Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 - PlayStation 2

Stick with it, however, and what you have is a graphically wonderful action-fest that borrows the best bits from Tony Hawk's and SSX and combines them to produce a competent game that cheerfully fills a rainy winter afternoon. The soundtrack is among the best for the PlayStation 2--there's no techno-rubbish here, just steady metal from the likes of GodSmack, Ozzy and The Cult. Graphically, there are some nice touches: the playing environments are large and well designed and there's no clipping. If there's one thing that spoils the overall look it's the fact that the riders have pale, lifeless faces which make them look like extras from Dawn of the Dead.

Overall, Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 has a lot going for it; it's not as fast paced as SSX and it doesn't have the instant appeal of Tony Hawk's, but it's certainly chock full of quality entertainment. --Chris Russell