World Snooker Championship 2007 review

On the mic, John Virgo and Steve Davis make a surprisingly good job of analysing your shots, offering polite nudges in the right direction with comments like, "I'm sure he'll play a defensive shot here," or urging you to check out other possibilities.

There's the odd mistake when the engine totally misreads what's going on, but that's forgivable when it's not just the general analysis that's so good but also the atmosphere created with whimsical asides about ordering a curry in if you're taking too long over your shot, or chipping in with facts and trivia. It's just like on the telly, which is about as high an accolade as you can award commentary.

Above: You can compete on Xbox Live, of course, adding fresh challenge each time

World Snooker Championship 2007 is a hypnotic title and once you get your teeth into it, the hours will slide by - but there are some issues, especially when you consider its recommended street price is 50 notes. Now, if you're a savvy buyer you'll pick it up for forty quid, possibly less. But it's still quite a steep price tag for what's on offer here.