GAME OF THE WEEK: FINAL FANTASY XIII, 16 cert, Square Enix, PS3 (also Xbox 360)

Final Fantasy feels like it's been going forever. The latest instalment is a beautifully detailed role- playing game that carries on the franchise nicely. If you feel like you're a bit late to the FFparty and worry you won't be able to pick up the threads of the game, don't: part of the series' appeal is that each title is treated almost like a standalone game. So while you won't have had the fun of watching the games evolve with each new title, you won't have any problem diving right in.

FF XIIIhas much to offer, from a good combat system to breathtaking visuals and hours of gameplay. From the very beginning you are plunged into the heart of the action. You start on a "Purge" train as Lightning, carrying exiled citizens of Cocoon to the underworld of Pulse. The "relocation" has been decreed by the rulers of Cocoon, the Sanctum, who fear contact with Pulse may have contaminated the world's peaceful population.

In FF XIII, you take on the role of several characters throughout the story, from rebel soldier Lightning to Snow, the leader of a band of resistance fighters. Lots of stories run together. Lightning is on the lookout for a Pulse Fal'Cie, mechanical god-like beings who watch over Cocoon and inhabit Pulse, who marked her sister. Snow is leading a band of rebels in an attempt to stop a massacre of innocent civilians. Another character, Sazh, is trying to find his son.

Those new to role-playing games couldn’t start with a better one. While you learn how to use the battle system, it’s a little slow – perfect for beginners, though a little frustrating for experienced RPG players as you slowly add new abilities.

However, the battle system is impressive, using a feature called Active Time Battle. This means time doesn’t pause while you formulate your attack. The system works through an ATB meter which gradually fills; once the meter is full, you can attack. You can also queue moves for an attack, and the more experience you get, the more moves you learn and the more combination attacks you can use.

Final Fantasy XIIIfeels a lot more linear than past iterations; it has ditched the mini-games, which might not please some people, but side quests eventually make an appearance. But learning to use your characters to ensure success in battle, utilising paradigms to group team members and simply exploring the Final Fantasyworld is enough to keep most gamers busy for quite a while.