If you prefer a quicker-paced game buy "High Heat," but if you like a more methodical and in-depth game, buy WSB.

Some of the major AI problems (specifically the lack of fast breaks and effective CPU team defense) mentioned above definitely took away from my enjoyment of the game.

While MVP will likely fall short of fulfilling gamers wanting a true simulation, the game blends realism and arcade successfully, just as many other EA games have done in the past.

A refreshing break from typical graphics-oriented games.

The game is just plain fun and I can honestly say that I would rather play Live 2001 than almost half of the PS2's line-up of launch games.

More than just a slight improvement over last year’s version. It’s my favorite version to date primarily due to the reduction of goalie ability. While the neutral zone play isn’t there like the past, overall the game plays better than ever.

A damage model makes the game more intriguing, although it is available in only one mode. The graphics suffer from pop-up and collision detection miscues, but overall the game looks good.

Some of the elements need to be fine tuned in next year's version, such as presentation and audio. With these problems asides, the depth of the Legacy mode, increased Xbox Live features, and better gameplay make this a good buy at $20.

The 3D accelerated graphics are a big boost in my eyes and the addition of the APCD is going to give this sim the legs it's been lacking in recent years.

If the game had more depth or difficulty it would perhaps be the top arcade racer on the PS2--instead it's just a very good, though not great, game.

CM3 has only a fraction of the features of "CM2" and fails to add significant upgrades. While the sound, driving, and stages are excellent, the game ultimately comes up short.

College Hoops is the second best sports game I played in 2004, with Madden taking the top prize.

The game flows like no other basketball game out there, but a few flaws keep NBA Live 2004 from running away from its competition.

The racing is intense and should appeal to arcade racing fans.

The AI is a mixed bag. As mentioned before, their pitch selection along with their swing selection are realistic. However, the AI base running is not good at all.

The running back strength is excessive, and some of the secondary play is suspect. If these parameters were addressed, I'd probably switch allegiance yet one more time since the overall graphical and audio presentation of NFL 2K2 is the best around, and the tighter control makes for a fun play.

Despite some of the AI problems NASCAR Thunder 2002 still provides a good race. The huge field certainly enhances the gameplay and makes passing a key aspect of the game.

While the graphics aren't as good as I expected from this PS2 title, they are still a huge jump up for PlayStation owners. The reported slowdown hardly detracts from enjoying the game.

While there are some audio and AI issues, overall the game has progressed since last year. The grudge and alliance system adds a whole new element to gameplay.

I had a lot more fun with the PSX version of Fifa 2001. Sure, it's also an arcade experience, but the passes don't move as fast, the tackles aren't as vicious and there isn't the useless shoot bar. Fifa 2001 PC is a huge disappointment and it's time the Fifa series got a major overhaul.

Flaws in the graphics and lack of improvement in 24/7 mode are outweighed by the positives of improvements in gameplay, the Association, and online.

This new edition could have been so much more (and some of its features should have been in the original).

The game isn't the "NBA Jam" of soccer, but the propensity for high-scoring games gives it a different feel from "Winning Eleven."

The gameplay and AI is solid, albeit a little aggressive.

Sure, Live has the reputation of being a more fastbreaking, high-scoring game; in many ways it still is, but in trying to take a step with realism, the game lost its arcade appeal.

What sets the game apart from its rival is the obvious better graphics.

There were enough nuances and respect for fundamentals that I felt like I could use my basketball I.Q. as an advantage. And yet, the game is playable, even for someone who has never touched the game.

Truth is, beyond the crassness of its Story mode, THUG 2 is not radically different from last year's game. There's not a whole lot new here aside from a few gimmicks and some off-the-wall elements.