Although this game is rated a 12 (because of some bad language in the excellent thrash metal soundtrack) it is a lot easier to play than the other 12+ game I tried, Pirates Of The Caribbean.

In Downhill Jam you assume the role of ace skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and either compete in races against other skaters or solo in timed slalom events. The races vary from short sprints to longer 3 minute races through the streets of various worldwide cities. There are numerous training pages which show you how to perform all the skating tricks (ollies, fakies, madonnas (?), rail slides and grinds, and you score more points for executing the harder tricks. Each race is timed and if you finish in the top 3 you get a medal and points. The more points you accumulate the more extra scenes you unlock.

You also get the chance to kick and punch your rivals and innocent bystanders! It is an easy game to master and we all found it addictive, even The Curly One who kept crashing into cars and trams. I have asked Father Christmas for this game and hope he delivers!

Unlike the Wii Sports (below), you take on the guise of a proper golfer for this game, anyone from Tiger himself to Annika Sorenstram, or create your own player in snazzy shorts and day-glo shirt. There is too much practice involved before you get to the actual game and Sam and I found it tedious.

The game itself is OK, you can select from 18 top courses and choose the level of difficulty. My first try was on 'easy' at St andrews and I shot 63. My next attempt at Pebble Beach ended with the machine turned off in frustration. God knows what 'difficult' is like! The club selection mode is good and accurate but the putting is rubbish. If you're left with a 50 foot putt there is not enough power to reach the hole no matter how hard you swing. We rented this game for £2.60 with a view to buying the 2008 version but will think seriously before forking out £40.

An excellent game that comes with most consoles. The boxing is far too energetic for me but Sam The Man loves
it. My favourites are the bowling (top score 246) and golf. The more you play he higher your Wii character is ranked
and the aim is to reach the professional standard. It's a
very addictive game. Very good for a starter and easy to understand and play.

Score: 9                           Reviewed by: Leeds + Proud