Revolutionary PS2 Game of 2002

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Rockstar Games

A no-brainer. For the second straight year, Rockstar and DMA have cranked out a system-defining Grand Theft Auto game. Vice City ups the ante with more vehicles, new gameplay elements and the coolest soundtrack this side of Shaft. It's also about as much fun as we've had with any game ever. You own it, right?

Best PS2 Game - Action
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Rockstar Games

A no-brainer, part 2. No other game this year provided the non-stop thrill potential of GTA: Vice City. Insane stunt bonuses, money for wheelies, reckless slaughter and helicopter mayhem give this game more bang for the buck than all the Deer Hunter games combined..

Best PS2 Game - Action/Adventure
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus
Sony

When gameplay and graphics mesh together the right way, we get something special. Sly Cooper is a great example of this, as its terrific toon textures and classic play mechanics lead to another winner from Sony.

Best PS2 Game - Racing
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2
EA

The Need For Speed series makes a smashing return with Hot Pursuit 2. Race as or against cops down long, winding roads in one of the most action-packed racers on the market. Just watch out for the spike strips.

Best PS2 Game - RPG
Suikoden III
Konami

Hardcore role-playing gamers should be familiar with this under-appreciated series, and it's time more people recognized it. Suikoden III's enormity and interesting multiple perspectives vault it to the top of its class.

Best PS2 Game - Sports
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4
Activision

They did it again. Neversoft and Activision team up to bring yet another great THPS game to Sony gamers. Some sweet new additions, smart online play and the often imitated, never duplicated gameplay keep the Hawkman on top.

Editor's Choice Award - Kingdom Hearts (Square)

Disney meets Square in this unusual RPG from the king of the genre. Wonderful storytelling and a classic cast of characters result in of the happiest games on earth.

Editor's Choice Award - The Mark Of Kri (Sony)

This madcap action brawler oozes with style, thanks to the odd coupling of great cartoony graphics and brutal gameplay.