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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (PS)

Electronic Arts

The history of video games is littered with translations of films--most of them bad. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, while most certainly created around the feature film's visualisation of the Harry Potter story, is actually very good, despite being too easy for most experienced gamers. It's a fun, colourful experience even for the few of us left on this planet who have neither read the books nor watched the movie.
Electronic Arts thankfully placed a lot of emphasis on production value for this release instead of taking the cheap cash-in option. Aside from the occasional pop-up problem that makes walls vanish quite un-magically, the graphics are beautiful and fun. Chocolate frogs (an appropriate health power-up) and other elements and characters from the book and film are wonderfully animated. The sound effects and, particularly, the voice acting are top drawer, which helps draw the player into the Potter experience. Also, the gameplay is nicely varied throughout. Players go from learning a new spell in class, to retrieving fire seeds for Hagrid, to magic fights against the Slytherin bully Draco Malfoy, to riding the broom--which is especially fun. There's even a Quidditch level early on, but there's little to do and it's over very quickly.
On the downside, the game suffers from some really odd control. Like a lot of adventure games, jumping is really important since many levels require you to clear obstacles or reach out-of-the-way items. But, unlike nearly every other game in the genre, there's no jump button. Instead, players automatically jump from the edge of a platform from either a full stop or while running. It takes a lot of getting used to because, if you're not at full run or full stop, it's easy to just walk right off the edge and fall. And, like too many other games, you can only save your game at predetermined locations in the game.
Another fault of this game is its lack of challenge for experienced gamers. It's nice that they're trying to make it accessible to the entire cross section of PlayStation-owning Harry Potter fans, but without varying levels of difficulty, it's less of a game than a tour through Potter's magical world. Still, it is an interesting world, and even through it's easy, the action is still varied enough to be fun. --Porter B Hall
Spyro 2: Gateway to Glimmer Platinum (PS)

Sony Computer Entertainment UK

The feisty little adolescent dragon is back in Spyro 2: Gateway to Glimmer, a sequel that is far superior to the original. Both Spyro fans and those who didn't play the first game will revel its exploratory greatness. Gone are the impossible tasks, unbeatable enemies, and fragmented game flow. This game sports superior controls, more colourful and faster graphics, a tighter story, achievable goals, and plenty of gameplay variety. Don't be fooled by Spyro's cuteness--this isn't a children's-only game. With multiple goals and side quests, a fantastic soundtrack by ex-Police band member Stewart Copeland, and a veneer of understated humour, this is highly addictive. The playfulness of the main character comes through in the exploration of the otherworldly levels using the new moves, including super high jumps, rapid underwater swimming, and extended flight and hovering manoeuvres.
Determined explorers are always rewarded--sometimes with an ice hockey match or other sub-game, sometimes with riches enough to learn a new move or uncover a new area. Simply put, Spyro 2 is one of the best action/adventure games for the system. Despite the fact that this game is a sequel, it manages to bring a fresh new look and feel to PlayStation gaming. --Jeff Young
Crash Bandicoot 2 (PS)

Sony
Oddworld - Abe's Exoddus

Atari
Spyro: Year of the Dragon - Platinum (PS)

Sony Computer Entertainment UK

Following on from the hugely popular PlayStation Series Spyro is back in Spyro-The Year of the Dragon and this time he is cuter than ever.
The story starts with the same old adage of an evil leader taking hostages and then you as the only one who can save them and the world from this tyranny.
All sounds familiar so far, well you are wrong, because once you get past the cut scenes of all your family's eggs being stolen and you being the only one that can get them back, you are presented with a wonderful array of colours, scenery and graphics that play with your senses.
I know that seems to be going over the top a little, but imagine graphics that are slightly better than Rayman 2, yet with a little dragon with very hot breath and you'll get the picture.
With the exception of the Rayman series, normally when a game is this graphically luscious, the levels and actual gameplay suffers, but not here. Spyro is a full 37 levels packed with everything from running to skateboarding, with a learning curve that will suit old fans and newcomers alike.
With other characters available as well, the story isn't just about Spyro and his flames, as you chase around after the eggs and every gem you can lay your hands on to access the secret levels and add bonuses.
This title has appeal to all ages really, whether it's the younger gamer for the colours and the non-violent gameplay or the older player who is looking for a new challenge, you will find it all here. --Stuart Miles
Gran Turismo 2 Platinum (PS)

