Rubik's cube, and Sudoku were the inspiration for the quirkiest game of the year so far - Sony's Echochrome (PS3, PSP: rated G).

The stark black and white mazes resemble the intriguing and bewildering minimalist optical illusion constructions of Dutch artist M.C. Escher and if you enjoy an original brain teaser you'll love it.

I do enjoy the Japanese oddball stuff.

The idea is you have to guide the walking mannequin, collecting four echoes scattered throughout each stage.

You cannot control him, only the surroundings he moves through so have to help him follow the right path and avoid the holes he can fall through and you have to make the decisions quickly as there is a time limit for puzzles.

Those behind the game say the unconventional gaming approach was to create a space and then allow the player to twist the perspective and create a sense of wonder in the player in how the space changed.

It is a puzzle game, a platformer of the oddest variety but similar to the PS2 game Okami in the style of minimalist drawing whereby players are given the freedom to create paths through the game as it is being played.

In the interview recently designer Jun Fujiki and Tatsuya Suzuki explained how the idea relates to you playing the game and not the game playing you.

"It was a brave decision for myself as a developer to choose not to make a very traditional 'gamey' structured game.

"Our motto was: 'rules, challenges and nothing else.'

"The phrase 'your rules don't apply here' rings true in a very Sony style which appeals to the familiar 'Kaizan' philosophy of many businesses in the western world which allows a company to continue making things better.

You can read the interview at gamasutra.com

There's an easy-to-use editor to create some puzzle twists for yourself and generate some brain vexation for your puzzle-challenged mates.

It's a brilliant time out game for the PSP especially when you want a challenging diversion.

The Vivaldi-type classical music keeps you chilled and is supposed to set the mood for a thinking session, or as my math teacher used to say "this music is scientifically proven to be the best music for logical thinking."

I enjoyed the ability to bypass harder puzzles and come back to play them once I had figured a path through.

The creative mind will certainly enjoy this game, moreover the game puzzle editor to express one's mind bending creativity.

You can now buy and download the present game from the online PlayStation store, a new trend which gamers like myself admire for the online purchase of gaming merchandise and software.

There are the odd reports from Europe there will be no Echochrome sequel but there is talk of a 2D version on Sony's forthcoming online Home network.

MadGamer rating: 8.5 / 10

Also out on PSP is the long-running spin-off from the Ratchet and Clank PS2 series Secret Agent Clank (PSP: Rated G).

In this platform adventure you play a well-dressed Clank as a diminutive secret operative intent on rescuing the jailed yet innocent Ratchet from the powers of justice and a prison full of inmates bent on his destruction.

Clank embarks on a mission to find the truth behind the mystery of Ratchet's imprisonment after a prized gem goes missing.

Contrary to impressions from the title, the game has a decent amount of emphasis on Ratchet fighting his own battles and powering up his usual backpack full of weapons and taking on the worst kind of bad guys.

Sidekick-no-longer Clank has been given an increase in agility, health and a speed boost which powers up the character including his ego.

The controls are just right for this kind of mischievous nocturnal activity and feature a first person camera view and plenty of camera options to avoid those frustrating 'I can't see' moments.

Emphasis on secretive operations such as stealth points and bonuses including special upgrades are available as rewards for being a stealthy secret agent and a decent complement of variety is kept through Ratchet in his arena battles, Clank statue posing in the somewhat convenient historic robot museum and through to the funny laser light dancing in a Guitar Hero style where you press the corresponding buttons in time with the beat and many other variations.

The new secret agent (007-esque) has an arsenal of weapons and tools at his disposal and aiding with game progression are an assortment of vehicles including a snowboard and the curiously short sighted enemies throughout the game.

The playable character additions to the Ratchet and Clank line-up are Captain Qwark, and Gadgebot to further spice up and vary the gameplay.

There's never a dull moment with this game.

Summing up, Secret Agent Clank has turned out to be a surprising and entertaining addition to the aging Ratchet and Clank franchise and one that will be added to my PSP 15 minute favourites.

MadGamer rating: 8 / 10