If you know how I play games, you know that I RARELY give any game a 10. Drakan:The Ancients' Gates, however, would deserve a higher score, if it were possible.

The minute I heard that a new Drakan game was being released, I headed out to my local Babbage's and reserved it. Having play both Drakan (NES) and Drakan II (SNES), I knew I was in for a treat. And it's no surprise that the newest installment is quite certainly one of the best games released to the PS2.

Here's your breakdown, folks:

Graphics: 9/10

Given the scope, the sheer SIZE, of the graphics in this game, it's few technical mishaps seem minor. But, to be fair, I will still give it a nine.

There are no bad draw distances, blurry effects, etc. In fact, the game has shown more detail than games such as Final Fantasy X and it's numerous big-budget counterparts. Your hair blows in the wind, and sways side to side when you walk. Water ripples as you walk through it. Bushes rustle and shake as you brush past them. Lord, they even added the heat distortion above the numerous torches in the game!

Sound: 9/10

Nearly every single sound in this game fits perfectly. From the little grumbles that the Grulls make, to the threatening growls of the Trog.Sword clangs, footsteps, wind, rain, thunder, everything seems like the real thing.

The entire dialogue is voice acted. (Including townsfolk...) And nearly all of them have that British-inspired sound that we all love.

So why does this section get a nine? Simple. Rynn makes rather strange sounds when she goes leaping through the catwalks in the swamp. Sure, it's the only sound I've noticed that seems odd. But if it were perfect, it would have gotten the 10.

Music: 10/10

What can I say? The music won't make you run out and hunt for the ''Drakan: The Ancients' Gates'' soundtrack.

What it WILL do, is make you wonder what's just around the corner. What it WILL do is make your eyes dart suspiciously, looking for one of those gigantic spiders before it drops on your head suddenly. It WILL set the mood perfectly in any and every situation. (And the lack of cheeze Japanese lyrics sure helps!)

How can I give it any less than a then?

Combat: 10/10

When I first started playing, I went: ''Wha-?'' But after a couple battles I couldn't have gotten off the couch if the house was burning down.

The combat system is phenomenal. Dodging and parrying, are simple commands, yet still require skill. No more will newbie players simply stand there, holding their sword in a ''defense'' posture until they work up the nerve to strike! No, Drakan has made this impossible! A parry must be timed to the attack it is blocking. Attacks stagger enemies, but not TOO much.

I could go on for hours. But I suggest you simply TRY IT OUT FOR YOURSELF.

Gameplay: 10/10

Sure, there IS a learning curve. But all great games have that. In the end, you'll grow to love Drakan's free-style gameplay, that lets YOU choose where to go. If newbies are dumb enough to waltz into a tough area too early, then so be it. More room for REAL players.

I would describe the system more, but it really is a hands-on type of thing. Take my word for it though: GOOD STUFF.

Story: 10/10

Umm... Hello? It a DRAKAN game. This is a continuation of the great-grandfather of all RPG's! Of COURSE it gets a ten!

Aside from that, the story is wonderful. If you have never played previous Drakan games, I will not spoil it for you. In fact, if I were you, I'd jump online and find the other two Drakken games and play them first. (Trust me, they really are fun if you have an open mind.)

Overall: 10/10

In all reality there is only ONE thing about this game that irks me a little bit. Load time.

I always end up sitting there on my couch anxiously watching the little 'loading' bar at the bottom right corner. It's just the tinniest bit aggravating. While the game is loading up I always think that there had to be SOMEWAY to make it load quicker.

But then I see the immense SIZE of the world that Drakan gives me. The quantity, and quality of the world I am immersed in EASILY eclipses the momentary sadness of the load time.

--Final Recommendation:--

Don't even BOTHER to rent this game. Just go buy it. Now.

...

What are you still doing here?!? Go buy this game!!! Shoo!