Short, flawed, repetitive and derivative (“May Payne” anyone?).

We need more humor in our gaming diet, and "Citizen Kabuto" delivers that sandwiched between a tasty dose of shooting excitement and the condiments of an acceptable (but not perfect) PC to PS2 port.

Though not as polished or fun as “Spy Hunter,” Defender”will entertain middle-aged men/women that grew-up with the original coin-op as much as younger gamers open-minded enough to give this 3D remake a shot.

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.

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).

Hardcore fans of this Koei action series will be in affordable expansion pack heaven, since Xtreme Legends delivers more of what made “DW3” such a challenging and amusing button-masher of a 3D “Final Fight” clone.

Although not shallow-enough to be deemed brain-dead, the antics of MX 2002 aren't going to make "GT3" gearheads sit up and take notice.

It flirts awfully close with being a mindless button-masher, but Budokai embraces its “Dragon Ball Z” license with a passion and eye for little details that’ll surely make hardcore fans of the series flip from joy.

Gets by on the competent execution of its unique gameplay ideas and its low retail price.

Don't let the wonky control, atrocious loading breaks and intended lack of direction keep you from renting one of the deepest, most rewarding and mature adventure games to come down the PS2 pike since Eidos' "Soul Reaver 2".

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.

A knockoff game but one well enough done in the abscence of a new version of the game it's imitating to warrant your time.

What few vehicles/locations the game has have been rendered and programmed with enough care to make them come across as genuine labors of love.

Miku might be doing the same thing over and over through four chapters (divided in the game as 'Night 1-4'), but the tension and atmosphere of dread that this game continually builds is about on par with that of an interactive version of "The Sixth Sense".

There’s still room for a more user-friendly control scheme and fun virtual surfing experience to come down the pike.

If The Bard’s Tale played as well as it pokes fun at hack-and-slash RPG clichés we’d be talking about a ‘10’ here. The repetitive combat and reliance on tried-and-true RPG conventions, sadly, bring down the score.

It also carries the baggage of dated graphics, cumbersome controls and scavenger hunt mentality that was all the rage (get it?) back in 1999.

There simply is no other game like this on PS2, and that alone makes it an attractive -if somewhat expensive- $50 gamble.

Predictably-competent (but soulless and extremely short).

The new gameplay tweaks (which I personally dislike) and low retail price (under $30 if you know where to shop) go a long way to lessen the lack of improvement on the graphics and sounds.

A brilliant game if experienced in short bursts... the game was obviously not designed with long term play in mind.

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."

We wailed on the controller and got a few laughs out of the game but in the end it just doesn't match the excellence of its Dreamcast brother.

A diamond in the rough... The dreadful Saturn-caliber graphics and crappy sounds are tolerable once the fun of exploring other character’s dreams (ala the 3D free-roaming portions of “NiGHTS”) is experienced.

If you wanted to play more of the same after you were through with the underwhelming "Project Titan", Gunfighter will definitely be your bitch for the couple of days it'll take you to get through most of what's worth getting through.

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.

Too short, its puzzles are laughably easy, it's too expensive for the limited replay value it offers and it doesn't break any new ground for the survival horror genre.

Sure, there are other, better games out there, but for fifteen dollars, Gungrave: Overdose is just too good to pass up. If you like action games and love destruction, then grab this game, gear up, and get ready to overdose.

Unfortunately, like other games that have an incredible opening act but don't know how to close the show (certain overhyped Konami action/stealth game come to mind?), "Max Payne" sometimes falls into "Soul Reaver 2"-like pretentions of grandeur that fall short.

The best arcade racer on PS2.

Konami’s handful of ideas to make driving sims better (VGS displays, Enthusia Life mode, etc.) are worth sampling despite a handful of odd decisions by the programmers (losing Enthu points to a rear end crasher??!!).

Classic platforming action done right. It’s tough as nails, fun and paced to near perfection. What it isn’t, is very original.

