The Prince makes his move from 2D to 3D, but will it be good enough to beat the pixellated posh bird's latest outing?
Les Ellis

Well, it's getting close to that time of year again. The time when Eidos unleash a certain polygon bimbo on the unsuspecting games-playing public in time for Christmas. This is the same unsuspecting public that no matter how many times they get stung by empty promises of new features, new engines and new games, seem satisfied with the same old tripe served up in a different box. But this year there's something else on offer to get away from Lara Croft's oversized charms. The hero may be flat-chested and the game may be set in the past, but if Eidos aren't careful, Prince of Persia 3D may end up confining Lara to the kitchen sink this Christmas as it takes the plaudits.

You may be forgiven for thinking that this looks more than a little similar to Tomb Raider, but anyone who's familiar with POP's 2D predecessors will know that when it comes down to the nitty gritty of gameplay, POP will always be able show Tomb Raider the back of its hand and put it in its place. POP invented fingertip-perfect jumping and platforming puzzle action on the PC, and it's not about to stand back and let Lara take over.

Get past the surprisingly disappointing first level of the game and the real eastern promise starts to kick in. You're going to have to be eagle eyed practically everywhere you go. Take your eyes off the screen for a second and you'll miss the trap that ends up very pleasingly (well, pleasing for the person watching you) decapitating your character.