The graphics are mediocre and the level design too linear (and simplistic when it comes time to solve its puzzles), but the length of the quest and simple Zelda-inspired action (not to mention the worthy-of-its-own-movie-series soundtrack) entertain more than disappoint.

From its outdated graphics to button-mashing combos, and from its lame cast of new/returning characters to the needless addition of unnecessary gore, Bloody Roar 4 is weak sausage in a videogame system packed with succulent buffets of interactive brawling ("VF 4: Evo," "Tekken 4," etc.).

Besides basic online deathmatch options and a new set of PTO locales and situations for new recruit Joseph Griffin to step in and save the day, Rising Sun’s average visuals and linear-to-a-fault level design leave us just as cold as “Frontline” did a year ago.

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.

If you already own “Crash Team Racing” for PSOne then don’t even bother to rent Crash Nitro Kart. Entire tracks (or large portions thereof) and the same quality graphics/controls/sounds from the 32-bit original have been shamelessly replicated on PS2 with the most minute and inconsequential of improvements.

Fun in small doses and with friends (think of this as a 65 more than a plain-old 60), “Wheel” is the type of simplistic time-waster that appeals more to casual gamers than the hardcore.

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.

Remove the polished visuals, multiplayer options, cast of historic characters, gorgeous CG movies and nauseating English voice-overs from Koei’s "Dynasty Warriors" series. Add buckets of blood and a mostly-linear quest that seems lifted straight from the hit 2000 movie "Gladiator." Voala!

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.

A very average game that is perhaps worth a weekend rental. There's too many other games that are more fun out now to give this game a better rating.

The designers do fall victim to simply giving you a gadget just to make it past an obstacle seemingly forgetting about the gadget later on. However the imagination here is pretty good making using these toys kind of fun.

This unusual marriage of strategy and RPG (regardless of how inconsequential Gladius' storyline actually is) manages to work despite an acute lack of polish in the graphics (mostly blocky and undetailed with few exceptions) and the somewhat-huge interface (lots of variables to keep track of).

A confusing sport that at times is fun. Fans of the franchise who really get this game will likely be pleased while the rest of us simply scratch our heads.

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

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.

The auto-typing feature and ultra-dumb AI from the CPU opponents kills the joy of single-player PS2 “Jeopardy” faster than one can answer ‘Who is Ken Jennings?’ to the answer ‘The person that has sucked the fun and joy out of watching syndicated game shows.’

From reasonably good-looking graphics to kick-ass sounds (dig those funky KISS tunes!) and more gameplay modes (online as well as off) than most players will know what to do with, the PS2 version of THUG is the most complete extreme sports title ever made for any system EVER.

Though expensive and gimmicky because of its headset peripheral Karaoke Revolution’s pitch/length interface is forgiving enough (depending on the selected difficulty) to let even those of us cursed with shitty voices get into the virtual act and carry a tune.

his game makes a mockery out of both its source material and the stealth genre it pretends to be a part of.

A few small issues (empty transition levels, 'jumpy' camera, 8-10 hr. length, etc.) can't put a dampen on the thrill of finally experiencing a "Castlevania" adventure violent-enough to earn a 'MATURE' rating.

The cel shaded visuals of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles take full advantage of today’s powerful consoles except for the linear-to-a-fault design of the game’s 30+ stages.

The enhanced visual eye-candy (prettier explosions you won’t find on another light gun game, PS2 or otherwise) and solid frame-rate more than compensate for the now-grating voices and repetitive music that share speaker space with some pretty cool shotgun blasts.

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.

Old school fun has never looked better, controlled more awkwardly (the shifting perspectives mess with the character control), sounded more outdated or sold for a fairer price than X7’s.

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."

Zeke is a cool character and the gameplay is enjoyable enough for a good weekend of gameplay.

A fun and decent (albeit shallow and simplistic) way for Sega fanboys to blow steam and reminisce about their favorite developer’s glory days. Renting Marz, however, is the safest (and cheapest) way to get the most of what this PS2 title has to offer.

