Top 10 console games of 2002

By JON MINIFIE

1. Grand Theft Auto Vice City [PS2]

Even more missions and all 80s mayhem in RockStar's newest R-rated best-seller. Grand Theft Auto Vice City is even more fully realised than its record-breaking PS2 predecessor.

2. Halo [Xbox]

Halo is flawless, a truly breathtaking first-person experience on the console. Microsoft could not have dreamed for a better flagship title for the Xbox.

3. Super Mario Sunshine [Cube]

The return of everyone's favourite pint-sized pipe cleaner. It's 3D platform gaming at its addictive best.

4. V8 Supercars Race Driver [PS2]

The sound of the V8, the unforgettable raw boost of racing Bathurst. V8 Supercars is fuel-injected seventh heaven and my pick for driving game of the year.

5. TimeSplitters 2 [PS2/Xbox/Cube]

TimeSplitters 2 offers PS2 owners their best shooter, Xbox fans an alternative to Halo and Gamecube owners a terrific solution until Metroid Prime.

6. Splinter Cell [Xbox]

From the vivid imagination of Tom Clancy, Splinter Cell is unmistakably influenced by Metal Gear but in this case the pupil may have surpassed the teacher.

7. The Getaway [PS2]

Set in West London, The Getaway is Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels on the PS2. Rated R18, this is a remarkable achievement in action-based gaming.

8. Colin McRae Rally 3.0 [PS2/Xbox]

Codemasters CMR3 beat off stiff competition from RalliSport Challenge, WRC II Extreme and Rally Fusion, emerging as the No 1 rally game.

9. Star Wars Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II [Cube]

This Cube launch title provides the best view of the Star Wars universe in a console game, albeit from the cockpit of an X-Wing.

10. Mech Assault [Xbox]

Armed with guided missiles and jump jets, flattening cities in a building-sized metal exoskeleton turned out to be tons of fun.

jon@tenthplanet.co.nz