Control issues, lagging response time and a rushed-to-market feel water-down what should have been the best soccer game on PSP.

It has enough gameplay modes to last a while, plus the pitching/batting mechanisms are variable enough to make the pitcher/batter duels a little bit unpredictable.

A deep, mature, and original plot, beautiful cel-shaded textures and plenty of hidden extras (like optional bosses, treasures, etc.) make Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga one of the greatest role-playing experiences on the PlayStation 2 to date.

Highly recommended for anyone with a sense of humor (that excludes you George Lucas... out, out, OUT!

Extensive loading times aside (understandable given the insane amount of animation frames on display) Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower does the classic 2D fighting genre justice.

Despite a few rough edges (blurred textures, loading pauses galore, etc.) this is easily the best licensed golf simulation ever released on a portable console.

The only requirements needed to have a blast playing Ridge Racer on PSP are (a) a pulse, (b) the skill to be competitive in a driving videogame (not everyone’s cup of tea) and (c) some historical perspective of what this series has meant to Sony in both sales and as a measuring stick of its then-new systems’ power.

Fans of previous Metal Gear stealth adventures will have to adjust their tolerance level to ‘HIGH’ to deal with MGA’s insanely hard and complex new turn-based card system.

Still shots don’t do justice to its clean interface and pretty graphics justice; Lumines has to be seen, played and heard to be fully appreciated.

Unleashed duplicates the look and feel of its big console counterpart remarkably well, so much so that owning both versions of the game would be foolish.

A handful of new gameplay tweaks, new hovercraft racing classes and a PSP-worthy visual overhaul make WipeOut Pure the best installment in the series since 1996â??s "WipeOut XL."

A looser and slightly more free-wheeling soccer experience than the so-sim-oriented-it-hurts "FIFA Soccer" PSP game.

The addition of the style system, a concrete storyline and a slick new arsenal of moves makes this entry arguably the best in the series so far. However, don't be mistaken, Devil May Cry 3 is hard as hell.

Sure, there's a little blood and the replays really show off some of the sport's unforgiving brutality, but it's only enough to warrant the game a Teen rating from the ESRB so parent's shouldn't have to worry about their warping their children's fragile little minds with this one.

Outstanding visuals (the best yet on PS2), killer sound, kick-ass characters (new one’s as well as returning one’s), finely-tweaked gameplay (which still lags behind VF4 in depth but not replayability) and a truckload of extras (including the first three Tekken arcade games) make this the be-all, end-all installment of Tekken to date.

The emphasis on improved graphics, realism and vehicle/track variety come at the expense of a missing online component, better AI for the CPU drones and the return of the dreaded license tests. The good overwhelmingly outweighs GT4’s handful of tolerable negatives though.

From graphics to cool weapons, and from in-depth online multiplayer options galore to the choice of using stealth or brawn to complete missions, Crystal Dynamics’ FPS shooter is just what the doctor ordered for the genre-deficient PS2.

An absolute blast to play, especially with friends online or off. If you love action RPG's then I can't imagine you'd find a better one than this.

Gameplay aside, Mercenaries is loaded with tons of unlockables such as the ability to play as Indiana Jones, as well as opening up new vehicles and weapons (like the portable airstrike). Now how cool is that?

The online play is fantastic, the new wall moves add to the arcade feel and the music simply rocks. I highly recommend this game!

A textbook case of a videogame sequel done right.

The ill-advised addition of needlessly graphic displays of violence, backtracking galore and contemporary music/voices take attention away from Warrior Within's excellent new combat maneuvers, still-outstanding environmental puzzles and lengthier quest. The PS2 version is also saddled with periodic bouts of slowdown and no online support whatsoever (sigh!).

The shortness of the experience, reliance on a barely-improved gameplay formula, melodramatic storyline twists and stepped-up quality of its competitors (particularly Sam Fisher's "Splinter Cell" games from Ubi Soft) prevent us from scoring Snake Eater higher.

2005 is taking its first step to becoming one of the top games on the market by adding all the new features.

The most fun I have had playing online as far as the first person shooter genre goes. This is one of those games you will want to have for sure just to see how good online play can be!

From fantastic special effects to authentic (though recycled) voices/music from the TV show, and from new useful moves (teleportation!) to a keen balance between overkill and authenticity to its source material in the graphics, this is it.

Daxter's shtick notwithstanding (he hasn't made me laugh since the middle of last year's adventure) Jak 3 stands tall and proud as a testament of what polished gameplay and cutting-edge graphics can do when the host system's Emotion Engine is maximized.

No game is perfect, but I'll be damned if Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal isn't close as can be. There's something in here for everyone to enjoy, and at a mere $40 pricepoint, it's worth every penny.

While the single-player modes are merely OK is in its multiplayer and online modes that this third Offroad Fury game earns its worth.

If you love 2D fighters with loads of variety and customization and you have two or more friends handy to share in the chaos, Guilty Gear Isuka is made for you, but if you're looking for something with a deep single-player mode and online play, then you might want to pass on this one.

