Pure

When I was 17, I got my first PC. With it, I got my first PC game - Microsoft's Monster Truck Madness. It was fantastic - I absolutely loved it. I loved how when you crashed, you could call in the massive helicopter to take you back to the track. I loved the way that if you drove off the track, you could just drive and drive and drive, without being forced back onto the track. I loved the way you could type in a cheat, and your Monster Truck would turn into a T Rex. It was all fantastic fun, but, you know, if I were to boot it up now, I would think it was absolutely rubbish - poor graphics, poor gameplay - poor game full stop.

My curiosity was aroused at the prospect of playing Pure, an ATV quad bike racing game. I downloaded the demo from the PlayStation Network and started it up.

The demo consists of a training mode, which you need to complete (which is handy, because you can get used to the controls), followed by a three lap circuit around Lake Garda, Italy. The controls are simple - accelerate using X. When approaching a hill, pull down on the left analogue stick, and then push up when at the crest of the hill (in the same manner that a trick is performed in EA's Skate). To perform a trick, press X. Then, a 'Trick Meter' is filled - you can then progress to pressing triangle to perform a trick, or circle to perform a trick. You can also forfeit your trick meter by boosting - i.e., using boost will drain the boost meter, but not by a considerable amount. When the trick meter is full, pressing L2 and R2 will unleash a special trick.

Once I had mastered the controls (it is very easy to do so), I was ready for Lake Garda. I was pleased to see that there were 8 racers in the game - it's no fun racing on your own

.

The game is very fast paced, and it is often difficult to realise where the track is going, particularly as in a few places there are forks in the track. There are some fantastic drops, giving the gamer ample opportunity to perform more than one trick per jump.

Playing the game, you feel as if you really are in control of a quad bike, and the feeling of speed is fantastic. Graphically, the game is a work of art - the visuals are stunning, and even though the majority of the time the scenery passes at a blur, there are moments - like when you are soaring through the air - that you can actually take in the breath-taking surroundings.

The three laps that you participate in are frenetic, no doubt about it. The tricks that you can perform are great, but if you don't land properly, the trick doesn't count. Also, repeat tricks are a no no - you've got to keep it original.

Of course, there are more advanced tricks to perform - depending on the direction that you press, as well as the combo of buttons that you press.

I was a bit disappointed that I came in first place on my first attempt, but to be honest it was such a struggle that I enjoyed it - I actually feel that I deserved to come in first, not that I breezed over the finish line way ahead of my opponents.

Overall review: 8/10

Would I buy this game? Most probably.

Will you buy this game? It's up to you, but here's the Amazon link:

Comments, as always, more than welcome.

WALL•E

I must admit, I was skeptical about this game. I downloaded it, played it for five minutes, and gave it up as a pile of trash.

But then I reasoned with myself - I hadn't even bothered checking what the controls were, I hadn't given it long enough, and I had been a bit annoyed that the opening cut scene couldn't be skipped.

So, arming myself with knowledge of the controls, giving myself half an hour, and planning to have a snooze during the opening scene, I tried the demo again.

My first impressions are that the graphics are really, really good - despite my rubbish TV (Donate to my HDTV cause just over there --->!). Just the shiny floor and WALL.E's tyre tracks amazed me - I know, simple things and all that.

I knew now how to jump and how to construct boxes. These two moves are really intrinsic to the game - for example, some areas are only accessible by keeping hold of the jump button, and using yellow magnetic surfaces to get from one area to another. You need to construct boxes to power up Vendor points that will then allow access to other areas, or turn on objects that you need to use.

MO, a little robot that chases WALL.E around, does get a bit annoying - it's constantly trying to box WALL.E up, but a well thrown box to the head sorts him out - for a while.

I actually found the demo quite engrossing. I haven't yet seen the film, as it doesn't really appeal, and that's how I felt about this game. But I found the demo took me about half an hour - partly because I was exploring, partly because some parts I found a bit difficult!

Would I buy this game? Not at the moment. But if I've got a spare tenner in my pocket, and I see it in the shops, then yeah, I wouldn't hold back.

My overall rating? 6/10.

I would definitely recommend downloading the demo from the PSN and giving it a go - and if you do, make sure you pick up Buzz Lightyear, lurking in the level!

Your comments are welcome!