If you’re the type that likes independent movies and underground techno, you know the art house type stuff, Rez will appeal to your senses. It’s got style written all over it and it’s fairly snazzy to play as well...an experience like no other.

Only its short length (a meager 7-8 hours) and lack of multiplayer support keeps The Two Towers from overtaking Koei’s “Dynasty Warriors 3” as the system’s best mindless hack-and-slash action/adventure.

Goofy brain-dead fun that's hard to resist when played in the proper mood.

Has the 'I've gotta see what's next' feeling of excitement around every corner.

While shy of “Virtua Fighter 4” perfection (a lot of elements from the first “Budokai” engine are recycled) Budokai 2 is easily the best videogame to have ever been spawned from Akira Toriyama’s animated universe.

What it lacks in flash, longevity and accuracy to the “Contra” universe (no weapon pick-ups??!!) Shattered Soldier compensates for with old-fashioned, thumb-blistering, bang-your-head-against-the-wall hard shooting antics of the 2D and 2.5D variety.

Every bit as good as the recent "Resident Evil Outbreak" game if not better in some ways.

In the end yours truly would rather park his limited NASCAR interest in Tiburon’s garage than Monster Games'.

It features one mother of an expanded Create-a-Wrestler mode, a deep Season mode and almost as many gameplay modes as there are wrestlers.

Emphasizes flashy visuals, corporate sponsorships and ease-of-use over the seedy aspects of street racing. The competitors’ AI goes from dumb to aggressive in the blink of a tail light too.

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.

Its deep plot, decent battle system and engaging character personalities make Suikoden III an easy choice for players that value story-telling prowess over flashy visuals.

Competent but uninspired, Armored Core Nexus continues to cater to a dedicated following of PS2 owners that milk its customization features for all they’re worth.

A middle-of-the-road rally game.

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

It has some bad control issues, but comes with plenty of boxers, solid AI, a new faster engine and some of the best boxing graphics yet.

The bottom line is, if you liked "Shinobi" then you'll most likely love Nightshade. With more unlockables and selectable difficulty's than it's predecessor (and replay value as well), Nightshade is a good buy.

A fun game but its not "Ridge Racer." "Ridge Racer" always complimented the "GT" series well but with this game its two trying to be in the same vein.

Why Capcom didn’t name this survival horror game "Clock Tower 4" is beyond me. Other than the reduced gore, single location and reliance on canine companion Hewie to save Fiona’s backside at every turn this is basically the same game.

If you can tolerate the outdated-looking frosting, the gameplay cake underneath "HHB 2002" is yummy-enough to be had (visual warts and all).

Where Revenge drops the ball somewhat is in the surprising lack of stuff to do or find once all the racing circuits and characters have been unlocked.

A good game all-around and a great continuation of the planned six-part saga, Episode II still falls short of what you'd expect from a supposed epic.

With solid multiplayer, a deep rich customizable single player experience and true next generation graphics, EA Sports first PS2 F1 game succeeds in many areas.

It's not quite the "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater" equal but still worthy of your summertime void.

A very amusing and well-designed first-person shooter that suffers from outdated graphics and an unfriendly control scheme, but also remains surprisingly engaging.

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.

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.

Deceptively simple and incredibly engaging.

Survives its transition from PC to PS2 with its gameplay depth and well-acted voices intact, but with its graphics severely chopped and its control scheme compromised by the Dual Shock 2 button layout.

Safe and well-executed, but predictable and innovation-free.

The ATV handles amazingly realistic and the ability to performs wheelies and other tricks makes it quite a joy.

The game generally just tightens up many spots to make it a contender this year. Of course with other offerings out there, 989 still might be your third or fourth.

Those of us that want our sports games lengthy, deep and polished to near perfection, however, will be dunking balls over at Sega Sports’ courtyard with "College Hoops 2004" while EA Canada gets its act together.

A collaboration of love for gamers who have been fanatics of either or both series.

Deep-enough to pass itself as a sim but accessible-enough to be considered arcadey, Bass Fishing Duel manages to walk the fine line between both without alienating either camp.

