Condemned: Criminal Origins XBox 360

You are FBI agent Ethan Thomas, whose pursuit of relentless serial killers leads you through detailed urban environments filled with terrifyingly real sociopaths who lurk on the periphery of humanity. Gruesome weapons can be fashioned by clever players from the environment: paper-cutter handles, wooden planks and lead pipes ripped from walls can all be used to attack opponents. But watch your step, as enemies don't merely run at you; they find an appropriately powerful weapon to attack with and then hide in the shadows, waiting for an open opportunity to strike.

Enough of the blurb, you want to know what this is like don't you? If you are anything like me, you will have seen this game in the shop, possibly at a reduced price, as it was an original release title and thought 'Should I or shouldn't I?' and invariably talked yourself out of it.

Well, I've played the game, and I can honestly say - IT'S FANTASTIC!

The graphics are superb, as you would expect, and the controls are easy enough to master. But put this game on, turn on your surround sound and dim the lights. Even better, turn them off completely and prepare to be scared to death!

The ambient noises are very similar to Silent Hill games, and if you have played any of those and enjoyed them, I would suggest you stop reading this and go and buy this game! N O W !!!

The script is superb, and the environments are familiar, yet this game has a certain 'edge' to it! It is an 18 certificate for a reason, as most of your time will be spent either bludgeoning various enemies to death with pipes, crowbars and even signs. The rest of the time, you will be screaming like a girl, because I'm warning you, this game WILL scare you to death!

It's not overly long, so it may warrant a weekend hire, but trust me, if you are a fan of survival horror games such as Silent Hill or, dare I say it, Resident Evil, you will not want to put this game down!

It also has a certain replay value too! There are additional objectives and collectibles on each level to make sure you search every single nook and cranny and a bonus for only using melee weapons instead of the pistols, shotguns and Uzi's in the game.

Be warned, whatever ammo is in the weapon you collect, that's it! No "Ammo Packs" or "Weapon Upgrades" in this game, so you will inevitably resort to ripping pipes, 4 x 2's and fire-axes off walls to dispose of your enemies in brutal fashion.

Again, this is an 18 certificate game, and deservedly so. Definitely for the adult XBox 360 audience, but a stupendous effort.

Fantastic! Buy or Rent this game now! If nothing else, it will tide you over until the plethora of new games in November.

Now, where did I put that nail encrusted 4 x 2 plank? Mmmmmm.......