REVIEWS

Panzer Front. Publisher: JVC. Format: PlayStation CD-ROM. Price: £29.99.

IT'S a testament to the longevity of the original PlayStation that innovative software is still hitting the shelves long after the machine should have been consigned to the attic.

Sony's original games machine may have been swamped by kiddie titles - a sure-fire sign of a waning platform - but it's still home to games like Panzer Front, published by JVC.

A serious tank simulator and a simple blast 'em up, Panzer Front appeals to arcade and simulation fans alike.

Unlike previous entrants in the 3-D battle sim arena, Panzer Front has been meticulously researched. Many of the 25 levels are based on actual conflicts (mainly World War Two, but there are a number of modern day challenges too) and, despite the title, you can hop into tanks from several different countries. There are an impressive 38 tanks to choose, all accurately modelled for the ultimate in authenticity. Nice touches include the scenery which deforms under the weight of your vehicle and some impressive destruction effects. You can push through trees, buildings and over would-be snipers.

The control of your machine takes a bit of getting used to - as with a real tank you control each track independently. Turning means stopping one track as the other pivots your machine around on the proverbial sixpence.

At least the targeting system is relatively straightforward, although you'll need a few practice sessions before your tank makes it through even some of the early missions. The graphics are surprisingly good, pop-up (where scenery and enemies suddenly appear in front of your tank as if by magic) is well contained and each tank is nicely modeled.

IF 20-tonne tanks don't exactly float your boat then perhaps Submarine Commander - also from JVC - will be more appealing.

Playing like Panzer Front underwater, Sub Commander puts you in charge of a prototype nuclear hunter-killer submarine in a bleak future. Global warming has taken its toll, the polar ice-caps have melted and much of the earth's surface now resides beneath the sea.

As with Panzer, there's an instant action option which pits your sub against the enemy or a strategy mode which places greater emphasis on planning.

Critics of this game have claimed that it is too slow; that too much time is spent trawling the ocean simply looking for enemies to bring down. To me, this only added to the already tense scenario not knowing when an enemy would pop up next.

As Sub Commander is a Japanese game it has to have some kind of daft game-play acronym. In this case, it's called SUBS (no prizes for originality) or Submarine Underwater Battle System. Basically, it's nothing more sophisticated than a targeting screen to help find the next bad guy. Big deal.

At least the sound effects and the instrument displays are well up to the job of adding atmosphere.

And you're not alone in the cool, dark seas. Your ship has a weapons officer and a navigator who help defend the sub in the heat of battle. When the message comes through for the first time that an enemy craft has popped its missile tubes, I defy anyone not to panic.

Submarine Commander may not be to everyone's taste. Panzer Front probably has more instant gratification and the futuristic plot is a bit naff, but it's an interesting and challenge game if you are prepared to put in the time required to really get under the skin of what appears to be a slow moving piece of software.

ALSO out this week is that rarest of things: a new game for the Sega Dreamcast. In truth, Viva Rock Vegas (Virgin) has been around on other platforms for months now and any PC owner interested has probably already played it. For action-starved Sega fans, however, it's a rather bizarre kart racer that allows you to drive as characters from The Flintstones.

The PlayStation 2 isn't exactly short of software at the moment and every driving title has to measure up against the mighty Gran Turismo 3.

Paris Dakar Rally from Acclaim wisely ducks this impossible challenge by concentrating exclusively on the world's most gruelling endurance race. If you thought Le Mans 24 Hours was difficult, slap this in your drive and experience the trials of racing across Africa on a high-powered motorbike.

Game Boy Advance gets its own version of Bomberman this week. Called Bomberman Tournament (Activision) it's the same game-play that will keep you coming back for for more for months.

GIZMO OF THE WEEK

IT MAY look like something from Noah's Ark but the new radio from South Yorkshire-based Roberts, purveyors of radiophonic equipment to Royalty, hides an amazing secret.

The Classic 2000 (pictured left) is the world's portable digital audio broadcasting radio. It's also one of the world's most expensive at £940, an indication that it's really only for radio industry professionals at the moment.

Digital radio remains in its infancy but the improvement in quality is surprising.

As with digital TV, there's no interference and every word sounds pin sharp. The Roberts Classic 2000 also has a dinky screen that tells you which station you are tuned into, the name of the track currently playing or the programme title.

Roberts radios are expensive but fans reckon they will last a lifetime. Progress means there will be smaller digital radios along in a few years but the Classic 2000 is sure to become something of a collector's item.

Published: Saturday, August 18, 2001