TWO years ago Sho saved the Theophilus. Now the menace has attacked the Theophilus solar system and Sho must destroy the menace once again.

When people think of KOEI, the first game that springs to mind is probably the Dynasty Warriors series. Crimson Sea 2 is similar in some respects to this as it incorporates elements of hack and slash gameplay, intertwined with a little FMV.

Gamers familiar with Dynasty Warriors will feel a sense of deja vue when faced with hundreds of enemies to kill with no assistance, but then that's part of the fun! Unlike the original Crimson Sea, the sequel appears on the PS2. Even more impressive is the graphical improvements. They are noticeably superior to the original which is a high accomplishment considering the original was on the XBOX. Essentially gamers must kill lots of enemies using blades, guns and other weapons, in a bid to save the world.

Although this may sound a little tiresome, KOEI have made sure that this is not a drab, repetitive affair. In between fighting there are little interludes of FMV to advance the storyline, and even when fighting there are different conditions for different missions to keep gamer's alert at all times.

One such instance of a different stipulation is timed conditions, where gamers have a set time limit to complete the mission.

Upgrading weapons also adds to the fun and variation of the game. To do this, gamers must collect origins. Once an origin has been collected it can be applied to a weapon to enhance it.

Overall Crimson Sea 2 is an extremely entertaining futuristic hack and slash game, with an engaging storyline. It isn't going to be up there with the classics such as Metal Gear Solid, but it's a damn good game nonetheless.

Michael Wilson

PRICE: £29.99

PLAYERS: 1-2

AGE RATING: 12+

GENRE: Futuristis

FORMAT: PS2

GRAPHICS: 16/20

SOUND: 17/20

GAMEPLAY: 18/25

LIFESPAN: 20/25

ORIGINALITY: 6/10

OVERALL: 77%

TOP 10

1 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

2 Need For Speed: Underground 2

3 Half-Life 2

4 Halo 2

5 WWE Smackdown! VS Raw

6 Fifa 2005

7 The Getaway: Black Monday

8 Pro Evolution Soccer 4

9 The Urbz: Sims In The City

10 Football Manager 2005

UPCOMING

Blowout; Call of Duty: Finest Hour; GoldenEye: Rogue Agent; Killzone; Metroid Prime 2: Echoes.