It is not nightmares keeping me awake this week - blame my growing addiction to

Jak & Daxter.

The PlayStation 2 game was created by Naughty Dog, the developers responsible for bringing Crash Bandicoot to the PlayStation.

It follows in the well-trodden footsteps of other 3-D platformers like Super Mario 64.

The game unleashes straight-man Jak and funny ferret Daxter, who must travel to the world in search of a wise old sage who has the power to restore Daxter to his former human self.

The graphic scenery is beautiful, especially when you reach a good vantage point and can look out across the oceans and mountains at spinning windmills and soaring birds.

But the real stars of are Jak and Daxter, whose actions are both flawlessly and amusingly-animated. Daxter is superbly realised, playing to the camera as he strikes muscleman poses and breakdances whenever the pair complete a task. He sounds as good as he looks, rude and noisy.

It is easy to immerse yourself in Jak and Daxter's quest and even easier to lose large amounts of leisure time because, unlike many games, the characters are fun to be around.

Hardened platform gamers will recognise many of the puzzles and challenges from other games but, once you have completed a few challenges and discovered some of the other locations, you will realise how much adventuring there is to be done.

The game's controls are easy to pick up and learn and beginners will not be taxed too hard as they explore the landscape. You have an unlimited number of lives, so Jak's death does not necessarily mean the end of the game.

Now, please let me get back to it. There's is a boulder-throwing baddie I have to defeat before he flattens a village.

Price: £39.99.

Contact: www.scea.com
Feel good factor: 9 out of 10.