Role-playing games rarely need the graphic capabilities of bigger games consoles so they're ideal for the Nintendo DS.

The little machine, with its twin screen and stylus, is certainly the perfect home for this follow-up to the PlayStation 2's FF XII.

While a sequel -- Revenant Wings has some of the same characters, enemies and locations -- you don't need to have played its predecessor.

In this quest you gather teams of characters, and collections of items, to develop increasingly complex attacks on your many foes.

The vast playing area and detailed storyline provides the necessary epic quality, and coupled with a good learning curve we have an excellent blend of strategy and action.

David Knights