What EA Sports' "NHL 2002" is to videogame hockey,..."PGA Tour 2002" has become to videogame golf: the simulation standard-bearer to beat.

Had Jak II delivered a gameplay revolution as dramatic and massive as its graphics (BEST LOOKING ACTION PS2 GAME... EVER!), excellent sounds (which take into account non-English speaking players), buttery-smooth controls and solid interface this could have become the PS2 equivalent of "Super Mario 64."

Red Faction joins the ranks of the PS2 triple-A titles. Solid control, a good story, an incredible atmosphere, and a long adventure make Red Faction an awesome package.

This classic next-generation action experience overflows with class and attention to detail, welcoming 80’s veterans and young newcomers into its pseudo-intellectual (!) interpretation of classic Greek motifs and 3D action platforming.

It’s graphics notwithstanding, this is THE PS2 title XBox and GameCube loyalists will jealously write angrily about to Santa in their Christmas letters.

New modes, better AI and less of the floaty artificial feeling from 2001 makes Madden 2002 a football game for the ages. It's going to be hard for anyone to make a better pigskin game than this.

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

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!

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

This may be the best single player experience (EA has) come up with yet.

The licensed rap music has got to go for "Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005," please! Other than this licensing snafu by EA’s music department the 2004 edition of the prettiest, fun, complete (online play rules!) and user-friendly golf sim on the face of the planet is well worth the $50.

To the poor souls of sports gaming without access to more powerful systems or used copies of last year's edition, "FIFA 2002" is an amusing and deep virtual prelude to the biggest sports tournament in the world.

We already have a great title here that is quite a surprise and should be on any "Crash Bandicoot" fan's list.

It's one of the best, if not the best, basketball titles I have played on any system. That alone makes this one of the best purchases for your PS2 this year.

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.

Despite not going anywhere near as deep as it’s MLS brother, FIFA World Cup 2002 is simply a joy to play.

Uneasy control prevents the game from becoming a ten out of ten but we are still very pleased.

If you are a fan of the series, NFS: HS is the second best in the series second only to the original 3DO version.

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

Extreme G3 is so good, that if and when "Wipeout Fusion" is ever released it will have to be such an amazing game to even kiss the shoes of G3.

The stunning look of the game is just about the most beautiful thing we have ever seen.

Gorgeous visuals (slowdown notwithstanding), a killer Franchise mode, adequate commentary, smart A.I. decisions and a mid-game save option (yes!) compensate for WSB 2K3's small amount of pitches (compared to "High Heat 2004"), awkward replays, average control and stat tracking that still can't touch 3DO's baseball sim.

Best college football game on PS2 this season? Hey, is the Pope catholic?

This is easily the sleeper hit of the year with action that rivals the highest grossing action flicks. Mel Gibson watch out!

Moving from one area to the next is the smoothest I have ever seen in any game. From a technical standpoint, this is truly revolutionary.

The PS2 version’s graphics are surprisingly close to its XBox/GameCube counterparts, and the licensed soundtrack apes Rockstar’s "Grand Theft Auto" interface in its depth and variety.

Simple to pick-and-play, pleasant to look at, fun to complete and cheaper than a deodorant and some toothpaste with a couple of toothbrushes, Rayman Rush is an unexpected surprise.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

As of right now (9/10/2002) there isn’t a better-playing and more rewarding NFL football videogame experience on the console market than this one, on or off the net. “Madden” is soaked in more gravy (AKA gameplay modes), but I’d take a stab of NFL 2K3’s stylish ESPN-soaked raw meat anyday, anytime, anywhere.

The complete and total lack of a buddy list in any shape or form, simply reinforces how amazing this year's Madden is in that respect. Lobbies are simple to navigate, but without a list to assist you, tracking down your friends is essentially an impossible task.

A mindless shooter indeed but when all you want to do is kick the asses of enemies without much thinking, it doesn't get much better than Kill Switch. If you loved the idea of Contra then you likely will enjoy this romp through carnage.

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.

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

If you like games that tell stories, this is one of the best yet for the PS2. It’s shocking that it’s also one of the best shooting / action games as well.

The audience of "Jerry Springer" is right: we love lesbians!

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

From its robust Franchise mode to its peerless graphics engine, and from the intimidating control options (I’m still finding new stuff to do as I write this!) to its mostly lag-free online playability, NBA 2K3 redefines and expands the genre to new heights.

