Christmas is almost here once again and the stores are bursting with new games and gadgets. But with so many to choose from, how do you sort the good from the bad? Sit back, relax and let Nigel Burton open up a selection box of gaming goodies.

SPIDERMAN 2, Formats: PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, Game Boy Advance, PC, Publisher: Activision. Family friendly? 12+ spidey fans only.

SET in a free-roaming virtual New York City, the game of the film pits Spiderman against his greatest foe - Doctor Octopus. Nice to see some other classic Marvel baddies here as well but the gameplay is strictly by the numbers.

If you enjoyed the movie then Spiderman 2 will provide some mild diversion, but there are better games to be had this Christmas

5/10

THE POLAR EXPRESS, Formats: PS2, Publisher: Vivendi. Family friendly? Yep no problems.

BASED on another movie - only one that's just released into the cinemas - Polar Express is definitely aimed at the younger gamer.

Your hero is aboard the legendary Polar Express speeding towards the North Pole to see Santa Claus just in time for Christmas. Sadly, someone has stolen your ticket (and that of several other kids) so if you want to make the journey, you'll have to get it back.

Gameplay is fairly simple (wind up the Jack-in-the-Box; throw food at the baddies, etc) but youngsters should still have a ball.

Adults, though, should steer clear.

7/10 (if you are under ten) 3/10 (if you are an adult).

GRAND THEFT AUTO SAN ANDREAS, Format: PS2. Publisher: Rockstar. Family friendly? No way.

SEX, violence, gun fights, car chases... GTA San Andreas has the lot. Similar to the previous instalment, this is still one of the best adult games you can slap in your PS2.

The game world is absolutely huge, the graphics are, for the most part, as good as the hard-pressed Sony console can do and the back story just an excuse for some mindless blood letting.

Morally dubious, but something of a classic of its kind.9/10

KILLZONE, Format: PS2, Publisher: Sony. Family friendly? With a title like that?

SET in a grim near future, Killzone follows a squad of soldiers sent behind enemy lines to save a human colony on a far flung interstellar outpost.

Successfully mixes Dirty Dozen-style action with Alien and Starship Troops. Fun shoot 'em up but short on genuinely innovative ideas.7/10

NEED FOR SPEED 2: UNDERGROUND, Formats: PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, PC, Publisher: EA. Family friendly? Yes.

HOW often have you wanted to take the gorgeous Kelly Brook for a spin in your car? Many times if you are male, under 30 and single.

This game features the massive Ms Brook (or a virtual rendition of her) in a Fast 'n' The Furious style arcade racing romp. Set in a huge city environment, the races are sparky affairs with the result usually in doubt until the last moment.

As well as Kel, Electronic Arts has licensed more than 30 authentic cars and extensive customisation options means no two are exactly the same.

A real return to form for this long running race series. 8/10

FIFA 2005, Formats: PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, PC, Publisher: EA Sports. Family friendly? Definitely.

IT'S Christmas and that undoubtedly means another up-date for the soccer favourite. All the teams, all the players and all the leagues make FIFA unsurpassed for authenticity. Sadly the gameplay is still strictly second division compared to the rival Pro Evolution series. That said, you shouldn't feel too hard done by if Santa leaves this beneath the tree. 7/10

SEGA SUPERSTARS, Format: PS2. Family friendly? No worries here.

ANYONE who believes gaming is a solitary pastime needs to have a go with Sega Superstars. It uses the PS2 camera to devastating effect that puts you directly on the screen. As an after-party bit of fun or a Christmas morning laugh with the kids, this is perfect. 8/10

Published: 10/12/2004