All games are created equal, unless that game happens to be Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2.

Electronic Arts has released PlayStation 2, Game Cube and Xbox versions but the PS 2 version, developed by EA Black Box, leaves the other two, developed by EA Seattle, on the starting line.

The PS 2 version is the turbo-charged big brother in this race, which is odd when you consider it's the least powerful of the next generation consoles.

Regardless of console, the game is an arcade racer with a twist. The championship mode provides standard racing, while the hot pursuit mode finds you running police road blocks and evading capture by any means possible.

To make things more complicated, the law has developed a new weapon -

explosive barrels, which can be used in roadblocks or dropped by helicopters.

Both modes feature a 30 race tree and while you don't have to win every race to finish the game you do if you want to unlock every car and course.

The courses are varied, mixing long straights and twisty corners with a range of short cuts. Hot Pursuit 2 has about as much in common with real-life driving as Gareth Gates has with soulful singing but it's fast and fun.

While all versions are good the PlayStation 2 version has more horses under the bonnet and is a worthy competitor to Acclaim's Burnout 2.

Price: £39.99
Contact: www.ea.com
Feel good factor: 8 out of 10 (PS2), 7 out of 10 (GC and Xbox)