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COMPUTER GAMES PICK
Wondering what to pack into the Christmas stocking this year? Get a few ideas from Andy Nuttall's pick of the best computer games over the last 12 months.
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The Getaway
First, The Getaway - we can recommend this but bear in mind that it has an 18 certificate, and is very worthy of it. It's a very violent game, with a lot of bad language; but then it is a game based around gangland London. Just like the movies Get Carter and Lock Stock... you should expect a certain amount of adult content. It doesn't feel as solid a game as Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - that game has an arcade feel to it. This one feels more like a simulation, and makes you feel that you are actually part of the London underworld - particularly with the modelling of central London, a phenomenal achievement.
The Getaway, from Sony, Platform: PlayStation2
Splinter Game
Splinter Cell is a fabulous game but violent. You play a special operations officer combating terrorists - and you're the 'good guy'. Like Metal Gear Solid 2 on the PS2, Splinter Cell is a game about sneaking around using cool technology toys to great effect to infiltrate enemy bases, embassies and places where hostages have been taken. It has a fantastic atmosphere; trying to be stealthy is a challenge in itself, trying to keep to the shadows, taking out light bulbs in key areas so you can hide more effectively. And the intelligence of the enemies is unparalleled - taking out that light bulb will make them react differently - they may spot it, and sound the alarm.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, from Ubi soft, Platform: Xbox and in 2003, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP
Rachet & Clank
Thirdly, one for the kids. Ratchet and Clank is a PS2 game with fantastic cartoon-style graphics that will appeal to kids, and a gameplay that will appeal to all ages. It's a really special platform game where you play the lead character, Ratchet, with a robot sidekick, Clank. They work as a team trying to stop an intergalactic villain from stealing bits from a number of planets. So some travel is called for, and while the cuteness of the characters will hook kids, the variety and imagination of the weapons and puzzles will entertain all players.
Ratchet & Clank, Sony, Platform: PlaySation2
Bomberman Generations
Finally, one for everyone - particularly families who can play together. Bomberman Generations is the latest in a long line of Bomberman games, and they all share the common theme of trying to blow each other's characters up - literally - with bombs. This is cartoon violence though, more Road Runner than Vice City. Like Splinter Cell, Bomberman is all about using your brain to outwit your opponents. Brilliant fun for 2-4 players.
Bomberman, from Majesco, Platform: GameCube | | | |
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