Vagrant Story is a cracking fantasy adventure - a heady mix of Final Fantasy and Metal Gear Solid from the best software house on Sony's books - Square.

You take the role of Ashley Riot, a Riskbreaker pledged to preserve the kingdom against all foes - from dragons to supernaturally-powered rivals.

With graphics in a host of soft-toned colours and featuring the most involving setting of any game on the little grey box, Vagrant Story outshines any other game released this year for PlayStation.

The game includes a fabulous character system, where you can develop different magics and adapt weaponry as you progress, to suit the situations you expect to face.

Boasting a richness and depth rivalled by almost no other game, Vagrant Story should be at the top of your list. Its only flaw is that the graphics really show where the PlayStation is beginning to hit its limit in terms of performance.

Graphics 5/5

Sound 5/5

Gameplay 5/5

Gamespan 5/5

Overall 5/5