With so many World War II games on the market, Earned In Blood's dedication to creating an understanding of what the war meant to those who fought it, as much as providing the player with a recognisable game, should be lauded.

It’s easy to pick up and play, it’s addictive, it’s chock full of bonuses to unlock. It is by far and away the best golf game we’ve played.

With exceptional action, puzzles and scripting as well as good graphics and minimal loading times Extermination is a great and imaginative new addition to the horror/survival genre that will teach even Resident Evil a few tricks and ranks as Sony’s best PS2 game to date.

Deep. Beautiful. Phantasmal. These are all words to describe Phantom Dust, one of the most brilliantly conceived games on Xbox that you may never play. [JPN Import]

The animations are perfectly complemented by the pixel perfect shadowing and some truly stunning effects, such as the player leaving marks on the clay courts as they skid across to reach for a shot.

A top-notch beat-’em-up...The only problem that really exists with the game aren’t really Capcom’s fault at all – yep, it’s the controller. [Import]

Everything about The Sims just reeks of quality and charm; from the way that every Sim action is beautifully animated to the way they talk to each other, and you, in voices that you can almost make out. But can’t.

If you are a rally fan then the addictive gameplay coupled with the sight of the perfectly recreated cars racing around official tracks should be enough to overlook any rough edges.

A totally engrossing experience.

This was already a fine game on the PC but we’d go so far as to say that this is the best version of Wolfenstein we’ve played.

The problem with this game for most adult gamers is that we remember it only too well! And though a surprising amount of changes have been made for this version, it's still not quite what GBA freaks deserve.

A refreshing experience that reminds us what gaming is all about. Right from the start, the levels just beg to be explored and the vibrant graphics and quirky sense of humour make you smile.

It’s a great game with visual flair and an immense depth of gameplay that recreates the “Sweet Science” perfectly.

Rather than confusing the player with endless pages of stats or making the controls overly complicated (something Smilebit did with "GunValkyrie"), the company has achieved just the right balance of gameplay, visuals, atmosphere and story line.

Despite the fact that the gameplay is quite deep and requires a fair amount of thought to do well at, the actual game itself is incredibly easy to pick up.

The feeling of satisfaction when everything locks together like a giant jigsaw puzzle is enormous. Despite its flaws, this is a fantastic slice of gaming.

We really must emphasise that whatever your skill level, MTV proves to be immensely fun and afternoons slip by amid delusions of musical prowess. If you've ever heard a song remix and thought 'How hard could it be?' MTV will show you: a piece of cake.

This is possibly the best Formula One game we have played for quite some time and provides a totally entertaining experience.

It's very insistence on realism is what makes it so successful as an experience. It makes you feel that you're just an ordinary person (not a videogame hero, for example) in extraordinary circumstances and with very little chance of survival.

Don’t overlook this one – it’s quite quietly one of the most agreeable racers we’ve seen for some time.

Represents state-of-the-art gaming and pushes the PlayStation to its limits -- short of nicking a coin-op, this is the closest thing you'll ever come to arcade perfection in the home.

Granted, the gameplay may become a little repetitive after a while, but for a quick blast of colourful, quirky fun, this game has got it covered.

The controls, though initially frustrating, do deliver the feel and accuracy of the real sport. Couple this with both real and imagined course imbued with the usual EA sense of atmosphere and spectacle and Tiger Woods looks as good as it plays.

Depth is a rarity in sports games with an enjoyable single player mode even rarer but Fight Night Round 2 has managed to come up with both.

The standard sit-on-the-fence "If you're a fan..." line doesn't apply here. Instead, we say this - buy it, learn the rules and thank us later. Ours will be a pint. Without the mayonnaise, thank you.

It is a genuinely disgusting game and is also extremely original and playable. Got any roach?

As a game, NBA Street oozes quality and (more importantly) playability.

A surprisingly addictive game.

Fine visuals, excellent sound and a level of presentation currently unrivalled in any sporting product - what more could you want?

The gameplay is as solid as you’d expect it to be, but what of the problems that have plagued this type of title in the past (on the PSone at least)? Yes we’re talking about massive loading times and missing frames of animation.

Simply put, if you don’t like the genre previously known as an RPG then there is nothing here to shine you on, but what there is has been created with such a level of craft that there’s no denying its artfulness. It’s a beauty and as near (yet far) to a Zelda release as we’re going to see.

An enjoyable RTS game in the Age of Empire mold that will last even the most experienced of gamers quite some time with the various gameplay and map-making options available within it.

If you’re buying this to play on your own, you’ll get bored very easily. More than any other title released so far, this game is one to be shared. The more friends you take on, the more fun you’ll have. And if you don’t join in the fun, you’re dithpicable!

