When I was working at the Scunthorpe Telegraph I bought my first games console – an Xbox. However, the games were relatively expensive for someone on a trainee reporter’s wage.

So a way around this was to get review copies of games and feature them in the paper.

On the plus side I got to play a wider variety of games than I would have otherwise. And you will find the origin of the now well-known Far Cry series.

Having said that when I later got married my wife showed me the error of my ways and I am now very much a dedicated Sony PlayStation devotee.

Also remember that these reviews were from 2005 and while I was impressed with the graphics at the time they have progressed in leaps and bounds in the years since then – when you are playing a game these days it is also like watching a film.

Thief: Deadly Shadows

THIS game can not be described as a shoot ’em up, as the aim is not to be seen as you sneak your way around a medieval city.

You play Garrett, the greatest thief who ever lived, and spend most of the time skulking in the shadows.

There is a handy jewel at the bottom of the screen which glows brighter the more visible you become, and indicating how easily you can be spotted.

You will have to use all your roguish skills to hide, sneak, ambush, assassinate, crawl, climb, spy, fight, sabotage and gradually uncover a sinister secret which lies within the city’s walls.

The graphics have been refined and are now more convincing and look much slicker than in the previous two versions of this game.

You can easily switch between first and third person – looking through Garrett’s eyes, or watching him in action.

It is all combined with dramatic lighting to give the game a dark, brooding menace and plenty of places to hide.

The city is populated with smart guards, who will be on to you if you slip up. But do not worry: You do have an impressive arsenal of thieves’ tools and one or two tricks up your sleeve to get you out of trouble.

Thief: Deadly Shadows is well worth checking out – it’s a steal. (Eidos; formats: Xbox and PC DVD)

8/10.

From the Scunthorpe Telegraph on Thursday, July 22, 2004.

Far Cry Instincts

THIS game had the best promotional material I had seen in a long while – I thought I’d won a holiday to the Jacutan archipelago which sounded idyllic.

It came complete with a miniature Rough Guide and the blurb spoke of white sands and warm blue seas lapping on the shore.

But as I read on, there were pictures of some serious weaponry and some vehicles not normally found at the airport car hire.

The PC Action Game of the Year 2004 has been re-imagined for consoles by Ubisoft’s Montreal Studio.

You are Jack Carver, a Hemingway-like figure, veteran smuggler, gun runner, hard drinker and womaniser, in this first-person shooter.

You have just taken your boat to the archipelago, find it overrun with elite mercenaries, and you have to rely on all your survival skills.

This game takes a bit of getting into as you learn the various survival techniques, explore your new territory and avoid being discovered.

The graphics are a bit gory and it is recommended for those aged over 16. The animation is quite realistic but it is the usual story of getting used to different buttons to press.

Enjoy your trip, and send me a bloodstained postcard! (Ubisoft. Xbox and Xbox Live)
8/10

Myst V: End of Ages

WITH more than 14-million copies sold worldwide in the series to date this final instalment brings the saga to a final conclusion.

Already regarded as the pinnacle of adventure gaming, this version improves on the previous episodes.

You are required to decide the fate of a civilisation in this final chapter to the Myst saga, as you embark on an epic adventure into a shattered empire.

This game uses an easy system of point and click mouse commands to explore the Myst world.

And there is even a revolutionary slate system, which allows you to alter your environment and communicate with mysterious creatures to do your bidding.

There is a richer feel to the environment, with photo-realistic worlds brimming with life, weather, movement and mystery.

The point mouse commands are easy to use, as you explore your environment, and there are even puzzles to be solved, the likes of which have never been seen in the adventure gaming genre.

I found this difficult to get into to begin with, but it is worth persevering to get your final reward. (Ubisoft. PC/Mac)

7/10

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Lockdown

THIS latest addition to the growing Tom Clancy gaming empire is certainly very easy to play.

It’s set in the near future, in a world where terror has escalated to a new level – bioterrorism.

A global terrorist network has threatened to strike with a terrifying nanotech virus – but the target is uncertain.

Rainbow Six is an elite counter-terrorism unit and you are the leader – Ding Chavez – in this tactical game.

Alternatively you could take on the role of Dieter Weber, the team’s arrogant and relentless sniper, who never misses a target.

The team will do whatever it takes to protect its members and the millions of innocents threatened by radical terrorists.

This is a first person shooter, with the latest weaponry at your disposal, and there is the nice touch of subtle clues, such as creaking floorboards and hostages begging for their lives.

But be warned, the enemy gains an increased intelligence as the missions progress.

This is a very playable game and the graphics are quite convincing – a worthy addition to the Clancy dynasty. (Ubisoft, Xbox and PS2)

7/10

Total Overdose

THIS game has the feel of the films Desperado and Once Upon A Time In Mexico – it even has a guitar case full of guns.

Gamers are advised to down a couple of tequilas, don a sombrero and go undercover as El Gringo Loco. Ramiro Cruz.

This is a super-cool, tequila-fuelled, road-tripping rampage through Mexico’s gun-toting, drug-pushing underworld.

It follows the journey of twin brothers who go on the trail of their father’s killers and will track them down at any cost.

You can make use of a wide range of weapons and drive any vehicle, from hotrods and motorbikes to 18-wheelers and even tractors.

It is a third person shooter, which is quite playable as well as being enjoyable. but be warned you will wonder where the hours went.

Chilli Con Carnage! (Eidos, Xbox, PS2 and PC)

9/10

From the Scunthorpe Telegraph on Thursday, October 13, 2005.