Let's play: World Snooker Championship 2005

By Michael Cunliffe

Sega returns with an updated version World Snooker Championship 2005, just in time for the real event.

WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP 2005 Format: PS2/Xbox/PC Price: £39.99 Publisher: SEGA Genre: Snooker simulation

So, if you fancy taking on more than 100 superstars of the modern game from the comfort of your own living room, this is the game for you!

Not only is World Champion Ronnie O'Sullivan ready to meet you on the green baize, there are plenty of past champions you can unlock in the Champions' Trophy as well.

And, you can take them on anywhere - from the Crucible Theatre, home of the World Snooker Championship, to the more relaxed surroundings of a local pool hall!

The graphics have been improved from the 2004 version, and World Snooker Championship 2005 even allows you to enter yourself into the fray, as you create your own character when you start the game.

As you'd expect, the controls have been improved as well, so it's fairly easy to pick up the game as a beginner. The aiming aid has been upgraded, while use of the analogue control system gives you better judgment of shot power.

However, you're not going to become Rocket Ronnie overnight. Like the real thing, if you want to reach the top you are going to have to put in the hours honing your skills.

It may be easy to make a few pots, but putting together a decent break takes time and patience and it can prove frustrating to start off with - especially when your opponent pounces on your mistakes to clean up the table!

This is where Dennis Taylor comes in handy! The former World Champion pops up in the coaching section to give you tips while you play a frame.

Before you head off to try and qualify for one of the number of top tournaments available, you can take on whoever you please in an exhibition game.

One word of advice, though - do this with the sound off as the music is atrocious!

It flits between two songs, one of which is a remix of the BBC's classic snooker theme, but even that gets too much after a while!

VERDICT Graphics: 86% Playability: 80% Sound: 70% Lastability: 82% Overall: 84%

During tournament matches, in-game commentary is provided by Steve Davis, John Virgo and John Parrott. They offer advice pre-shot and usually pour scorn on your bad shot selection after you've failed to set yourself up for that easy pink!

In terms of longevity the game offers plenty to unlock in the way of players, along with videos for playing certain shots, like doubles or plants, for the first time.

You can also play pool, both 8-ball and 9-ball varieties, billiards and the very bizarre bar billiards should you fancy something different.

World Snooker Championship 2005 is as close as you can get to playing the real thing, it's an excellent game and the graphics and animations are superb.

But, it requires a lot of playing time to succeed at the highest level and this may put a few people off. Definitely one for the die-hards!