IT'S probably not escaped your attention that the Electronic Entertainment Expo has just zipped by in an open-topped bus. While allegedly "normal" Digitiser on Channel 4 Teletext page 170 has covered the lion's share of what occurred at this Atlanta showcase for all things interactive, we have chosen this - the official Digitiser Website - to display our hoary picks of the show.

Though we cannot be sure what "hoary" means, without having to reach for a dictionary which is some two or three feet away, we bet it means something really great. This week we'll look at the best of what was on offer for the PlayStation.

METAL GEAR SOLID
We imagine Konami is starting to regret unveiling this game so long ago - people are getting sick to the lungs with seeing it demoed at trade shows, without actually getting to play it, let alone go into a shop to buy it.

Suffice to say, though, every time the game makes a public appearance it looks a little bit lovelier - somewhat like watching a German soldier circa World War One keep popping his head up out of his trench, and every time he does so he's added another layer of make-up. First foundation, then lipstick, then eyeshadow, and finally mascara.

Anyhow, the game is a sort of cross between Goldeneye and Tomb Raider and Resident Evil. Your character is required to infiltrate an enemy base as covertly as possible. Avoidance of tripwires, cameras and infra-red beams are just part of the fun. Alternatively, you could happily steam in there all guns blazing, setting off alarms left right and centre - the choice is yours.

FINAL FANTASY VIII
Both Sony and Square were keeping their cards close to their chests, with FFVIII, revealing only tiny snippets of actual gameplay on a videoscreen. However, only the boldest of idiots would argue that the game will fail to live up to its epic predecessor. Nicely, the Japanese version is being developed with us English speakers in mind, so the wait for a conversion won't be as painfully long as before.

TOMB RAIDER 3
The only one of our picks which was actually playable in any sort of finished form. Though dissenting voices may have raised questions over Tomb Raider's recently promoted status to bona-fide sequel, Digitiser has little doubt that Core will ensure we're all surprised when it arrives in November.