FIFA STREET, Publisher: EA Sports Big, Formats: Xbox and PS2. Price: £39.99, Family friendly? 3+:

'YOU bought what?" I couldn't believe my ears.

A mate of mine had splashed out on an Xbox. As part of the deal he could choose a free game. What did he select? Not Halo, not Project Gotham nor anything remotely decent. He opted to walk out of the store with a copy of FIFA Street tucked beneath his arm.

"But it's quite good," he replied. "I play it almost every night."

Maybe I'd been a bit harsh, but what else could he expect? FIFA Street does away with all attempts at realism and replaces it with a cartoon-ish version of football.

That's why there's a "random trick" button on your joypad instead of a step-over move. It's why you play four-on-four instead of a full squad of players and why you earn extra respect for keeping the ball in the air or performing tricks instead of putting it in the back of the net.

Five years ago, FIFA Street would have been an unlockable "mini game" hidden away in a full-blown FIFA football sim. It has the same kind of shallow feel; it's fun for five minutes but there's no sustained challenge.

Build up your shot meter and your player can unleash a strike on goal that's unstoppable - so where's the skill in that?

It's even more infuriating than the unintentionally hilarious commentary by MC Harvey, which makes you reach for the volume control on the remote just to shut him up.

If EA Sports hoped it could come up with an NBA Jam for the 21st century, it must be sorely disappointed.

At least it's not as bad as Urban Freestyle Soccer (EFS) but that's hardly a ringing endorsement as that game ranks as one of the worst football sims every committed to a shiny disc.

As for my mate? If he really wants to know what a decent game of football feels like on a console, he can borrow my copy of Pro Evolution Soccer 3.

MX Vs. ATV UNLEASHED, Publisher: THQ, Format: PS2, Price: £29.99, Family friendly? 3+: NOW here's another game that could be a stinker.

When Hollywood runs out of ideas, it usually resorts to teaming-up popular franchises. This invariably results in a dud (just think Aliens Vs Predator).

Thankfully, mixing up two popular racing franchises - ATV Off-Road fury and MX Unleashed - for MX Vs. ATV Unleashed has resulted in a more rounded game than either predecessor.

Nor are you restricted to riding bikes or quads. This title throws in a whole host of racing machines, including planes.

The high-speed high jinks are complemented by a well implemented stunts system that rewards foresight over random button bashing. In common with the real thing, your rider has to redistribute his weight depending on whether or not he is negotiating a tight bend or sailing over a massive jump. As you start to improve, the game rewards you with extra kit for your rider.

The wallet-friendly price makes this one sequel you'll be happy to add to your PS2 collection.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SNOOKER, Publisher: Sega, Format: PS2, Price: £39.99, Family friendly? 3+: SNOOKER. It's hardly likely to tax the custom graphics chips that work away inside your PS2 to create virtual worlds on your TV.

Decent snooker sims have been available for console owners since the days of the Mega Drive. This one ups the ante in some areas (the extra processing muscle enables your PS2 to render "realistic" snooker environments as well as a table and balls) but the basic gameplay mechanic remains the same. Not that this is a bad thing.

Fans will enjoy the myriad of tournaments, venues and options available to them.

And if the original game seems too easy, you can play something called Snooker Plus - essentially the same thing only with extra balls and the chance to notch up an even larger opening break.

Not a game for action lovers, World Championship Snooker offers a relaxing challenge for the more cerebral gamer.