Brian Lara Slogged by Zoo Animals

Another slow week for games in the UK.

The England squad may have suffered yet another drubbing at the hands of the Australians in the Ashes series, but that didn't stop Britons from playing out a more pleasing version of the scenario in one of the two cricket games that made in into the top 10.

Cricket: not quite exciting enough to make it to No. 1

The highest newcomer on the charts was Brian Lara International Cricket 2005, which parlayed England's good opening of the first Ashes test into a second place finish, right behind movie tie-in Madagascar.

Other movie tie-ins debuting this week included Fantastic Four in a thrilling third position and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, way down in 16th place. Look for that game to get a boost this weekend when the Tim Burton-Johnny Depp collaborative effort hits theatres across the UK.

There's good news for original games too. Deific action game God of War is still sticking it out at the edges of the Top 10, while THQ's doublet of Destroy All Humans! and Juiced remains in the upper echelon more than a month after their respective launches.

Below are the top 10 games in the UK for the week ending 23 July, as determined by Chart Track:

1. Madagascar (Activision)
2. Brian Lara International Cricket 2005 (Codemasters)
3. Fantastic Four (Activision)
4. Medal of Honor: European Assault (EA)
5. Destroy All Humans! (THQ)
6. Cricket 2005 (EA)
7. Juiced (THQ)
8. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (Rockstar)
9. Lego Star Wars (Eidos)
10. God of War (EA)

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games