The controls are difficult to master at first - with the option of both front and rear brakes - but persistence is rewarded and within hours you will be hugging the fringe of a curve and finding the right racing line.

The controls are difficult to master at first - with the option of both front and rear brakes - but persistence is rewarded and within hours you will be hugging the fringe of a curve and finding the right racing line.

The game comes complete with more detail about how to achieve that crucial 'full back enters line' move that was so lacking in the original. The control functions for the rucks and mauls are also infinitely more simple.

The atmosphere of NBA Street is enhanced by an excellent soundtrack including hip-hop tracks from the likes of Nelly and Nate Dogg, plus various sound effects from the street - traffic, sirens, crowd abuse etc.

The atmosphere of NBA Street is enhanced by an excellent soundtrack including hip-hop tracks from the likes of Nelly and Nate Dogg, plus various sound effects from the street - traffic, sirens, crowd abuse etc.

The atmosphere of NBA Street is enhanced by an excellent soundtrack including hip-hop tracks from the likes of Nelly and Nate Dogg, plus various sound effects from the street - traffic, sirens, crowd abuse etc.

Its thrilling mix of visuals, dynamics handling and speed, together with a superb four-player split-screen, puts its rivals in the shade. Nothing else comes close, for now.

The cars handle superbly well and you'll soon realise there's no better F1 game around than this - even Michael Schumacher would be happy.

The feeling of speed in Formula One 2001 really gives you a thrilling ride. This coupled with the excellent AI, great handling, the latest F1 data and faultless presentation push it streets ahead of the competition.

True purists may prefer to look elsewhere for their hockey action, but those seeking a fast-paced, action-packed game are in for a real treat.

It's fast, furious and, whether you like basketball or not, fantastic fun.

That, combined with the absorbing way the game draws you into the season, through neat animations and an impossibly stylish menu system, makes this the motor sport title to own - for purists and weekend drivers alike.

It's by far the most realistic game of its genre available - and that is likely to remain for some time to come.

Apart from featuring a slightly dated roster of tennis stars, the only other drawback is the inability to play men against women - alas the Kournikova-Sampras clash will have to wait.

Though not particularly hard, the gameplay feels realistic, and the differing heights of certain sections of routes, as well as the surface and weather conditions, give the gamer plenty to think about.

And while "Pro Evolution Soccer" could well reclaim its place at the summit shortly, for now FIFA 2002 - both for playability and aesthetically - is the champion of football games.

From the ring entrances to the expanded storyline mode, it is the most authentic WWF video game ever.

One brave new inclusion is a first-person mode. Step inside the helmet of the quarterback and attempt to play the game through his eyes. There's a realistic claustrophobic sensation as the linemen pile through attempting that sack before you can launch the perfect pass to an open wide receiver.

Although Ducati World does not quite meet the standards set by GT on PlayStation, it's easily the best motorcycle game for years.

The arenas are superbly well done, with excellent layout and ultra smooth texturing.

While "NFL 2K3" still has slightly better graphics, Madden's updated controls, the excellent franchise features and its heavenly tactical play make it one of the best sports games ever to grace the PS2.

Its gameplay is superb, the visuals excellent and the whole experience leaves you on the edge of your seat.

The control system just isn't up to scratch and this makes passing the ball a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack.

The difficulty level, although frustrating at first, certainly adds longevity to the game.

If you like pure simulation stick with world number one Tiger Woods, but if you are ready for a wackier round of golf, let your favourite Italian plumber come to the fore.

The controls do take a while to learn - but an excellent tutorial helps you grasp the essentials fairly quickly.

Despite the fact that the developers still quite haven't managed to replicate the bounce of a rugby ball entirely satisfactorily, kicking now forms a vital part of the gameplay and every kick imaginable can be used to your advantage, including the good old 'Garry Owen' and grubber.

Despite the fact that the developers still quite haven't managed to replicate the bounce of a rugby ball entirely satisfactorily, kicking now forms a vital part of the gameplay and every kick imaginable can be used to your advantage, including the good old 'Garry Owen' and grubber.