Suikoden 2, published by Konami for PlayStation

IF you're an adventure game fan, then do not hesitate in buying Suikoden 2. It is, quite simply, one of the best ever role-playing games created on any platform.

What makes it so special? Is it the graphics? No, they haven't really advanced since the first game, which is now several years old. The sound? No, that can be quite cringeworthy at times.

So what, then?

Suikoden 2 stands or falls by the fabulous story which it tells, and the marvellous way in which you are drawn into the tale of not just the lead character, but each and every one of the 108 characters who will come to join your side in the course of the story. Based upon the same tale that the old TV series The Water Margin told, you will fight huge battles, command massive armies and battle for the future of the Kingdom of Highland before the story is over.

Sit back, pop this into your machine and enjoy. It's a gem.

Graphics 2/5

Sound 3/5

Gameplay 5/5

Gamespan 5/5

Overall 5/5

STEPHEN HUNT

Action-packed

Speedball 2100, published by Empire Interactive for PlayStation

IN the future, the number one sport in the world will be a combination of skill, speed, strength and excessive violence in which players earn as many points for injuring an opponent as they do for scoring a goal.

This is the vision of the future presented to the gaming public by programmers Bitmap Brothers, a glimpse of a future so stark and brutal it could only have been conjured up in.... Harrogate???

You wouldn't have thought it possible, but the picturesque northern town is the home of the programming team which has created Speedball 2100.

Still, while there's violence aplenty in this game, it's nothing to get too concerned about. If Tom and Jerry doesn't worry you, then neither will this.

Essentially, you have to outscore your opponents by scoring goals or hitting the various bonus targets around the pitch, or hitting your rivals till they fall over and get stretchered off.

You can play friendly matches, cup games or - best of all - tackle the league, in which you can also dabble in the transfer market to bring in star players instead of just training up your normal guys.

A sequel to the old Amiga classic, Speedball 2100 is a worthy update, although it is perhaps a little too easy to complete. Even so, it will always be a fine two-player game with your friends. I have a great deal of affection for the old Speedball and a so-so remake would have been awfully disappointing. The Bitmap Brothers haven't let me down.

Graphics 3/5

Sound 4/5

Gameplay 5/5

Gamespan 3/5

Overall 4/5

STEPHEN HUNT