I am a little surprised that no one has bought what is, for me at least, one of the greatest games of 2003, the best remake of a classic, and possibly one the most entertaining and satisfying gaming experiences I have ever had.

From the moment I saw the menu screen and watched the animated background I knew I was in for something very special. Once you start a game, that background I was observing became (at least for a short time) part of the game. As the camera zooms into the balcony of the palace, you are given momentary control to cue the cutscene.

Even with this moment, short as it was, I was flabbergasted by the sheer beauty and care taken with the graphics – this is one the most stunning games I have ever seen. Absolutely beautiful, a delight to see. In two words, Jaw-dropping.

The cutscene explains the beginning of the game and how the sands of time came to be – I will try to carry out the review without explaining the plot, as its simple but great and sets a fantastic premise for an adventure you will not forget.

During the cutscene, which is initially pre-rendered, we switch to the realtime graphics engine once more. And given control of our protagonist once more to be a part of the cause of the disaster – then to reprieve for your actions during the rest of the game. Be amazed by the sheer quality of animation, and set pieces. You are given control of a character that makes Lara Croft’s agility seem the equivalent of Keanu Reeves acting: Wooden.

Roll around the floor speedily, run up walls, run across walls to cross gaps, combine actions such as running across walls and wall jumping, climb ledges etc etc. The fighting system is pretty decent too, spin around enemies, vault over several then slash them from behind as you drop down, roll sideways, jump over again and slash and you’ve just knocked out about 5 guys. Superbly executed, wonderfully captures in the slo-mo camera shots. Presentation is not left behind, this is class and it shows.

Critics will say its Dragon’s Lair, with the whole idea of the dagger of time allowing you to go through a process of Trial and Error.

Sounds is great, supporting EAX and all the funky little bits and pieces. Its crisp hacking and slashing, and grunting, with the explosions all add to what is a superb package.

For those who are too young to remember (you can’t be THAT young ffs) then this game is essentially a spiritual sequel to the original title from days gone yonder: A 2d sprite based game which created a storm with it’s incredible animation (the first use of rotoscoping) and ingenious gameplay and puzzles made the game a worldwide success.

This game is only the same in name and setting. Everything else is taken from, as it were, existing 3d titles, no doubt Tomb Raider was a big influence, but its obvious to see that PoP:SoT is what TR should always have been and failed mostly in retrospect (we should ignore the abysmal attempt by RedOrb for the DC a few years back, which was stinky and also that PoP2 was more of the same as opposed to a true sequel).

The only flaws, and they are minor gripes, is the occasional camera cock up, which is easily resolved with some cool blurring effects while camera angles change.

The other problem is that later on fights become a little long (the last level…well..you make your own decisions whether it was genius design, or a lack of ideas) and you may die quite a few times….

I was flabbergasted by the sheer beauty and care taken with the graphics – this is one the most stunning games I have ever seen

Which brings us on to the main weapon of the game, and the source of the title: the dagger of time. This weapon allows you to reverse time, avoid death (sometimes) or redo a part of a stage as long as you have enough sand in your dagger. This will be used on a frequent basis as the enemies become tougher, and the traps more cunning.

Critics will say its Dragon’s Lair, with the whole idea of the dagger of time allowing you to go through a process of Trial and Error. Others will say it makes the game easier, well you don’t have to use it. For me its an innovation, and a good one – it allows you to test the waters, try to kill an enemy one way, doesn’t work, before you get stabbed roll to the side after reversing a second of time. Its this genius that makes the fighting and the dealing with traps so much fun.

PoP: SoT is not for everyone, it mixes platform, adventure, fighting, puzzles and so much more. There are innovations galore, and the game is a beautifully sublime tribute to an old classic. From the team that brought us Splinter Cell (Montreal Studios), this shouldn’t be a surprise.

Verdict: Contender for Game of the Year – A fitting tribute to a classic title