Definitely not a "maximum" of anything, dismally low number of gameplay options, pretty but useless opponents, oversimplified cue-stick interaction, and way-sensitive controls.

The graphics aren't quite up to par, but the game makes up for it with tons of innovative and enjoyable missions, excellent physics, and enough planes and customization options to please even the most demanding flight-simulation fans.

Sporting sharper, smoother graphics, and a few new odds and ends, fans of the RE series who haven't tromped through the many PlayStation iterations will appreciate this conversion.

The funny thing is that the makers of this game actually guarantee to improve your real pool game. Speaking from experience, their claim turns out to be true, and spending a good amount of time on VP3 is analogous to attending a billiards clinic.

If you're a big Star Trek fan, you'll enjoy this game immensely. If you're not, you'll still enjoy this game, but some of the more subtle nuances will be lost on you.

It's extremely satisfying to take the U.S. to the World Cup finals (hey, a guy can dream, can't he?), Arsenal to the top of the English Premiere League, or simply play out bitter rivalries like Celtic vs. Rangers, or heck, Chicago Fire versus Deportivo la Coruna...could happen....

The adrenaline-inducing arcade action makes up for the game's flaws.

But if the thought of parachute pants makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, you could do worse than trying to relive your glory days with this title.

It's got scary atmosphere, decent graphics, excellent sound, great dinosaur enemies, ominous locales, and plenty to do. If you've already played through the PlayStation version, there's little reason to run out to get the Dreamcast rendition.

But if you move through the settings from easy to normal to hard to very hard, you've got a challenging shooter that is as graphically appealing and fun as any out there--except, of course, for "Radiant Silvergun."

Old-school graphics and unprecedented difficulty level make this one a loser for all but the most dedicated retro-game freaks.

A brilliant lesson in game making as well as in history--and like history, it repeats itself again and again and again.

But for the feel of nostalgia bolstered by the still-capable technology of the PlayStation, this game can make you feel actual delight--something that's tough to do in these cynical times.

Credit should be given to Infogrames for even producing a volleyball game, but Power Spike's a bit like getting sand in your shorts -- not much fun at all.

If you're looking for your first PSX golf title, this is the game for you. But if you're a veteran PGA Tour player, the 2001 edition of the series may not be worth the upgrade.

This game should have never left the training room.

The combination of the beautiful visuals, awesome sound effects, simple control, and hysterical power-ups really makes Looney Tunes Racing an enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, the whole thing is noticeably short-lived.

Blocky graphics, a complete lack of challenges or fun mini-games, and really bad stabs at humor make this game a drag.

The lack of a franchise mode kills the replay value. The graphics are so-so.

And if you're too cool for this stuff, hey, grow up and get over it, because you're missing out on a terrific game.

If you're looking to feel bored and frustrated, pick up Sonic Shuffle.

Although the graphics and the sound effects could have been improved in some areas, there is one thing that remains a constant throughout the game: it is damn funny the whole way through.

Like fine wine or stinky cheese, Ms. Pac-Man just gets better and better as time goes by.

This game is excellent, although its predictable and simple story combined with average character designs and dialogue prevent if from becoming an instant classic.

In an attempt to please everyone, the game's standard may be that of the lowest common denominator. At least the book is included in the package.

I liked this game simply because it's Star Wars, but also because it's a fun, if basic, combat title.

More a series of interlinked tale-telling vignettes than a proper blast-'em-up, the small-screen heir to Austin Powers' legacy is nonetheless one of the finest offerings in years.

Has it turned out to be everything fighting fans had hoped and dreamed of? In a word, no. But the game is still a good fighter.

A tense, violent, hyper-realistic, team-oriented online gaming experience like no other. Viva la Half-Life!

The lack of mouse support is both shocking and somewhat unforgivable... (yet) EMI will provide hours of intelligent and silly gameplay.

A spectacular arcade-style racing game with pretensions to realism that fall far short of other driving sims on the market. The unrealistic aspects of the game, however, are far overshadowed by an incredible presentation and visual touches galore.

