Game Zone reviews: Xbox special

Xbox

A new toy comes to town. And along with the Xbox must come games. We are asked to believe Halo, Microsoft's most-touted game, is the finest shoot-'em-up known to humanity. A tall claim, but then this is a special game. This first-person sci-fi shooter sees hordes of aliens attempting to take over the universe, and only you...
You get the idea. Halo feels a bit like Starship Troopers and can be as frenetic. A free-roaming game that looks immaculate and plays intuitively (except when you have to drive using both analogue sticks, which is an arse), this is a truly impressive piece of software for the launch of the new console.
It doesn't take long to get hooked, and the variation of gameplay within Halo means your boredom threshold won't be crossed for a good few weeks. Is it the best game out there? PS2's Metal Gear Solid 2 may have the edge. But only just. (NP)

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Wreckless

Xbox

A sort of mission-based Burnout set around Hong Kong, where you can go anywhere you want and smash in to anything you want, as long as you get what you're after. The streets of HK are mighty crowded, too. This looks amazing (the visuals are even more impressive than Halo), but it has a strange flaw. Almost all the cars drive as if they are a couple of grams in weight - so light that a waft of wind will blow them over. They just don't react the way they ought. Sounds like a massive moan, but really it just means getting used to the idiosyncrasies of the gameplay. And it is terrific fun. (NP)

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Rallisport Challenge

Xbox

Rallisport Challenge features 25 authentic cars from manufacturers including Audi, Citro?n, Lancia, Ford, Subaru and Mitsubishi to drive through four major modes. These include world rally championship-style races, rally cross, hill climb and the loveable, death-dealing ice race. Unlike most rally games, you get the chance to experience four kinds of rally competition in one game. The variety of race types allows gamers to try traditional rally racing against the clock, as well as fierce, wheel-to-wheel grudge matches. RalliSport Challenge serves up breathtaking racing and realistic driving. (HM)

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