It's the multiplayer mode that ultimately makes this well worth your pennies.

As a multi-player game, though, it has the potential to be unique; a user-definable game more like traditional role-playing than anything any platform has ever seen.

Looks stunning. The polygon count has been upped from the coin-op version, and the characters are as lifelike as you could want.

Deduct 60 points if you live in an igloo but if not, Boktai 2 is better than the original. [GamesMaster]

Even with sub-epic myths to draw upon, Factor 5 have put together a well-conceived and thoroughly enjoyable game.

A lovely piece of storytelling with top-notch visuals and sounds, Alice enthrals aesthetically but doesn't quite satisfy gameplay-wise.

For a Microsoft-published game Crimson Skies is refreshingly politically incorrect, with blatantly sexist mid-battle quips from the dashing protagonist.

Brilliant, brilliant and brilliant. Everything the last game was plus everything you ever wanted. [PSM2]

This is not quite a classic RTS, but a brave attempt by Westwood to consolidate their strategy finesse - and it's in 3D, to boot.

Frighteningly entertaining and remarkable in multiplayer. [JPN Import; NGC]

[Games Radar Rating = Hit] Although it isn't as revolutionary as GoldenEye once was, the deft changes of pace mean it's undoubtedly the most Bond-like game ever. It might not leave you shaken, but it's certainly stirring.

A confident, playable, arcade shooter that almost does justice to a fantastic licence. Too short and fiddly to be a classic. [GamesMaster]

A curious and addictive title, occasionally it can seem too difficult to amass the points necessary to defeat the bosses in the game, but the fact that you will always be ready to give it another go is testament to its quality as a launch title.

For all its undoubted good looks, proper names and neat tricks, the best footy game on PS2 is actually the humble PSone's ISS Pro Evolution.

Although it can get repetitive and lacks variety, this is incredibly deep and a welcome return for Final Fantasy to a Ninty console. [GamesMaster]

And it has marvellously crap fighting, which should please you louts out there. Punch him! Hit him in the face! We demand blood!

When you turn to the on-ride camera mode, and the car starts down the big slides...well, I genuinely feel a tug of induced artificial vertigo. A construction game that gets you in the guts. That's rare. This is a golden ticket. Get in line. [PC Gamer UK, Dec 2004, p.111]

Once you've got used to the way things work, thanks to the comprehensive training mode, you'll find the combat is far more satisfying than anything other more commercial RPGs have to offer.

Looks a bit rubbish at first, but scratch the surface and you'll find one of the strongest and most rewarding Xbox games yet. [GamesMaster]

It can easily become a minor obsession - the kind of game that you can constantly dip back into to have a quick fiddle before you leave it for a while.

Being part of a battle on such massive scale has never been as convincingly portrayed before.

An improvement over the original, then. But with still only two areas to choose from and no multi-player mode (an obvious way to improve on the first game that should have been included), it does have a problem with its lifespan.

Impressive? Definitely. It's very heavy on the Japanese text though, so only hardcore import fans should bother with it right now. By the time it sees a proper UK release in March though, expect to be blown away. [JPN Import]

The main problem we have with it is that, despite having a variety of levels and level-styles, the basic format of each world can start to feel a touch repetitive by the time you reach the third or fourth world. [NGC]

Armored Core 2 may not be to everyone's tastes, but if you can get your head round it, the seamless integration of strategy and action provides a deep and enthralling experience.

Simply the best golfing simulation available right now.

Bigger and better than it's esteemed forebear, but not terribly different.

Excellent, albeit lacking in revolutionary intent -- but c'mon, how many games really differ in that respect?

Flawed, frustrating and contrived, but as an experience it's one of the most emotionally engaging games in existence.

Astonishing stuff. [NGC]

If there is a hint of helplessness it's in those marvellous moments when Soldiers' fabulous physics, rich environments and imaginative AI produce such totally unpredictable results, you can only look on in amused dismay. [PC Gamer UK]

"Moto GP" was already nicely buffed - this one positively sparkles. Well worth a mention is the gorgeous rain effect - you just have to see it in action. [GamesMaster]

Not as enjoyable as its predecessor, but still very good. Some of the biggest levels on PS2 and varied, exciting combat collude to form a cracking adventure. [PSM2]

Ignore the vapid thrills promised by shinier, shallower games, and enjoy mastering one of the most challenging fighters for ages. [PSM2 Magazine]

Despite the wonderful new physics system, it feels like this is a game out of step with what's happening in action games. It still suffers from odd AI: enemies are hyperaware of your presence, turning on a dime as you enter their sensitive ranges. [PC Gamer UK]

Rogue Leader can be a little simplistic and the learning curve is insane - some levels are frighteningly difficult and unfair.

