If there's one thing to be said of the Need for Speed series, it's that it never stays the same for long. After only one sequel EA have decided to give the underground night racing theme a rest and let you drive in the sunlight for a change. You're still a super-illegal street racer though and indeed much of the game revolves around you being pursued by the police in some very Blues Brothers-esque chases.

Appearing to take a leaf out of Burnout's book, the game encourages you to make the most of traffic and roadside objects, in order to put off the long arm of the law or simply one of your fellow racers. The demo race so far seen features a lot of weaving in and out of traffic and some very cinematic touches such as zipping underneath a giant lorry carrying tree logs, which then spill out on the road behind you further aiding your escape.

The graphics in the game have definitely received a boost from the last one and appear far more detailed and ambitious in scope than Underground. Unsurprisingly the ability to customise your car is still a large part of the appeal, although again there's a big distinction between extras that are just for show and performance tuning that actually has an effect on the way your car performs.

It probably still won't please hardened petrolheads but if you just want a simple, accessible racing game it looks like Need for Speed is set to deliver once more. --Harrison Dent

This preview is based on an incomplete version of the game; features or problems mentioned above may not appear in the finished game.

Author Tom Clancy has written some fine novels, and UbiSoft has written some great games based on these works. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell is one such release. This one is a bit different, however: it models itself on that champion of espionage, Metal Gear Solid 2, which, as it happens, is a good thing.

As Sam Fisher, you are out to save the world from international terrorism. In doing this, stealth is of paramount importance. Splinter Cell makes terrific use of light and shadows in this regard. If Sam Fisher stays in the dark, he is less likely to be seen; but, equipped with night vision goggles, you are not hindered by the lighting effects. It's a clever system that creates some memorable scenes and adds to the sensation of being undercover.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell is a supremely balanced game. The initial training received is just long enough, gameplay is perfectly weighted between stealth and action, and the blend of different objectives in missions ensures that the experience never becomes a chore. More than being merely balanced, though, Splinter Cell excels in all areas. This is as compelling a spy game as you'll ever play. --Jonti Davies