It may not have the cult personality of the "Dance Dance Revolution" series but it definitely has hooks that are capturing.

The game may seem easy and cute, however don't let it fool you. This is a seriously challenging game. A winner in our books regardless.

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.

Quite simply the most amazing game I have ever seen, and that does include "Madden 2001"... The real problems appear with the AI which is dumb as can be.

A lot of fun, offers great music but could use a more sensitive, less frustrating controller.

Not for little kids, senior citizens or the easily-discouraged, Dropship demands serious commitment and many hours before revealing its true worth. Once it grabs you though, Dropship makes "Ace Combat 4" and "Lethal Skies" come across as trainee rookie simulators.

One of the best PS2 mech titles in the market today, one that stand head-and-shoulders above better-publicized competitors like TDK Mediactive’s “Robotech: Battlecry” and Bandai’s “Gundam: Federation Vs. Zeon."

A fun and unique title that stands out from the crowd of sequels and me-too clones. Coupled with good gameplay and fantastic control and it's the first big hit for Take 2 on the PS2.

A Grandia worth playing, it just fails to reach that level of Square.

With everything from killer combos, tons of unlockable content, and a mere forty dollar price tag, what's not to love?

It’s a FUN and tight-controlling sim, whose full impact is held back by the awkward animation routines of the players on the court and the inane Waltonisms Mr. Bill gets away with uttering.

A unique trick system combined with beautiful graphic design are enough to give it a whirl. Difficult is the key word.

If what you want is a sim, look elsewhere...It looks great, sounds great and most importantly plays great.

The more aggresive and less deep cousin of "Kessen" (the system's current champ for armchair generals who dig the strategy more than action, the exact opposite of "DW2"), and a fine way to kill an afternoon without having much to show for it.

Tolerate the fog, put-up with the controller and live with the repetition of dying over and over again, and you too will be hooked.

Good-looking stuff even if what most gamers will recall from their time with Dragon Quarter is being blinded by the darkness and a PSOne-sponsored shade of the color brown.

At less than a buck per game the 24 titles in this compilation are videogame royalty that more than earn their keep in gameplay worth though.

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.

A good-looking college football title that, despite being high on gameplay modes and playbook strategies, isn't quite as fine tuned to the sport it portrays as "NCAA Football 2003".

Innovation is a word not in the minds of Namco developers, since they're too busy keeping the races fast, competitive and fun for gamers of all age.

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."

IT'S TOO DAMN EASY AND UNCHALLENGING.

This odd mixture of survival horror, atmospheric visuals, brain-dead puzzles and action clichés manages to come together despite itself, creating a PS2 exclusive that delivers more than the sum of its disparate parts.

From a silly laugh track sound effect playing back when Scoob & Shaggy get into (or out of) trouble to the sight of obviously rubber-suit monsters nearby, “Night of 100 Frights” delivers the sights, sounds and goofy things that made the Hanna-Barbera Saturday morning cartoon such a timeless hit.

One of the most enjoyable (and expensive!) guilty pleasures of 2003 so far, but one that falls short of its predecessor’s ahead-of-its-time greatness.

Worth the forty bucks IF “Legaia 2” or “Suikoden III” left you hungry for more.

Learn to live with the darn “Tonight Show”-type BGM tunes, and Marvel vs. Capcom 2’s over-the-top madness will win you over as well.

Fun stuff for shooter fans starved for PS2-worthy eye candy, but it doesn't offer anywhere near the degree of excellence we've come to expect from the talented group of people over at Treasure.

This is the very definition of 'niche' product, but one with enough gameplay depth (particularly betting on the outcome of races and creation of your own breed of champion horse) and visual splendor to make it worth a trip to the rental store.

In the right frame of mind and with enough patience, "MGP2" is an absolute blast for players who want their racing semi-realistic, hard and with a convincing sense of virtual speed hitting their windshield (i.e. the TV screen).

Once you've made the Meganite under your control turn an invading Volgara robot into junkyard fodder a couple of times the hook will be in.