If you can live without its busted online brawls and missing wrestlers but love WWE matches then Smackdown! Vs. Raw is worth the fifty bucks.

The variety and timeless appeal of the blue hedgehog’s better games however, combined with the low price, make this a must-buy stocking stuffer for the Sega fanboy (or girl) in all of us.

It’s hard to imagine how the single-player Ace Combat experience could get any better than in The Unsung War.

If Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne does anything right, it's the game's uncanny ability to show rebellious and confused teenagers across the globe just how cool the devil really is.

Controls are tighter and provide more control of where the ball and team players can be moved than ever before. Spotty visuals (PS2 version) and a complicated Career mode, however, make FIFA Soccer 2005 a good secondary choice after "Winning Eleven 7."

Other than the VHS-quality bonus videos with the developers and the absence of "Moon Patrol" and "Stun Runner" this is Midway’s best compilation of classic videogames to date.

Ironically, Deception's Konquest mode that the developer has been pushing so much is the games only real weak point.

A steady stream of competent enhancements (especially online) and a return to the original franchise’s goal-based gameplay a fresh experience does not make. Story mode is just plain dumb, and the art design has been needlessly changed for the worse.

A rock-solid Role-Playing Game with a moving story, believable characters, and loads of great humor that keep it from dragging you down...Hands-down the definitive role-playing experience for the PlayStation 2.

Controlling vehicles is actually easier and more fun than controlling the various soldiers. Some of these are a bit tricky to manuever, but for a game using so many different kinds of objects to control, Lucas got this down pretty well.

On an average year I'd suggest you rent NHL 2005 but, with the '04/'05 season all but lost to the NHL lockout, even a slightly-improved hockey game goes a long way.

EA’s decision to pander to casual gamers and non-golf fans with “Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005” threatens to obliterate the reputation the series has built over the past three years as the console golf sim to beat.

Hard as hell, scored like an epic sci-fi movie soundtrack, tighter control than Billy Joel’s car and more gorgeous than a dozen Victoria’s Secret models put together; Gradius V is a real man’s shooter (sorry ladies).

Better-looking, more polished, funnier and longer (much longer) than its predecessor.

With a load of unlockables, an involving story, and more action than any similar game before it, Demon Stone is the premier action/rpg title to own.

Takes the best of the first two games, skips that crapper of a third game, adds to the series ten-fold and once again threatens to turn your head into a nightmare hotel.

The track designs are really what make this game worth playing. It reminds me of "Rush 2049" on crack with little details such as close calls and drifting that make the game a joy to watch.

The visuals are a little dated but everything else about this package screams ‘class act.’

The best PlayStation 2 RPG that I've played in the past two-years.

Delivers enough of everything (improved graphics, deep managerial options in Career mode, more vehicles/racing series, cleaner audio, etc.) to keep fans of the sport happily steering their favorite NASCAR racers to the left for another year.

Every now and then, a truly great game comes out. Viewtiful Joe isn't quite one of them, but it does a nice job of setting the stage for things to come (like the sequel, duh).

The huge number of new golf courses and playable characters, along with slightly-improved control and user-friendly online modes (not to mention the returning golfers/courses from “HSG 3”), make Hot Shots Golf Fore! the best installment of the series yet.

With better graphics, deeper gameplay, a polished ESPN interface to die for and an outrageously low price ESPN NFL 2K5 offers the most bang for your gaming dollar, period.

Sometimes many little things that seem small can add up to make an impact and I believe NCAA has done just that. I am once again impressed EA.

Other than its generic mission objectives and/or uninteresting sounds (including a poor attempt at camp humor) Spider-Man 2 delivers the goods and has legs to last well beyond the summer of 2004.

Truly one of the best one-on-one online games of its generation.

Capcom poured the love into this collection. They took their time to give fans something worthy.

A huge improvement in the controls and accessibility along with some killer tunes makes this remix a good time for those who love being creative. This once again is a party tool just screaming to be used.

By far the best espionage title available on any platform.

With tons of unlockable content, a unique cooperative play mode, a behind the scenes look at the making of the game, an excluisve music video from the band COLD, and an overall gameplay experience that will keep you coming back for more... what's not to love?

It's far for perfect, but Smash Court Tennis Pro Tournament 2 is the best tennis game to come out for PS2 to date.

Just don’t expect to like Samurai Warriors if you’ve had your fill of (or never liked) "Dynasty Warriors".

The best game in the series since the original. Online or off, the game has plenty of replay value, tons of weapons and cool levels and a player customization feature that rules. Don't be put off by the controls because they actually rock.

The game's only original feature, a morale meter that affects gameplay based on a player's on-the-field performance, comes across as a tacked-on gimmick.

This is the best in the series and my nomination for action game of the year. I loved every minute of the game including finding all of the secrets in the game.

While the single player game is basic and ultimately boring, the game more than makes up for that with its online play.

Although it's a bit on the short side with only 11 missions and a tutorial mode, there are multiple ways to go about doing things which offers up some pretty hefty replay value.

This is about as good as most fighters, but it's basketball and it's online too!

