Episode 2

On a winter-warming edition of Thumb Bandits, the team hails the UK launch of the Xbox with a passionate deep dive into its killer app, Halo: Combat Evolved, praising its smart AI, epic ringworld setting, and chaotic co-op combat. The news desk covers PlayStation 2 online trials featuring Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3, a military game deal from Andy McNab, and a Tomb Raider-themed ride at Kings Island. Reviews spotlight strategy title Battle Realms, while a retro throwback revisits the console clash between the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Sega Master System. In the jury’s sports showdown, Pro Evolution Soccer beats out NBA Live 2002 and Cricket 2002, while previews tease Mike Tyson Heavyweight Boxing and high-speed racer Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions.