HANDHELD GAMES TO KEEP YOU AMUSED THIS YEAR. YES, IT'S A PREVIEW...

GAME: TRAUMA CENTER: UNDER THE KNIFE
Genre: Sim, Fantasy
By: Nintendo
Machine: Nintendo DS

Possibly the most fun we've had playing with people's guts since Mortal Kombat 2. You are Derek Stiles, a surgeon in training who then finds that he has a special gift called 'the healing touch', which he uses to fight a deadly virus devouring the people of the city.

It's basically a surgery sim, much like Operation was in board game land, so imagine that, but in video game land, complete with over the top storyline, special abilities and far more to do. An absolute gem, and it's out in March.



GAME: STREET FIGHTER ALPHA 3 MAX UPPER
Genre: Fighting
Machine: PSP
By: Capcom

One of the greatest fighters ever made, now on PSP. The d-pad is still a turd for fighters and whether or not Capcom releases the d-pad attachment that's coming in Japan, remains to be seen. Regardless, if you can handle fighting games on your PSP, then you need this game in your life. Wi-Fi multiplayer modes now include two new modes and improved four player 'Dramatic Battle' and 'Tag' modes (see the Capcom 'VS' series for how this works). It's out this Feb, so keep a look out for it.

GAME: SNOWBOARD KIDS
Genre: Boarding
Machine: Nintendo DS
By: Rising Star Games

If you're bored of Mario Kart and want another whacky racer to adorn your favourite handheld, then this looks like it'll be the one for you.

Combining an SSX tricky-inspired stunt system and the Mario Kart power-up system, the game sees you doing 'laps' on a mountain against a number of other boarders in aim of becoming the best. You use the points you earn to unlock new items and options and the game can be played over wi-fi LAN with four players going head to head.

We got through the first three levels and found ourselves very hooked indeed. It's out in March, so we'll review it proper closer to the time. For now, our impressions of the game are highly favourable.

GAME: PILOT ACADEMY
Genre: Racing
Machine: PSP
By: Rising Star Games

Pilotwings. Anyone remember it? Good, because Kuju will be banking on that for you to notice this game. It's basically an arcade-style plane sim game. By arcade style I mean simple to control and get into, and by sim, I mean deep, but not boring or overly complex to control.

You have two career paths - military and civilian, with military being all the 'shoot and destroy' style missions and civilian being more varied with Taxi missions and photography missions.

Challenge Mode was the one that got our attentions however, where missions involved flying through hoops, doing stunts through cities (going vertical between two buildings) and other, more fun-orientated stuff like AIRPLANE FOOTBALL. Yes, you read that right. And it's ace.

It's currently planed for April release this year, though personally, I hope they hold it back and add some multiplayer options related to the Challenge Mode, as the game has the potential to be one of the best multiplayer titles out there.