Ready to rumble

Nintendo 64, £59.99

Nintendo 64, £59.99

Lylatwars, or Star Fox 64 as it is known in the US, is the fastest selling console game in North America with more than 750,000 copies sold within a month of its launch.

Being the sequel to the classic SNES title Star Wing would have helped boost sales, but Lylatwars is set to make a name for itself. Not least because of its compatibility with the Rumble Pak which is included free with the game. This adds another dimension to the gameplay. Every time you are fired on, crash, brake or use the turbo boost, the Rumble Pak (which slots into the base of your standard controller) shakes in your hands.

In the game you are ace fighter pilot Fox McLoud and you and your wingmen must battle through the Lylat solar system to stop the evil Dr Andros from taking over the universe.

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Lylatwars is all about fantastic gameplay: swooping though brilliantly designed levels, watching and listening to your wingmen, taking on enemy craft and trying to collect as many power-ups and bonuses as you can, is great fun.

There is also a host of secret areas to be found, so when you have finished the game it has only really begun. The better you are at the game the harder it gets.

Unlike its predecessor, there are stages in the game where you have absolute control over where you fly and this "All Range Mode" is a real enhancement to proceedings.

Lylatwars is an absolute must for N64 owners, whether you played the original or not.

Graphics: 925, Sound: 88%, Gameplay: 93%Games news

With Christmas fast approaching, Sony Computer Entertainment Ireland has struck a pre-emptive blow by re-releasing its PlayStation. This latest offer will include two controllers, a memory card, new demo disc and, of course, the console itself, all for £129.99.

STILL on the PlayStation theme, Sony is planning a countrywide tour for registered owners and general customers. This "PowerNation Tour" will have challenges, competitions and possibly a few freebies. If you are interested in taking part go along to your nearest retailer for more info on tickets. The dates and venues are as follows:

Tuesday: Jury's Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick. Wednesday: Corrib Great Southern Hotel, Dublin Road, Galway. Friday: Inex Conference Centre, 106 University St, Belfast. November 3rd: Mount Errigal Hotel, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, Donegal. November 4th: Temple Bar Music Centre, Curved St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. November 5th: Cork Opera House, Emmet Place, Cork.

Virgin Top Ten Games

This week's 10 top-selling Sony PlayStation games at Virgin Megastore are:

1) Formula 1 97 - £49.99

2) Abe's Oddysee - £44.99

3) Nuclear Strike - £39.99

4) V Rally - £44.99

5) Lost World - £39.99

6) Parappa The Rappa - £29.99

7) Actua Golf 2 - £39.99

8) Tomb Raider - £44.99

9) International Superstar Soccer - £44.99

10) Micro Machines V3 - £34.99

Address any correspondence to Game Zone, The Irish Times, 1315 D'Olier St, Dublin 2 or alternatively by E-Mail to GAMES@IRISH-TIMES.IE