Computer games

Lego Indiana Jones: the Original Adventures Wii, Xbox 360, PC, PS2, PS3, DS, Activision, 29.99-39.99

Creating video games that eschew super-lifelike characters in favour of Lego figures might sound like madness but, as Activision discovered with its best-selling series of Lego Star Wars titles, it's much closer to genius. The winning formula has now been replicated with everyone's favourite - if somewhat elderly - archaeologist. The action draws on the first three Indiana Jones films and, as before, it's all about playing through a fun-filled environment, solving puzzles and collecting lumps of Lego. It's easy to pick up and play and very engrossing. *****

Ninja Gaiden 2 Xbox 360, Tecmo, 44.99

Fans of the classy action series will want to savour every last level of this game (right), which is billed as the final Ninja Gaiden. Newcomers should be warned, though, that it's tricky to play, with near-impossible battles that will seem as disheartening as they are bloody. However, some changes to the formula make the game's harshness a little easier to cope with. There are more save points and ninjas can heal themselves if their wounds aren't too deep. It's still not easy, but fans will relish the challenge. ****

Pangya! Golf with Style Wii, Nintendo, 39.99

Given that the original American PC game costs nothing - that's right, nada - the 40 quid price tag on this Wii version might give fans due cause to balk. However, if the Wii Sports golf section left you gagging for more time on the green, there's plenty to like about Pangya!, a title that is as unashamedly quirky and upbeat as the exclamation mark suggests. Traditional golfing action is joined by rounds that involve bursting balloons or using a virtual crayon to scrawl on the sky. It's fun, even if it's not free. ***

Soul Bubbles DS, Eidos, 29.99

Soul Bubbles is a puzzle game, strictly speaking, but labelling it thus barely begins to describe this DS oddity. The game invites players to draw bubbles to contain the souls of animals, and then spirit them through numerous levels to safety, away from sharp objects and the pecking of crows. Blowing on the screen and tapping bubbles to make them shrink are both vital skills to develop, and exploring every level properly is a must. Similar in tone to the PSP's frankly bonkers LocoRoco, Soul Bubbles is an imaginative and genuinely charming title. ****

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