You don't want to spend your hard-earned (or however you get it... don't ask, don't tell, right?) cash on a game that's just "good," do you?

The linearity, repetitiveness, price and absence of a second player to share the experience with, however, dramatically drain Crisis Zone’s long-term appeal.

Oh well, at least the flawed PS2 ports of "Max Payne" and "Blood Omen 2" now have something else to point at that has just as much unfulfilled potential as they did when they were released.

An acquired RPG taste worth sampling with a rental.

Playing Gungrave is like having great sex: an intense and thoroughly enjoyable experience while it lasts and you’re in the right state of mind (right B?). Unfortunately the experience isn’t too fulfilling and doesn’t last long-enough to justify paying $50 for it.

The game looks/sounds/controls remarkably well. Little children that saw the movie will be amused-enough to finish Shark Tale in a rental or two.

Without the uniqueness of being a blood-sucking mosquito this game would be a clunky action/flying hybrid that'd be closer to first-generation Dreamcast software than PS2-caliber material.

It's got control and stunt/trick issues to contend with as well as a disregard for real-life sim physics, but the European flavor of the racing antics in "MX Rider" are definitely worth sampling.

A prettier and slicker version of the same old “Myst” you’ve either loved/hated for close to a decade now.

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).

Worth playing only if you have time and are a diehard fan of the military strategy genre.

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.

"Rugby" lacks the typical gameplay bells and whistles that have become commonplace in EA Sports' line-up of sims. No Create-A-Player mode, no Season mode, no statistical tracking of teams and/or players, etc.

Graphics and sound are saddled with an odd ‘cartoony’ vibe and powered by an outdated engine though.

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.

I remember a time when there were no boxing games whatsoever on PlayStation, and a game like this could have gotten away with its mediocrecy and sell well on Tyson's name alone.

This is a PS2 series of riddles you don't want to rely too much on a strategy guide to beat, since solving them on your own or with friends is more than half the fun.

The biggest problem of them all, though, is the lack of variety in missions. Fun as the run, gun, and hide gameplay trend is, it can only carry a game so far.

Midway’s first crack at the extreme sports genre has some of the biggest, best-designed and most challenging mini-worlds I’ve ever had the pleasure of cursing at while trying to link BMX tricks/stunts over them.

By being forced to set-up a premise that MIGHT evolve into something interesting in the long haul, ".hack's" storyline drags and plays second-fiddle to average-at-best (and done better elsewhere), random-dungeon clearing RPG fodder.

The derivative visuals, unoriginal gameplay, bare-bones multiplayer mode and annoying BGM make this an amusing weekend rental, but that’s it.

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.

There simply isn’t lots to do once all the fighters have been unlocked and the stories for each virtual fighter have been experienced.

A game I expected to match or exceed "Baldur's Gate" doesn't even come close.

This isn't a terrible or bad fighting game, just an uninspired one.

The single player campaigns, while engaging, are somewhat lacking in cohesion.

I see the 2002 version as losing what was decent enough control in the original, but surpassing it in every other way.

Challenge mode offers lots of goodies to unlock, but its unique physics may turn off as many gamers as it turns on.

With its bland, repetive gameplay, recycled in-game graphics, mid-battle slowdown, and awkwardly placed musical insertions, it's hard for the game's better features to really shine.

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 AI in Driv3r has to be some of the worst AI I have come across in along time, your enemy just stands still and shoots occasionally he will kneel down but it seems the enemy in driv3r are way too lazy to care for there lives.

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.).

From stiff control to appalling graphics and horrible English voice-overs, Disaster Report is a small-scale disaster in and of itself... It’s surprisingly fun to play despite its numerous flaws.

Too bad the ultra-colorful saccharine graphics, marching band music, lack of difficulty and three-click arcade set-up reduce Disney Golf’s appeal for those of us that were never enchanted by the Magic Kingdom.

Wrestler models are detailed and life-like when standing still, but prone to slowdown and awkward-looking animation when moving.

It lacks the passion of creators like Bungee ("Halo") or Valve ("Half-Life"), who were obviously in love with their projects as they were designing them.

A game that is not quite what the Sony hype built up for but is fun nonetheless.

It's very beautiful and easy to control, but there's nothing much that's new or improved here.

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.

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.

Its unimpressive graphics and unrealistic physics keep it firmly anchored in the 'arcadey' and 'rent before you buy' categories though, despite an above-average attention to small audio details.

Despite the possibilty of too much repetition or worklike feeling, EF brings the first true traditional RPG to the PS2. The story is interesting, the mini-games unique, the characters vivid and the locations fascinating.

The low asking price and endearing charm of the Rayman universe prevent this decent attempt at a story-less “Rayman 2” spinoff from completely bombing out

What we have here is a great engine and design screaming for some character and story help.

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.

It's unoriginal and very short (I was able to complete it in a couple of days without really trying to beat it), but a gas while it lasts and home to some of the nicest-looking and best-renderd FMV cinemas your puny little eyes have ever seen.

Recommendable brain-dead fun provided those buying/renting it know what they’re getting themselves into: fictitious F1-like racing antics with believability and care thrown out the proverbial window.

Epic in scope but technically flawed (particularly in its framey and load-happy PS2 incarnation), Vexx is begging for a much-improved sequel.

This game grabbed me from its opening scenes and didn't let go of me DESPITE its average graphics, quirky golf-like control scheme and plain-vanilla soundtrack.

Graphics are decent for a licensed videogame (no clips from the movie though!), but the audio (including sound-alike actors doubling for the film's stars) is so generic and uninspired it hurts just to listen.

An enjoyable (but extremely short) reminder that appealing characters in good games aren't made, but come together well when mixed with a team of programmers that care.

Supercross 2000 is just bland. The game lacks real variety.

