Mini-Review
Cool Boarders 4
PlayStation	From: 989 Studios

We were a little unkind about Cool Boarders 4 when we previewed it because it's so similar to Cool Boarders 3 it might as well have be called, er, Cool Boarders 3. Gamers who have already got the previous incarnation don't need to bother with this, but those that haven't should know that CB4 is nevertheless a quick and nifty boarder which offers solid downhill race action for one to four people, with tremendous big air trick action. This latest version also has a few new secrets to unlock and some inventive obstacles on its courses, including a train. You can even dress your boarders in the latest trendy gear so you're the coolest cat on the slopes, but none of these extras are worth shelling out for you've already got the last one.

FG verdict

68%

Mini-Review
Slave Zero
Dreamcast	From: Infogrames

First the good news. You're a giant robot in this shooter set 500 years in the future, and you can pick up cars and people as you tackle 15 city-based missions, taking on other giants robots. Jumping around, targeting and firing, a radio giving you instructions in your ear, you quickly find out it's a totally absorbing experience that's also darkly beautiful. Unfortunately, the game's let down badly by a control system that's hideously tricky to get to grips with and by bugs which suddenly slow the frame rate down to something approaching zero. Not a flagship title by any means, Slave Zero is a good idea that hasn't really come off. Still, at least we've got something nasty on Dreamcast at last.

FG verdict

64%

Soul Reaver / Red Dog