WEEKEND: BYTE SIZE: New soccer game has really got me addicted; Review.

Byline: HELEN COTERILL & DAVID WARDALE

Pro Evolution Soccer 3 Konami, PlayStation 2 - pounds 39.99 Out November 7

HELLO, my name is David and I am a Pro Evolution Soccer addict.

I started doing PlayStation football about five years ago. Just for a bit of fun, you know. Nothing serious, just some FIFA '98 from EA Sports. It was OK, class B stuff really, but nothing I couldn't handle.

Until a mate gave me Pro Evolution Soccer and, well, it all spiralled out of control.

Now I'm on PES3 and the hit just gets better every time I use it.

Before, I used to simply buy and sell players for my club team on the Master League mode. Now, I can trade players to offset transfer costs or get someone on loan.

There are two-legged cup ties (away goals count double) and even Champions League and UEFA Cup-style tournaments.

I can win the World Cup with England. Or Turkey. I can play with classic teams of the past. I can even edit the players to ensure Beckham's latest hairstyle is in place atop his golden head.

Oh, and there's not a better multiplayer game on the PS2, there are loads of new player tricks, more club and international teams and a new shop feature that unlocks special strips, players and other features.

It's not all highs, mind. The commentary is more drab than ever and new users will have to put in the hours before they realise just how criminally good PES3 is.

But I don't care. This new version is sharper, more realistic and more satisfying than PES2 - and I thought that was the best game I had ever played.

I've got to go now. I need to go now. Not that I couldn't stop playing this game - if I wanted to. 9/10 David Wardale

Viewtiful Joe Capcom, Nintendo Game Cube - pounds 39.99 Out October 24

JOE'S a kid who loves going to movies but when his girlfriend gets kidnapped, it's time for him to don a tight red suit and become superhero Viewtiful Joe.

At first, this 2D platformer seems like just another punch-and-kick type game but you'll be pleasantly surprised. It won't take you long to realise that there's a little more to it than bashing the baddies.

Joe has the ability (via the game's VFX mode) to slow down or speed up - a feature which becomes very handy when dealing with such bizarre enemies as a skeletal cowboy, spinning robot ballerinas and a huge helicopter gun ship.

There are a few puzzles in the game which require the use of the VFX - levels are hard but never frustrating.

The thing which will grab your attention is the striking visuals. They are truly unique. Backgrounds are detailed with thick black lines - like a 1950s hand-drawn comic book.

Viewtiful Joe looks great, plays great and is a challenge. If you fancy something a bit different which is exclusive to the Game Cube then this is definitely for you. 9/10

Helen Coterill

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CAPTION(S):

REALISM: Pro Evolution Soccer 3 will soon have you hooked