Compared with the sights/sounds/gameplay of "MGS2", the technical flaws that were present on the N64 version (and haven't been fixed in this PS2 port) stand-out like a sore thumb on Roger Ebert's hand (there's a lovely image for you!).

Misfires by not tweaking the A.I. and gameplay as much as the graphics or the simplified-to-perfection control.

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.

Battlestar Galactica's biggest flaw is a brutal difficulty level that will make grown men (and women) cry and beg for their mommy. Graphics, sound and control are definitely top notch though.

Suikoden IV’s unimpressive graphics, generic audio (except for the voice-overs), infuriating battle frequency and watered-down strategy (less party members = less variety of attack combos) aren’t going to cut it in 2005.

The story is cute but nothing really deep and basically just has you playing the various types of Tetris included to move the story along.

It may grow a bit tired deeper into the game but the formula works well.

A budget-priced bowling game that’s as unpretentious as it is well put together and fun (in small doses and with the right group of friends under the right circumstances… wink, wink! :-P).

With the Dual Shock 2 available in every PS2 box, why do we still not have analog control here? Other than that the game plays as it always has, acceptable.

Namco has blatantly stolen every single positive aspect of Sega's Hitmaker tennis games to create its own, and that's just sad.

Rent it, beat your own high score (or your friends') and move on to the many other far-better sports titles in the PS2 universe.

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 low price (under $20) and handful of AAA classics still manage to make this an appealing purchase proposition IF you can tolerate its noticeable shortcomings and/or have an appreciation for the industry's history.

As good as the control and visual re-enactment of the real-life planes come across in Aero Elite, AM2 and Sega drop the ball somewhat when the players become proficient armchair pilots and start itching for new challenges beyond those of the Training missions.

Too short and easy for grown-ups but just about right for the target audience of both the books and the Jim Carrey movie currently out in theaters.

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.

I'd like a more memorable and challenging shooter for my hard-earned dough. Call me crazy.

Not a perfect or original game mind you, just one that doesn't screw-up with its winning formula in any meaningful way.

The implementation of “NBA Live 2003’s” Freestyle Control doesn’t mesh perfectly with this particular engine’s loose physics. The sameness of the b-ball courts and annoying cutscenes from “Live 2003” don’t help the cause either.

Some of the directions, which are given to you via an arrow that points gamers in the direction of the next clue, can be too confusing for the younger gamers. Sometimes the arrow points to go right through a wall!

Not only did “The Chamber of Secrets” NOT turn me into a Harry Potter consumer (which I wasn’t prior to playing it), but it has made me shun away from playing any PS2 games aimed at children for a good long while.

Not even support for the handheld’s online network and some decent graphics will be enough to entice anyone to overlook the poorly-implemented controls and minimal sounds in this first-generation disaster.

There is none of the user-friendliness and open-ended approach that made "Super Smash Bros." clone "Digimon Rumble Arena" such a pleasant experience.

Let "Special Forces" be the first and last MK game of the new decade/century/millennium, so we can all start our gaming memories fresh of silly concepts like 'Babality' and rot-memorization of preset combos.

There's a distinct lack of personality or defined identity for what "Extreme Racing" attempts to achieve.

Isn't worthy of "Resident Evil" comparisons.

Don't let our high ratings for the simple control and decent audio fool you into thinking "KISS Pinball" is worth more than a cursory look of disgust by anybody but the most desperate KISS or pinball fanatics with $10 to blow on this turd.

Only the most patient, bored and PS2-deprived gamer should think of wasting the many hours it takes to get enough Norns hatched, trained and breeding to make the three worlds in Creatures come alive.

Fans of the Cartoon Network TV show will either think this is cute or a preposterous excuse (and license) on which to pin some loosely-connected and shareware-worthy mini-games.

No matter what your heart tugs with, visions from the cartoon, Paul Dini's amazing work in comics, the sad fact is this game is crud.

Brain-dead fun rental all the way.

Brings the same sound gameplay premise but faulty execution of its predecessors to unsuspecting (or complacent) PSOne owners willing to shell $10 for it.

Surf Riders stinks! My only consolation to the unfortunate surfing fanatic deprived of his/her virtual wave simulation is that things aren't any better over on the PS2, where "Surfing H30" reigns supreme as king of what's bad about games. Bummer!

There’s a solid bone of a structure in this low-end programming tool, however, that is guaranteed to occupy and challenge the mindset of the committed faithful.

One boring, predictable and by-the-numbers attempt to cash-in on the popularity of Peter Jackson’s movies.

Although much better than the Dreamcast version and the visual/aural pinnacle for the series, ESPN International Track & Field still mostly parties like it's 1983 with its mix of ten old and new events.

"Street Fighter EX3" has the awkward distinction of being the best-looking "EX" game in the series, but the worst-looking brawler in comparison to its competitors' robust engines.

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.

Meant more for rental amusement than for full-price consumption.

It's dissapointing that the characters weren't more varied in capabilities.

ESPN NFL Primetime 2002 just barely is ready for Primetime.

Too bad the flawed AI of the CPU opposition, choppy graphics and lack of customization keep it far below the excellence of EA's and Sega's PS2 college games.

A recycled (and quite inept) PS2 interface plagued with technical shortcomings (slowdown galore!) that mirrors the prequel’s 2001 PS2 version makes this the console version of Max Payne 2 to avoid.

This port needed more time to clean up the framerate and spruce up the visuals.

A mindless hack-and-slash experience with little to distinguish it from the many similar titles that preceded it, this rehash of last year’s "Castlevania: Lament of Innocence" engine is a good excuse to blow both steam and a free rental at Blockbuster.

The association with Kurosawa’s classic ’54 epic notwithstanding, 20XX is just too mindless and repetitive a hack-and-slash experience to recommend.