THERE are two approaches to the horror genre - a bloody gore fest or a psychological horror. Forbidden Siren fits into the latter category and bears many similarities to the popular film, The Ring.

Graphics are gritty, using wobbly camera angles and distorted visuals. To play Forbidden Siren, gamers require nerves of steel. Patience and intelligence is the key to completion.

The game spans over three days and introduces the gamer to a variety of characters with intertwining storylines.

There is an eerie siren and pain in each character's head allowing them to use "sightjack".

Gamers use their mind to detect and hear enemies nearby. Sightjack is a crucial device as sometimes gamers are not even equipped with a weapon.

When kills take place realism is brutal with blood gushing from wounds and enemies falling down in agony. The frequency of kills is rare, adding to the experience where emphasis is on survival not bloodlust.

Forbidden Siren will undeniably frustrate gamers as it is extremely hard to complete. Each level presents different difficulties for the gamer to get around and invariably gamers will opt for slightly different approaches to tackling each stage.

Horror and stealth are merged as gamers can avoid alerting enemies by turning off flashlights and treading carefully. Harder stages see gamers protecting other characters in addition to ensuring they are unharmed.

Forbidden Siren is a brilliant horror game with a strong Japanese feel to it. It will test patience, strength and mind. It is a rewarding game but only the persistent will reap the fruits this game offers.

PRICE: £29.99

PLAYERS: 1

AGE RATING: 16+

GENRE: Psychological horror

FORMAT: PS2

GRAPHICS: 18/20

SOUND: 18/20

GAMEPLAY: 23/25

LIFESPAN: 22/25

ORIGINALITY: 8/10

OVERALL: 89%