The action on the field is also masterfully recreated with a variety of fly and ground balls that spin, curve and bloop just as they do in real life, not to mention the comical errors that happen when fielders try to reel them in.

While the game is far from perfect -- some may bristle at the constant micromanagement and the often ambiguous objectives you are required to meet -- it is very approachable and addictive, an almost ideal virtual playground in which you can play god.

A few minor lapses in realism won't get in the way of Triple Play's addicting gameplay.

Basic gameplay mechanics combine with real-world charisma to form the most solid Dreamcast flight simulator seen to date.

Although the game's design and combat system do not always dazzle, Oni is a sublime break from the ordinary.

The graphics in Phantasy Star Online are excellent in all respects. Not only is the lighting superb, but the general design of the environments is also both visually appealing and extremely efficient.

While the vehicular slaughtering remains satisfyingly gruesome in looks and sound, the graphics of the rest of the game have taken a step back -- Carmageddon 3 suffers from lousy frame rates and animation slowdowns.

The audio is equally impressive, with noisy spectators (local chants, cheers and boos), color commentary by announcers John Motson and Mark Lawrenson, and music written and performed by none other than electronica superstar Moby.

The game's biggest downfall is that it isn't particularly difficult.