Video games

FA Premier Manager '99 HHHHH

PC CD ROM First there was Championship Manager, then came Premier Manager. Now, Electronic Arts is attempting to go pound-for-pound with some of the giants of football management in their new release FA Premier League Football Manager '99. The game has all the usual features: a tactics editor, full control of your team, the chance to build up your stadium, and so on. However, new features like the EA-mail, for contact between managers, and the same superb graphics engine from Fifa '99, set this game above a lot of its competitors.

Electronic Arts, out now, pounds 29.99

FIFA '99 HHHHH

PlayStation Fifa Soccer, possibly the most successful series of football games in the world, has somehow bettered itself again. Just when it looked like they'd reached perfection with World Cup '98, EA have pulled Fifa '99 out of their hat. The first thing you'll notice is that the gameplay is much, much faster, allowing for some of the most frantic action since the World Cup was born. The multi-player option is as competitive as ever, and when you add this to the all-new soundtrack, you can see why Fifa '99 is a true masterpiece of modern technology.

Electronic Arts, out now, pounds 44.99

Knockout Kings '99 HHH

PlayStation Boxing has never been the most popular sport in the world, and, as such, it never really made it as a computer game. Sadly for EA, this still holds true for their new release Knockout Kings '99. The game allows you to create your own boxer, from lightweight to heavyweight, and fight your way to the top. The only problem is that the game is a little too repetitive. The combination punches are impressive to look at, but their appeal soon wears thin. In theory, a great game, but in practice Knockout Kings doesn't capture the imagination.

Electronic Arts, out now, pounds 39.99

Top Gun: Hornet's Nest HHHHH

PC CD ROM Top Gun, the film that won the acclaim of millions across the world, is preparing for an outing on the PC with Microprose's new release Top Gun: Hornet's Nest. The game allows you to take to the skies for a heated adventure of blazing guns and big explosions. You control a F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet, and have to battle to become the best of the best. With some very smart graphics, the choice of 15 weapons and 30 action-packed missions, this game oozes class. Top Gun: Hornet's Nest is the best fun you can have with a joystick so far this year.

Microprose, out now, pounds 39.99