Rumble Racing, published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation 2

Rumble Racing may lack originality but there's something that just keeps you going back for more.

At first sight, the game appears a run-of-the-mill racing game - from point a to b through mountains and deserted towns, across deserts, etc, while looking for power-ups and weapons to blow your opponents off the road. But when cars appear from nowhere, you realise there are alternative routes and short cuts, and best of all - no rules.

Rumble Racing has 36 tricked-out vehicles, 15 unique race tracks and four different game modes - single race, championship (solo or with a friend), one-on-one showdown or stunt challenge. There's even a loudmouth commentator (who after a while drives you round the bend), plus complete TV style replay.

Graphics 4/5

Sound 2/5

Gameplay 3/5

Gamespan 3/5

Overall 3/5

BEV MYTOM

Extermination, published by Sony for PlayStation 2

Resident Evil's got a lot to answer for. Suddenly, clones of the game are crawling out of the woodwork, even sub-standard ones like this.

Extermination's not awful, it's just not inspiring. There's snippets of Metal Gear Solid in here to bolster the zombie-slaying fare, but it's all a little so-so. The tale has you investigating an Antarctic research complex which has gone all quiet, after an infection breaks out which transforms the dead into strange critters. As an investigating soldier, you're surprisingly short on ammo, so it'll be short, controlled bursts to go with the ho-hum problem solving.

Graphics 3/5

Sound 3/5

Gameplay 3/5

Gamespan 2/5

Overall 3/5

STEPHEN HUNT

Rugby, published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation 2

When Electronic Arts produce a new sports title, you normally expect something special. They didn't get to be kings of the sport simulation by accident. Sadly, Rugby topples off the podium. The game features 20 international teams, and heaps of options from the Six Nations to a world championship. Everything is present and correct... until you actually play the game. Much as in real rugby union, the core of the game revolves around making the most of pack play, and it's this aspect which is the weakest. Control of the pack is very difficult, and ultimately too frustrating to make this game worthwhile.

Graphics 2/5

Sound 3/5

Gameplay 2/5

Gamespan 3/5

Overall 2/5

STEPHEN HUNT