A deep, well written, good-looking and designed game that comes close to the greatness of any of the games it imitates.

The cartoony violence, blood spills and redneck appeal of Backyard Wrestling’s rural locales and colorful cast of characters wears thin quicker than the time it took its equally-shoddy sequel to come out.

A very good strategy game that could use some better animations and easier control.

Has a handful of minor flaws (the lead character's limited control over his 12-member mercenary team, PC-like graphic stutters, lackluster multiplayer mode, etc.) that prevent it from reaching the heights of immersion and addictive fun that characterized its spiritual predecessor, "Hitman 2."

Without the really well balanced online play I would have REALLY given this game a beating. However the multiplayer aspects continue to be a draw.

A handful of extra modes that cater exclusively to the hardcore DDR player and some meaningless FMV extras makes DDRMAX 2 a rather poor evolution from last year’s DDRMAX prequel.

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

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.

The game's wicked sense of humor (courtesy of the show’s writers/actors contributing their craft to the game) and Radical's virtual re-enactment of Springfield (along with its many inhabitants) will make even the most hardened "GTA III/Vice City" fanatic forget about the lack of weapons or mayhem.

Compromises too much of what worked well with "XG3" (graphics and bike maneuverability) for its fans to welcome with open arms the new additions to the series' formula (improved weapon system, wilder-than-ever track design, Season mode, etc.).

Never has decimating hundreds of undead bad guys with a friend by your side and bad-ass weaponry at your disposal been so boring, dull and depressing.

The ability for a player to drive Starsky’s Torino while a second player blasts away Hutch’s Magnum using a GunCon peripheral adds a modicum of multiplayer worth to what is otherwise a deadly-dull and repetitive clone of a dozen similar (and much better) action/driving games.

Once you complete each campaign mission, the game unlocks an alternate campaign that allows you to switch sides and fight for the forces of evil! How cool is that to get to be the bad guy after you save the day!

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.

There’s just something weird about playing a Disney-sanctioned, watered-down version of "Tony Hawk 4" that will put-off as many grown-up players as it will enchant.

So quirky in style, Japanese in appearance and intricate in difficulty (the numerical configurations for multiple dice rolling are staggering!) that even after learning how to play it I didn’t have any fun whatsoever playing it.

Unlike "Madden 2004" and "ESPN NFL 2K4" though, one doesn’t get the feeling when playing GameDay 2004 that the developers pushed themselves (or their game) to the PS2's theoretical limit. Cool online football experience though!

The fighters move so fludily that one almost feels as if they are being helped from the onscreen character.

Ugly graphics keep this from scoring higher, and yes we realize graphics aren't everything... Buffy fans should be pleased though I think VU Games can do just a bit better.

Eventually Outrage Games' baby reveals itself to be a generic and ultimately repetitive hack-and-slash endeavor that can’t hold a candle to the likes of "Soul Reaver 2" and "Mark of Kri."

Fanboys (and girls!) of Bender, Frye, Leela and the Planet Express gang will definitely want to add this game to their collection; it’s much better than comparable software based on TV shows cancelled prematurely.

Harmless and basic in both look and execution, Smash Cars lacks a hook compelling enough to make it standout when compared to already-discounted quality RC videogames like "Re-Volt" and "Stunt GP."

The best fighting game ever made, for PS2 or any other system... "Soul Calibur II" comes close (and surpasses it in the minds of those that don't know any better), but VF4: Evolution is interactive one-on-one brawling at its purest and most visually alluring peak.

The most complete and polished piece of football software I've ever spun (!) on my PS2.

"Devil May Cry Lite" would have been a more appropriate name for this somewhat-successful attempt by Capcom’s Studio 6 to add mild RPG trappings to a genre known for button-masher frenzies.

