The bar has most definitely been lifted with the release of such titles as Jak & Daxter, Maximo, and more recently Ratchet & Clank. Ty the Tasmanian Tiger is EA Games latest foray into this market, so lets see how it stacks up.

Along with the platforming elements, Ty the Tasmanian Tiger also encompasses a large amount of adventure, with the emphasis on exploration and the completion of various tasks. There is a plot, of sorts, revolving around five mystical talismans scattered throughout Australia, which Ty has to locate. Making it all the more difficult is the evil Boss Cass, an emu-like Cassowary with many henchmen, who is also trying to get his conniving hands on the mystical talismans. These mystical talismans, when used together, open a portal to a new realm, a 'Dreamtime' realm, in which your family are imprisoned – thanks to Boss Cass many years earlier.

Krome Studios, the Brisbane based co-developer, have done an excellent job on the sound, particularly the dialogue, with many characters having authentic Australian accents - although the numerous G'day mate's and fair dinkum ocker twang throughout the game may wear a little thin over time. The opening animated sequence is pure eye candy, but the in game cut-scenes aren't quite up to the same standard. That said, they are nevertheless entertaining, and see Ty getting introduced to many weird and interesting folk – over 50 in all.

With the modelling technology now available, it really is no wonder that the conventional cartoons we see on TV, are more and more often yielding to their computer animated counterparts.

There are a number of reasonably sized areas to explore. These vary in style and theme – outback desert, tropical rainforest, Great Barrier Reef, and even night levels. Each level has plenty of tasks to complete, with certain tasks opening up more levels. There's also lots to collect – for instance Ty's mate Julius the Koala has a Talisman Locating Machine that requires 'Thunder Eggs' to power it, collect enough eggs, take 'em to Julius and voila! – a new level!