2007's first volley of Platinum hits

Prepare for some blistered fingers as these molten Platinum games turn up the heat.

The Platinum range gives you the cream of the PS2 crop at a stunningly attractive price. These games have sold thousands and thousands of copies - so you know they're good - but are now at a price that's even kinder on your pocket. Now 2007 is upon us, the year kicks off with a bang as the fantastic Platinum range for PS2 swells to bursting point as another quality quartet steps up to be (dis)counted.

FORMULA ONE 06 Platinum

New drivers, new cars, new teams and new rules explode on to the tarmac as the one and only official game of the 2006 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP goes Platinum. Extensive driver aids mean that even F1 newcomers can challenge for a place on the podium, while seasoned veterans can expect the unrivalled accuracy and authenticity you've come to expect from the FORMULA ONE series.

Stepping out of the cockpit, you'll discover a new career mode for those of you who like getting your hands dirty. Lead your team to victory as the Chief Engineer, making all the essential modifications and tweaks that keep the playboy drivers at the top of their game.

With a rich A.I. that responds to your tailgating pressure and can make the same driving errors that even A-list drivers make, FORMULA ONE 06 Platinum is as real as it gets. It's the perfect way to hone those skills before FORMULA ONE Championship Edition hits PlayStation 3.

Tourist Trophy Platinum

Thirty-five real life and fantasy tarmac courses are waiting to push your skills to the limit, from international city circuits to the Laguna Seca, Nürburgring and Valencia. Choose your ride from 180 licensed sports bikes produced by more than 12 of the world's leading manufacturers including Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Aprilia and Ducati. Tourist Trophy also offers an array of great game modes with action for one or two players including Arcade and Tourist Trophy mode, plus Photo Mode to take photos of your favourite bike and print them for prosperity.

SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs

Once again the safety of the free world is threatened and it's time for our four heroes to put themselves in harm's way for us all. Taking the fight to international terrorists across the world, SOCOM 3 delivers tactical action like no other series. As well as the trademark single- and multiplayer action utilizing the series' USB Headset, SOCOM 3 introduces drivable land and water vehicles to speed you into the fray or haul your butt out of the fire.

Take aim with over 30 authentic weapons and 21 compatible attachments giving you nearly 1,000 different weapon combinations. You'll need them too, as the levels are up to six times larger than SOCOM II. SOCOM 3 is an awesome game and now available at an awesome price. What's your excuse, soldier?

24: The Game Platinum

It's another day from hell for CTU Agent Jack Bauer, but this time you're the one calling the shots. Based on the blockbusting Twentieth Century Fox TV show, 24: The Game is a nail-biting thriller that seamlessly segues with the series and features the voices and likenesses of the stars of the show including Kiefer Sutherland, Dennis Haysbert and Elisha Cuthbert.

24: The Game is set between seasons two and three and provides the answers to many unanswered questions: who was really behind the assassination attempt on President Palmer? How did Kim Bauer get a job in the L.A. CTU? How did Jack Bauer and Chase Edmunds first start working together? Action, suspense, gruelling interrogations and the odd car chase or two make 24: The Game one not to miss.

Look out for more hit games going Platinum throughout 2007 and keep your eyes on playstation.com for all your heavy-metal news.