Genre: Action

Platform: Nintendo Wii

Publisher: Square Enix

Classification: 12 (PEGI)

There's little doubt that the Crystal Chronicles franchise is the offal of the Final Fantasy world. They’re never quite as good as the meaty main series, but if cooked correctly, can still be damn tasty.

But don’t make the mistake of thinking that because this is a Final Fantasy game that there’s an RPG on offer. This is in fact an action game set in a Final Fantasy-type world.

Taking place 100-years after the original Crystal Chronicle adventure on Gamecube, people have appeared that can cast magic. These people, the crystal bearers have crystal embedded into their bodies and are generally feared by the more ignorant because of their powers.

The fact that this latest chapter in the Crystal Chronicles has been between four and five years in the making is one that is truly reflected by the diversity of the action.

The different styles of game that players experience is immense. Whether your navigating a failing airship through tightly-spaced canyons or knocking Imperial troops from their chocobos with your crystal powers - there’s always something different on offer.

And what’s more, none of these different gameplay elements are executed badly. Sure some points are better than others, but all are enjoyable.

These are just about the best visuals that I have seen produced for the Nintendo Wii, and I’m quietly confident that these are the best that I will see from this little white box.

Fun, crazy, cutesy and a lot more casual than a regular Final Fantasy game, there’s no reason why it doesn’t have a worthy place on the Wii.

SCORE: 7 / 10