Strange name, good game. If you're a regular reader, you'll already be familiar with Otogi from the playable demo on last month's disc. And if you managed to drag yourself away from the gun-toting carnage of Island Thunder you'll know that this slightly obscure Japanese action title is certainly worthy of your attention.

It's been a long time since a game with a simple objective of destroying everything in your path has been presented in such an original and engaging fashion. You play a character called Raikoh whose aim is to revive the great seal, which has been the protector of Man for a millennium. This is achieved by seeking out four essences which, when fully restored, means mankind will return to hand-holding harmony and no doubt want to teach the world to sing. The fun (and plenty of it) is served in three hearty portions - character control, combat and environment interaction. Raikoh has the moves of a gymnast, the sword-wielding skills of Highlander and more hocus pocus than the Magic Circle. Aerial combat is a speciality. By repeatedly tapping the jump button you'll often be fighting like a Crouching Tiger stunt double against a whole array of imaginatively designed demons. Fighting is generally as fluid as movement, with basic moves that can be easily strung into big-digit combos - including subtle manoeuvres that aren't immediately obvious, like timing a strike to repel a projectile attack.

And all of this great action is wrapped up in some truly gorgeous levels that are soaked to the skin in a moody, spooky oriental atmosphere. The game world benefits from rich detail with huge amounts of interactive scenery - meaning if you can strike it you can pretty much destroy it. Bridges will crumble, dwellings will be demolished - often from the inside - and, as the game progresses, the addition of magic unleashes some heavy-duty special effects.

Style over substance? Not really - the hack and slash nature means that repetition will inevitably rear its ugly head and the camera can get stuck occasionally. But Otogi doesn't pretend to be anything other than a polished action title - and a highly playable one with thoughtful presentation. Don't let the lack of a mega-bucks licence or a billboard marketing campaign stop you from enjoying one of the genuine surprises of the year.

1. Gorgeous graphics
2. Intuitive character control
3. Plenty of style
4. Level variety

1. The action gets repetitive
2. Camera can get stuck occasionally

Power
Great-looking game with big and bold characters, special effects aplenty and little slowdown.

Style
The atmospheric soundtrack and lush environments mean this one's got real flair.

Immersion
Otogi has enough level variety and slick action to keep slasher fans happy.

Lifespan
There's repetition but if you like this genre it can be easily overlooked.

Summary
A slick, good-looking oriental action title with a sprinkling of RPG elements to give it a unique twist.