Staying In: Video Games

Tomb Raider III HHHHH

PC CD-Rom If you've been suffering from Tomb Raider withdrawal, your worries are over. Yes, the queen of action in hot-pants, Lara Croft, is back in her biggest adventure yet. It seemed as though there was very little that could be improved on after Tomb Raider II, but Core Design has made the impossible look easy. There are new vehicles, new moves, Lara has a new wardrobe, and, best of all, the bad guys have a new die- hard attitude. Topped off with fantastic new backdrops and smooth graphics, what more can you ask for?

Eidos Interactive, on release, pounds 39.99

Half-Life HHHHH

PC CD-Rom In a time when it seems gameplay is taking second place to graphics in the games world, it's welcome relief when a game like this comes along. This is a Doom-style 3D shoot-'em-up that combines tough competition with amazing graphics. No longer will random gun-fire win the day; planning and strategy are the keys, and one mistake can cost you dear. You can also take on 31 of your friends in a 32-player Internet game. This is the kind of title dreams are made of - if you dream about being attacked by huge, disfigured aliens.

Sierra, on release, pounds 39.99

Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped HHHH

PlayStation Get ready for some more mind-boggling action as Crash Bandicoot returns for his third outing on the PlayStation. If you managed to miss the first two Crash adventures, then you missed out on some of the wackiest action since John McEnroe took to the court. You have to guide Crash through several worlds in search of precious jewels to complete his quest. The quick gameplay means that you always have to be on your toes, and the graphics are very cool. So, get those control pads warmed up, because Crash is here for Christmas.

Sony, on release, pounds 44.99

Cool Boarders 3 HHHHH

PlayStation Yo, dudes, surf's up... on the slopes. That's right, the most popular snowboarding game on the PlayStation just got better, as Sony releases Cool Boarders 3. The game gives you the chance to show off your skills on the slopes in either a one-player competition, or a two-player showdown against a friend. There are loads of new moves to pull off, some new characters and boards to test out, as well as more refined graphics and gameplay. With all-new controls that make life that little easier, Cool Boarders 3 looks a certain hit.

Sony, on release, pounds 44.99