Gorgeous to look at and wonderfully well made, but it's not a revolution. [PC Gamer UK]

Another brilliant PS2 first-person shooter. Boasting realism, originality and variety in equal measure - it's the premium choice for Medal of Honor fans this year. [PSM2]

Your pride in your ride will keep this as addictive as it ever was. If you already own it on PS2, then multiplayer is the only new draw, but it's still a cracking game. Get it. [PSM2]

Unique, and only the fact that it won't be every player's idea of fun (walking, listening, talking, mashing sticks...) holds it back. But to pass up on such a powerful experience based on preconceptions of 'boring adventure games' would be a very big mistake. [PSM2]

If a game like "Devil May Cry"'s a double espresso, heavy on the sugar, then Jak and Daxter's a nice soothing cup of tea. One offers non-stop thrills, but is over almost before it starts; the other's everything you'd expect, and it won't get you especially worked up, but lasts much longer.

Despite the messy structure, Sonic Adventure 2 Battle is still up there with the best of them, knocking most of the competition for six. And that's what counts. [GamesMaster Magazine]

It might lack the polish to be genius, but there aren't many more enjoyable or expansive driving games. [GamesMaster]

If you live for 20-inch rims, flame decals and picking just the right door mirrors to accent your neon, you need this. The racing might not be quite the best available, but it's not that far behind. Certainly way good enough for you to enjoy your crazy ride. [PSM2]

Anyone who enjoys constant challenge (the gaming equivalent of juggling with chainsaws) will find much to love in Evil Genius. The majority of the game's features function extremely well and the theme is rock-solid throughout. [PC Gamer UK]

Packs so much action and excitement into its story that it's easy to forget its flaws. [PC Format]

A beautiful story, told in a brand new way...It's the giant leap that the genre so desperately needed. [PC Gamer UK]

Another sprawling, complex, but absurdly playable chapter in the Madden saga - but now online sexiness. What's not to love? [PSM2]

The closest anyone's got to nailing the mainstream music game concept. If it was just 20 quid, we'd tell everyone to get it. [PSM2]

Not a big brave step forward in the world of wrestling games...But the whole game has been pumped up and inflated to such impressive proportions that you can't help applaud both THQ and Yukes for treating the WWE with the care and campness it deserves.

Somewhere between the solid first few hours and the game's thrilling conclusion, Silent Hill 3 transforms from a humdrum sequel into a knuckle-searing digital nightmare. [PSM2]

It's still the best original platformer on GBA, mind. Stitch that Mario! Waaaaaaa! [GamesMaster Magazine]

For all its faults [camera, linear progress], this is one of the most vividly imagined, sprawling and openly heart-warming games on PS2. [PSM2]

NFSUR's down 'n' dirty street racing complements "Ridge Racer's" arcadey day-glo driving perfectly. [GamesMaster]

You can't help but be quietly impressed by its speed, its stunning scenery, and its incredibly well-designed tracks.

Don't let the fact that it's an update put you off. Easy to pick up and impossible to put down, this is a classic RPG. [NGC]

JSFR looks better than any game around but, being a bit too easy and slow, it doesn't involve or engage you as it should. [GamesMaster Magazine]

Thankfully, the whole thing is also infinitely better-lit than previous outing Circle of the Moon, which means that playing it without industrial-strength lighting overhead is now an option. [NGC]

The trading, the pirating, the sailing, the dancing, the political ramifications of targeting one nation's gubernatorial and military traffic to the advantage of another... it all swims in the shallows. But as shallows go they're as clear and blue as babies' eyes. [PC Gamer UK]

Assessed solely on the single-player mode this game is a sizey, different and diverse lump of still-classic Resi gaming. Add online and add 5% to that score. [JPN Import; PSM2]

If you're after a completely new experience and don't mind putting up with a few flaws, Billy's your egg-rolling boy. [NGC]

Midway has delivered psychic splendour with great effect. Like a master hypnotist, Psi-Ops commands your attention and won't let go. [PSM2]

This is a brave, slow-paced WWII shooter with tons of character and verve. Valve will update it with more content, and when they do DoD will be worth another 5%. Until then... [PC Gamer UK]

Challenging, cerebral, and maddening. Hitman 2 keeps you coming back but there just aren't enough saves in the game. [PC Format]

Not quite as nails as before, yet even more exciting, Big Red One is the gaming equivalent of your synapses combusting. And that can only ever be a good thing. [PSM2]

