Hi-fi comes to the PC

In today's paper, read a review of the speccy new soundcard from Creative, the X-Fi. Oooh, 51 million transistors, 24 times more powerful than the last one, etc. Effectively, it means your games, video and music should sound a whole lot better. My favourite feature has to be the pseudo-surround effect with headphones.

In games, F.E.A.R (PC) blends Japanese horror with frenetic firefights for an exhilarating FPS. The developers could have played up the frights a bit more but thanks to the cunning AI, there's never a dull moment. SSX On Tour (PS2/Xbox/PSP) is a triumphant return for the snowboarding series - all-new courses and easier tricks make for a enjoyable ride.

Moving down the rungs of the quality ladder, FIFA 2006 for PSP plays well enough but tiny graphics and an unfinished feel make it a poor second to World Tour Soccer. Kudos for the online multiplayer, though. Finally, Dead to Rights II (PS2/Xbox) is a game that's arrived five years too late - it's dumb, lazy and dull.