STARRING Jean Reno as Jacques and Takeshi Kaneshiro as Samanosuke, one could be forgiven for believing Onimusha 3 is the latest Hollywood movie to hit the box office.

Actually it is the third and, arguably, the best in the exciting Onimusha trilogy.

Onimusha 3 intertwines two stories over 500 years. The evil Guildenstern has created a timefold allowing people to time travel.

In an interesting twist of plot, modern-day French cop Jacques is transported to 16th century Japan and Samanosuke to 21st century France.

Despite the gap of 500 years, both characters must defeat the evil Genma demons.

Onimusha 3 is the sword slashing equivalent to Resident Evil with a faster pace, enough crimson to fill a river, and a sufficiently solid storyline to keep gamers addicted.

The FMV is nothing short of amazing and, in terms of length, gamers can expect at least a good eight hours of play first time through. To complete quickly one will have to be familiar with the genre and, after completion, gamers can obtain various extras such as a mini game featuring Heihachi.

Onimusha 3 is certainly an enjoyable game, with all the high points of the previous titles and the added challenge of time travel.

If Jacques does something in the 16th century it will inevitably affect history. Thus it is important for Jacques to take certain actions if Samanosuke is to advance.

Onimusha 3 is an excellent climax to a dramatic, action-filled series.

Michael Wilson

PRICE: £39.99

PLAYERS: 1

AGE RATING: 16+

GENRE: Action/survival horror

FORMAT: PS2

GRAPHICS: 17/20

SOUND: 16/20

GAMEPLAY: 22/25

LIFESPAN: 18/25

ORIGINALITY: 6/10

OVERALL: 79%

TOP 10

1 Spider-man 2

2 Driv3r

3 Shrek 2

4 Athens 2004

5 UEFA Euro 2004 Portugal

6 Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora

7 Harry Potter - Prisoner of Azkaban

8 Mcafee Internet Security V6.0

9 Full Spectrum Warrior

10 Onimusha 3: Demon Siege

UPCOMING

Aura: Fate of the Ages (PC), Creatures - The Albian Years (PC), eJay Mix CD Producer (PC), Fire Emblem (GBA), Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Games (GBA)