#6: Sly 2: Band of Thieves (PS2)

A triumph of style and personality. Though it's technically impressive and beautifully designed, it's the art direction and character design of Sly 2 that really makes it a winner. The game is simply a joy to play from beginning to end, and although it won't last you forever, and mightn't be something that you keep coming back to, it's a ride you ought to experience.

It's the best character action game of 2004 (and one of the best ever), and definitely a must-play. If you enjoyed the first game, you're bound to love it. The newness (mostly the ability to play as the other two members of the Cooper gang, and a revamped mission structure) delivers a bit of variety and rejuvenates the whole experience, while still retaining the atmosphere, style and core gameplay that made the first game so amazing. If you haven't played the first game, pick it up cheap and play both of these. If you played the first game and didn't enjoy it, then there's little hope for you, I'm afraid. Go away.