Koudelka, published by Infogrames for PlayStation

AN odd beast this, but one that could be a bit of a cult hit.

This is a role-playing adventure that is something of a cross between Resident Evil and Final Fantasy. Combining the visual style of the zombie-filled Resident Evil series, looking as if it's stepped straight off the silver screen, and the battle sequences familiar to devotees of Japanese titles like Final Fantasy, Koudelka is an intriguing offering.

Set in Aberystwyth in Wales in the end part of the 19th century, you take control of the spiritualist Koudelka and the allies she meets during her exploration of the ancient Nemeton monastery. The mood is right, but the game is unfortunately interrupted too much by the seemingly endless succession of battles that you face during your expedition.

Too often, as you are trying to make your way between locations to solve puzzles, you find yourself caught up in a fight sequence that offers little threat and proves to be just another delay.

Still, that aside, I found this to be one of the most addictive titles I've played in a long while, although Aberystwyth sure looks different to the way it was when I used to live there.

Graphics 4/5

Sound 3/5

Gameplay 4/5

Gamespan 4/5

Overall 4/5