VIDEO GAMES: REVIEWS

Expert Pool HHHH

PC CD-ROM Move over Jimmy White's Cueball, there's a new master in town as Psygnosis release this superb cue sports game. With this you can experience the thrills and spills of the professional pool world without leaving home. From eight-ball to nine-ball, straight pool to cut-throat, all the game's variations are here, spread across 13 superbly rendered venues. Expert Pool not only looks great, but plays well, too.

Psygnosis, out now, pounds 29.99

Powerstone HHHH

Dreamcast This is a fast-paced action title from Eidos and the creators of Streetfighter, Capcom, and it's also the first 3D beat-'em- up on the Dreamcast to feature completely interactive backgrounds. There are weapons to use, windows to smash, and boxes to hurl, as well as special power stones to help you defeat your foes. Although the graphics are a little cartoon-like, the furious speed and variety of moves makes for great fun.

Eidos, out now, pounds 39.99

Driver HHHHH

PC CD-ROM If you want high-speed computer-game car chases, get Driver. GT's number one PlayStation title hits the PC and casts you as an undercover cop delving deep into the underworld as a getaway driver for the mob. From robberies, to restaurant ram-raids, Driver packs in a lot of action. With vast, incredibly detailed cities to explore, and loads of police to avoid, this will fulfil your need for speed, and then some.

GT Interactive, out now, pounds 29.99

Final Fantasy VIII HHHHH

PlayStation The most talked about RPG in the world, Final Fantasy, is back for one last battle. Here you are pitched into a major intergalactic war, as well as a fight for love, playing a soldier determined to save the world from an army of demons. With improved graphics and navigation menus, as well as loads more characters to collect and defeat, Final Fantasy VIII will have you captivated for a long, long time.

Squaresoft, out now, pounds 34.99