VIDEO GAMES

Starsiege HHHH

PC CD-ROM Ever since the release of Mechwarrior, gamers have gone wild over 1st-person, robot-based shoot-'em-ups, which is why the release of Starsiege should please. The game is similar to the Mechwarrior titles, the only real difference being a vast graphical improvement. Players have to carry out various missions based around big weapons and big explosions and despite the familiarity, Starsiege is a playable title.

Dynamix, out now, pounds 29.99

NHL `99 HH

PlayStation Sony's new game, NHL '99 on the PlayStation, allows players to choose their team from the current NHL teams and take to the ice for one of the most gruelling sports in the world. However, this is a pretty run-of-the-mill ice hockey sim - average graphics, accurate gameplay, and the usual, updated team-rosters. So, to put it plainly, NHL '99 is a fair game, but there are definitely better titles on the market.

Sony, out now, pounds 39.99

Actua Ice Hockey 2 HHHH

PC CD-ROM Actua Sports has extended its list of titles to include this sequel. The game has some of the most accurate graphics for a sports game since Fifa, and the action is just as good. From the snap-shots to the shoulder-barges, this has all the marks of the real thing. Now on the PC, the pace and smoothness of the action has increased since its release on the PlayStation. If you own a PC and like ice hockey, this is a must.

Gremlin, out now, pounds 29.99

Silver HHHHH

PC CD-ROM Since Final Fantasy VII, the gaming community has been crying out for a new RPG and Infogrames have now come up with the challenging Silver, a classic tale of good vs evil. You play a hero who has to defend his mystical homeland from being ruined by evil spirits from the past. The game is in roughly the same style as FFVII and with loads of brain- busting puzzles and twisting plots, it's a superb test.

Infogrames, out now, pounds 29.99