While the cars in other games fold and dent realistically, depending on the speed and direction of the impact, damage to Crash 'n' Burn's cars seems artificial, with entire panels suddenly replaced with scratched versions at the merest hint of a high-speed nudge.

The swine stealth offers welcome variety but skulking is not as much fun as manipulating time, and a wayward camera becomes annoying.

But if you know the difference between a Mame emulator and a Lame encoder, this could be right up your eight-colour alley.

Floating island environments are intricate and beautiful but paper-thin characters and an evil empire revenge yarn are disappointingly dull.

While the driving action isn't quite as satisfying as the superb "Burnout 3," it's still strong enough to keep you playing through the 150 or so races.

While the cars in other games fold and dent realistically, depending on the speed and direction of the impact, damage to Crash 'n' Burn's cars seems artificial, with entire panels suddenly replaced with scratched versions at the merest hint of a high-speed nudge.

The original NFSU's city was a little repetitive, but now IT'S broken up into five distinct neighbourhoods, each is suitably spectacular. Most of the time you fly through these districts so quickly that everything becomes one big neon blur, but it's worth slowing down to soak up the sights.

Fans will enjoy the new gadgets, rich story and longer, more taxing challenge, yet the most revolutionary feature (a multi-player mode) is bland and dull.

The biggest grumble is that, once you have constructed a basic park, there is often nothing to do except sit back and wait for more money to roll in. Your zookeepers and maintenance staff take care of the park, and there is rarely a calamity that needs your attention.

The difficulty level is accommodating for youngsters, although the controls can be unwieldy. Sadly, the fun is short-lived, with no multi-player modes or replay appeal.

The difficulty level is accommodating for youngsters, although the controls can be unwieldy. Sadly, the fun is short-lived, with no multi-player modes or replay appeal.

Players may occasionally feel like they are going through the motions, but there is a wide variety of challenges include races, turret blasting, hoverboard trickery, arena combat and an exciting sequence escorting an explosives-laden train.

The developers totally misunderstood what makes The Sims so appealing. There is little opportunity for creativity (furnishing your apartment is tedious), no drama and a mistaken emphasis on conservative conformity.

The original NFSU's city was a little repetitive, but now IT'S broken up into five distinct neighbourhoods, each is suitably spectacular. Most of the time you fly through these districts so quickly that everything becomes one big neon blur, but it's worth slowing down to soak up the sights.

It feels uncanny and exhilarating performing high-speed leaps.

The epic scale astounds, with dazzling scenery including space stations, war-torn cities, temples, snowy wastelands and ruins. The audio is equally extravagant.

An immensely deep role-player.

A large stock of firearms is available but a steady thumb is required because there is no auto-targeting.

Winning solo tournaments can be frustrating due to difficulty spikes, but treats to unlock include additional characters, gimmick courts and amusing mini-games to help hone your skills.

Unfortunately the core combat that makes up the majority of the game soon feels more like chore combat.

The quality is uneven and there are no multiplayer tournament modes, but youngsters and Sega devotees will have great fun, particularly with the music games.

The innovative controls for the sniper rifle don't allow the player to pull off precise headshots when they're needed most, which leads to rising frustration.

Amusing multiplayer mini-games such as basketball, soccer and ice hockey are enjoyable diversions.

The clever Comix Zone is a great bonus but the Game Gear titles are primitive and mere curiosities.

The intriguing storyline, scary setting and unique battle system make for a frightening and memorable experience.

Another game based on a blockbuster movie, The Incredibles is an entertaining family offering with plenty of variety, but lacks the polish of the spectacular new film.

There is no shortage of action, plus bonus battle arenas, but it's not all super. Boss battles are foolishly difficult and will prove very frustrating for youngsters, and some of the Mr Incredible sections become very repetitive, with wave after wave of mindless goons to dispatch. The controls also lack precision.

There is no shortage of action, plus bonus battle arenas, but it's not all super. Boss battles are foolishly difficult and will prove very frustrating for youngsters, and some of the Mr Incredible sections become very repetitive, with wave after wave of mindless goons to dispatch. The controls also lack precision.