Let me start by saying the graphics are absolutely amazing. This game has been in production for ten years so it better look good, right? Everything from the player models to the lighting, the shadow effects and the gruesome aliens. Everything looks very realistic.

 

The gameplay however is still rather basic to a first person shooter, but it has two unique things that set it apart from the rest. First off is "Spirit Walk." With Spirit Walk, you pretty much leave your body and allow your spirit to take you places that you can't rach in human form. A neat little gimmick, but get's kind of tiresome. Another thing is you never die. Ok, let me rephrase this, you never REALLY die, but you do take the form as a spirit and you must collect so many souls before you can return to the actual story. The neat thing is it takes your directly to where you left, so no more getting lost in confusing levels. Another thing are the portals. A neat little touch that transport you to a new location completly just by walking through one of these.

 

The controls are the same controls we've been using since Halo, with the exception of the button for Spirit Walking. The controls are very plain and easy to reach. No complaints here.

 

Multiplayer/Online is pretty good. A few neat options here and there to spice it up. Hopefulle some XBL Marketplace additions in the future.

 

This game is NOT difficult at all. Like I said before, you never die, so if you keep trying, you're eventually going to achieve your goal.

 

The sound is another great aspect. All of it makes you feel like you're really there. I unfortunately don't have the luxury of listening is surround sound, but I could only imagine what it would be like.

 

All in all, it's a pretty solid game that should hold some gamers over for awhile.