Nigel Pizey12 April 2012
NHL 2002

Xbox

When the US hosted the World Cup, a rumour went around that the Americans wanted to change the rules of our beloved game. They wanted wider goal mouths, allowing more goals to be scored. Apparently, the Yanks don't like games where there's a possibility that by full-time it could well be 0-0. They like their sports fast, with a scoreline always in double figures. Take NHL 2002, an attractive ice-hockey game that's so fast you need your eye on the puck every micro-second. To almost score at your opponents goal, fail and have them race up to your goal and score takes less time than it takes to say, 'shi...' Although you can tussle a bit in this version (in ice hockey, to smack into someone is a 'check'), it doesn't have the excellent scraps of NHL Hitz. But if you've never considered this type of sport on your console before and you're into multiplay matches, this is a cracking game. With four people, NHL really comes alive. (NP)

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EOE: Eve Of Extinction

PlayStation 2

A 3-D fighting game with a free-roaming aspect (well, up to a point), this is another set-in-the-near-future yarn, with super-weapons and the like. You play Josh, a military guinea pig, who now has the ability to unleash massive destructive power, yada yada. Although it's a straightforward fighting game, there is also a modicum of puzzle-solving to do. There's seven levels that are each reasonably large, with each varied enough to not feel repetitive. This is no stand-out game, but it is enjoyable and has a nice combination of ingredients to please most gamers. The more I play EOE, the more I like it. (NP)

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Crash Bandicoot XS

Game Boy Advance

Crash is back to save the world from the evil Dr Neo Cortex, and what a delight it is to have him back. Unfortunately, the evil Doc is up to no good again and has shrunk the entire world - along with the lovely Crash and Coco - to the size of a wumpa fruit. If you've already met Mr Bandicoot on the big boy consoles, you'll know he's an expert at banging into crates and perfecting the Tasmanian devil-like spin. He knows how to show you a good time. This GBA side-scrolling and occasional 3-D platformer will not let you down. One of the most visually impressive games I've seen on the Game Boy Advance. (HM)

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