If you like wall-to-wall bloody action in cool locales with some interesting puzzles and lots to do, Rune may be what you're looking for.

If you enjoyed either "Delta Force I" or "II," you'll like this game as well. It is more of the same, with some gameplay, graphic, and multiplayer improvements.

Even though TWINE is no "GoldenEye," it's still a fun and well-made game in its own right. It's sort of the way I feel about Pierce Brosnan...he'll never replace Sean Connery in my heart, but he still plays a pretty good Bond.

Uninspiring and bland gameplay, load screens while racing (seriously), unresponsive control, and horribly outdated graphics.

The six mini-games are fun to play... for about 30 minutes each.

It doesn't feel like you're playing pool, and these have got to be the most outdated-looking graphics seen on the PlayStation2.

Tiger plays poorly and finishes last among this year's golf sims, and that's not the only flaw in this game's realism.

A mixed bag. And it definitely isn't for everyone. If you want a serious NASCAR sim and are willing to put up with some very schizophrenic graphics, this is your game.

The 24 mini-games that make up the whole present a pretty good cross-section of every gaming style imaginable. They're all handled well.

One of the nicest PSX games to be released in recent months, featuring great graphics, sound, gameplay, and an engaging storyline with vivid characters.

The bottom line is that NASCAR fans will be pleased, and others won't be completely bored out of their skulls.

Jack has always been about graphical fun, irreverence, and sarcastic humor. And this one is no exception.

Unlike "Seaman," this game's voice recognition is pretty primitive.

The comparison between THPS2 for the Dreamcast and PlayStation can be directly correlated to a comparison of Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears.... Because Spears (like the Dreamcast version) is four times as enhanced as Aguilera, she is recognized as a better product.

Max doesn't do anything particularly wrong, it just doesn't do too much that's new.

The AI is sharp, and even if it wasn't, you'd have to admire the tight multiplayer coding and thrilling multiplayer games offered on Sacrifice's free server.

It has plenty of good stuff going for it, but a long list of problems keeps it from being anything other than merely decent.

The pace of the action is generally heart pounding, and that's a good thing. On the down side, the missions are either too short or too initially implausible.

NBA 2K1 is hype, dope, flash, stylin', radical to the max, groovy, and it's cool, daddio--real cool.

One heck of a well-designed game, complete in every area of realism, but falling a bit short as far as fun factor is concerned.

It looks, sounds, and even plays old school. Are you sure you want to go back to school?

This is creepy in a really bad way.

The only real problem here is that the game still plays a bit too fast.

It's just a matter of personal preference, but I'll take Alex Trebek over the You Don't Know Jack pinhead any day. At least the free bag of microwave popcorn that comes with the game was good.

SSX is so good, you'd better strap yourself into your favorite gaming chair, and have plenty of Kleenex and wet-naps on hand.

The game's lack of speed and overwhelming number of moves make it less of a draw for non-fans, but fans will be thoroughly floored.

Serves up a decent game of b-ball, but sluggish gameplay and the lack of a few fundamental options keep it from reaching its full potential.

The most visually innovative and stunning game to hit any console. Oh yeah, it's a lot of fun too.

Does "3DO" mean "3 directions only" -- forward, left, and right?

Staggering amount of customization, a virtual fleet of licensed vehicles, and an effective cross-platform online experience that gives a whole new meaning to the words "replay value" for a console game.

An absurdly non-existent damage model causes the game to seem so stunningly unrealistic that it's little more than a goofy cart racing arcade game.

Not only does it look gorgeous, but it does a remarkable job of bringing the surfing experience home. Unfortunately, it also brings the frustration and lack of variety that straight surfing brings, which leads to its inevitable failure in the fun category.

It really is a great stress-relieving game with its simple controls, colorful visuals, and soothing sounds--ah, the simple pleasures in life.

All praise the lord of the church of the swollen-thumbed messiah--this game is a kick!...You pound endlessly on two buttons until either the event is over or you've lost feeling in your hand, but virtually every other aspect of the game has been improved.