Easily the best football game on the GameCube, even with the shortcomings of the AI and controls. It takes some getting used to, but once mastered, there's a great game in here.

If you liked the previous games you’re going to love Munch’s Oddysee – it’s as simple as that!

There is nothing here that will convince flight sim haters to reconsider their approach, but invest time in this game and you will be rewarded with a fine gameplaying experience.

The game gives you nothing new beyond the usual attack or defend missions but it is still just as enjoyable as the original.

This game is brilliant, but it scares us.

It's true that NHL 2004 is a tougher game to get involved with compared to past versions of the franchise. But, with more leagues (including elite world clubs), more players and new enhanced moves, there is plenty here for fans to enjoy, if you have the stamina to master it all, that is.

We loved this game. Whatever type of player you are, you'll love it. Mario at his absolute best. BUT – and this is a big but (think Jennifer Lopez here) we can't help but feel ripped off.

A finely honed beat-'em-up that reveals an exceptional amount of depth after prolonged play. Sadly, however, even the most ardent Xbox fans in the office struggled to argue that this is anything more than "DOA2" with big brass knobs on.

There's no doubt that Hitz Pro is the best hockey game of this year, though a lack of online play in the UK and no option to play classic Hitz gameplay will disappoint fans.

The backdrops, too, are marvellous and the ancient Japanese feeling is matched perfectly with a slow and unsettling score. Whenever you are ambushed, this is quickly replaced with an adrenaline-inducing rush of beats, and you'll find yourself dragon-punching in rhythm to the music.

RF II is, indeed, a good game, it just isn’t quite as great or ground-breaking as the first one was despite all its new bells, whistles and a slightly unnecessary squad system.

The plot is in badly translated Japanese and makes little sense, but still the game is curiously 'unputdownable'.

It looks spectacular, it plays well after practice and has options galore, but FIFA 2004 simply isn't a patch on The Other Football Game in terms of recreating the passion, anxiety and pleasures of football.

Okay, so we’re still stuck with crap passwords and not even a difficulty level to boost lastability, but if the movie was a hit with you, then this perfect platformer is one spin-off that’s worth shelling out for.

Jumpgate's gameplay is what makes it a success - Wing Commander-style simplicity combined with some great in-game physics.

Beautiful lighting effects, crisp beam weaponry and crystal clear ordinance illuminate your way through to the heart of the Bydo Empire while Delta’s intense soundtrack has been replaced with a calmer and more mature score that settles well with both the game’s landscapes, and its pedigree.

In motion, Alien Hominid is like nothing else - there's always so much going on and the smooth characters and animations most modern 2D titles to shame.

It's not going to take you long to open up all the modes, and you might tire of the microgames once you've played them a few times, but trust us when we say it's a worthy investment.

We'd like to say that Metal Gear Solid 3 is on a par with the original PSone game and in many ways it's much better, but it also feels like it has been left behind in some fundamental areas by the likes of "Splinter Cell."

Put simply, this is certainly worth giving a go if you’re looking for some high-speed thrills, death-defying leaps and gorgeous eye candy.

A riotous arcade experience structured to provide massive, total addiction. The 'just-one-more-go' syndrome is impossible to resist.

A little more depth would have made it a classic, but it's still a must for Spidey fans, or anyone else after a big, brash citywide blast.

Nothing here is unexpectedly outstanding, but this game certainly comes in on par.

Put it this way - if this is your first go of a Half Life game, prepare to be shocked by the AI of these guys.

FFCC combines the instant appeal of adventures like Wind Waker and StarFox Adventures with the best parts of the FF universe...The best thing to come out of Square since "FFVII."

A great game, created with style and care, that will be a crucial part of any Britney collection.

It's SOCOM meets Hitman and it makes lying in the rubble of a blown-out rathaus a tense, exciting and deeply satisfying pastime.

Whether you choose to take part in a tournament against the world’s best or just opt for a single match where you try and improve your score, PGA Tour 2003 is a golfing treat.

So if the challenge gets too tough, you can just stare at the screen for ages and soak in the detail of Crash’s brilliantly clichéed world. We’re beginning to see what all the fuss was about.

Sure it’s not massively original but it is a new sport, there are some very nice ideas in there and it’s great fun to play.

The proof of the pudding is in the tasting – and this is a toothsome treat.

For all the new moves and multiplayer modes, it's still the same old Splinter Cell it's always been. Still tense, still frustrating, still endearing, still maddening.

It’s hard not to enjoy FIFA 2003 and, though not in the same league as "Pro Evolution Soccer" in terms of gameplay, for the gamer who wants the most atmospheric and authentic football experience there is no equal on PS2.

Very few games today are so brazenly simplistic yet still so huge in scale so this really is a rare treat.

