Syphon Filter was, for me, one of the best games of last year. It may have looked a bit scruffy compared to the likes of Metal Gear Solid, but it had bags of gameplay, an intuitive control system and an impressive selection of weapons and gadgets to get to grips with. These elements are all present in the sequel and the levels are even more varied and challenging.

Not much has been done to improve the game graphically, although more attention has been paid to the FMV cut scenes this time around. The plot is just as engaging as the original but the emphasis is on the gameplay, as it should be. A lot of the levels require a more stealthy approach this time which break up the shoot-everything-that-moves levels quite nicely.

The major difference is the inclusion of a two-player mode, which boasts a decent number of locations and characters (more of which can be unlocked via the one-player game). The best way to play this is to rig up a blind which separates the two halves of the TV screen (a great big cardboard box folded flat will do it) so that you can`t see what your opponent is doing. Sounds like a lot of hassle, I know, but believe me there`s nothing that gets the adrenaline pumping more than stalking your hapless chum, targeting him in a headshot then watching him drop like a sack of spuds as you squeeze the trigger. A fantastic must-have game for all fans of action-adventure games.