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Bangkok Knights - the only game that gives you the chance to become a Thai boy. Okay, that's the first bad joke out of the way. Now I'll get to grips with this new combat classic from System 3.

The Last Ninja, International Karate 2 and now this. The System 3 guys are certainly on a roll delivering knock-out games that pack more than an average punch, kick, butt and chop.

This time we're off to old Siam - Thailand now - for a no holds barred experience of the Thai's national sport. It's a mixture of boxing and karate, a lethal mix if ever there was one.

And it's just superb. The word "big" does not describe the graphics for the fighters. Huge is a much better description for these excellent cartoon creations.

The copy of Bangkok Knights I saw was almost finished but there are extra touches to be added, such as digitised speech in the later stages. But, even so, I would whole-heartedly recommend this game to you.

It's a rags to riches story of a young Thai boy with a gift for street fighting, taking on the local toughs, and gradually finds himself fighting in Bangkok's top stadium.

Your fighter can punch, kick, duck and elbow his way to victory. Your opponents can do likewise and each has their own speciality. They all have exotic names - Manchu Man, Dan Fists, Macho Mike, Bamboo Man, Killa Kale - a reference to System 3's boss Mark Kale - Daddy Kale and BB Butler. There's also Siam Sally. Don't be fooled. She's a Miss with a deadly hit. And beware if she blows you a kiss. Her smacker puts you off guard and makes you wobble.

There's even a curvy cutie who minces wonderfully between bouts.

During the fight you and your opponent's endurance and punch power are measured. Certain moves - such as kicks - weaken you more than others. The winner of each fight is the first to three knock-downs.

The animation is superb and silky smooth and the music - by Rob Hubbard - is wonderful.

Why not be clever this Christmas and have a knees-up, high-kicking, punch-drunk Christmas box.