Video games round-up

Ecco The Dolphin, Defender of the Universe, Published by Sega for PS2o

Those with a Sega Dreamcast may have met the heroic Dolphin from the Third Millennium before. Now those who own a PlayStation 2 can follow suit.

The story focuses on a small group of dolphins who were left on Earth after the integrated civilisations of humans and dolphins departed for a new life in outer space.

Unfortunately for the planet's caretakers, a mysterious foe has decided to alter history and it is up to Ecco to save the day.

The game features some of the best graphics you are likely to see but, unfortunately, it may also be one of the most frustrating games you ever play. The graphics are simply stunning as you swim, jump and dive through the beautifully rendered 3D sea-scape.

The trouble is the tasks you need to complete to progress are frustratingly difficult. Ecco has more than 30 levels and if you have loads of time on your hands and enjoy a challenge this may be for you, but if games which require patience are not your favourite, then let this one go.

f=helveticaRatings: Graphics 5/5, Sound 4/5, Gameplay 3/5, Gamespan 3/5, Overall 3/5. Dave Hopwood

Extremely Goofy Skateboarding, published by Disney Interactive for PCo

This is a skating game featuring the Disney character Goofy and his son Max.

It is as playable as Tony Hawke' and the tricks are equally impressive. There was enough there to warrant the trick tutor but after you mastered the 'ollie', it was all downhill. It took me just three hours to complete.

The levels do not have enough jumps and hazards to really enjoy them on the 'free-roam' mode and while the number of tricks is pretty impressive and they are simple to learn, finding somewhere to get some good air to execute them is not so simple.

The cartoon-feel has let the designers relax and so the detail isn't exactly inspiring.

The game may be aimed at a younger generation but Goofy's odd sayings get so irritating, it had me turning off the sound.

The courses are varied but do not get harder and neither do the objectives.

f=helveticaRatings: Graphics 3/5, Sound 3/5, Game play 2/5, Game span 1/5, Overall 2/5. Edward Oldaker

Shadow of Zorro PS2 Published by Cryo in association with In Utero for PS2 o

The game opens with the arrival of the new police chief, Captain Montero, to 1820s California. Zorro's father quickly recognises Montero as none other than De La Hoya also known as the Saragossa Butcher in Spain.

Zorro's task is to find out why Montero has come to California. Shadow of Zorro is a swashbuckling 3D adventure. The controls are easy; with a couple of button presses Zorro can run, leap over obstacles, shimmy along narrow ledges or even skulk past the enemy in the cover of shadows.

Seven missions include romance, intrigue and suspense and will involve you in a world of thrills spread over 28 different locations.

The only downside is that the swordplay can get a bit repetitive.

f=helveticaRatings: Graphics 3/5, Sound 2/5, Gameplay 3/5, Gamespan 2/5, Overall 3/5. Bev Mytom