Sony

After the monster hit that was Gran Turismo, the sequel Gran Turismo 2, has a more than mammoth task ahead of it, but surpass it does and by some distance. The two gaming discs contain an Arcade version to get you racing straight away, or the Simulation mode where you have to race for cash to buy and upgrade your cars. Realism is the core of GT2 so you really do have to get your racing gloves on.
The range of cars is offensively large--everything from the Toyota Yaris to the Dodge Viper is covered. The attention to detail is fantastic, the cars sound and perform like the real thing and the upgrades available cover everything from alloy wheels to a racing weight flywheel for your engine. There are a number of different driving licences to pass and you have to have a particular class of licence to race in the different leagues, which get progressively harder, but reap richer rewards. To really succeed in Gran Turismo 2 you have think like a racer--slip-streaming and power sliding around corners to get the edge on your opponents are just some examples.
The two versions of the game provide a great balance between a serious sim and quick multi-player arcade action, making it a worthwhile investment. While the gameplay sits on the realistic side, so it takes a little time to get totally proficient behind the wheel. Having said that, once you master control of your machine, you really do have the power. If driving is your thing Gran Turismo 2 is a must. --Chris Hall
Gran Turismo Platinum

Sony

Gran Turismo is the new definition of a great racing game. With wonderful graphics, TV-like replays and an entire host of cars to chose from, this instant classic goes beyond a driving game into the realm of driving simulator.
You can choose between the arcade version (featuring classic cars such as Corvettes and Aston Martins) or the simulation, which is the true heart of the game. The simulation starts you on an entire racing career beginning with a cheap used car and second-rate tracks. You will find yourself longing for the Dodge Viper as your sad starting fund puts you behind the wheel of a used Honda Prelude or Mazda RX-7. As you win races, acquire money and earn advanced licenses, you are able to buy better cars and race in more competitive matches right up to the GT World Cup.
Complete with cunning renditions of actual car models and a very playable interface, this game is great for the serious racing simulation fan and the casual gamer. It promises instant action and the kind of gradual advancement that keeps gamers playing for weeks. While the license tests can be hard, the fun track design and sheer number (140-plus) and variety of cars to choose from makes this an exciting race experience. --Allen Stewart
Spyro: Year of the Dragon

Sony Computer Entertainment UK

Following on from the hugely popular PlayStation Series Spyro is back in Spyro-The Year of the Dragon and this time he is cuter than ever.
The story starts with the same old adage of an evil leader taking hostages and then you as the only one who can save them and the world from this tyranny.
All sounds familiar so far, well you are wrong, because once you get past the cut scenes of all your family's eggs being stolen and you being the only one that can get them back, you are presented with a wonderful array of colours, scenery and graphics that play with your senses.
I know that seems to be going over the top a little, but imagine graphics that are slightly better than Rayman 2, yet with a little dragon with very hot breath and you'll get the picture.
With the exception of the Rayman series, normally when a game is this graphically luscious, the levels and actual gameplay suffers, but not here. Spyro is a full 37 levels packed with everything from running to skateboarding, with a learning curve that will suit old fans and newcomers alike.
With other characters available as well, the story isn't just about Spyro and his flames, as you chase around after the eggs and every gem you can lay your hands on to access the secret levels and add bonuses.
This title has appeal to all ages really, whether it's the younger gamer for the colours and the non-violent gameplay or the older player who is looking for a new challenge, you will find it all here. --Stuart Miles
Oddworld - Abe's Oddysee - Platinum (PS)

Atari
Toy Story 2 Platinum (PS)

