Game Zone reviews

PlayStation 2

Platformers for kids have never been my bag (I don't do cute), and neurologically challenged Harriet is usually the one to cover them. But Jak And Daxter is something else. Once you've got past the interminably long preamble, this fightin', chasin' and collectin' game is very addictive.
The envoironments are enormous and rendered with care and attention to detail, and the gameplay is simple and responsive. You guide young bloke Jak on a mission to turn his best friend Daxter - who sits on his shoulder - back into a human (he's a weasel-esque character. See why I normally avoid these types of games?).
What makes this such good fun is the variety of genres within the game - exploration, action, strategy, racing and even fishing. Everything is done extremely well - nothing seems shoved in to pad things out. This is simply the best platformer I've ever seen. It's a done deal. (NP)

Popstar Maker

PlayStation

Forget Popstars' Nasty Nigel Lithgoe or Pop Idol's slimey Simon Cowell or pensioner Pete Waterman. You can do a much better job, can't you? With Eidos's Popstar Maker, you can. As a pop star manager you get to choose the band members and manage them on a day-to-day basis.
The game contains its very own virtual mixing studio where players combine samples and beats to create their own unique records. Once you have recorded a single you must design the CD case and then release the single into the charts. Chart day is Sunday and only then will you find out whether your band are a hit or a miss! Treat them decently, plan their time well and they'll be happy as Larry and give their best performance. Mismanage them, or don't pay them enough and they'll walk. For God's sake, this isn't a game, it's work. Bring back Five Star. (HM)

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