This is crack cocaine, lottery tickets, booze, coffee and your-Robert Downey Jr.-consumed-drug-of-choice addiction of choice, all squeezed into a playable PS2 platforming experience that runs/talk/looks like a 2.5D duck.

The truth is that simulation freaks who want their hockey tough and real could do no better. Arcade lovers should probably look elsewhere.

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.

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.

A refreshing twist on one of the oldest genres.

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

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.

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.

Great speed, perfect control, gorgeous/detailed visuals, plenty of licensed cars, well-designed locations, customization options galore and a menu/option interface to die for easily make V-Rally 3 the best rally game of 2002.

A complete package that includes a convincing storyline, likeable characters, solid action, some of the best control ever and voice acting as icing on the cake.

The ultimate “MGS” fan’s dream come true. And, with Solid Snake now front and center throughout the proceedings (Snake Tales anyone?), this “MGS” sequel can be enjoyed the way it was meant to: with as little Raiden as possible!

Worth replaying a thousand times over just to experience the balance of eye-candy, time-tested gameplay and soothing-without-grating music/sound effects.

HHB 2003 has it all. Good looks, great presentation, solid AI, fun unique game modes and plenty of style.

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).

Its always fun and like the good china best saved for the special occasions when you want to impress.

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.

It’s no "Wind Waker" (then again, what is?) but, in its own quiet and subtle way, developer Level-5’s dungeon-clearing RPG is as amusing and polished an entry into the genre as anything Miyamoto has designed for the past two generations of Nintendo consoles.

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.

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.

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

Ico isn’t a new type of game but rather one taken to near perfection. Rarely does a game gel like this and it’s simply the work of a master.

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

It's just this close (fingers a couple of inches apart) to being one of the deepest and best-designed single-player adventure games of all time.

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.

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

Definitely a solid game and the best in the series, just a tiring genre that is no longer as exciting as it once was.

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.

A textbook example of how to make a sequel.

With solid puzzles, a great story, creepy settings, the most disgusting monsters ever and puzzles that simply rock, Silent Hill 2 has gained my respect in the survival horror genre.

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.

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."

It's a testament to the addictive gameplay and perfect control of Colin McRae Rally 2.0 that, despite its dated graphics and average-at-best sounds, it still manages to become the best rally racer on PSX.

If you liked Spyro, you have to try this, it's simply that fun.

If you've got a Multi-tap and an education, this bad boy's gonna last you a while.

It's not for those seeking deep simulation style 'football' but it will do for everyone else.

Quirky, fun and appropriately-priced.

Damn if it isn’t the most complete and up-to-date pigskin simulator $40 can buy. For traveling NFL fans with access to a portable PSOne this is a mandatory upgrade.

The demonic and fittingly adult storyline goes hand in hand with the updated and modernized look, it's almost as if a Clive Barker movie went RPG.

One thing that really impressed me is that when racing against the computer the cars will actually change places.

This is still one of the best multiplayer games ever.

Decent-looking and extremely fun,...fast, tough, fun and a solid 2D blast from the past that is priced just right at $30.

One sweet and fun "Spyro"-like (game) for PSX owners with a sense of humor.

Despite forcing players to spend what seems like an eternity unlocking 90% of the good stuff at the start Hot Shots Golf Open Tee is a winner.

Won't be remembered as a breakthrough title but it will be remembered as one of the most original and risk taking games ever produced on the PlayStation.

Quality RPG gameplay wrapped in 2D nostalgia, and a good buy for those seeking maximum real-time battle bang out of their hard-earned bucks.

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.

SCEA has pulled this one off by sticking to a formula that works mixed with the greatness of the movie.

The gameplay hasn't evolved too terribly much but it has improved.

The "Gran Turismo" of motorcycle sims on PlayStation. It's as simple as that

The improvements are great and make the game closer to the vision of a great 3D X-Men fighter but it’s hard to recommend a game that is so lacking in depth that it becomes quickly tiresome.

Inspired sports lunacy of the highest order.

This is not a "Gran Turismo 2" simulation-type of driving game, but it sure plays like one on TV (when hooked to a PSX of course).

Warning though, this one is for those with plenty of patience and FPS experience. Novice players need not apply.

The racing in NASCAR Thunder 2002 is solid, fun and deep. Racing a career almost feels like an RPG when you take on the role of NASCAR's most famous teams and drivers.

A stellar representative of a bygone era of gaming that put more emphasis on skill and personality that textured polygons or sex appeal.

A solid game that surprised me with its heavy action and interesting scenery.

Although there is little different this time, the game continues the same path that made Lara a superstar.