Pool Paradise is one of the best budget games in years. This is an addictive, near-faultless pool simulation, with the various games played in the surrounds of an idyllic tropical beach resort.

Unfortunately, the network code controlling everything is poor. Players and vehicles warp all over the place, making it next to impossible to hit anything.

It may lack the depth of console heavyweights such as Tekken and Virtua Fighter, but the playing options are terrific, with alternate stories and multiple forms of each pugilist to unlock.

This tense, strategic driving simulation is hampered only by the sport itself. All the tracks are oval and essentially the same.

Pool Paradise is one of the best budget games in years. This is an addictive, near-faultless pool simulation, with the various games played in the surrounds of an idyllic tropical beach resort.

Pure, mindless action hindered by a couple of dud rounds.

Our favourite move isn't actually documented in the game's manual but if you do a little net search you'll find a way to force your foes to turn their rifles on themselves.

Our favourite move isn't actually documented in the game's manual but if you do a little net search you'll find a way to force your foes to turn their rifles on themselves.

Many clever obstacles, opponents and switches demand co-ordinated effort.

Some may complain that the game is too short and lacks multi-player features, but grumbling seems churlish. Don't miss it.

But the game demands that players spend too much effort in the drawn-out process of base construction, which gets repetitive.

A hilarious, inexpensive and highly competitive party favour.

What was to be one of PS2's flagship online titles is now an embarrassment for Sony.

But while the adventure is lengthy, the feeble multi-player modes will not sustain interest.

While Samurai Jack is an enjoyable adventure for youngsters, it is also wearingly generic and disappointingly brief.

While Samurai Jack is an enjoyable adventure for youngsters, it is also wearingly generic and disappointingly brief.

But once you realise that you barely need to look at the screen to win a melee, you may wonder why you are bothering to play.

One of the finest games ever crafted, Ico is a unique and memorable experience, and hauntingly beautiful.

Pool Paradise is one of the best budget games in years. This is an addictive, near-faultless pool simulation, with the various games played in the surrounds of an idyllic tropical beach resort.