PC GAMES

SOLDIER OF FORTUNE

WHEREVER ex 'Nam vet-turned-mercenary Mullins and his crew of blockhead sidekicks go, carnage follows - but unlike in many recent bloodfests, it's not just Arnie look-alikes that end up screaming at their dismembered limbs: gaunt Iranians and shade-wearing Japanese are dispatched with equal ferocity.

For the lily-livered, however, a Violence Lock option will disable the merest whiff of unsavoury behaviour. The game's revamped Quake II engine accounts for some fairly standard environments, like flickery torch-lit castles and creaky warehouses, but it also enables some nifty effects: the crescendo of spraying bullets will spark a host of new enemies but, as you're able to pinpoint precisely specific parts of the anatomy, you can deliver a short, sharp shot and be on your way. A superior shoot 'em up that doesn't pretend to be anything else.

Eight out of 10. Activision: 01895 456 700 www.activision.com); 34.99 OPEN TENNIS

A TIMELY release, with Wimbledon fever once again upon us. You can have a bash at the four Grand Slam tournaments, choosing from 64 male Open Tennis and female characters whose artificial intelligence has been modelled on the actions of real players - grimacing, hurling of rackets and scratching of bottoms to the fore. You need to train up - keyboard controls are initially quite fiddly so don't be surprised to find yourself two sets down in the first 10 minutes. As with the real game, however, application will eventually gain you points. Graphics are impressive - lots of camera angles and faithfully realised stadiums - although some of the character animation is a tad sketchy. For fanatics, an encyclopedia features player biographies and a quiz.

Seven out of 10. Cryo Interactive: 0121 250 5070 (www.cryo- interactive); 34.99

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