Despite its archaic graphics and dreadful use of the 3DSs stereoscopic potential, which is, after all, Nintendos crucial differentiator in the crowded handheld market, Heroes of Ruin remains a genuinely groundbreaking title. This latest from Square Enix, the masterminds behind Final Fantasy, sticks to what they do best: creating a compelling role-playing game with interesting character development, endless customisation options and an expansive world to explore. However, the real treat is in bringing a seamless multiplayer experience to a mobile device, enabling up to four players to drop in and out of co-op gaming to tackle adventures as an evolving unit in live play. It works well, too, with no apparent lag or dropouts, and even utilises the 3DSs mic for voice-chat to discuss strategies for moves.

Sadly, it means playing in single-player mode would be to miss what makes it so good, as much as anything due to an abject, uninspiring storyline in which four mercenaries attempt to cure the ruler of Nexus of his curse. Trawling alone through the repetitive dungeon backdrops quickly becomes monotonous and the hacknslash combat mostly consists of button mashing. All of which, however, is forgivable when playing Heroes of Ruin in the magnificently delivered multiplayer mode