Games: Shaun Palmer's Pro Snowboarder<br></br>Sky Sports Football Quiz<br></br>90 Minutes<br></br>Max Payne

Shaun Palmer's Pro Snowboarder
PlayStation 2
**
This is Activision's attempt to translate their awesome Tony Hawk's skateboarding title onto snowy mountain peaks. The game gives players the opportunity to pick from nine famous boarders and ride the most treacherous slopes the world has to offer. However, the game cannot match the playability of EA's superb SSX Tricky. (Activision, £39.99)

Sky Sports Football Quiz
PC-CDrom
***
If you thought you were the brain of Britain when it comes to football, why not take up the Sky Sports Football Quiz challenge? Players can take part in everything from penalty shootouts to knockout competitions, and league events where knowledge and speed are the keys to victory. While it may not appeal to everyone, its addictive gameplay plays other quiz games off the park. (THQ, £19.99)

90 Minutes
Dreamcast
*****
While the Dreamcast is quickly descending into obscurity, all hope is not quite lost, as proven by this new football title. It offers the simple choices of gameplay from knockout to league competitions, with a practice mode to perfect you skills. However, unlike former football games on the Dreamcast, 90 Minutes offers a fair degree of realism to add to its impressive graphics. (Sega, £44.99)

Max Payne
PlayStation 2
****
While heralded on its PC debut, Max Payne's long-awaited PS2 conversion leaves a lot to be desired. As in the PC version, vigilante cop Max is on a mission of vengeance for the murder of his family. However, while it maintains the PC version's amazing graphics and gameplay, the frustrating control system spoils what should have been arguably PS2's game of the year. (Rockstar, £44.99)