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?

The sum of its parts are overshadowed by low production values, shallow story, lacking gameplay structure, and poor character development.

It's solid and has a ton of dungeon crawling. But don't expect the story to still be percolating in your mind six months after you finish.

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.

It blends military vehicular action with RPG elements and manages to pull it off fairly well.

This game is basically made for the DBZ fans out there than don't mind putting up with some sub-par gameplay as long as they get to play as their favorite DBZ characters.

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.

What made Treyarch’s "Spider-Man" engine so special was its versatility. In MR, most of the versatility was taken away by simply focusing on the fighting aspect, giving the game a repetitive feel to it throughout its 40 levels.

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

It’s mared in lackluster gameplay and shoddy technical aspects.

Fast, frenetic, and most importantly fun.

The biggest problem here is how tedious some of the objectives can be, but the story is interesting enough to keep you playing, and it's a decently long experience as well.

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.

Simply way too choppy to enjoy all that much.

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

Gets the most important part right, the robot’s controls and gameplay elements, but drops the ball on all of the little things (like presentation, story, and voice acting).

More like a chore than an experience.

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.

Unfortunately, frustrating AI, boring course variety, and uninspired tricks give this game a slightly above average, generic feel.

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.

Ambitious in construction and theory, but lacking in overall gameplay and entertainment value, Reign of Fire limps half-heartedly to the finish line.

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

Unbalanced characters, cheap AI, and ugly graphics mar this game to the point that its' not even worth trying out.

Well-presented, deep and involving.

They toss some gore and sex into the mix and hope to distract us from the fact that it’s a really average action-adventure game.

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

The level design is uninspired, the controls ... well don't, and the game's sense of speed is nonexistent.

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.

It’s depth will hook hardcore racing fans, but its difficult AI will have mostly everyone else frustrated.

Sim junkies will be totally captivated by its career mode, and if you can get past this games technical woes, you'll have a great time playing.

Short length and repetitive gameplay take a little away from it, but action fans should be pleased.

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.

A nagging generic sameness that, despite a wonderful localization, robs the game of any joy in playing it.

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

A solid FPS, although it lacks a bit in the level design department. This leads to a potentially boring online experience.

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.

Has problems galore, most noticeably in the controls, and to be perfectly frank: it’s just not fun to play.

The promising foundation is very nearly forgotten due to a rickety structure atop it. Regardless of whether or not you’ve watched the movies, chances are, you’ll be disappointed with this one.

Quite disappointing. It's choppy framerate, second rate graphics, and bland textures affect both gameplay and fun factor. These characters have character, and it simply doesn't show up on the PS2 version.

The game's visual bugs, familiar gameplay, and suspect framerate make this game seem more like a devolution.

The interface is clumsy, and the long load times can offset the fun factor. Even so, hardcore strategy fans should have fun with this.

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.

A bit too much like its NFL brother, this game does little to simulate the college experience.

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

If you are looking for an arcade basketball experience like no other, go for (the now greatest hit) NBA Street.

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.

If this were an actual NFL season, Madden 2003’s record would be 14-2, NFL 2K3 would be 13-3, and GameDay 2003 would squeak by into the virtual football playoffs as a wildcard with an 9-7 record.

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.

Disappointing, especially coming from SEGA.

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.

One of the worst games found on the PS2.

Not only is it bland, simplistic, and limited, but the technical problems it has makes this game virtually unplayable.

The most entertaining feature in Barbarian is, without a doubt, the interactive environments.

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.

A serviceable platform title that will fill the "I want, I want" need of younger gamers who fell in love with the movie.

With poor design, few "levels" and frustrating gameplay, there’s not a lot here to praise.

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.

It’s got some decent control (albeit with a few quirky cameras), and a whole lot of potential, but I saw none of the flash that it should’ve had.

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.

It tells a fun epic tale, with great music, and the gameplay is solid enough to keep you interested. Unfortunately, the shaky camera, cheap enemy AI, and a limited move list keep this game from being stellar.

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.

The game was presented as an action/adventure flight game when it really fits in as more of a limited no frills flight sim.