IMAGINE we're in the year 1964, a whole 50 years after the First World War broke out.

Now try to imagine that the war never ended, that we are still in the middle of a world war.

World War Zero presents gamers with this scenario and throws them straight into the thick of the action.

In terms of visuals, this game is spot on. The only criticism is that blood simply spurts from the enemies rather than depicting a full-scale massacre.

If gamers alert one enemy soldier, they will immediately inform back-up and thus it will be exceedingly difficult for the gamer to advance.

World War Zero uses two elements of gameplay - stealth and action.

Gamers must pick off enemies with sniper rifles, crouch under various objects and creep up behind enemy soldiers before placing a nifty bullet in their head.

Enemy soldiers never give up. If you shoot a soldier and they lie injured on the floor it is best to shoot them again to make sure they are dead, for if not they may stretch into their pocket and produce a sneaky hand grenade.

As first person shooters go, World War Zero is extremely satisfying with its main downfall being its lifespan.

Although it spans over 19 stages, the game can be completed over a weekend.

World War Zero is never going to be as good as Call of Duty but it will provide gamers with enjoyment while it lasts and a refreshingly original storyline.

Michael Wilson

PRICE: £39.99

PLAYERS: 1-4

AGE RATING: 16+

GENRE: FPS

FORMAT: PS2

GRAPHICS: 17/20

SOUND: 16/20

GAMEPLAY: 20/25

LIFESPAN: 17/25

ORIGINALITY: 7/10

OVERALL: 77%

TOP 10

1 Spider-man 2

2 Driv3r

3 Shrek 2

4 Athens 2004

5 Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora

6 Formula 1 04

7 Harry Potter - Prisoner of Azkaban

8 Sonic Heroes

9 Sonic Advance 3

10 Singstar

UPCOMING

Doom 3; The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay; Transport Giant.