SOME games require icecold nerves, others a lightningfast trigger finger.

The Muppets Party Cruise requires none of these but will have you howling with laughter at the antics of Kermit and the legendary Animal.

This is a funny title and if my memory serves me correctly, the first Muppets game to be released on the PS2 I have to say it's about time.

As you would expect, the story element of the game sees Miss Piggy and various fuzzy friends on board a cruise ship but the wrong cabins have been purchased so its up to you to get the puppet posse into first class.

To do this you must score your way through any one of 40 funfilled party games involving drum kits, unicycles and rotten tomatoes to name but a few.

It's simple score the points and move up a deck. The Long Cruise option has to be chosen to unlock all the minigames along the way to First Class and the whole thing pans out rather like a board game. You can even go for a stroll on deck to pick up hidden extras which will help your quest to reach the top deck.

You can take the short cruise and play any of the games at will providing they have been unlocked of course.

Younger gamers may find this title has good replay value but for the bigger kids out there like me this is probably one for when your mates come round after the pub on a Friday night to drink more beer and have a laugh.

But while sticking with the topic of elder gamers who really should grow up, take note not to let younger family and friends play you as the controls are so basic you could find yourself redfaced and defeated while the painful feeling of humiliation courses through your veins.

As you would expect with characters of this ilk, gameplay is pretty wacky to say the least and the graphics just about up to the task although the sound is a let down.

But this game is fun with a capital F which could have you and up to three mates battling it out into the wee hours.

Rating: 4/5

PHIL PHANTIS

Muppets Party Cruise on PS2.