The Italian Job
PlayStation £29.99 Pixelogic/SCI **
It is nice to see a publisher come to its senses. SCI was a quality outfit before getting derailed by the decidedly dodgy Carmageddon franchise. Now they have tried their hand at something with a little more oomph.
Based on the classic 60s Brit-flick starring Michael Caine, The Italian Job is a racing game unashamedly built up around some of the best car chases ever caught on film. Unfortunately in the movie, the planning was handled by Noel Coward: here it seems to have gone to Benny Hill.
First, let us look at three basic design flaws. For a game that involves driving around at high speed, it is an amazing omission not to have an on-screen map.
Playing IJ involves memorising both the cities (London and Turin) and even then you will find it hard to reach your target location other than by blindly following an on-screen arrow.
"Check the maps in the manual" you are told: unfortunately, these look like they were scribbled on a fag-packet in prison.
Problem number two. Without a map, it is also impossible to tell where the police or Mafia are, and without a rear-view mirror, you end up racing round like mad only to discover you lost your tail five minutes ago. Fortunately, tight deadlines ensure very few missions last longer than three anyway.
Problem number three. The graphics are pixelly at best, with only one viewing perspective. Compared to other race games, this one is eating dust.
All of which is very annoying given the potential. With 14 cars, 16 missions and Phil (Stella Street) Cornwall providing his classic Caine impression, SCI has produced a lacklustre Driver clone with none of the playability.
And although the game does offer other player modes, these feel like an afterthought once the designers realised what a mess they had made of the main caper. Sadly, a case of all mouth and no trousers. (MA)
Who Wants to be a Millionaire: Second Edition
PlayStation £19.99 Eidos **
The Weakest Link
PlayStation £24.99 Activision ***
The Christmas rush has started. Two of the big name TV tie-ins - Weakest Link and Who Wants to be a Millionaire 2 - will appeal to everyone except, perhaps, regular gamers. And while the Christmas number one game may not be as highly publicised as the music equivalent, there are similarities between the two - such as the novelty factor. Seasonal shoppers often push undeserving titles to the higher reaches of the charts, with the phenomenally successful original version of WWTBAM a clear case in point.
But undeniably slick presentation was let down by the number of questions. With only 1,000, it didn't take long before they were repeated, making the whole experience a short-lived challenge.
Unfortunately, while the latest version has improved the game interface and graphics - the studio audience is now included - there are still only 1,000 questions. That is exactly a hundred times less than the Weakest Link and is a crucial problem for a game seeking longevity at the tills and in the living rooms.
The Weakest Link also offers a competitive multiplayer experience, with the voting-off element a welcome change from the relentless trivia assault.
Both packages are polished, with video clips and authentic sounds, but only the Weakest Link graphically depicts the contestants (there are 24 to choose from).
Ultimately, Millionaire is only interesting until the million is won, while Weakest Link and its competitive action will keep families playing longer. So, in this battle, Millionaire is the weaker link, although both titles will offer entertainment after the Christmas pudding. Just don't expect to be playing either come the New Year. (GH)
