The snow effects in Sled Storm are also very impressive and it’s hard not to be sucked into the ‘I can do it this time’ gameplay when you’re trying to unlock the numerous machines and extra levels.

The game gives you nothing new beyond the usual attack or defend missions but it is still just as enjoyable as the original.

The jerky framerate in particular is unforgivable and not tweaking the game engine to account for the extra grunt behind the GameCube is something that Midway should acknowledge as a huge mistake.

It’s simply a big and frustrating game that will need a lot of time and effort spent on it if you want to get to the end.

Sadly there is one fatal flaw that destroys any illusion of this being a simulation – the controls. The punches are easy enough to get used to but moving your character around the ring is a nightmare.

Another fantastic game from the masters of extreme sports.

From the moment you kick Tony Hawk's 3 into action there’s this overwhelming feeling of perfection.

Hardcore driving fans may argue that this doesn't offer enough options in the way of car upgrades, but you won't find another rally game that's this much fun to play.

Visually the game is competent, but having seen the PS2 version, we were disappointed to discover that this Xbox port looks nigh on identical.

It's a weighty quest alright, but much of its size is artificial, being time spent wondering (a) where you’re supposed to go next and (b) how to get there.

The kind of lazy port that Xbox owners need to shout ‘No!’ at very, very loudly, if only to minimise the danger of being overrun by such fodder in the future.

Batting on the other hand, is about as much fun as chewing glass. You’d basically need the reactions of a Jedi Knight to be able to rack up a decent hit ratio.

Most shocking of all Eve Of Extinction doesn’t even offer a multiplayer mode. This is practically a crime in this kind of game.

Anybody into over-the-top characterisation and cheesy sweeping narrative will lap it up, as will those into their strategy games. People who find them dull, boring and tiresome should stay well clear.

The reasonably well-designed tracks are sold short by a ludicrously slow response to trick commands.

So if the challenge gets too tough, you can just stare at the screen for ages and soak in the detail of Crash’s brilliantly clichéed world. We’re beginning to see what all the fuss was about.

A refreshing experience that reminds us what gaming is all about. Right from the start, the levels just beg to be explored and the vibrant graphics and quirky sense of humour make you smile.

The controls, though initially frustrating, do deliver the feel and accuracy of the real sport. Couple this with both real and imagined course imbued with the usual EA sense of atmosphere and spectacle and Tiger Woods looks as good as it plays.

Aside from some dodgy camera work (as always) this is a simple and at times fun game, which will be enjoyed by very young players. But there are plenty of better games like this out there.

It’s also a shame that the game descends into almost laughable cliché somewhere in the middle section of Peter’s adventure, with tiresome key searching and predictable enemies.

On the GameCube though, without adding any more to the game such as an extra character or stage, this seems a pretty pointless release of an average game.

For the most part this is a fairly solid example of the genre, although positioning the cone can feel somewhat erratic thanks to the slightly jerky controls.

Everything about Smashing Drive smacks of laziness.

TIF isn’t a complete loss, we just fear that its style of play will suit few – novices will be dominated and closed-down by the game, whereas seasoned vets will expect the freedom to pursue a more individualised approach.

Pirates works as a kiddie game, but has no real redeeming qualities for a tougher audience. It just lacks any attention to detail.

On one hand, it’s got quite a good structure and the technical style is impressive, but on the other it’s just not fun to play.

As a game, NBA Street oozes quality and (more importantly) playability.

The sheer amount of people and the speed of the action really pumps home a great sensation of hysteria.