Activision Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (Xbox) X-Box Games

Along the way, Jones scraps it out with those opposed to his expedition; and, in true platforming style, he makes daring leaps across voids as he runs through areas. Okay, it is a fairly predictable state of affairs, but it's well paced and quite challenging. Fans of the films will find Emperor's Tomb especially satisfying, thanks to its faithful recreation of Indiana Jones' distinctive world: it looks and sounds just like the films, and Ford in digital form is the spit of his real self.

Emperor's Tomb has a broad appeal. It's sufficiently engaging--particularly during passages of combat--to appeal to older players. But the adventure is linear in nature and is therefore easy for younger gamers to play without becoming lost or frustrated. Whatever your age, if you're a fan of Indiana Jones, take note: this is easily the best video game interpretation of the blockbuster movies yet. --Jonti Davies

Forgettable storylines aside, there is much on offer in the single-player campaign as you find yourself battling your way through a vast number of real-world environments, from the Columbian jungle to storm-battered battleships. SoF2 introduces variety into the gameplay by tempering mindless blasting with some notable set-pieces and a number of levels where a stealthy approach is needed.

SoF2 has always attempted to distinguish itself from other first-person-shooters by offering one of the most visceral FPS experiences ever. However, the high body counts cannot detract from the games obvious flaws. The graphical power of the Xbox has been wasted here, character models look worse than the PC version and actually vanish after they are shot. Textures are bland and messy, while the sound is dull and often muffled. Enemy AI is average and groups of enemies all scramble around as individuals as opposed to working to any group dynamic. If you really want a challenge then SoF2 supports up to 12 players via system link on Xbox Live.

Despite being a huge single-player game there really isn't much here to elevate SoF2 above the average--this could have been a great chance to rework and improve on what was a great PC game, but it turns out to be a missed opportunity. --Chris Ryan

The game parallels the motion picture's storyline, steering you through a progression of challenges that begin with the hunt for Uncle Ben's murderer, and ends with a final showdown with the Green Goblin. You begin as Peter Parker dressed in his wrestling costume and must defeat a variety of thugs throughout each level before advancing to the next set of challenges. The game gets progressively tougher as you encounter in turn Shocker, the Vulture, Scorpion and, of course, the Green Goblin.

Visually, Spider-Man is a treat: cityscapes unfold in realistic detail and are enhanced by sunlight shining between buildings; cut scenes offer seamless animation; interiors are painstakingly recreated; and Spider-Man and his enemies are well rendered, moving about the screen in clean fashion. As an added bonus, most characters are voiced by their movie counterparts, and the training mode features the sarcastic wit of Evil Dead star Bruce Campbell. --Larry White