It's Midway's over-the-top-and-drop-dead-funny execution of the genre's conventions, however, that give the game a dose of personality that makes it stand out.

It's still an atmospheric, disturbing, good-looking and scary-as-heck ride, but one too similar to what came before it to stand out from the trilogy.

It's a testament to the prowess, technical execution and sheer addictiveness of its premise (race through ever-changing courses/tracks made to resemble theme park attractions) that Rides Gone Wild remains the heir apparent to "Waverace 64's" crown as the best water-based racing game ever made.

Who ever thought Atari Jaguar owners would still be playing the best Alien Vs. Predator videogame ever made EIGHT YEARS after their system's death? A rental for the curious, Extinction is as forgettable an RTS game as they come.

It's this sense of bike duty and absurd self-imposed goofiness (the game has a sunny and lighthearted side to complement its brutish exterior) that ultimately make this game the perfect '7.'

An acquired taste of mechanized action warfare that thrives on narrowcasting its offerings to the select few that buy every installment, Silent Line is ultimately more bark (i.e. rental worth) than bite (i.e. purchase consideration).

Do you need more proof of NCAA Football 2004’s superiority? Besides being the only version of the game to support online gameplay and having a ton of new teams/camera/angles/fight songs/sound effects added, how about the absence this season of last year’s pretenders-to-the-throne from Sega and Sony?

A sports game on par with Crave's UFC-licensed fighting games. Konami's alternative fighting endeavor will be welcomed by gamers patient-enough to see past the K-1's awkward graphics/sounds and simplistic gameplay.

Though the graphics are miles below the photo-realistic polygon bodies in “Beach Spikers” (GameCube), “DOA Xtreme Beach Volleyball” and “Outlaw Volleyball” (XBox) the control and gameplay are spot-on.

The game is just too short and easy for the average PS2 action junkie reared on a steady diet of "Sly Cooper," "Ratchet & Clank" and/or "Jak & Daxter."

A jack of many videogame trades (RPG, “Mario Paint”-type paint program, “Pokemon”-like arena battles, etc.) that somehow succeeds at making a fun and coherent whole out of its many disparate elements.

Some people (myself included) just can’t stand games with graphics as choppy and visually butchered as this one.

Technically competent but uninspired and ultimately unsatisfying, “Twilight of the Spirits” is this year’s sacrificial lamb to the altar of the next-generation RPG genre’s rising standards.

There’s some fun to be had with Koei’s latest watered-down thinking man’s game, just not as much (or as historically realistic a war scenario) as in “Romance of the Three Kingdoms VII” or “P.T.O. IV.”

A fun weekend rental at most (alongside Activision’s port of “Wreckless”), the PS2 version of The Italian Job is left eating the dust of its cheaper and much more enjoyable PSOne counterpart from Rockstar.

The absence of the 2003 line-up of F1 racers/teams, needless ‘dumbing down’ of the prequel’s simulation aspects, average-at-best audio and superior PS2 product (namely Infogrames/Atari’s “Grad Prix Challenge”) bring Career Challenge’s worth down to rental status instead of must-own.

This has got to be THE WORST CONTROL IN THE HISTORY OF THIRD-PERSON ACTION GAMES.

Good graphics, a short quest (by “RE” standards), mediocre music/sounds and a permanent sense that you’re playing an action game that’s trying to be a “House of the Dead”-type shooter (or is it a light-gun shooter that’s trying to be survival horror adventure?) diminish Dead Aim’s appeal as it moves along.

From generic character designs to an underwhelming audio presentation (in a LucasArts game??!!), and from its close-to-unwatchable frame-rate choppiness to the endlessly boring fetch quests across Mars, RTX Red Rock is a laundry list of what NOT to put out on the crowded 3rd person action/adventure PS2 market these days.

The characters and monotonous visuals are dull, uninteresting and cliché (especially lead character Mace Griffin). And the absence of any multiplayer options severely hampers Bounty Hunter’s replayability in the long run.

