Weapons-grade gaming

GAME OF THE WEEK: Blacklight: Tango Down.16 cert, UTV Ignition PC/PS/Xbox 360 ****

If you're suffering from Call of Dutywithdrawal, this first- person shooter, a mix of realistic combat and futuristic technology, may be just what you need.

Blacklight: Tango Downis set 25 years into the future. Players take control of an elite covert ops team on the trail of a missing American colonel and his BlackLight team in the city of Balik. To complicate matters, war has broken out and a virus appears to have infected the locals, turning them into maniacs who attack everything they come across.

The main enemy, however, is the Order, the rebel group that has taken over and killed the president, and is suspected to be behind the disappearance of the Blacklight team.

The game comes with four Black Ops single player/co-op levels that allow up to four players to take part at once, 12 multiplayer maps and seven game types. The modes are fairly standard fare, including deathmatch, last man standing and domination.

What is really attracting players is the ability to create customised weapons. But Blacklighttakes it a step further, with seemingly endless possibilities.

In addition, there are more futuristic aids to help you on your way. The Hyper Reality Visor, for example, is an advanced imaging system built into the heads-up display. This allows you to spot nearby enemies in addition to friendly forces, health stations and ammunition locations. Of course, you can only use it for a limited amount of time before it drains and you have to wait for it to recharge.

Blacklightis addictive. The incentive to increase your rank keeps you playing, unlocking new upgrades all the time and improving weapons. Experience points are earned by making kills, which then translate into these upgrades and rewards.

The game is not perfect. For example, the Black Ops mode could do with some polish to make it a little more appealing. But with slick graphics and the constant rewards to drive players, Blacklight: Tango Downis a worthwhile investment.