IN this week's Game File, we take a look at some of the latest news and scandals to be hitting the game scene, and we take a look at Tanktics on PC and R-Type Delta on Playstation.

A ground-breaking legal case looks set to fuel the argument about violence in games as 25 software companies face a writ for promoting violent crime.

The writ has been lodged in the United States relating to a shooting incident at a Chicago school several years ago.

One of the companies is Eidos - the publisher which has given us gun-toting heroine Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider series.

Those issuing the writ are demanding a huge amount of compensation and a public apology from all those named within it.

Watch this space for details...

Well worth a look at full price, Square's epic Final Fantasy VII is now available as a budget release for the Playstation on the excellent Platinum range. Tomorrow (Friday) sees the release of Gran Turismo at budget price - another must-have game at an exceptionally reasonable price.

The controversial Carmageddon - where the player is encouraged to run down pedestrians - will get an outing on the Game Boy Color in June.

And Sega has decided to make the Dreamcast Internet ready for its European launch at a price of £199. BT will supply a dedicated game network for the console.

This week I checked out Tanktics by DMA on the PC - and it's well worth shelling out for.

Simple this one. Build tanks and beat your opponent while he tries to build tanks and beat you.

If this game sounds like a Command and Conquer clone, you wouldn't be far wrong. But Tanktics is far less serious with cute graphics and a sense of humour.

There are four different time periods in the game and 32 levels - you always seem to be fighting more advanced tanks which is no bad thing. It means that you have to put a lot of thought into the construction of your own vehicles and how best to use them to attack the enemy.

While all of this is going on, you need to be defending your Part-o-Matic as well. That's the machine that throws together your tanks and without it you can't win the game. By placing debris, enemy tanks and even sheep in the machine, the Part-o-Matic will create new components for you to use.

Tanktics is a fun game to play but the graphics aren't really up to scratch. it is still a worthy investment for those of us with the patience to get through tough challenges. Tanktics will be released on the Playstation later in the year.

The 3-D follow-up to R-Type on Playstation packs a hefty challenge.

And that is one of the reasons I decided to award R-Type Delta by Irem 8/10.

When the original R-Type hit the arcades it was heralded as the best thing since sliced bread.

This 3D follow-up on Playstation retains all of the classic playability of the original and packs a mean challenge to boot. The graphics are sumptuous and the number of power-ups for your ship seem endless.

Three different ships are on offer to add a bit of longevity to the game but the challenge should have all but the most hardened of gamers stumped for some time.

Timing and reflexes are what's important here and considering the game's long heritage, Irem has ensured that this game will be remembered by generations of gamers.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.