A very accomplished title, as you’d expect from Rowan, if only all the polish that’s gone into the three dimensional section applied across the sometimes clunky menu and map screens. That’s a small criticism when looking at the whole game that offers a fantastic flight simulator and complex battle management game in one.

There are predictable twists and a couple that may just surprise you, the voice acting is impressive and the animated cut scenes are still a breath of fresh air after the endless glossy renders of other games.

Graphically appealing and full of great special effects and sound samples, this will enthuse any Crash fan. As a racing game though, it's just a little too slow to get your pulse racing.

Bone shattering throws, deadly, sword slashes, and plenty of Ryu's Dead or Alive signature moves all combine to create an immensely satisfying experience that feels like a breah of fresh air after "Prince of Persia's" rather limited combat. [XBM]

The learning curve of Ape Escape 2 is damn near perfect... If you’re looking for top-flight platform entertainment then you really cannot go wrong with Ape Escape 2, it’s brilliant.

It uses the licensed Kiss characters in a very smart and dark way but lacks rocking Kiss tunes or imagery that the fan might expect.

Whilst THQ’s game lacks the technical depth of "Fire Pro Wrestling," it makes up for this with five different game modes including Exhibition, King of the Ring and as the game’s title suggests Wrestlemania.

Two way link–up mode (as with many of the best puzzle games) is what makes Eggo Mania a really good game, and this along with the power ups, different modes and hideously addictive gameplay make Eggo Mania an essential buy if you’re a puzzle fan.

There’ll be times when you curse it for being so tough, but when you do get anywhere the feeling of elevation is immense.

Playing Quake is like living a horror movie. The game simply gushes atmosphere from every slime-coated, ambient lighted, gothic architectural artery.

For fans of the films and of fast future racers there is no better alternative to "Wipeout: Fusion" on the PS2.

This steep learning curve will put off some people but if you stick with it there is a sublime game to be discovered.

FIFA 2002 has consciously observed the strategy and brilliant mix of simulation and arcade gameplay within Konami’s ISS series and, in doing so, has made the FIFA series infinitely more approachable for the gamer who would never look at the licensed game, preferring to bury himself in ISS.

Games are meant to be fun and Hudson couldn’t have squeezed more fun into Bomberman Generation if it tried.

Considering that Japan isn’t famous for its success in the sport, for some reason the developers at KCET have a canny knack of delivering almost every attribute of our beautiful game in precision detail, with realism so sharp you could almost take an eye out!

It may be a cliché, but you will soon involuntarily be nodding your head in time with the breaks, whether they be rawk guitars or looped vocals.

We love this one too, though it's more out of loyalty than out and out lust.

Colourful, cute and unoriginal then, just like Rayman has always been.

Pretty much everything you could ever want from a rally game is in there, with the exception of a two-player co-operative event. Now that really would put the icing on the cake.

A game with such huge scope that you can master it at your own pace and have a great amount of fun while doing it, Tony Hawk's Skateboarding will win you over.

There’s nothing that Bomberman Max 2 does wrong, its just that we’ve all seen it before so many times that it’s starting to get stale.

Big and brave Homeworld might be, it doesn't quite add up to the wondrous game we were hoping for. The spectacle of deep space soon begins to look very empty and the battles repetitive.

The whole experience is beautifully rendered in high resolution, which makes for some sumptuous details in the graphics.

Most people will probably be satisfied with the original Music 2000 on the PSone, but if you’re feeling flush, or really want to be the next David Morales, then this is definitely worth checkin’ out and is a must for those who missed out last time. Let''s groove!

In the history of PS2 platformers, there has never been an example that positively drips character like Psychonauts does. In fact, you'd be hard pushed to find an example in any genre.

The visual display of space and the ships is still badly executed but with tightened up control methods and an enjoyable plot to wage war through as the Federation develops a station that can detect cloaked vessels.

If you’ve got a PC lying around then you’re better off with the PC version, but The Sims on GameCube is still a mind-blisteringly good game if judged on its own merits.

This pack gives a great new lease to a game that has far from run out of steam.

As great and good and wonderful and new as SOCOM is, the game has a MOAB-sized room for improvement and before we go deeper into the communal experience of multiplayer combat we should cover a few points that prove that we’re not going to be fully-fledged cyber soldiers just yet.

In a market where so many games seem based on the same set of ideas, Gun Battler Joe is a real breath of fresh air. Highly recommended.

Fans of the comic book will rejoice in how their beloved anti-hero has made such as magnificently bloody transition from page to pixel without loosing any of his edge along the way, which is not down to just one singular entity, but rather all involved who strived to keep the game true its dark Marvel roots founded in the adult Max series.