Lets me just start out by commenting on the graphics in this game. The look of each map is, in two words, awe inspiring. The design, the look, the details, everything is just perfect. I remember turning on the game, going to play my first online match (I'm not much for Single Player in a game like this, but more on that later), saw my first level, and my jaw dropped. My friend was with me, and he had about the same reaction. What I'm saying is … the graphics get a big nod.

My favorite part of the game … character design. Each character is designed differently, looks different, has their own abilities and attitudes. The main character, Anubis, is probably the coolest looking character in the game. Just to name a few others, you have Selket, Brock, Lauren, Arclite, and Sobek. There are many more, and many more to unlock as well. If you're like me, the first thing you do (after playing online, of course), is attempt to unlock each and every secret character. When the game starts out you get, I think, eight characters, with eight more unlockable, including a special appearance from Mortal Kombat's own Raiden (a very popular online character). Thanks to a new XBL download, players can now play as some of the game bots, which formerly could only be played by the computers. One of them, Apophis, is my favorite.

It is so easy to get used to this game. First off, there is one simple rule in this game…..never stand still! In most Unreal games it's just first person shooting back and forth with some jumping, but this game brings the franchise to a whole new level. You can play first person, but you also get a new 3rd person view (the view I use). The reason I bring that up is the fact that this game is not just about running around shooting, but your ability to dodge. No running around in this game - you can jump, kick off walls, do flips, fly around, or any combination thereof. At first, you can become dizzy and you will find it hard to take full advantage of your maneuverability, but once you get used to it, you will kick ass. All this is harder to perform in first person (well, to me it is anyway).

Another new addition to the game is the ability to use Melee Weapons. The second you hit the melee weapon button (B), you will jump to 3rd person (unless you're already there), and pull out your weapon. From there, you can jump around and slice people up with swords, or punch 'em with your fists (if you play a Juggernaut). Some of the characters have their own weapons, which no other character has (Anubis's staff, Apophis's Battle Axe, Raiden's Wooden Staff), but if you play a Juggernaut, you use your fists. Some of the characters have certain melee weapons if they belong to a certain race.

The single player mode puts you in as Anubis, who has decided to take part in the tournament, but his nemesis Selket will do anything to prevent him from winning. To tell you the truth…that's all I remember, because I didn't play it much, and when I did, I had my mind set on unlocking characters only - not much on the story.

When playing on X-Box Live, you can choose from an array of different game types. Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Nali Slaughter (in which you and your opponents compete to kill as many Nali - an alien race - as you can), and Overdose (in which you fight against each other to catch the Gold or White ball and bring it to the goal someplace on the map).

This game is easily one of my favorite games and is, in my opinion, the best X-Box Live game to date. I've played it for hours, and with the great stat tracking system it has, my wins, losses, kills, and weapon use can all be seen by others. Playing with friends is great, but can provoke some arguments (but what game doesn't these days?). There is a lot of fun to be had with this game, and if you're looking for a game to just become completely hooked on, pick this one up. No, this is not a rental, this is a must buy. Trust me, you won't regret it.