2002 Holiday Buyer's Guide

As you know, November and December are by far the busiest months of the year in the gaming industry. In fact, it isn't uncommon for a game publisher to purposely delay a game so that it arrives during those two months. With all of these incredible games coming out for the PlayStation 2, it can be quite difficult for casual gamers and parents to choose the best games out of the bunch. To make the process easier, we've put together a Holiday Buying Guide for people who aren't quite sure what to get their loved ones (or themselves) this holiday.

We will simply list the best games in each category below and why we think it deserves to have a spot under your Christmas tree this year. Also, if we have reviewed the game, a link will be shown so that you can get more info for that specific title.

Best Simulation Sports Games

Madden NFL 2003
Out of all of the football games to be released this year, we found Madden NFL 2003 to be the best of the bunch. Madden 2003 is easy to pick up and play for modest football gamers, but it also has features that will keep football freaks occupied for a very, very long time. This game also has a great online mode (both broadband and dial up) that sure beats the hell out of playing the computer all the time. The Madden servers even keeps track of your online stats and records! Highly recommended. [Review]

NBA 2K3
NBA 2K3 and NBA Live 2003 are both great basketball games, but we find NBA 2K3 to have better features. For instance, the Franchise mode in NBA 2K3 is much better than the one in NBA Live 2003. However, one thing to consider is that 2K3 is slower than Live 2003. No, the framerate isn't exactly more sluggish -- it's just that Lives' players move a helluva lot faster for some reason. If you want a faster paced b-ball game, then ask for NBA Live 2003. If you want a basketball game that moves at a more realistic pace, ask for NBA 2K3. And yes, both games can go online.

Tiger Woods 2003
Tiger Woods 2003 really surprised us. The graphics are crisp and the gameplay is very easy to get into. Using the analog stick to swing your club and putt the ball was awkward at first, but it didn't take us too long to get the hang of it. In fact, some of you may like it better than the traditional golf interface. Needless to say, Tiger Woods 2003 should be a great gift for any golf fans in the family.

Also Recommended
NFL 2K3 (online)
NHL 2K3
FIFA 2003

Best Arcade Sports Games

NHL Hitz 20-03
For those of you who enjoy hockey, but don't want the realistic gameplay found in NHL 2K3, NHL Hitz 20-03 is definitely the way to go. The graphics are nice and the gameplay is fast and super additive. Body-checking other players has never been this much fun. Great game.

Hot Shots Golf 3
Golf is certainly the most boring sport known to man for most people, but Hot Shots Golf 3 is still a blast to play. The game is really easy to get into, but to truly master Hot Shots Golf 3, advanced techniques can be used to help get a lower score. So the game is basically aimed at both amateur and experienced golf gamers. Hot Shots 3 also features really goofy characters and insane 400 yard drives are possible later on in the game! Very cool. [Review]

NFL Blitz 20-03
NFL Blitz 20-03 isn't all that much different from previous games in the series, but it is still an enjoyable pig-skin title. This is a great game to consider if you don't want a realistic football game.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4
Believe it or not, but Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 is easily the biggest and best game in the series. The levels are larger than ever and the amount of things to do in the game is incredible. And once you eventually get bored with the deep single player mode, Tony Hawk 4 can go online with up to 7 other people! Very additive, and highly recommended.

Also Recommended
MLB Slugfest 20-03

Best RPG Games

Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X has been out for quite a while now, but it is still one of the best looking PS2 games to date. The battle system is also great and very refreshing compared to other RPG's. FFX also features an awesome storyline, sweet characters, and beautiful music. Definitely one of the best RPG's ever created. Note: This game can usually be found for less than $30!

Suikoden III
It takes a while to get into Suikoden III's best features, but this is still a very fulfilling RPG. There are well over 100 playable characters that you can recruit and building your own castle is fun. The graphics cannot compare to Final Fantasy X, but the music and storyline make up for it. Consider asking for this RPG if you've all ready played through FFX. [Review]

Kingdom Hearts
Kingdom Hearts may be filled with Disney characters, but this RPG is still great for people of all ages. Great voice acting, graphics and music. Recommended despite the crappy camera system.

