All about balls

June 2, 2005

PlayStation 2

World SnookerChampionship 2005

Sega, G, RRP $80, * * * *

Potting balls on the green baize may not be everyone's idea of excitement but this comprehensive simulation is difficult to fault. You can challenge 100 of the world's best players, each exhibiting their real-life playing styles. Players begin by creating their own character. Beginners are assisted by simple controls and cueing aids, although it can be frustrating when opponents pounce on a mistake to clean up the table.

Victories require planning and the coaching section teaches the necessary skills. Players have complete shot control, including spin and using the analog stick to replicate the cue motion. There are plenty of tournaments, trick-shot competitions and exhibition matches. The uncouth can indulge in eight or nine-ball pool. Online support lets you to challenge faraway friends.



THQ, MA15+, RRP $90. Also PC, * * ½

Shooters need to be special to stand out, particularly on Halo's home turf, but Pariah fails to excite or innovate. An absurd plot sees a doctor charged with transporting a woman carrying a deadly virus. When their ship is shot down, Dr Mason must defend them both against waves of heavily armed soldiers. Target shooting and vehicle driving break up the run-and-gun action but the best feature is a weapons upgrade system.

Energy tokens let you enhance your arsenal with upgrades such as increased ammunition, remote detonation, enhanced vision and heat-seeking and armour-piercing bullets. Fast-moving opponents are predictable and rarely smart - most either charge suicidally or hide behind cover waiting to be outflanked. Multi-player modes are generic but fun. A flexible and easy-to-use editor lets players create unique levels to share with others.


Baten Kaitos

Namco, M15+, RRP $100, * * * ½

This Japanese adventure gets off to a humdrum start with yet another hero waking with amnesia. But once you enter the first fast-paced battle, grumbles dissipate. Using an unconventional card-based system, combat is absorbing. Actions are dictated by a shuffled deck used for defence and attack, including weapon cards, spells, healing items and armour. Success requires strategy and fast reactions.

Cleverly, cards also change over time. Food ripens or rots. Blades also rust, edible bamboo shoots morph into spears and rare items increase in value. It can be frustrating being defeated because you were dealt inappropriate cards but no two battles are the same. Floating island environments are intricate and beautiful but paper-thin characters and an evil empire revenge yarn are disappointingly dull.


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