A good sequel? Surely not!

SEQUELS are never better than the original, right? Don't they always just go over the same tired old ground and never give anything new?

So how come Syphon Filter 2 dwarfs the original? The first game was an interesting diversion for people who had finished off Metal Gear Solid, but little more than that.

The sequel, however, is a revelation. You take charge of two agents whose task it is to tackle the shadowy Government forces that created the Syphon Filter virus which threatens mankind.

As you explore the different levels, you will take on all manner of foes - even the odd tank or two - and acquire an arsenal of weaponry the US Army would be proud of.

The third-person viewpoint is fine, and keeps the cinematic feel going, but you retain a little bit of control over the camera angle to help you out in those parts of the game which involve sneaking and peering around corners.

With cut-scenes that make you feel as if you've just stepped straight into a Die Hard movie, a tightly-written plot and first rate level design, this game shines out with attention to detail.

Graphics 4/5

Sound 4/5

Gameplay 5/5

Gamespan 4/5

Overall 4/5

STEPHEN HUNT

Cricket 2000, published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation

After the much-acclaimed Codemasters game Brian Lara Cricket, sports fans everywhere have been eagerly awaiting the release of a 'newly-improved' cricket feast.

After all, this is Cricket 2000, not some old 90s format relegated to the back of our cabinet drawers. So does this live up to the standard set by Brian Lara? Well, the answer is no, or to be slightly kinder, not quite.

There's not much in this game that we didn't see in the Codemasters game and, to be perfectly honest, quite a bit less. Gone are the days of a gruelling five-day test (which is, after all, the whole point of cricket). Instead, this game concentrates solely on the one-day game, a quick slog over a set number of overs, anywhere between five and 50.

As for the actual play itself, a lot of the action tends to repeat itself too often. Batting doesn't take a lot of mastering and, once you have, you can have a good slog at the fielding sides' expense, turning the game into a foregone conclusion (if you're playing solo).

For all the whinging, though, it still wasn't a complete cop-out and I did enjoy playing, although if you do want something a little more demanding (and cheaper), opt for Brian Lara.

Graphics 4/5

Sound 3/5

Gameplay 3/5

Gamespan 2/5

Overall 3/5

STEVE KELLY

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2000, published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation

There you are at Sawgrass, The Canyons or one of three other championship golf courses. You are on the first, ready to play against Tiger Woods, Justin Leonard or another USPGA professional - which club do you use? Do you fade it, draw it or hit it straight at the target?

The game is quite simple to follow. One of the noticeable differences is that the skill level depends on your level of thinking and is not as reliant on speed of hand. There are different levels of difficulty and you can also choose your clubs, up to 14 of them. Competitions range from the normal stroke-play (up to four players), up to 72 hole competitions, skins where you play for money, fourballs, foursomes and shoot-outs.

The graphics are good, and you can watch the ball fly towards its target. Mind the sand, mind the water, mind the trees - it's all good fun.

Tiger Woods is a game all ages and ability levels can enjoy.

As my friend's 15-year-old son said: "It's well good and pukka!"

Graphics 4/5

Sound 2/5

Gameplay 4/5

Gamespan 4/5

Overall 4/5

ERIC COATES