Just like buses in the UK, you can wait for ages for a new franchise to come from EA and then two come at once in quick succession, and like the previous one (Dead Space) this will have to go down as one of the games of the year, certainly one of the most original games in memory – However it will also have to go down as one of the hardest of the year as well.

Set in the future in a city where information of any kind is completely monitored there is a set of athletic individuals called runners whose, illegal; occupation is taking information from one individual to another without the authority’s knowledge. One such individual is Faith, whose body the player finds themselves in, returning to the occupation after recovering from an accident, so much so that a fellow runner takes you on a quick trip of the rooftops in the training level of the game.

As a runner Faith sees the city completely different from everyone else. The rooftops, ledges, pipes etc are all viewed in terms of potential routes and especially escape routes should the authorities get too close to you.

Control wise the game is kept as simple as possible with one button being responsible for all ‘up’ movement, whether that is leaping over obstacles, climbing ladders, pulling you up on ledges etc, while another is used for all the down actions, rolling under pipes, rolling out of dangerously high jumps etc. This simplicity actually helps with the game because at times there is so much going on that you have to think about, that if it was more buttons it would become unplayable. However, don’t get the wrong idea that this means movement is simple, because it is not as you can pull off some quite exquisite moves through a combination of button presses etc.

There is further elements to the story however, as Faith’s sister has been framed for a crime she didn’t commit and the authorities are especially looking out for Faith herself. This leads to some very close encounters where hand to hand combat is required or a quick getaway such as having to hang to the bottom of a helicopter to get away.

As well as the story mode there is also a Time Trial mode where you have to get from A to B anyway you chose but as quickly as possible. These scores are then placed online for you to compare against other players around the world. Be warned however, there are some impossible to believe scores already on there.

Graphically this is a mixed bag and for once the ingame graphics are better than the cut scenes. This is not to say that they are bad but they seem somewhat stilted compared to the striking graphics presented as you play. The supporting cast within the game are not memorable which perhaps dosent help. However, in game and the rooftops, office buildings, sewers and subways are all presented beautifully, both structurally and aesthetically. Perhaps the only disappointment is when you do go inside a building there seems to be a distinct lack of other people. How much harder would it have been if you had to avoid office workers as well?

Sound wise the soundtrack is excellent as are the sound effects and the vocal acting is very well done

Overall this is an excellent title, slightly let down by the hand to hand combat elements. It is also a very hard game. Certainly until you get used to it, you will find yourself plummeting towards the ground at high speed to die. It also, is one of the most nauseating games you are ever likely to play if you suffer at all from vertigo.

Having said all that, combat that feeling as much as you can, because this game is special, unique, thrilling and a joy to play and comes very highly recommended.