If you're looking for something unique, look no further than that series known for its bouncy girls. Now its got even more depth to go along with its more obvious features.

It's got a great golf engine, loads of options, replay value, and offers a serious challenge without taking itself too seriously.

While THPS is one of the finest games ever made, THPS2 is so much better that it makes the first seem almost unplayable.

While the graphics and the sound are on point, the game as a whole is weak.

Although the fundamental Tekken formula has changed a little, the mind-blowing graphics will draw in even the most casual gamers.

Players expecting next-generation gameplay to accompany the update in the graphics may find themselves a bit disappointed. But if mind-numbing powerslides pulled off in polygonal heaven is your thing, then RRV does indeed fire on all cylinders.

Dazzling graphics couple with intense and addictive play.

Fresh graphics, tight controls, and completely addictive gameplay make this a definite must-have title. To sum it up in one word, it's smugglelicious!

The collision physics make flipping pedestrians over your car seem realistic, as well as barbarically satisfying.

One of the most intriguing blast-a-thons in recent memory.

The graphics are more stylistically consistent and detailed than those in Ocarina, the geography is more enormous and fluidly connected, the challenges are considerably more diverse, and the control interface is vastly improved.

Guess what. It's a damn fine game.

Next time, the developers should do something about the voice acting and maybe add a more intuitive real-time mouse-swing system, and then we'd have an undisputed champion.

Even with its flaws, Summoner stands out as the best RPG available for PS2 this year.

While the learning curve is as steep as some of the game's slopes, patience does pay off in this game, which should appeal to snowboarding fans. Unfortunately, the rest of us will find the game's strict guidelines to reality a detriment.

The typical fashion model hangs out on the French Riviera and wears a slinky black dress with a fancy designer name on it. The typical RPGer eats a lot of french fries and wears a size XXL black T-shirt with a crewmember of the USS Enterprise on it. These similarities were not lost on From Software.

For the first time, a mech-style game makes you feel like you're actually inhabiting the suit, not controlling it from afar.

Dozens of magical rings will have you wishing you had more than ten fingers, but the poor enemy AI will have you occasionally flipping one of them at your screen.

A brilliant 3D world overrun by control and camera issues.

If you can get past the over-sensitive controls and find a vehicle or two that you like, then there's a lot of mindless fun to be had here.

The sound effects are very well done, but the senseless and endless chatter from your colleagues is distracting and unwanted, and the music score could have been much better and less monotonous.

It is extremely awkward trying to control your basic movements with the left analog stick while at the same time controlling your look and aim movements with the right analog stick.

Without a doubt, the Madden cards are the niftiest new things about this year's game.

Worst of all is the voice of Volcan, an anime reject who unfortunately happens to be everywhere. Imagine Spritle from "Speed Racer" with a limitless supply of sugar and caffeine--and a bad cold--and you get the idea.

This is a tremendous one-player shooter with a level of intensity and suspense that reminds me of when super-graphic gaming was a brand-new thing.

Even more tragic is the fact that there is no way for you to turn the tables and play as the Arachnids. I don't know about you, but I wanted to be the first kid on my block to suck a human brain out of a skull with a three-foot long proboscis.

This one takes full advantage of the PS2's graphic capabilities, giving a digital beatdown to all comers in the genre.

The biggest problem area in Mike Tyson Boxing is the controls. They're not completely unresponsive, but there is a definite delay that affects the overall gameplay and fluidity of the game.

The ugly graphics that simply can't compare to what thy eyes have seen on the PlayStation2. Seriously, after playing SSX on the PlayStation's big brother, it hurts even to look at this game.

A first-person shooter that has you shooting Nazis in the head for a better score.

The game starts off with one of the best opening sequences I have seen in a game to date. I laugh my ass off every time I watch it, and it gets my blood pumping before I actually start ramming my car into other vehicles just for the sheer, sick thrill of it.

Though city-building strategy is a niche genre that has never been my favorite, it's fair to say that ZMO is the most fun I've had in quite a while.

The DC controller's scheme is only adequate, and the number of pauses that occur during online play is too many.