CONSOLE YOURSELF

Information concerning this year's coming attractions is patchy to say the least, but weeks of research have yielded some interesting findings.

For starters, PC owners can expect a sequel to the most playable footie game of all time - yes, Sensible Soccer 2000 should be available later this month. The new game boasts fancy 3D graphics and players animated using motion-capture technology to produce ultra-realistic movement. The management side of things has also been substantially upgraded. It sounds as if this has the makings of a classic, so look out for a full review soon. Those who don't know their wingbacks from their centre-halves might find a spot of city planning more to their liking. If so, Maxis's reworking of the classic building/ management simulator, SimCity, could be for you. The imaginatively titled SimCity 3000 should be out some time in February.

Perhaps even more exciting are the rumours that Nintendo is set to release a hard-drive add-on for the N64. One title which might be destined for the DD drive, as the new gadget is to be known, is Zelda 64, a follow up to the massively successful Legend of Zelda on the SNES. However, for the time being, Nintendo are keeping their cards close to their chest and it's possible that they'll decide against releasing the machine in Europe, so don't hold your breath.

In the meantime, there are several titles lined up for the N64 in its current form, including two based on minor characters from other Nintendo games. Yoshi, the most loveable of dinosaurs, is to follow in his buddy Mario's footsteps by reprising a role originally seen on the SNES. His latest outing, to be called Yoshi's Island 64 (centre), combines elements of the traditional 2D platformer with some more up-to-date 3D action. This is to be followed by Banjo-Kazooie, a 3D-style adventure developed by the golden boys of the software world, Rare Ware.

And what of Sony's box of tricks, the PlayStation? Well be sure to leave April free, because most of it should be taken up with playing Resident Evil 2 (above). The original remains one of the best adventure games around, so the sequel has a lot to live up to. However, if the latest screenshots are anything to go by, the new game will look sensational - only time will tell how it plays.

Another game bound to be a big seller is the PSX conversion of Men in Black. The PC version is good fun, so keep your eyes peeled for that one.