override some low-key soundtracks, a frustrating camera, and a high degree of difficulty.

This game's pick up and play appeal will have casual gamers hooked to this game, but its RPG style elements and surprising franchise mode depth also could appeal to sports game junkies as well.

It’s just too bad T:DoF didn’t aspire to be more than something standard.

I really enjoyed Gungrave. I was able to come to terms with it’s short play length and old school simplicity, but I understand that this game might not pack enough staying power to warrant the $50 price tag.

The game is way fun, chock full o’ stars and actually a lengthy, deep game that’s appropriate for all ages.

The game is great in both short bursts and over the long haul.

The graphics have matured to push the bar higher for what a PS2 game should look like and despite flawed localization and some awkward moments in the voice-acting, it delivers the promise of "more, deeper, better."

It’s easily said that SOCOM is the best console based tactical shooter ever, and it wins that throne quite handedly.

With no online mode, and a limited set of additions, there isn't much of a difference here when compared to Blitz 20-02.

Unfortunately, I found NFL 2K3’s online mode to be somewhat disappointing.

A solid game, but I just wish it brought more to the genre as far as originality.

The best iteration of Madden ever...The only possible gripe I can have is the lack of in-game chat and other online features, but that’s what next year is for.

With an innovative gameplay system, and original combo system, The Mark of Kri is one of the best Beat 'em ups I have ever played.

If the game had been more realistic, it actually would’ve been easier. No Stuntman will do some of these scenes and expect to survive...jumping onto and through a train? Nor would they do so many stunts in one take.

Sky Gunner’s gameplay has old school written all over it, and I mean that in a good way. The game’s slowdown might mar some of the game’s appeal, but if you can look past that, you have a charming and engaging experience to look forward to.

A huge success. With great graphics, hilarious situations, and solid gameplay, MLB Slugfest 20-03 brings fun to a sport that is known for its slow-paced tempo.

In terms of physics I must say that I'm really at awe with the direction the game took.

Fast gameplay and tons of features turn what could be an ordinary churned out sequel into a new benchmark for anti-gravity racers.

A solid, yet simple rally game that works for what it tries to do. Its lack of vehicle customization restrict its appeal, and hinders its chance against heavy hitters like Colin Mcrae 3 and even GT3’s rally mode.

A great game. It's simple gameplay will take you back to the old school days of pure gaming goodness.

UFC fans should be more than satisfied. It’s not as polished as I would’ve liked, and the depth is somewhat hindered by overly similar modes of play.

Stunning visuals, spectacular gameplay, and a realistic plot.

The realism, atmosphere, sound, and diversified gameplay is more than enough to keep players in their seats for hours.

Could have been a better racer had the framerate not stopped at key points in the game and also if the game had a little more replay value.

Incredibly polished, and rivals anything with the Neversoft name on it. With tons of objectives, huge levels, great animation, and even jiggly boobs, Aggressive Inline is a game that no gamer should miss.

Sadly, many people will pass this title up for something with a bit more "flash" instead of going for substance – something Headhunter definitely has.

One could nitpick the title for what it doesn’t deliver, but what it does deliver is pretty amazing; a highly playable movie-licensed superhero game! Who woulda thunk it?

A breath of fresh air and certainly a game any tennis fan or PS2 owner shouldn’t be without.

This is the epitome of what fighting games should be, having practice, patience, and technique take precedence over simple button mashing.

An extremely satisfying experience and, if nothing else, certainly renewed my appreciation for classical music and for conductors, in general.

Given the choice between Tiger Woods and Hot Shots Golf 3, I'd take Hot Shots any day.

An awesome package of gameplay, sound, and story to improve greatly on an already attractive package. Bravo LucasArts, bravo indeed.

Fatal Frame is damn scary. For the first time ever, I not only had to play a game with the lights on, but I had to throw in another game afterward playing this to kill the mood of it all.

For being button-masher friendly and suffering from uninspiring Career and Tournament modes, the game still somehow manages to end up as a rather top-notch boxer.

This is easily the best PGA Tour game for any console since "PGA Tour Golf II" for the Genesis.

The sheer appeal and addictive quality of this title is unmistakable.

One mighty fine soccer game. Yep, mighty fine indeed.

The fluidity of the player movements and how fast and distinctive the game plays out is very realistic and far surpasses anything currently available. This truly is the best simulation baseball game on the PS2.

Don't forget to bring your patience though because Maximo's poorly implemented camera system, semi-cheap enemy placement at the end of jumps, and save system may be the difference between you liking this game, and you hating this game.

A solid arcade racing experience which weaves dexterity, reflexes, and tension into a fairly deep arcade racing experience.

The best Blitz title since the original hit the arcade scene some five years ago.

Without the camera's awkward behavior and minor flaws in the story AirBlade would have easily found a slightly higher score.

The battle system still rocks the house if you're a fan of fast-paced turn-based systems.

It was the sound that really sets Drakan: The Ancients Gates apart from other action/adventures.

Sure, the story is a little weird, and yes, the music isn't quite as good as it was in the first game, but PaRappa 2 is a solid effort, nonetheless.

A veritable avalanche of gameplay options.

Simply put, NBA 2K2 is the best basketball game on the planet. Although it is not perfect, it does emulate the look, feel, and intensity of NBA basketball.

Beautiful graphics and bumping Trance music with jovial shooting to boot is a wicked combination any way you look at it. Definitely one of the best games out right now.

What could have been in the top ten games of the year has been brought down by dropping frame rates, repetitive gameplay, and agonizing load times.

The company has rethought nearly every aspect of the FF franchise, from the battle system to the use of voice acting instead of text and beyond. Nearly every change will be jarring but nearly every change is for the better.

It's like going through "Silent Hill" as an RPG or playing through a Clive Barker or Ann Rice novel.

If you're a retrogaming fan (like I am), then Namco Museum is a no-brainer, if only for the Arrangements.

Its charismatic cast, wonderful voice acting, drop dead beautiful graphics, and awesome level design make Jak and Daxter one of the best platform/adventure games I've ever played.

Immersive and fun. It's not the type of game you play to beat as fast as you can. It's the kind of game you'll play a little bit every week, for many, many weeks to come.

An awesome music game that should be mentioned with the "Parappa"'s and "DDR"'s of the genre.

Not just a game, it's an experience, and well worth the three-year wait...It almost makes you wonder how Hideo Kojima might fare directing a movie based on the Metal Gear license.

May very well be the best FPS on a console ever...The story isn't the best you'll ever see, and "Red Faction" has it beat there, but Half-Life is all about the experience, and few other games suck you in as well as Half-Life.

A game no library should be without. Splashdown is THE game to own for fast-paced purified racing graphical gaming goodness.