Also Recommended
Wild Arms 3

Best Action Games

Devil May Cry
Devil May Cry 2 is coming out early next year, but the first DMC game can still be a great Christmas gift to get someone this holiday. Why? Because the game is only $19.95 at most stores and the original DMC still manages to impress with its jaw dropping action and beautiful graphics. This is a "MUST HAVE" game for all action freaks.

Contra: Shattered Solider
If you loved to play 2D side scrolling action games on the NES and SNES, then you must check out Contra: Shattered Solider. The action in this game is almost nonstop! The level design is also great and the 2-player co-op mode is amazingly additive. Just be warned, Contra is quite difficult so we don't recommend buying it for casual or inexperienced gamers. [Review]

Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies
Ace Combat 4 is a wonderful title to get for someone who loves flying games. This game has a great blend of both action and simulation gameplay. The visuals are also very impressive. All around great game.

Also Recommended
The Mark of Kri

Best 1st/3rd Person Shooter Games

SOCOM U.S. Navy Seals
The single-player mode in SOCOM is somewhat lacking, but the online mode easily makes up for it. SOCOM supports up to 16 players online, and the best feature is the headset that comes with the game. Actually speaking with other players in real-time simply rocks. Just a reminder, SOCOM can only be played online with broadband connections.

TimeSplitters 2
TimeSplitters 2 is easily the best action FPS on the PlayStation 2. TS2 cannot go online (unless you are really good with computers) but you can play the game with 15 other people via a LAN or i.Link cables. And there are over 100 playable characters to unlock and choose from! Needless to say, TimeSplitters 2 has awesome replay value, so don't hesitate to pick it up. [Review]

Also Recommended
Red Faction II
Medal of Honor Frontline
Hitman 2: Silent Assassin (Mature)
Half-Life

Best Fighting Games

Virtua Fighter 4
Virtua Fighter 4 is one of the deepest fighting games ever created. Nice visuals and loads of game modes to mess around with. The training mode also does a really good job with helping inexperienced gamers get used to the controls. Can't really go wrong with this title. [Review]

Also Recommended
Tekken 4
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
WWE Smackdown! : Shut Your Mouth
Dynasty Warriors 3

Best Racing/Driving Games

Gran Turismo 3
GT3 has been available for more than a year, but it is still considered one of the best racing games out there. Insane amount of cars and some of the best graphics ever seen on the PS2. Worth picking up since it is only $19.95. [Review]

Also Recommended
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2
Burnout 2

Best Adventure Games

Ratchet & Clank
Wow. This is yet another surprisingly good game. Just because the main character is an animal, doesn't mean that you should dismiss Ratchet and Clank. R&C is a refreshing adventure game that is much more action oriented than Jak and Daxter. The game's many gadgets are cool and the large detailed levels rock. Great game for even older gamers.

Sly Cooper
It's a bit on the short side, but Sly Cooper is certainly the 2nd best adventure game behind Ratchet & Clank. The toon-shaded (aka cel-shaded) visuals look incredible and each level is designed quite well.

Also Recommended
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
ICO
Fatal Frame
Rygar: The Legendary Adventure

Other Great Games

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is such a unique game that it is hard to put it into just one category. You can do everything from the last game and a whole lot more. Vice City is also twice as big as Liberty City! And no, we don't love this game just because it is violent. We love it because of the deep gameplay and great '80s soundtrack. If you've old enough, you simply CANNOT miss this masterpiece. [Review]

DDRMAX: Dance Dance Revolution
If you're a fan of dancing/music games, then you have to pick up DDRMAX! DDRMAX features over 70 songs, making it the biggest Dance Dance Revolution game yet (costs only about $40)! For best results, be sure to ask for a Dance Mat (about $15) as well! [Review]

Also Recommended
Grand Theft Auto III
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