4 slimline design. again packing a punch with a (i million megapixel camera with four times zoom.
If you just can’t leave your beloved il’od behind as you hit the hills. the Lillipod is just one of a variety of tough cases you can buy. Your misty shiny white machine is completely encased in a watertight. shock-proof hard shell. Another device that really could be life saving (but in a different way) is the ultra sleek lxion torch from Tango. waterproof to 20m and charged by a super swish induction power system for ten hours of charge at a time. Perfect for emergencies. Meanwhile. the Navman SportTool is the perfect companion for stats hungry ski junkies. This UPS performance measuring device
PLAY
10) Shockproof Watch. £6.99. www.iwantoneoflhose.com; 11) Techtrail Axis, £120, 0116 234 4644; 12) Olympus E Digital 800. £350, for full details 0800 072 0070; 13) Nokia 51401. prices vary
that‘s small enough to fit in your pocket comes in a special alpine skiing model that can gauge your maximum speed. current speed. distance covered (automatically excluding ski lifts). altitude. time date and more besides.
If you‘re away from home. information storage devices need to be as tough as possible when carrying important data. (‘ombine practicality with computer access with the Swissbit penknives. complete with either SlZMb or (i4.\'lb of memory storage. The l’NY ()utdoor Attache also offers a crash- proof. weather-proof ['88 3.0 storage device ranging from 136le to l(ib. and is ideal if you’re popping into internet cafes while abroad. If you’re unlucky enough to get caught under an avalanche while skiing. there's the near indestructible SanDisk (‘rti/er 'l‘itanium flash drive. (‘oated in a liquid titanium outer shell it can withstand 2.5(X)kg/sti in of pressure and it will also survive extremes of temperature from sub zero to tropical.
And if you really ltave money to burn why not splash otit on the Segway X'l‘. the off road. rough terrain version of the infainous human transporter. currently retailing with a free (iarmin e'l‘rex Legend (‘ (il’S unit. As they say it allows 'tlte rider to enjoy some extreme landscape travel without the discomfort'. ()r the exercise.
: 2: “’
TRAVEL
We've all soon thorn in the movies old frontier towns now left dry by the ravages of time as the each. desert and scorpions i'oclarin them. So if you ever fancied Visiting one of those authentic Vv’ostoiii towns hoio's a
Reviews
PC PSQIXBOX
THE SUFFERING: TIES THAT BIND (Midway) COO
The horror. The horror. lhe original Suffering had some lovely ideas. like reflecting the crimes of executed Villains in their hellish beyond tho grave undeatli. that made it stand out from tho horror crowd. Tho prison setting and tho insanity helped lift an average
action 'coinbat.» Et( lvontur o into a memorable and extremely Vicious nerve» shredder. Can we find that same Visceral magic in Ties That Bind? Well, not quite. This is more of tho same. and even though it all hangs together nicely and complements the story of tho first. there is something amiss. Perhaps it is the decision to abandon, at least partly. tho penitentiary for tho streets of Baltimore and diluting both the oppressive claustrophobia and the horrifyineg focussed Vision of retribution. there's still a rewarding and bloody adventure here. but tho initial shock value has faded. And while charting your character's morals. both Virtually and actually. is still hugely interesting. Ties That Bind never quite lifts its punctured carcass from the screen in tho same tho way its predecessor did. (lain Davulson)
PC
BLACK AND WHITE 2 (EA) 0000
It is rare that a big idea is truly fulfilled. applauded for ingenuity and invention yet riddled With inconsistericies and disappointment. But this is good. It allows development. refinement. improvement. Which is exactly what Black and White 2 is. The core is still that familiarly impressive God Sirn come - lamogochi experience that ignited the first. As all-powedul deity you must guide your people to greatness. often acting through your grant pet animal that develops right alongside your tribe. But now the growth of your peons more accurately reflects
your morality. Rule wrth an iron fist and none shall stand before your mighty empire. Reign With a kindly. enlightened touch and many will j()lll in peace and harmony. The choice is yours. It is almost pointless to highlight the bits of 8&W2 that have been improved as the game is simply a whole lot better throughout. The improvements are whole scale and Virtually Without flaw. But if you want to push. the pet Al is now spectacular and the improved strategic combat adds a new dimension. Black and White 2 is a big idea
COMICS
Ever thought there was a strange sexual and homoerotic subtext in the world of comics? Batman and Robin anyone? And here's reams and reams of ovrdence from the golden age of
finally reaching fulfilment. (lain DaVidsonl
PC
MYST V: END OF AGES (Ubisoft) 0000
It's been a long road lor‘ Myst. Not jtlSt in achievrng its genuinely unique place in gaming history. surViVing as a gently beautiful series of purely mental adventures among the
chaotic confusion of twitch combat and flash sports. And not Just in the backroom staff. wrth the team splitting then reforming to produce this final chapter. It's the story and world that have come a long way. Myst has depth other garnos cannot match. And characters that. as well as subtly guiding you through each pu//le. give emotional weight and contextual persistence normally unknown in digital ()tllOrtéilttllK-Htl. And End of Ages is no different. bringing the experience to an end, if not wrth a bang, then wrth a considered and fitting crescendo. lho ideas. challenges and controls are all still inventive and pleasing. The graphics. of which you have a choice. are still achineg picturesque. But it is that indefinablo Mystness shining so brightly that ensures End of Ages is such a treat for new players and old hands alike. (Iain Davidson)
comics that surely goes beyond innocent naivety. www.superdickery.com/seduction/ 1.html
directory complete with photos and maps. www.9hosttowngallery.com/
102 THE LIST ft l7 Nov 7005