CAPCOM Vs SNK 2: EO Publisher: Capcom. Format: Gamecube.

IS there anything more that can be done with the two-dimensional beat 'em up? Capcom clearly believes there is.

Capcom Vs SNK 2: EO is the culmination of a 15-year journey that started in the arcades before migrating to our homes via the SNES and ends here on the Gamecube.

There's a sense of history about this game. The roster of selectable characters is filled with names from Capcom's justly famous Street Fighter titles that gamers of a certain age will select with a nostalgic smile. There are 44 in all, each with special moves that need to be practised before they can be pulled off proficiently, and each fairly matched against the other.

It's a fighting game pure and simple, don't buy this title looking for an interesting back-story or jaw dropping cut scenes.

Instead, revel in the pure gameplay that makes these titles such a popular niche. With a block available for every attack and a counter at the expert's disposal for each block, Capcom Vs SNK 2 can seem more like some pugilistic version of chess than a mere video game when it's played by two veterans of the genre.

This is a game about balance. The ability to block and counter moves creates a title that requires skill not button-bashing luck. It's not surprising that this genre hails from Japan the spiritual home of kung fu.

Fans will need no recommendation on my part to buy this title. Cube newbies looking in vain for Tekken on their machine will find this a far more cerebral, and ultimately more rewarding, experience.

Colin McRae 3 Publisher: Codemasters. Formats: PS2 and X Box.

THE timing couldn't have been worse. With just days to go before the arrival of one of the most eagerly awaited rally sequels of all time, starring the former world champion Colin McRae and his Ford team, the Scots driver announces he is quitting the team.

Even worse, he's also dumped long time co-driver Nicky Grist who plays a key role in the new game.

The shock decision rendered Colin McRae 3 out-of-date before it even hit shop shelves. So much for celebrity endorsements. Still there is so much more to the Colin McRae game than up-to-date stats.

Launched in 1998 on PSOne the franchise has sold more than five million copies worldwide and hit the number one slot in 20 countries.

McRae won his first - and only - world rally championship in 1995. Since the game was launched, his career seems to have taken a dive and next season he will be driving for the largely untested (particularly on loose surfaces) Citroen team.

In stark contrast to Colin's fortunes, the game that carries his name goes from strength to strength. In a marketplace awash with decent driving sims, it stands proud alongside the Gran Turismos of this world. Why? Attention to detail, that's why.

Although the game doesn't carry an endorsement from the governing body of world rallying, and therefore can't use the actual special stages driven by McRae and his rivals, this game is no less authentic.

Codemasters created its own stages that were watched by Grist who took copious pace notes before recording a real-time commentary. McRae fine-tuned the car handling to perfection before Codies polished up the graphics to a brilliant sheen.

The result is fantastic. This title looks as good as it drives. The cars are now incredibly detailed (each one is modelled from 14,000 polygons compared to just 600 for the first game) right down to the drive train that's visible when you barrel roll into oblivion.

The incidental effects are jaw-dropping. I particularly liked the rain effect when using the driver head cam that looks indistinguishable from the real thing. Top marks.

The brake discs glow red, you can make out the callipers between the alloy wheels, and the drivers themselves react realistically (such as holding on for dear life as McRae swings wide around a fast corner or pitching forward when you brake hard) inside each car.

This is also the first game that allows you to actually play as the great Scot himself - previously you were just another rival.

Subjectively the X Box version appears pretty much identical, although the car seems to be slightly more skittish on the Microsoft system and needs a bit more work to get the best from.

But no matter which version you opt for, Colin McRae is sure to please.

Published: 15/11/2002