THE world is about to go football mad yet again with the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, so this week's selection of games is led on to the pitch by 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile, for flight sim fans there's a Second World War epic Jane's Attack Squadron for PC CD-Rom.

2002 FIFA World Cup -- PS2

Also available on PS1, XBox, GameCube, PC CD-Rom

£39.99 -- Out now

THE England manager is embroiled in scandal and half of his players are in plaster, which can only mean one thing -- there is a World Cup on the way, which also means some new footy games to blunt your thumbs with.

The official game of the tournament is 2002 FIFA World Cup. It comes complete with authentic renditions of the stadia and teams involved in this year's finals.

There is a quick start mode that lets you dive straight into the action, but the single-player game is obviously centred on the World Cup mode. Pick a qualified team and it's straight into the tournament's group phase.

Our usual benchmark test for soccer videogames is a contest between the old rivals Germany and England, but this time we thought we'd see how our boys fare in the 2002 tournament's Group Of Death.

Things started predictably with a 0-0 draw against Sweden, leaving us with it all to do against Argentina. Victory was snatched from England's grasp in the dying seconds of the game, making the final match against Nigeria an even tougher prospect.

England romped home, finishing second in the group to face France, whom they spectacularly went on to beat in the next round. However, it all ended in farce with a 2-0 loss to Costa Rica in the quarter-finals.

So, on accurately simulating England's World Cup luck, there is no finer game than this offering from EA. As far as gameplay goes, there isn't much to separate it from FIFA 2002. Up to eight players can get stuck in with the necessary multi-tap adapters and the control system has barely changed.

First-time users will get the basics in minutes, while more accomplished FIFA gamers have plenty to get their teeth into.

The through ball passing system is brilliantly implemented, and players can swerve their shots and passes for added accuracy. You can even juggle the ball with your feet to trick your way past defenders, or just to show off.

It would be an extravagant purchase for anyone who already owns FIFA 2002, but we don't think that's going to stop it from flying off the shelves as the World Cup approaches.

Rating: 86% (RA)

Jane's Attack Squadron

PC CD-Rom

£29.99 -- Out now

DESPITE the humble sounding name, Jane's Information Group commands immense respect from those in the know about all things military.

Simulations bearing their name have developed a similar reputation. Jane's Attack Squadron is the latest and possibly the classiest.

It's the Second World War and Hitler's forces are dominating Europe. Britain stands as an isolated beacon of hope, and the Allies are hatching their plans for retaking the Continent.

Attack Squadron lets you take control of 14 aircraft split among the RAF, USAF and Luftwaffe, either in individual missions or the main Campaign Mode.

Novices benefit from a selection of training missions, which take you through the basics.

Landing an aircraft is tough, aiming a bomb is even tougher -- and sinking ships is practically impossible. But, as with all simulators, sustained practise eventually reaps its rewards.

Attack Squadron is packed with detail and bursting with atmosphere. Each plane has a cockpit which you can look around using your joystick's hat switch, while on bombing missions you can hit the autopilot and man your craft from a gunning station or the bomb-bay.

For a challenging simulation set against the backdrop of the greatest aerial conflict in history, look no further than Jane's Attack Squadron.

Rating: 84% (RA)

New Doom is on the way

DOOM III appears to be edging ever closer. Producers ID will debut their latest first-person shooter at this month's E3 games expo in America. There's still no word as to when it will be released.

Civ III add-on

INFOGRAMES will release an add-on pack for Civ III this autumn. "Play the World" will include full multi-player support, eight additional civilisations and new map and terrain features.

Next week...

GET ready for some cartoon mayhem next week when we'll be reviewing Cel Damage for Microsoft XBox.

VIDEO GAME CHART

1 (-) Star Wars Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II -- Gamecube

2 (5) Fifa World Cup 2002 -- PS2

3 (-) Luigi's Mansion -- GameCube

4 (-) Super Monkey Ball -- GameCube

5 (-) Final Fantasy 6 -- PSX

6 (3) Halo Combat Evolved -- XBox

7 (1) LMA Manager 2002 -- PS2

8 (2) Sims On Holiday -- PC CD-Rom

9 (6) Grand Theft Auto 3 -- PS2

10 (7) Gran Turismo 3 -- PS2

Supplied by Virgin