Activision

Film favorites Buzz Lightyear and Woody are back in action with their latest video game offering, Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 2. The cowboy Woody is in trouble in a game that closely follows the plot of the hit computer-animated flick. Although the game is obviously aimed at luring fans of the movie of the same name, it does contain gameplay that will appeal to a wider audience. Toy Story 2 is not a perfect game, but it captures the playability and humour of the film, and also has movie-quality animation and graphics.
Woody finds himself kidnapped by Al, the evil toy collector, and it's up to Buzz to save the day--with a little help from the other toys in owner Andy's room. Buzz must venture outside Andy's house and into the local neighbourhood. Game environments include a perilous construction area, a toy barn and a sky-rise apartment. Ultimately, Buzz will confront his arch nemesis, the Evil Emperor Zurg--but getting there is half the fun.
During his journey, Buzz must collect missing parts for Mr Potato Head. He also calls on his buddies Rex, Slinky Dog and Hamm the piggy bank for helpful tips and directions. Controls are varied but can be confusing to master. Buzz can climb, do a "super foot stomp", fire his laser and perform a Space Ranger spin attack to help him get through the various levels. --Bill Hutchens
Best of Abe's Oddysee

Atari

You want weird? Look no further than Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee. Mild-mannered factory worker Abe has discovered that his employers at Rupture Farms are planning to use his fellow Mudokons as the main ingredient in their latest product, Mudokon Pops. Like any decent Mudokon, Abe aims to rescue his peers. He also is determined to seek justice in his battle to bring down the corrupt Rupture Farms. You help Abe carry out his heroic duties by possessing enemies, participating in action sequences worthy of an Indiana Jones flick and talking to fellow Mudokons using the game's impressive "gamespeak" feature, which allows multiple characters to communicate with each other using your control pad.
The graphics in Abe's Oddyssee convey a unique personality, which is often lacking in platform action games. Still, a few pretty game environments will not distract you from the devious puzzles scattered throughout the game. Fortunately, you never run out of lives in Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee. Instead, Abe rematerialises immediately after you "die" and the game continues from the last checkpoint you reached. This approach encourages exploration, which you will want to do anyway since this is one of the most beautiful 2-D games we've seen. --T. Byrl Baker
Worms - Platinum

Atari
Rugrats - Search For Reptar - Value Series (PS)

THQ

Rugrats: Search for Reptar is a challenging 3-D adventure game based on the familiar Nickelodeon cartoon series. Fans of the show will encounter the entire Rugrats gang, including Tommy, Angelica, Phil and Lil, Chuckie, Stu, Spike and Grandpa. Your goal is to seek and find pieces of Tommy's lost Reptar puzzle, which are scattered across 10 basic and six bonus levels. As you look for the pieces, you will travel through several strange scenarios, including a trip to the grocery store with Tommy and Grandpa (where you must dodge spinning sodas and mean lobsters). You will also help Grandpa find his lost teeth while dodging evil geese in a maze of bushes. Other cool adventure areas include an egg hunt, a circus and a game of miniature golf with windmills and uneven greens.
As in the cartoon, the game's graphics are relatively simplistic. However, the camera angles do get a bit dicey at times, since the kids' big heads can often block your view of the action. In addition, the frequently shifting perspectives sometimes result in a sudden reversal of your control response, which can be frustrating during time-sensitive moments. Nonetheless, this is a great game for younger children to play with their parents. --Kasty Thomas
Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped

Sony

Crash Bandicoot, the poster marsupial for PlayStation, is back. In this third instalment of the popular action-game series, Dr N. Trophy has built a time machine to collect the gems and crystals dropped by Dr Neo Cortex. Joining this dastardly group is Dr Cortex's boss Uka Uka, a freaky floating mask that is out to crush Crash. It is up to Crash and his sister, Coco, to conquer this threatening threesome and grab the goodies.
Offering 25 levels of challenging solo action the game takes full advantage of the dual shock controller, and its vibration feature, which is especially fun when a dinosaur is chasing Crash. The music is appropriate to the action and the controls are easy to use. But it's the graphics that make this a stand-alone title. A team of artists worked on this game to design seamless movement that is more like an interactive cartoon than a game.
Novice gamers will enjoy this title for its ease of movement and challenging gameplay. Hard-core gamers will appreciate its hidden secrets and shortcuts. And how can you go wrong with Arabian cities, underwater worlds, medieval times, menacing frogs, pirate-head cannonballs and creepy scorpions? Crash Bandicoot 3 is a goofy game with enough fun features to satisfy both die-hard and beginning gamers. --Kasty Thomas
Pandemonium: Platinum (PS)

