Starfighter for the PC tries to steer a tricky path between being enough of a flight simulator and enough of a shoot 'em up to keep dads happy.

It succeeds at the latter all the time but whether there is enough depth to make you want to play it over again is doubtful.

The average 11-year-old should love it anyway.

The attention to detail is superb. It has an excellent storyline and the flying is challenging. Other games may do it as well, or even better, but other games aren't set in the Star Wars universe.

A word of warning: Controlling your ship becomes frustrating if you don't invest in a game pad or joystick to go with the game - otherwise, Obi Wan is your only hope.

Starfighter is set during the Phantom Menace/Attack Of The Clones Star Wars universe. Everything about the look of the game is good: Graphics, sound and cinematic transitions.

But you need the Force to be with you just to stay on top of the range of ship controls.

With your trusty R2 unit riding pillion and chipping in with the odd encouraging beep, you can set off into the infinite black of space or fly bombing missions over alien worlds.

Your mission is to defend the beleaguered planet Naboo from the evil Trade Federation and you have the choice of three ships and three characters to help you. There are 14 missions to fly but irritatingly you need to pass basic training before the adventure proper.

Price: £29.99.

Contact: www.lucasarts.com
Feel good factor: 8 out of 10.