Some games fi t the PSP, others don’t. That’s a fact you’re already in possession of, but there are few titles that manage to defi ne a platform in the way that Ghostlight, with its new title Spinout, is hoping to do. Having moved away from publishing on the PS2 to concentrate on making the most of the PSP version, Ghostlight has clearly seen the potential in Icon Game’s marble madness-esque effort and has taken charge of what seems to have been a fairly lengthy development process. For that Spinout seems to have benefi ted greatly, and if we’re any judge of games, which we hope by now we are, it makes Spinout a wonderful title for the PSP.

Us Brits are all for the underdog, and Spinout’s heritage is pretty understated, what with it being Icon Games’ fi rst title, so we’re already rooting for it. It’s all too easy to slate a highly anticipated title, but a different thing to dump on a title with Spinout’s naivety. We’re perhaps being a little patronizing here, but it’s worth pointing out how great quality doesn’t need to come from huge wads of publisher cash or gargantuan development teams.

So Spinout does exactly what you want it to, it modernizes and reinvigorates the Marble Madness genre, and adds huge dollops of addictiveness delivered in a shiny metal ball. Putting aside the futuristic racing/balancing gumpf you’re fed at the start, the real joy of Spinout comes in its beautiful simplicity and supreme ease with which it inspires the highest and most addictive level of ‘one-more-go’ you’re ever likely to feel in a videogame. You’ll invariably fail numerous times on numerous levels, and irritatingly often, but what Spinout offers by way of recompense is one of the most insanely playable PSP titles for those who have a penchant for the most involved, physics-based puzzler.

We can’t really liken Spinout to many other titles in the PSP realm, as it’s as unique as it is frustrating. This is a good thing for those that appreciate something a little different, and a great thing for anyone up for skiting about the place in your funky, customizable metal ball. We say buy it if you have the slightest interest – you won’t be disappointed, as the execution is as solid as everything else. Including the shiny chrome balls.

Tom Leclerc