Constantine (Xbox)

Hell isn't my preferred destination after this life but I have to admit, according to Constantine it looks pretty damned cool. In an alternate version of downtown LA, fiery winds provide the driving force for a very impressive physics engine that tosses derelict cars around like tin cans. Fireballs rain from the sky, decimating your surroundings, and there's
a gleeful sense of chaos about the place. It's a shame then, that the environments of the other half of the game, set in present day Los Angeles, though gritty and noirish, seem drab and uninteresting in comparison.
What these contrasting conditions do provide however, is a fantastic sense of atmosphere. Although not on par with the stylish Max Payne 2, the real world is full of creepy shadows and includes more than a few genuinely jumpy moments. Constantine has the ability to flick back and forth between dimensions, and alter either world to benefit his tasks in the other. Your True Sight ability acts like a twisted thermal vision which, complete with brilliantly disturbing audio, allows players to see demons masquerading as humans and hidden magical items too.

Aside from all the weapon-based combat (which is fun despite a slightly unpredictable camera), Constantine has the ability to cast spells. These are learnt through exploration of the fairly free-roaming environment, along with numerous other health and magic upgrades. These are fun to execute and are varied in nature - our favourite was Hunger, which caused the flesh to be stripped from a possessed human by a swarm of vicious flies. Although ridiculously easy to perform (players must complete a simple button sequence within a time limit), they'll leave your character annoyingly exposed to counter attack during the time it takes to cast. Because of this, they can only be used when enemies are at a safe distance - not ideal when you're in the middle of white-of-the-eyes combat.

However, factor in a healthy helping of puzzles (which again are fun, but hampered by an erratic camera), and Constantine is a fairly tidy little movie tie-in. Not as hallowed-groundbreaking or biblical in goodness that it maybe thinks it is, but 'constantly' enjoyable all the same.

The game does not follow the storyline of the film which is definatly something I like... not as predictable and shows that somebody out their had their thinking cap on. The character has a good likeness to keanu reeves and the whole setup of the game is good.

Unlike alot of action games you do not just have your basic weapons to fight with, you can use schreeching beetles, holy water, and my favorite spells.

Just like in the film you are sometimes required to take a little trip to hell, during this I found that the hardest thing was to navigate, I could swear I kept going into the same areas.

On the whole the game is good and one that I would recommend to anyone wether they own a ps2 or an xbox.