Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire

This hardware-only release might not be in the same league as the excellent X-Wing or TIE Fighter, but that's not to say that the game should be ignored.

The graphics, music and sound effects are so buffed it's almost like being there, and when the music kicks in it's almost impossible for any Star Wars fan to stop the hairs on the back of their neck from rising. Those used to the freedom and attention to detail found in X-Wing TIE Fighter might find the game lacking in the brains department; suffice to say that Shadows Of The Empire is essentially just another arcade-style shoot 'em up, albeit a very pretty and polished one.

If you're Star Wars mad and have to own everything to do with Han, Luke, Chewy and co, you'll probably be impressed enough with Shadows, but if you crave the depth of the excellent TIE Fighter you'll probably be left wanting more. One for your little brother, it's more like Rebel Assault than Jedi Knight.