Games: Smugglers Run 2; Earthworm Jim; Rally Trophy; Atlantis: The Lost Empire

RockStar's sequel to their cult driving adventure title Smuggler's Run is yet another chance for gamers to burn their way across deserts, forests and the many other treacherous terrains. Compared with other driving games, Smuggler's Run 2 is rather unrealistic. However, it is this unconventional approach that makes it so successful.

Smuggler's Run 2
PlayStation 2
****
RockStar's sequel to their cult driving adventure title Smuggler's Run is yet another chance for gamers to burn their way across deserts, forests and the many other treacherous terrains. Compared with other driving games, Smuggler's Run 2 is rather unrealistic. However, it is this unconventional approach that makes it so successful.
(RockStar, out now, £39.99)

Earthworm Jim
Game Boy Advanced
***
Earthworm Jim's latest hand-held adventure is virtually identical to his last appearance on the hallowed Super NES. Jim's mission is to find Princess-What's-Her-Name and defeat her twin sister and Psy-Crow. The game is mostly platform-based with a little variety thrown in, and while it may not be graphically pretty, it is pretty silly and fun to play.
(THQ, out now, £24.99)

Rally Trophy
PC-CDROM
**
There have been many superb driving titles this year across a number of formats, but while such titles as Gran Turismo 3 and F1 2001 stand out, Rally Trophy definitely brings up the rear. While the game has been superbly decorated with a smart front end and gorgeous classic rally cars and scenery, its poor driving physics and annoying co-pilot are a real let-down.
(JoWood, out now, £24.99)

Atlantis: The Lost Empire
Game Boy Color
***
THQ's new mini-platform adventure takes gamers on an under-sea quest to find the lost city of Atlantis. Presented in colourful 2D, Atlantis is a fairly standard GBC title consisting of 15 levels of action, a small array of weapons and manoeuvres, a number of ugly enemies to defeat, and a pretty simple plot. Overall, Atlantis: the Lost Empire is average at best.
(THQ, out now, £19.99)