There are times when this game game is breathtaking and thrilling... balanced out by times when it becomes very aggravating and fit-inducing. Thankfully, the enticing, visually stunning world you get to explore helps make up for the game's shortcomings. This crisp-white ultra modern universe is spectacular and unlike the other games out there, and the bright red runner's vision markings against this pure white backdrop further enhance the eye candy factor. Running can be very fluid and satisfying... until the game throws an irritating obstacle at your seamless momentum (usually involving a long wall run.) But the price you pay for the pleasure is occasionally frustrating running controls, unforgiving timers, and combat situations where you're up against swarms of ranged-weapon and melee enemies that leave you drastically out-manned and under-gunned. Luckily, the game is forgiving when it comes to checkpoints, so if you miss that running or combat challenge, you can re-try without backtracking. Frankly, if it weren't for that, I doubt I would have the patience to continue. Yet, despite the annoyances, I keep coming back to take in the impressive surroundings. I also found myself enjoying the storyline, and eager to find out what was going to happen next. This game easily could have been a 9 or 10 if the combat was far more balanced, there was a more user-friendly learning curve (read: additional challenges with more forgiving timers to give you time to get used to the sometimes awkward controls), and running controls were more consistently fluid (read; take out the aggravating challenges like too-long wall runs.) Although it's never going to be the first game I reach for in my collection, I'm glad I picked up the game and have a chance to experience this unique and stunning world. But if you want a game that always feels fair and will never aggravate you - take a pass on this.
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