Sled Storm for the PlayStation 2 features snow mobiles and has been designed to mirror the over-the-top feel of the EA series which includes the hit SSX Tricky.

There are time attack, single race and multiplayer modes but the main focus of the game is championship mode where success enables players to unlock additional characters, sleds and courses.

New players can select from three characters out of eight, each with different attributes and skills. The others become available as you achieve certain goals.

After selecting a rider, players must select a sled.

You are limited to one "level one" sled until you succeed in unlocking other, more advanced machines. The same applies to the courses.

Basic controls are easy to learn, including accelerate, brake, turbo-boost and buttons which enable you to perform tricks. Powersliding, which can be critical to winning a race, is more difficult to learn and will cause many a crash for novices.

Worse, inconsistent collision detection, can spoil the game. Your rider can sometimes survive a full-speed collision but in other situations you might "crash and burn" doing only a few miles per hour along a main section of track. It can be very frustrating near the end of a race.

Artificial intelligence means the other computer-controlled riders react to how well you drive. If you are lagging behind, they will start to slow down but if you are leading, they will be right behind you, waiting for you to make a mistake.

This makes the game more challenging and means the last lap will almost always feature a nail-biting finish but it can be frustrating to ride the perfect race only to find everyone else has too.

Gamers in need of a tough challenge will enjoy Sled Storm but it is more a storm in a teacup than a hurricane.

Price: £39.99.

Contact: www.ea.com
Feel good factor: 7 out of 10.