A summer of sport on PlayStation

Try out this selection of games to complement a fantastic summer of sport

As summer approaches and the temperature starts to rise, it's the ideal time to dig out your shorts from the bottom of the wardrobe and settle down in front of some great sports games available from PlayStation.

Football

The European Championships in Austria and Switzerland kicks off this summer and if you're from one of the countries not lucky enough to make the final 16, you can go for glory by creating your own tournament on UEFA EURO 2008 for PlayStation 3.

Or if you're attending the big event, be sure to pack your PSP; not only can you play UEFA EURO 2008 and psyche yourself up for the big matches, you can use Remote Play for PSP to access all the digital entertainment on your PS3 system's hard drive while you're kicking back in the hotel.

Tennis

The same thing happens every year: thousands of tennis fans turn out at Wimbledon, strawberries and cream in hand, and get rained on. Fortunately, it takes more than drizzle to stop play in SEGA Superstars Tennis on PS3; even a court invasion of zombies from House of the Dead is merely an excuse for target practice.

If you prefer Roddick over Sonic and are looking for realism, Virtua Tennis 3 is the definitive simulation of the sport. Boasting staggeringly realistic graphics, deep gameplay and fun mini-games, it's as good as being in the stands at centre court, and less likely to give you a sore neck.

Golf

In theory, golf is a great summer sport - a pleasant stroll along manicured fairways, the satisfaction of a perfectly straight drive. However, the reality for most of us is an afternoon spent hacking through long grass with a sand wedge looking for the ball. Tiger Woods doesn't have that problem, so why not stay home and play as him instead, on Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 for PS3.

If you fancy some fresh air, go for a walk and take Everybody's Golf 2 for PSP with you. Its cheerful courses and characters will make you smile, and beneath the sunshine and happiness lies a level of complexity that will have you revisiting courses deep into the winter. Also each shot produces an explosion of light and colour - not even Tiger can do that.

Beijing 2008

As the world's best athletes continue training for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, gamers are stretching their fingers in preparation for the official game. It will be the first Olympic title on PlayStation 3 and boasts an impressive 38 events, each supporting online multiplayer.

So whether you're an Olympic athlete, a golf caddy or an armchair pundit, there are plenty of sports games to work up a sweat for this summer, and you don't even have to leave the house if you don't want to.