Few video games receive as much attention as a new addition to the Final Fantasy series and Final Fantasy X is no exception.

Especially as it's the first installment for the PlayStation2.

It stays true to the tried-and-tested, role-playing game formula, mixing swords and sorcery to create a saga in which the fate of the world lies in the player's hands.

The game begins with Tidus, a world famous blitzball player, being hurled 1,000 years into the future.

Waking in a strange, underwater world, he begins a search to find out what happened to his homeland, which lies in ruins.

On this adventure, he needs friends and companions to help him on his way, from Rikku, a thief and member of the Al Bhed tribe, to summoner Yuna and her entourage, Lulu, Kimahri Lonzo and Wakka.

Each character brings a distinct set of skills to bear on the challenges ahead and develop abilities on the sphere board.

Fighting and winning battles increases the characters' sphere levels and replenishes consumable items, such as magic spheres.

The main game uses a hybrid turn-based battle system in which every character, friend or foe, waits his or her turn to perform an action.

The system encourages strategic planning but remains fun and easy to use.

The graphics are sublime. Final Fantasy X is easily one of the bestlooking games ever, rendering the exquisite details of Tidus' fantastic world in real time.

At times the imagery can be confusing and overwhelming, although this is sometimes because of the camera problems that can hamper 3-D games.

The sound has also been significantly improved since previous games in the series.

The music is CD quality and after years of text-based talking voice acting has been introduced for the main characters.

More adventurous gamers might be disappointed by the games linear format, which forces players down a certain path until they reach the end.

Only then can they explore side quests more thoroughly or search for new items.

However, despite a couple of niggles, Final Fantasy X is a magical mystery tour worth making a reality in any video games collection.

It is a fantastic game.

Price: £44.99.

Contact: www.squaresoft.com
Feel good factor: 9 out of 10.