Unfriendly, unwieldy and expensive - but put the time in and you'll be rewarded with the most extraordinary online RPG. [GamesMaster]

Despite some really basic errors, XIII is ambitiously big and beautiful, delivering enough of the right stuff to ensure you stick at it. Impressive. [NGC]

It's a completely immersive game, and despite our few niggles with enemies that stay rooted to the spot and missions that don't vary hugely, we're still going back for more. [GamesMaster]

And because much of the content streams directly from the servers, it is also endlessly flexible, completely modular and ripe for future developments. It's going to be one of the most important games of this year and years to come. [PC Gamer UK]

Despite the dearth of new features and the inherited infirmities, £20 is far too low an asking price for a strategy game this cultivated. [PC Gamer UK]

The best action-adventure game if you're looking for something more to get your teeth into once Metroid Fusion is done and dusted. [NGC]

Faster than ever, with loads of replay value - let down slightly by some extremely dodgy level design. One for speed-addicts. [GamesMaster]

Not as deep as "Manhunt" or "GTA" but some of the best fun you'll have with a bottle of firewater and some very old guns. [GamesMaster]

It can run a little slow and it's not without its niggles, but Football Manager 2006 is still the best for football and definitely this season's best footie sim. [PC Gamer UK]

Still the top wrestling game you can buy but it's not without its faults. The series is becoming dated. Here's hoping for a major make-over next year. [PSM2]

Too short, too complicated and too clever - but an absolute classic. If only they'd taken the time to fix the pacing and give us some new bits. [GamesMaster]

Easier on the eye than "Virtua Tennis 2," but lacks the diving ability of that game. Otherwise it's perfectly balanced and offers all the tension of the real sport. [PSM2]

The new minigames are a bit rubbish, but there's basically no reason for PSP-owning WWE fans not to get this. Finally, PSP gets itself a decent fighting game. About time too. [PSM2]

Not as deep as "Manhunt" or "GTA" but some of the best fun you'll have with a bottle of firewater and some very old guns. [GamesMaster]

A new concept in gaming that works brilliantly. We're already pining for a sequel. [GamesMaster]

Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour isn't going to shake the golf game establishment to its foundations, but it has as much depth as any of its competitors, and considerably more character. [NGC]

Despite some flaws and an overall feeling of deja vu that might alarm series veterans, Liberty City Stories is still an utterly irresistible and hugely enjoyable addition to the GTA family and an instant PSP treasure.

Oozes the same rare quality of its predecessor, and every element of the game is superbly executed. [PSM2]

Good, daft, surprisingly tactical fun. No set-pieces to match Halo, but all the sniping and destruction you could ever hope for. [GamesMaster]

Ace, and yet strangely subdued. We still reckon the series peaked with "Tricky." [GamesMaster]

Apart from the slow loading times, this is one of the best games on PSP. [PSM2]

Though it pains us to say this, the official license really does make a big difference. All those real stadia, shirts and club logos flying around the place give it the kind of special event feel that the competition simply can't match. Shallow? Not us.

While solving these puzzles is great fun, the crane work gets a bit repetitive and it's not the seamless platform adventure we'd hoped for.

It's still got that old Resi magic and is a great game, but the series is starting to show its age and plod like an old zombie. [GamesMaster]

It's the perfect, brutal antidote to more complicated fighters like Tekken, but it's also complex enough to satisfy those put off by the stupidity of previous games. Bloody great. [Playstation 2 Max]

If you are looking for something soft, slow and slightly soppy, there are few finer, moodier adventures around. [GamesMaster Magazine]

An enjoyably brainless, highly destructive romp. It doesn't offer anything new but it does do everything well. [PSM2]

While Empire Earth II may not have the sense of character that a more era-focused RTS brings to the party, it scores big for its naked ambition. If you've got the staying power, it will reward you with months of sabre-rattling goodness. [PC Gamer UK]

An ambitious and varied return to form and Pivotal's best offering to date. A seriously kick-ass war game. [Xbox World]

The best Japanese PSP launch title and a fine showcase for the handheld's capabilities. It's fast, looks great and is packed with classic Ridge tracks. And the lag-free eight-player WiFi races are breathtaking. [JPN Import]

The EA warhorse gets a much-needed injection of old-school cool. [PC Gamer UK]

The true brilliance shines through whenever you get enough mates together to unearth the full potential of the multiplayer.

The balance between doing combos and pulling trick moves still isn't weighted enough in favour of the latter, so when things get tight it's tempting to go back to being dull. [PSM2]