Conspiracy-laden plot

By Jason Hill
June 9, 2005


Cold Winter

Vivendi, MA15+, RRP $100, * * * ½

Starring a James Bond-style super spy, Cold Winter's generic run-and-gun action is livened up by a conspiracy-laden plot, interesting characters and quality voice acting. Updated objectives are relayed via radio, guiding players through well-constructed levels. Visuals are out-dated, but players have the freedom to interact with many objects. You can flip tables to use as cover and hurl crates at unpredictable enemies.

Gadgets such as Molotov cocktails can be built, along with lock-picks and bombs. Body armour can be scavenged from felled opponents and a hypodermic kit revives health. Duties include planting bombs, disarming weapons, destroying satellite dishes and recovering documents. An abundance of multi-player options adds depth, and 30 weapons ensure battles are exciting.


Unreal Championship 2

Epic, MA15+, RRP $100, * * * *

Rather than replicate the popular PC shoot 'em-up, this bold game blends shooting action with close-range fighting. Players constantly switch between first and third-person perspectives depending on whether they are sniping opponents from afar or engaged in frenzied swordplay. The learning curve is steep, but the fast-paced, chaotic battles are richly enhanced by dazzling acrobatic manoeuvres, including scaling walls, huge leaps and gravity-defying mid-air dashes. Deadly finishing moves can also be performed when you have stunned an opponent.

The game is best enjoyed with friends or online combatants, but a wealth of single-player battles are included against ruthlessly smart computer-controlled bots. While too many are dull head-to-head encounters, the solo missions sharpen your skills.



THQ, G8+, RRP $100. Also PC, Xbox, * * * * ½

To rule the streets, it is not enough to own the fastest ride: drivers must earn respect. Everything affects what rivals think: how much you bet, the members of your crew, the heavily modified cars in your garage, even the damage you cause. Juiced is instantly approachable but has depth. The 50 vehicles range from family hatchbacks to high-performance Japanese rockets, and include home-grown heroes such as the Ford XR8 and Holden Monaro.

Car handling straddles arcade and simulation sensibilities. Damage must be paid for and you are constantly tinkering with your car. Modes include standard circuits, drags and show-off competitions. Team-based racing provides a novel twist and there is also fun online action where you can challenge friends.
