Rogue Galaxy

Originality, while laudable, is not always necessary for something to be good. Just ask Oasis. Rogue Galaxy will have you ticking off its influences (Star Wars, Final Fantasy, Dune, Dragon Quest). But you’ll be enjoying yourself so much it won’t really matter.

You play an orphan, whisked away from a desert planet to take on an evil empire with a band of vagabonds. But forget about that and just look at the game — it’s absolutely stunning.

The cutaway sequences are worthy of a manga epic and the general graphics are beautifully rendered. The gameplay shows brains as well as beauty, too. and there are all manner of side-missions and mini-games.

In all, it’s a superb role-playing game and proof there’s life in the old PS2 yet.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Project Gotham Racing 4

For a game that promises high-octane racing through some of the world’s most beautiful cities, Project Gotham Racing 4 sure is repetitive. Not to mention hard — at least some automobile knowledge is needed. Select the vehicle to suit the track and if you don’t know enough about cars, get used to losing (and long loading times).
The graphics are crisp and the new in-game weather is nicely animated and has realistic effects on the traction and visibility. Xbox Live users can link up to the Weather Channel, matching their race conditions to the weather in the real-life city.
There are also more than 120 different vehicles to drive, from the Aston Martin DBS of Casino Royale fame to old favourite and Italian Job icon, the Mini Cooper.
It’s just a shame you’re limited to driving round a track.