WDL - Thundertanks (PS2)

This is arena combat at its best as player(s) attempt to better their opponents by meeting pre-determined goals that range from capturing flags from the enemy to scoring the highest number of kills in a given time limit. Though straightforward, actually finding the objectives can be occasionally problematic, providing the only real gripe about this title; it would have been better if the goals were more clearly marked, leaving the players to concentrate on the biggest part of the game, namely reducing the opposition to small heaps of molten metal.

Controls are nicely intuitive and those with dual analogue controllers can steer their instrument of destruction with the left controller while rotating the turret with the right--an interesting touch which allows for movement in one direction while firing somewhere else.

The range of weaponry gives cause for celebration with some truly ridiculous power-ups including guided missiles and random air strikes.

WDL Thundertanks isn't going to win any awards for originality, but what it does try, it does very well. This is a great example of how to create a PlayStation action title that can hold the attention for two minutes or two hours. Oh, and it's also great fun.-James Gordon

I'm a big fan of these types of games - Twisted Metal, Rogue Trip and er...well, the others.

So how does WDL measure up to its forebears? Graphics wise it's not Timesplitters (and ultimately the two will be compared) but all in all it's not a bad effort: Detail on the tanks and the levels is OK. At times, the screen can be cluttered - although this leads to frenitic action multiplayer when the screen is filled with enemy tanks and you don't know who to shoot!

And it's the multiplayer where the game comes into its own. Four players with a variety of options - deathmatch, catch the flag etc. Again, it lacks the depth of Timesplitters in terms of levels, selectable stuff etc.

Sounds are big - especially the explosions, but you'll probably turn the volume down, since the commentary is quite repetitive.

It's the kind of game you'll either love or hate. In summary: buy it if you have lots of mates that like big guns and tanks (who doesn't after a few beers?). Avoid it if not.