Thanks a million - for nothingGames

SALLY CHATTERTON

SALLY CHATTERTON

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

All formats

*****

If you've ever caught yourself shouting at the television as Chris "Thanks a Million" Tarrant drags his way through the questions and answers, this may well appeal.

The chart-topping game replicates the whole Millionaire experience - from theme tune and sound effects to Tarrant's excruciating catchphrases - with the exception of one vital element: the money.

Playing "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?" without the readies is much like reading out random questions from the Trivial Pursuits box. But the novelty of playing fastest finger, phoning a friend and asking the audience will keep most enthralled - until the same questions come around again. Only 1,000 questions are generated and, given that the game is bound to be played unremittingly when the programme isn't on, the questions soon sound familiar. This is a shame because the game deteriorates into a simple test of memory - although the chances of "winning" a million become less remote.

If you can bear the interminable set pieces with Tarrant's voice oozing smugness and the lengthy load times you will probably play this into the ground for a week. After that, it'll be lucky if it gets dusted off for family get-togethers.

(Eidos, £24.99-£29.99)

Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX

Playstation

*****

BMX bikes were never as cool as skateboards. An abiding image of the craze is of oversized boys on undersized bikes, with their knees around their ears. Skateboarders, though, have managed to retain an air of cool. And in the console charts, the Tony Hawks endorsed skateboard extravaganza has been wildly successful.

With bandwagon abandon Dave Mirra, BMX superstar, has lent his name to a stunt-biking game that plays in a remarkably similar way to its skateboarding predecessor. Mash the buttons and bunnyhop around vert, dirt and street to rack up points. It's loud, fiddly and it doesn't look great - just familiar.

( Acclaim, £29.99)