I have never been a fan of computer games. Oh, way way back in the 80s [1982, to be precise] I got a Sinclair Spectrum, and got totally hooked on primitive 3D puzzles like Batman. But - apart from a period in 1995 when I'd stay in the office till the early hours of the morning blasting monsters in the labyrinths of Doom - video games have left me cold.

So I was worried about buying Marcus a Playstation 2 for Christmas. I feared he'd spend hours engrossed in some other world, leaving me feeling ignored and neglected. Well, Marcus has got engrossed in another world, but he has taken me with him.

The world of Jak and Daxter.

It's basically a 3D platform game, but one of a totally new generation. The graphics are stunning; the characters - thanks to the input of ex-Disney staff - have real personalities; each world is different, with its own unique environment and challenges; and just when you think you might start to get a bit bored of jumping from rock to rock, you are set incredibly difficult, but incredibly addictive, tasks to complete. It's the little touches that continually enthrall me - the heat distortion above fires, the rings puddling around your feet as you run through the swamps, and the genuinely funny unexpected touches of humour.

OK, so Marcus and I haven't spoken much to each other apart from the occasional "Bugger!" and "Fuck!" but that can have its charms, too!