ATHENS 2004

What this offers is a series of modes ranging from practice to multiplayer to the actual Olympics competition for gamers to participate in.

There are a whole host of games to play, from a gruelling 1500 metre race, where endurance is key, to the high jump.

Thankfully the control system is simple, making this an easily accessible pick up and play title. Put quite simply, a monkey could play this game because very little skill is involved at all.

To complete most competitions, a whole two buttons are required.

In terms of enjoyment Athens 2004 really doesn't offer much. The graphics and commentary are standard but don't really capture the glorious atmosphere of the Olympics.

As for the gameplay it requires mass amounts of button bashing resulting in blisters, bandages and incredibly sore fingers.

The highlight of the game is the archery for this actually requires a little more than mindlessly hitting buttons rapidly.

Precision and accurate aiming is the key here. However, this can soon be mastered and, considering the amount of events available, it is a pity that only one really stands out as enjoyable.

Athens 2004 requires little skill and doesn't offer the enjoyment of sports titles such as Pro Evolution Soccer and Smash Court Tennis.

Unless you wish to suffer repetitive strain injury steer clear of Athens 2004.

Michael Wilson

PRICE: £39.99

PLAYERS: 1-4

AGE RATING: 3+

GENRE: Sports

FORMAT: PS2

GRAPHICS: 15/20

SOUND: 15/20

GAMEPLAY: 5/25

LIFESPAN: 7/25

ORIGINALITY: 3/10

OVERALL: 45%

TOP 10

1 Spider-man 2

2 Driv3r

3 Shrek 2

4 Athens 2004

5 Mcafee Internet Security V6.0

6 Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora

7 Harry Potter - Prisoner of Azkaban

8 Sonic Advance 3

9 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004

10 Full Spectrum Warrior

UPCOMING

Catwoman; Chaos League; Combat Mission Anthology; World War Zero; Zoo Empire.