Crystal Dynamics
Digimon World 2003 (PS)

Atari
Rayman 2

Ubisoft

Transferred from the 2-D platform that we all knew and loved, Rayman 2 has successfully managed to make the transition to the realms of 3-D. Although offering no great leaps in the gameplaying world, it's nice to see a fun game that satisfies the small child in all of us.
The challenge of the game is your standard 3-D platform idea. You play the infamous Rayman, who has been imprisoned by the Robo-Priates who have captured and enslaved your world. Your task, with the help of your friends, is to escape and save the planet through a series of puzzles and levels.
The feel of this game is strange, as there are no new elements, and you possess the usual armoury of weapons. The genre isn't new either and at times you can see the combined forces of games such as Crash Bandicoot, Sonic and Mario all at work. But Rayman 2 manages to pull off the amazing feat of actually being a great game, and although you've seen it all before you can't help but play on.
Everything has a lovely sheen in this game. The graphics are great, and boast details that Disney would be proud of. Everybody from Rayman's best friend Globox to the weird and wonderful Teensies all have their part to play as you go on your journey offering plenty of light comedy moments and you can't help but laugh when they begin to talk in some nonsense language only for Rayman to shout "Yahoo" at the end of everything.
We have already seen games like this many times before, but this one has such an appealing gloss that you end up with a game that is better to play and beats its competitors. If you fancy the idea of sitting down to some addictive innocent fun then Rayman 2 is perfect for both children and adults alike.--Stuart Miles
Croc

Electronic Arts

Where would we be without cute platform games and their bizarre little heroes? Many grown-ups say they're too old for such fripperies--until they play them. Croc is a straight-down-the-line 3D platform adventure, set in a multicoloured world of manic monsters and mayhem, which sets just the right level of challenge to welcome youngsters and task the oldsters alike. Your job, as baby crocodile Croc, is to rescue the Gobbos--fluffy (of course) little creatures who have all been taken hostage by the nasty Baron Dante. The game moves though a variety of worlds, level by level, pitting you against a series of boss characters. The graphics depicting the environments and the various bad guys are lovely, managing to conjure up just the right atmosphere, drawing you further into the game. The various puzzles (although that might be too strong a word) along the way keep the player occupied, as do the motley collection of Dante's cronies.
If your penchant is for irritatingly difficult epics such as Tomb Raider, then Croc will probably leave you cold. But for the casual gamer, or the pre-teen PlayStation fiend, Croc is a godsend: a delightful, fun game with just enough bite to keep you coming back for more. --David Bailey
Bugs Bunny Lost In Time

Atari
Though 3-D action games abound on the PlayStation, none so far have starred everyone's favourite funny bunny--Bugs--until now. Bugs Bunny: Lost in Time features not only the same colourful animations and voices that made Looney Tunes famous but plenty of gameplay variety as well.
The Lost in Time theme puts Bugs in control of a time machine, and he'll need to collect carrots to open up levels set in the Stone Age, the 1930s, on a pirate ship and in a creepy mansion. All of Bugs' biggest rivals make cameos in this addictive game. There's Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, Witch Hazel and everyone's favourite Martian, Marvin. Bugs can grab things, throw objects, roll and give foes a swift kick in the rump. He can even dive into holes and travel underground. Hard-core gamers may hop past this one but arcade-action lovers won't tire of this game quickly. With puzzles, fun boss battles and lots of humour, Lost in Time is worth a look. --Robb Guido
Pros:
- Clever play mechanics and boss battles
- Great graphics and animations
Cons:
- Very challenging
Hercules Action Game - Platinum

Sony