Unlike previous expansions it doesn't pack any real innovations. Looks like we'll have to wait for The Sims Online for that. [GamesMaster]

Ultimately though, this is one for serious Spearites only. [GamesMaster]

The best comic book game ever, but a bit too structured. [PC Format]

A balls-out, seat-of-your-pants ride that shows the lesser known motor sport of rallying in all its rugged glory. At the very least, the most brutal racer on PS2 yet. [PSM2 Magazine]

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

The graphics and animation are consistently brilliant. There are some gorgeous environments to explore, a superbly adapted control system for GBA. [GamesMaster Magazine]

It's quick, brash and very noisy but underneath that wild exterior lurks a racer of surprising finesse. [PSM2 Magazine]

It's Tony's finest handheld outing yet. The new levels, improved graphics and hassle-free multi-player mode make Hawk a half-pipe hero. [GamesMaster]

As your handling becomes more intuitive, the detail melts into the background and, with just a tiny eye-blur, you get that huge photorealism kick. [XGamer Magazine]

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]

Sits comfortably between the hardcore elements of the stately "Links," and the cutesy arcadeness of more console-orientated golf. [PC Format]

It's not terrible, by any means. It's just that, considering the degree of expectation surrounding it and the power of Xbox itself (Halo, anyone?), it should - and could - have offered so much more. [GamesMaster]

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]

A mind-meddlingly varied game that throws new ideas at you every ten paces. [NGC]

It's great for a quick 10-minute thrill but not something I'd spend 45 quid on. [XGamer Magazine]

Despite the 12 years since his debut, it's as captivating, exciting and, more importantly, as fun as it ever was - but of Sega, we'd expect no less. [GamesMaster]

Compared to the massive rendered cutscenes in "Tekken 3," Tekken Advance looks like a small-scale side story of the series, rather than a fully-fledged sequel.

The bit with the insect queen probably ranks as the Most Disturbing Moment In A Game Ever. [XGamer Magazine]

This new ability to duel on demand is sure to please fervent fight-fans and is a very useful training tool for those wanting to prepare intensively for an on-line rumpus.

[from PC Gamer UK]: This is the most realistic AI yet seen in a first-person shooter: enemies are utterly convincing in the acquisition of intelligent cover, the picking up of fixed gun posts from dead comrades and in the decisions they make to hang back and throw grenades and intelligently split and circle rather than hide on the spot or just come running.

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

Unfortunately, beyond the artifice of the attractive environments and sound design there hides the kind of on-rails gameplay that might've been the bollocks 10 years ago but simply seems naive today.

The levels are barren, boring and repetitive, and the character animation is poor. [GamesMaster Magazine]

Sequential software that labels itself next-gen should provide next-gen opportunities, not just exaggerate the mistakes it made on the last version. [Edge Magazine]

You'll actually want to play by yourself to unlock a slew of easter eggs. [XGamer Magazine]

On every level, this is a game destined to appeal to the silent minority who simply can't get enough of the series. If you're a fan, then resistance will be futile. [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.

It's a long way from the Tekkens of this world, with no complicated combos or tricky special moves to pull off, but under the surface there's a fighting game that requires almost as much skill in its own way, as any of the 'serious' martial arts sims - and is a lot more fun. [NGC]

Another dollop of glorious GameCube genius.

One of those games that you switch on intending to have a quick blast, then find yourself staring square-eyed at in the early hours.

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

An essential, and long-lived, purchase. This is one shooter that you're going to want to savour.

The interlocking level goals in the career mode ooze intelligent design. [Xgamer Magazine]

The quality and individuality of presently pilotable planes and the extraordinary variety of AI airpower should satisfy all but the most hard-hearted hangar habitues.

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

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

This is competent, if uninspired stuff that will no doubt please Bat-fans. [NGC]

Packed to the rafters with ticklish problem-solving, as you have to complete your goals and collect bananas. [GamesMaster Magazine]

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.

An experience not to miss...Halo evolves first person combat to new highs. But it doesn't do anything shockingly new. [Xgamer Magazine]

It doesn't offer the same free roaming play of "Tony Hawk's," nor does it offer the high speed thrills of "SSX Tricky," but it is fresh, original and damn good fun. [XGamer Magazine]

Obsession can easily set in with certain challenges. You might be able to see how you could earn the required amount of Kudos, but actually doing it is another matter. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

It's fine, spectacular, stunning, in a thoroughly ordinary fashion. It thrills, but will leave those who've previously visited the series contented rather than elated.

AI has always been a bone of contention with these games, and Ghost Recon is no exception. Basically, you're playing 3D Lemmings - with guns.

[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.

An incredibly addictive experience that will see you tying your fingers into great fangled knots of joy. Essential. [GamesMaster Magazine]

It's highly likely that the relative lack of gaming sophistication will result in only a shortlived appeal for seasoned strategy heads.

A bit plot heavy, but that's a tiny criticism of one of the most inventive, ambitious and downright fun games to play, well, <I>ever</I>.[GamesMaster Magazine]

Now you're talking perfection... incredible graphics and first-person shooter action, with one of the best, most elaborately orchestrated videogame plots ever seen.

