A brutal brand of beat 'em up

Set in the seedy underbelly of Las Sombras, where the underworld is ruled by power, greed and corruption, this game is the spiritual successor to beat 'em ups like Streets of Rage.

Players have to use their fists and their feet to wreak vengeance on their enemies. In an urban ghetto like Las Sombras, only the strong survive, and no-one is stronger than Zanetti.

When this crime boss hears of a rival gang's drug plans, he sends five of his top mercenaries to sort things out. But when they arrive, the rival gang members are already dead and members of their own cartel are lying in wait. It's a set-up - they were expected to look like traitors while the real double-crossers got away with the money.

But who is the brains behind the twisted plan? Can they trust their own friends? And what if the true traitor is one of the five?

Outnumbered, out gunned and pursued by their own gang, as well as police and FBI, the five are forced to split up and go their own way through the dark, foreboding ghetto. Naturally enough, the game places one of the five fugitives in your hands as they try to unravel the mysterious betrayal. The aim is to link up with the others and strike back. But the only respite to the never-ending stream of baddies is to be found at an innocent-looking downtown bar.

Your character is expected to take on different jobs. Earning money is the only way to improve your chances of survival. Interestingly, the game gives players two alternatives: fight or negotiate. But do you negotiate from a position of strength - or wait until the chips are down? Success could recruit new allies or improve your funds considerably.

Playable characters include Raven, the archetypal rebel without a cause, and even Zanetti's own illegitimate son, Aaron. Capcom has also included a single player adventure and multiple team-up modes.

As with GTA: San Andreas, the sets are pretty much free roaming. You can go where you like and talk (or beat up) anyone you want. When a street brawl develops, it's a good idea to keep tabs on your surroundings. As with Fighting Force - the popular PS 1 game - your character can pick up objects (such as pipes and bottles) to use as deadly weapons, break open crates to find extra weaponry or beat an opponent senseless by bashing their head against a car or nearby wall.

Beatdown ain't a game for shrinking violets but that's why it carries a 16+ adults-only rating. Technically, it looks great - the characters are accurately modelled and the cityscape is clear and detailed. The battles are generally well handled but the graphical distortion effects (when your character takes a hit) can prove annoying by getting in the way of a successful defence.

Although Beatdown isn't a particularly large game, there's plenty of reason to go back and play it through again. Each of the five characters has a different ending.

Can a relatively simple concept cut the mustard in the age of sophisticated software adventuring? Beatdown may not be the most cerebral of interactive entertainment, but it certainly hits the spot.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY IN EASY STEPS by Nick Vandome. Publisher: Computer Step. Price: £10.99:

THE world of digital picture taking opens up the wonders of photography for everyone, but the complexities can be daunting if you are new to the subject.

This excellent paperback book is the perfect introduction to the world of digital imaging. It offers sound advice on the type of camera to buy, basic picture taking skills, using editing software and printing your digital masterpieces for everyone to enjoy. The latest edition even includes a chapter on camera phones.

Copiously illustrated with easy to follow instructions, this volume is the perfect book to buy before you take the plunge. In common with all the Easy Steps titles, it's good value at just £10.99.

Published: 30/09/2005