I’d rather have root canal without anesthesia than to ever put myself through the pain that is playing this game any more than I had to already!

The repetitiveness of its gameplay, overt racist (and culturally bankrupt) attitude and lack of multiplayer options or rewards, however, sidelines THQ’s latest.

Control is dead-on perfect, and the gameplay is so polished and fun that it compensates for the somewhat lackluster graphics/sounds and the absence of customizable options.

Too bad the compromised level design, quirky collision detection (I can buy Nazi zombies roaming around, NOT Nazi zombies suspended in mid-air while roaming about) and absence of multiplayer modes make this version of Return to Castle Wolfenstein the one to skip.

Stick with "Burnout 2: Point of Impact” for all your risk-vs.-reward arcade racing needs, and leave Speed Kings for some other schmuck that doesn’t know any better to test-crash on his/her own.

With a little more pizzazz added to its robust simulation mode (dopey translated dialogue notwithstanding), the presentation of G1 Jockey 3 would have placed it on par with Tecmo’s horse sim.

Ubi Soft should be commended for not only being the first developer/publisher to appeal to a niche audience like console chess players, but to do it with a affordable quality product that can be enjoyed online just as much as offline with friends and family.

The destruction-oriented Hulk levels, killer graphics, good audio and a wealth of bonus goodies, however, make "The Hulk" a blast to complete.

From gameplay modes to bonus stuff and graphics, “IndyCar Series” is to the PS2 what “Flag 2 Flag” was to Dreamcast: a forgettable racing appetizer.

Utilizing VIS' State of Emergency engine, the game is simply a mind-numbing experience. While there are indeed positives to be found, they are vastly outweighed by the negatives.

Every single kung-fu move that I had hoped I could perform, I can. Every single slow motion cinematic I had hoped would be present, certainly is. And every single story detail I could have hoped for is present and accounted for.

It might take place underwater and feature fish instead of flesh-and-bone characters (or furry one’s like “Monster Inc.’s” Sully), but gameplay in THQ’s first Disney Interactive title is as cookie cutter as the mold used by Traveller’s Tales to fulfill its contractual obligations.

Just as average, unremarkable and underwhelming as its predecessor where it counts: gameplay.

The eye-candy quota is attractive enough to make this a must-own for rally racing nuts (like yours truly), but “V-Rally 3” still holds on to its title as the best racing game of its kind on PS2 (and XBox as well).

Logan on a measured rampage and many hidden goodies (like our favorite mutant’s true comic book costume) can’t distract players long enough for them not to notice how bland the game’s environments are.

Packs enough personality and otaku-friendly sights/sounds to compensate somewhat for its mindless, button-mashing gameplay.

Polished online interface + incredible sense of speed (i.e. bikes out of hell!) + perfect arcade handling (wheelies anyone?) + plethora of modes to tinker with + no "GT3: A-Spec"-type customization or realistic physics = the best PS2 arcade racing ever made.

This is an above-average port that tries to compensate for its reduced difficulty and average visuals with minor improvements (new level, binoculars, etc.) that have dumbed-down the XBox version’s stealth-reliant gameplay a little bit.

This compilation’s been given enough bells and whistles (unlockable art gallery, redesigned interface, prettier graphics, remastered soundtracks, CG intermissions, etc.) to appeal to a whole new generation of gamers weaned on the series’ trademarked formula of turn-based battles and high-quality (for their time) production values.

A tongue-in-cheek and over-the-top brawler that conclusively proves wrestling games can be fun when gameplay and quality control take precedence over star power or licenses.

You’ll also likely be mad and happy that Tecmo added much needed new stuff while also butchering some aspects of its predecessor that should have never been touched.

Despite its steep learning curve and simplistic online races, offline Modellista’s Garage mode is perhaps the third-deepest Career-like mode I’ve ever experienced on a racing game (after "GT3: A-Spec’s" and "Sega GT 2002’s" for XBox).