Like a good book that you won't want to put down. Golden Sun is portable role-playing at its purest. Totally absorbing. [Advance]

It's SSX's cooler, meaner, smarter brother - and still the most exhilarating game on PS2.

FIFA 2002 might be deeper, but it isn't more fun. The rich gameplay is negated by clumsy implementation, shabby player models and lack of visual finesse.

[Games Radar Rating = Miss] fans of the series deserve more than a shiny retread. Although the legend remains intact for now, it'd be a crime if Crash was still spinning along the same narrow path next year.

[Scoring note: "Direct Hit" = 100] A ram-jammed, brain-scrambling eye shag.

[Games Radar Rating = Direct Hit] AvP2 isn't a revolutionary game, but a collection of previously-seen elements, all put together seamlessly and balanced so well that it emerges as a rather beautiful Frankenstein's Monster.

The biggest, deepest, most spectacular strategy game ever made.

The trouble is, the learning curve's more of a spike, so with no real variation in the gameplay, and an extremely rigid mission-structure, every few missions you'll get hopelessly, tooth-gnashingly stuck.

Keeps the series on the cutting edge of visual excellence, but the storyline goes in the opposite direction, taking the player back 1,000 years before the first two games in the franchise.

The introduction of the revert is a handy addition to you stunt arsenal, but it doesn't have the same game-changing effect that the manual had in number two. Which is good, as it adds an extra touch but doesn't meddle with a beautifully balanced control system.

Technique will always get you further than random button mashing. [GamesMaster]

For either a first time fragger or a battle hardened veteran, Doom is simply superb. [GamesMaster]

Almost immediately after your first play you'll realise that underneath the cloak of controversy that will forever shadow GTA3 sits a truly special, groundbreaking and brilliant game. You'll love it.

[Miss = 50 on Radar scale] Unfortunately, the fidgety camera is so poor and makes searching such a bleeding chore that being Spider-Man seems a dull job.

Every bit of Devil May Cry's been carefully orchestrated, and the effort pays off - there's rarely a dull moment.

This has more invention and genuine touches of class than the majority of PS2 games have in total.

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

Fun. It's not technically impressive in a look-at-that-sun-glare kinda way, and it won't take hours to master its subtle nuances.

A fine racing sim, and a fantastic F1 title. Highly recommended indeed.

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

Frighteningly addictive.

The thing that makes Mario Kart such a replayable racer is the gorgeous handling of the vehicles. Forget things like Crash Team Racing and Diddy Kong - Mario Kart Super Circuit drives so well it feels like the GBA is hotwired into your brain. [GamesMaster Magazine]

A gorgeous and absorbing space combat sim, but one that takes time to get to grips with.

Adds nothing to the well-worn formula but wraps everything up in a glossy package which makes the previous outings look like primary school projects. This is classic Resi at it's finest.

There are so many modes, multi-player games and features that could easily have you seeing less and less daylight as time goes on.

The USA's going ape over this latest version, but over here in Britain few of us really care for this most American of sports, and although the latest Madden's the most accomplished yet, it lacks the emotional appeal of something like "Pro Evolution Soccer."

A fun title, but we can't promise that in a couple of months you won't be trading it in.

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.

The most important action game yet made for the PC. Well worth the long wait.

Not the revolutionary title many had hoped, this is nonetheless as complete and professional a racer as you could wish for.

While SA2 offers a wealth of gameplay styles, the freshness and depth which made Sonic Adventure so remarkable has hardly been improved upon.

This is as unsettling and absorbing an adventure as you could hope for.

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.

A technical marvel. It moves so fast, and so smoothly, that you'd be forgiven for forgetting that you're playing it on a handheld console.

Some of the most imaginative levels ever. [GamesMaster Magazine, #109]

Simply fantastic.

There's one huge caveat to our recommendations. THQ, in a cost-cutting move sure to infuriate people everywhere, have removed the battery memory back-up and implemented a password system instead.

An old concept it may be, but what does that matter when you're having so much bloody fun?

A stunning visual banquet, masterfully blending all the necessary ingredients for a cracking fantasy RPG. We're not likely to see many better PS2 titles this year.

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.

A faithful conversion of the enjoyable arcade original, but a game with no longevity whatsoever.

Not an essential purchase, maybe, but Point Blank version 3 is still tremendous fun, horribly addictive, and its new modes do make it even more of a party game.

Nobody makes lightgun shooters quite like Sega. But while this would have you happily pumping in the pound coins at the arcade, it doesn't have the longevity to make it an essential home purchase.

This is a franchise for those who like games entirely cerebral, with no need for reflexes or marksmanship.

You're better off saving your cash for something better, but if you really want a Mario-based board game, go for the cheaper - and better - "Mario Party 2."

A blaze of fiendish difficulty and strategic brilliance. You're about to be sorted.

Besides the abundance of car wrecking weapons, the most entertaining aspect of Rumble Racing is that the vehicles, including the trucks, can do mid-air tricks. Every time you perform a barrel roll or misty flip its impossible not to raise a cheeky smile.

A good-looking and proficient shooter, but one that is utterly devoid of invention or new ideas.

A pale Star Wars-based imitation of "Mario Kart." Just plain bad.