12 cert, Square Ennix, Nintendo DS ***

Already huge in Japan, the latest in the eternal Final Fantasy series is a typical role-playing game for the DS: walking along with some puzzle-solving and combat in a medieval setting. You name the heroes, who band together to (initially) save a princess who's been kidnapped by a witch. It's easy to see the appeal of the Final Fantasygames – the tone is sincere and they are lovingly assembled

with user-friendly menus and gameplay. Graphics are charming if a bit twee, and the music is ingratiating. But this instalment is slow to get going, and it's rather meandering and humourless, especially compared to Death Spankand the Fableseries. Also, it can take up to an hour before you reach a save point. (Why?) Like the current Kingdom Hearts,this is a competent, amiable game, though strictly for fans of the genre.