New game plan for 2002

BBC Sport Online reviewer David Gibbon looks ahead to the top sporting games due for release this year, in the first of a two-part preview.

After a hugely successful 2001, the year ahead looks set to be even better for games players.

Sports fans will encounter some real stunners in 2002 - and with the Nintendo GameCube and the Microsoft Xbox set for launch in the Spring there will be more to enjoy than ever.

Here we take a look at the first six months of the year and discover what's in store in the world of video games:

January

This month sees the release of official Winter Olympics game, Salt Lake 2002.

It's all downhill with Salt Lake 2002.

Published by Eidos Interactive for the PlayStation 2 and PC, it features 16 countries and six events, including slalom skiing and bobsleigh.

It is also boasts impressive-looking visuals, TV-style presentation and game modes such as Olympic, Classic, Tournament and Freeform.

Salt Lake 2002, out on the 11th, should do very well indeed, although shivering Britons may be sick of snow by then!

February

Hopefully the white stuff will have disappeared by the time EA Sports release Cricket 2002 for the PS2 on the first of this month.

All 10 Test-playing teams are featured, along with five bonus all-time squads.

Easily the best looking cricket game for a long time, it includes Test matches, one-dayers and World Cup action.

The 22 realistic stadia come complete with weather and day/night effects and you can even see the pitch wear during a Test match.

Howzat! Cricket 2002 should be a hit

Throw in the most intuitive bowling range ever seen on the small screen and you're on to a winner.

Also out in February is Sid Meier's Sim Golf for the PC, which has you designing golf resorts, holding tournaments and keeping your guests happy.

Sim Golf will face stiff competition from EA's Tiger Woods PGA 2002. Released for PC on 22 February (PS2, 25 March), this looks set to be the ultimate game for the serious golf fan.

March

The first titles for Microsoft's Xbox appear in this busy month.

Things kick off with EA's latest boxing game, Knockout Kings 2002 (8 March) - which is also released for PS2 the same day.

Offering a brand new game engine, the firm claims boxers will move with the speed and agility of their real-life counterparts.

Already looking superb visually thanks to fully updated graphics, the game offers 10 venues and all the top stars.

Also out on 8 March are Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 for Xbox (GameCube 14 March; Game Boy 28 March), NHL 2002 and SSX Tricky.

Knockout Kings 2002 is aiming to be the champ

And let's not forget Eidos are releasing their ultra-brilliant Championship Manager 2001/2002 for the Xbox this month - the first time the game has ever appeared on a console!

The PS2 will also see some fantastic releases in March, including Matt Hoffman's Pro BMX 2, Sled Storm 2, LMA Manager 2002 and - most important of all - International Superstar Soccer 2 from Konami. This one should be huge!

April

Codemasters pack a punch with one of their most important releases of the year: Mike Tyson Heavyweight Boxing.

Out on both PlayStation 2 and Xbox (Game Boy Advance, March), it will allow players to get in the ring with Tyson and face him from a third or first person viewpoint.

Also of note in April are Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup Challenge and his World Cup Manager, from Anco - both released for PS, PSone and PS2.

May

After failing to hit the jackpot with David Beckham Soccer in 2001, Rage are hoping his release on the PS2 and Xbox will bear greater fruits.

Essentially the same as the PSone game - which was neither here nor there - this one will come with updated visuals.

And you still get to learn how he manages to pull off those spectacular free kicks!

Driving ambition: TOCA Race Drive

Released around this time is Virtua Tennis 2 for the PS2. Undoubtedly the best tennis game ever on the Dreamcast - this should prove a smash.

June

TOCA Race Drive launches in June for the PC, PS2 and Xbox.

This is Codemasters' latest rally game in the best-selling series - and introduces a character-based narrative where you take on the career of a fictional rally driver.

Also out around June is WWF: Raw is War from THQ for the Xbox.