REVIEWS

Crazy Taxi. Platform: PS2. Publisher: Acclaim. (£39.99)

THE first fruits of Sega's multi-platform strategy appear this month when one of the best games ever released on Dreamcast arrives on PlayStation 2.

Originally released more than a year ago, Crazy Taxi remains a highlight for the Dreamcast platform, despite the imminent arrival of a sequel. So it was no surprise when Acclaim stepped in to snap up the publishing rights for Sony's insanely-popular next generation console.

The deal will also see Zombie Revenge and 18 Wheeler making PS2 debuts shortly but, for now, Crazy Taxi is the only title available that allows us to make a direct comparison between the Sega and Sony hardware platforms.

Little has changed for the PlayStation iteration. The DC gained a new track in original mode and this appears too on the Sony port. So do the mini-games which add a degree of replay value to a title that's short on depth.

So how do they compare?

Run both titles side by side and some differences do emerge. Unsurprisingly, given its Dreamcast origins, it's the Sony machine that comes off worst. The cars are lacking some of the smaller details that made the DC version such a joy to behold. The voice samples are also different and the scenery, too, has been stripped down but that's about it.

Critics who said the Sony port wouldn't measure up because of the PS2's notorious anti-aliasing difficulties have been proved wrong.

It remains maddeningly addictive and the all-important gameplay has translated exactly to the PS2. It may just be familiarity, but I also found the taxi easier to control using the Sony's control pad.

The bottom line is, if you have a copy already there's little reason to add Crazy Taxi to your PS2 library. If you haven't, then it's an excellent buy.

Crazy Taxi may not be the PS2's best looking title but it remains a near perfect copy of the Dreamcast original.

Gangsters 2. Format: PC CD-ROM. Publisher: Eidos. (£29.99)

CREATING a gangster sim is such a great idea that it's amazing no one thought of the idea before Hothouse Creations.

Gangsters was a massive success on the PC. Now we have the inevitable sequel.

Gangsters 2 is more than just another tired re-tread. It takes place entirely in "real time", missions take place in day and night, there are new characters, new skills to learn and, of course, a veritable arsenal of new weapons.

Set in the fictional state of Temperance during the early years of prohibition, Gangsters 2 is the story of one man's quest for revenge. When Joey Bane's father is gunned down in a mob hit, he vows to track down the bad guys and mete out instant justice.

To help Joey accomplish his quest, you must build up your own mob, hiring arsonists, explosives experts, card-sharks, hit men and safe-crackers. Then there's the business side of things - racketeering, gun-running, prostitution, bank hits and bribes.

All this leads to an eventual confrontation with top mobster Cane Langham - provided you don't get treated to a lead overcoat first.

It's riveting stuff. The real-time graphics engine gives you far greater control over "your boys" than the previous title and makes it much more satisfying when a "hit" comes together.

If you're new to the world of Gangsters, there's an in-game advisor to help in your quest as you move up from street hoodlum to respected - and feared - gang boss.

Spanning more than 20 missions, Gangsters 2 is a title that will keep you going for months. It also makes a refreshing change from the myriad of Command and Conquer clones that fill the real-time strategy genre at the moment. My only complaint is that it can be rather hard, especially in the later missions.

If you loved Gangsters or Commandos, then you have to own Gangsters 2.

We have two copies of Gangsters 2 to give away. To be in with a chance answer this question: What was the name of Kevin Costner's character in The Untouchables? Send your answers to: Gangsters Comp, Burton's Byte, Priestgate, Dralington DL1 1NF.

GIZMO OF THE WEEK

For the geek who has everything, Hitachi has just one more: digital art.

Basically, it's a very expensive video screen surrounded by a wooden frame. You plug it into the mains and it displays a picture of your choice.

Frames can be specified in three different styles: gold, metal and wood and the whole lot weights a considerable 90kg so you'll be needing some hefty wall plugs and screws.

The entire ensemble costs an eye-watering £14,000 and it's hard to see how anyone could be stupid enough to want one.

But for anyone who thinks high art can be had at Athena and has more money than sense, it's just the job.

CHEAT OF THE WEEK:

Having trouble with the original Gangsters? For some easy money while in the Lieutenant Section, turn CAPS LOCK on, then type I LOVE HANSON for an instant financial injection.

Published: Saturday, June 16, 2001