Xbox 360 review: Alien vs Predator

Considering we have seen Bayonetta, Mass Effect 2 etc and it's an 18+ certificate, that's impressive...

Is it that good, though? Let's strap on our heavy artillery and blast away until we find the truth.

Taking two of the film industry's most notorious and feared baddies is not a bad place to start for any game, although it has been done before with this franchise.

It's a ready-made win-win situation. However, some games have self-destructed this easy win in the past - see Star Wars: The Phantom Menace to head a list of 'bad uns'.

But don't worry, I won't be sticking this on the flop list. This is a good game, but more importantly, it's great fun to play and it will have you on the edge of your seat throughout.

You take on one of three roles - Colonial Marine, the Predator or the Alien.

Each has its own storyline and each storyline interweaves with the other two.

The one thing the game does very well in each of the story arcs is the use of tension and atmosphere.

The motion sensor on your tracker is a constant reminder that wherever you are, something pretty hideous is not too far away.

The darkly lit corridors, the flickering in the dark and the general gloominess of the graphics add to the unsettled edgy nature of the game brilliantly and to the sense that you are not alone.

I have read some criticism of the graphics online but I just didn't see it.

The presentation of the game is first class, whether it is the mechanics of the gunfire or the graphics. The sound is a real joy and a benchmark for other games.

I haven't felt this edgy since I played Dead Space.

If you are on Xbox Live, then get yourself on multiplayer. It may not have the overall finesse and brilliance of Modern Warfare 2, but it is a fan alternative.

The game avoids getting tied into the complexities of games like Gears Of War and Call Of Duty.

The emphasis here is on high-octane action and atmosphere and it gets 10/10 for that. Whether you are fighting with wristblade, pulse rifle or just biting people's heads off, it delivers superb action.

The game is unapologetically gory and has some glorious trophy kills and close-ups.

It's fun when you are hunting, but strangely even more fun when you are scared half to death being hunted.

This is by no means the perfect game and some of the gameplay can seem a little awkward at times, but overall this is a huge, huge amount of fun, whether as single or multiplayer.