Our irregular series of Reader Reviews continues with plenty of response from you lot. This week we're heavy on the PC reviews with a spot of N64 snowboarding thrown in for any adrenaline chasers out there.

If you fancy turning your hand to a bit of game reviewing, simply drop a line to Andy Smith for more details.

Heretic II (PC)

Following on from the original series of Heretic and Hexen, Heretic II is a glorious, sprawling 3D wizards-and-weapons slash 'em up. A beautifully realised intro sets the scene for the new adventure, and adds to the overall feel of the setting; dark, gothic and very magical.

The levels are fantastically realised, with arguably some of the most gloriously detailed locations ever seen in a Quake-based game. And does it shift! The Quake II engine has been used to full effect by Raven's code shop, making for some fascinating and truly absorbing locations. The character models, too, are suitably detailed and clothed in some magnificently complex and colourful skins.

All this bodes well for a fantastic gaming experience, and you won't be disappointed. The story, although somewhat linear, takes you through many different climates, ranging from dank foggy swamps, to Aztec-type fortresses and medieval castles. The many enemies pose a fairly respectable challenge, as do the levels themselves, even though it could still be classed as the age-old key-collection syndrome (yes, things STILL haven't changed since a certain 3D shooter beginning "D").

But things are made interesting, without being frustrating (like Turok 2). You have to hunt about a bit, but the objective is never obscure, and the action soon picks up again. The only real gripe I had with the game is that it's all over a bit too quickly. As the levels changed and increased in size, and the weapons became more powerful and impressive, I didn't really want it to end. As far as endings go, Heretic II's finale is a little short and disappointing. Still the overall gameplay up until then is very, VERY enjoyable.

91%

Pete Fairhurst