World Championship Snooker 2004

The snooker game, something of a niche genre amidst the racing and beat-em-up masses, has been around since the early days of gaming and has had continual support from numerous developers. But in recent years, the most prolific developer is seen to be UK-based Codemasters. The company's World Championship Snooker games have been massively popular with fans of the sport, and the series is continuing to evolve with World Championship Snooker 2004 on Xbox.

Like those to go before it, WCS 2004 gives players the opportunity to compete in every tournament of the 03/04 season. These comprise of the LG Cup, British Open, UK Championships, European Open, Welsh Open, Irish Masters, The Masters and of course the World Championships. Familiar snooker arenas, including the Crucible Theatre, have also been included, rendered complete with detailed snooker tables and audiences.

Players have also been given a facelift. Characters now accurately represent their real life counterparts and they also move and take shots in a more realistic fashion.

As ever, ball physics remain convincing, helping to immerse players in a believable game, and there's even an updated trickshot mode for the more casual gamer.

Then there's Xbox Live! WCS 2004's online capabilities are what make this instalment stand out from the crowd. Connecting to the Microsoft service through broadband, players can now partake in specially designed online championships in a bid to take the crown of virtual snooker champion. It's arguably the most addictive aspect of this latest offering and boosts the longevity of the snooker game no end.

It's easy to see why Codemasters has little competition - WCS 2004 is undoubtedly the best there is.