The control system may be so new and fun that it's masking some of the game's problems. If so, then so be it for now because all we can do is love hitting this way.

With its mix of "Dynasty Warriors" gameplay, "Starship Troopers"-type setting (complete with umpteen million giant bugs to kill) and interesting characters Crimson Sea 2 is an above-average hack-and-slash adventure.

Highly addictive gameplay that seems to never end, generally impressive visuals, and a portal designed around an interactive worldwide community all combine to make this the best possible solution SCEA could have hoped for with regards to launching it's new 40GB Hard Disc Drive.

A good choice for the casual baseball gamer who focuses more on multiplayer and online versus solid deep franchise play.

Exceeded all expectations that I had for the game, and then some. It does everything a game of this calibur can possibly do, innovating on some aspects while integrating several new ideas, molding the genre into a fun, sadistic package the likes of which we rarely see.

One of the deepest sports games period. With online play, which I admit is not quite as exciting as football or hockey, an insanely deep franchise mode, and solid graphics and sound, it seems that this is the choice for fans of the long, deep experience of baseball.

This is by far the BEST. BOND. GAME. EVER. And I say that without a doubt in my mind.

If you can handle the intense trial and error style of gameplay, you'll more than likely love Rise to Honor.

What it lacks in licenses and features (no online play!) WE7I more than compensates for with the most realistic, intense, attractive and all-around addicting soccer game to ever appear on PS2.

You'll be hard-pressed to find another mutiplayer adventure as engaging and addicting as this one on any console, and gamers looking to add to their admittedly slim online collections won't be disappointed in the experience that awaits them here.

While R-Type Final is the hardest of the hardcore shooters, most gamers may find it too hardcore. However, for the series' already steady fanbase, Final provides a solid, exciting, and most of all... fun, experience that's well worth the $29.99 price tag.

The boys and girls at Black Isle Studios put over 100,000 hours into the development of Dark Alliance II and it shows. Dark Alliance II is a great experience to enjoy either alone or with a friend and greatly improves upon almost every feature available in its 2001 predecessor.

Delivers fast-paced combat, platform leaping action, and a decent story to boot. With all this fun, and a forty dollar price tag, you simply can't go wrong.

Warning though, this one's not for kids (unless you don't mind them staying up all night, too scared to go to sleep).

Too bad the lack of variety in the design of the mostly-barren levels, idiotic enemy AI, unrelenting CPU bots and distractingly awful soundtrack (my opinion) diminish somewhat the impact of the best FPS to appear on PS2 in ages.

With all of the variety and unlockable content, you'd be hard-pressed to find a game more gut-wrenchingly intense and disturbing as this one. That being said, it makes for one hell of a good time.

Everything that the overhyped “Malice” (from the same developer) and repulsive "Catwoman" aren't.

The best reason to play SWON is the story and writing. This is Lucasarts afterall so that should not be surprising to anyone.

Lacks soul or a reason for being other than cashing on a popular trend. Black Box’s follow-up to "NFS: Hot Pursuit 2" goes through its racing, style, licensing and online motions with a mechanical predictability that wasn’t present in either "Burnout 2" or "Midnight Club II." It’s still a top-notch arcade racer, but there’s definite room for both improvement.

The intuitive IsoMotion controls, top-notch visuals and dead-on college basketball atmosphere are just better at capturing the spirit of March Madness than the EA Sports game that utilizes that name.

Despite its flaws (mostly remnants of four-year code still at the core of this engine) LOK: Defiance is a polished, challenging, entertaining and adult interactive experience to die for. I can’t recommend this game high enough, especially for those that quit playing the series out of frustration (and will find in Defiance all the answers that left them scratching their heads).

Seldom has a third-party multi-platform title integrated such a high level of story-telling and character-interaction sophistication with so many gameplay styles (stealth, action, platform, etc.) to create such a coherent and thoroughly satisfying interactive experience.

Upgrades to every key area of the gameplay design resulting in a near-flawless title. A real showpiece and a stellar example of what the PS2 is capable of in the hands of talented developers.

Sands of time you collect can actually allow you to "rewind" the level, changing the mistake you made. As unbelievable as this may sound, it doesn't make the game too easy because the balance between being able to use it is well done.

Good (but not great) visuals, excellent (but not ground-breaking) gameplay and decent (but voice-over deprived) sound/music effects make Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy a winner for THQ.

And when you factor in downloadable content with the upcoming release of the PS2 HDD, SOCOM’s reign as the PS2’s top online game doesn't look to be ending anytime soon.

If your a hardcore Konami fan you just might like what's here, especially the cool online play.

The closest an interactive experience has come to re-enacting the utter chaos and undeniable fun that is being a part of an ongoing epic battle in which you (alongside either a friend or a complete stranger online) play an important role.

Its graphics and sounds play second fiddle to "GTA: Vice City," but True Crime's excellent incorporation of skill acquisition via the 24/7 training facilities, multi-layered mission objectives (some required, some random) and decent one-on-one fights give its gameplay an identity of its own.

Some of the best arcade football I have player in a while.