UNDER THE SKIN

From the archive, first published Monday 27th Mar 2006.

IN terms of randomness and originality, Under The Skin is certainly an intriguing concept.

In this game, your name is Cosmi and you originate from the Mischief Planet. Traditionally inhabitants are sent to other planets on their third birthday to cause complete mayhem. It just so happens that your third birthday is near and you will be sent to earth.

In practice this is an extremely intriguing idea and gamers must steal money off humans using any means necessary. When gamers have collected a certain amount of coins or collected more than their opponent in a set time limit, the game ends.

Although this could lead to a potentially clumsy and disastrous game, Under The Skin is a reasonably enjoyable title marred only by poor camera angles and a rather short single player mode. Graphically, Under The Skin resembles Viewtiful Joe, being presented in colourful cell-shaded visuals in comic book cartoon style.

There is great variety in both the weapons and levels available. For fans of Resident Evil, one of the levels is based entirely around Racoon City with appearances from Nemesis and Jill Valentine.

Indeed, this is the only game available where it is possible to see Jill Valentine running away from a horde of zombies wearing nothing more than her underwear. No need to feel hot under the collar though, after all it's only cartoon visuals.

Other levels see gamers encounter the grim reaper, visit the wild west and go to Egyptian locations. Gamers have a surprisingly diverse and interesting selection of ways in which to make locals drop coins.

There are classic comedy tricks such as custard pies, the heavier approach involving rocket launchers and the random approach of summoning a herd of elephants or tyrannosaurus rex himself!

Although the single player mode is fun while it lasts the novelty will wear off and the single player element alone is not sufficient reason to buy the game.

However, Under The Skin is an extremely enjoyable party game and will certainly provide a fresh break in between serious multi-player sessions of Pro Evolution and Gran Turismo.

Michael Wilson

PRICE: £29.99

PLAYERS: 1-2

AGE RATING: 7+

GENRE: Party

FORMAT: PS2

GRAPHICS: 18/20

SOUND: 17/20

GAMEPLAY: 19/25

LIFESPAN: 15/25

ORIGINALITY: 7/10

OVERALL: 76%

TOP 10

1 Need For Speed:

Underground 2

2 Grand Theft Auto: San

Andreas

3 Prince of Persia:

Warrior Within

4 Fifa 2005

5 The Incredibles

6 Lord of the Rings: The

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7 Call of Duty: Finest

Hour

8 Pro Evolution Soccer 4

9 The Urbz: Sims in the

City

10 Goldeneye: Rogue

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UPCOMING

Smashing Drive; Close Combat: First To Fight; NFL Street 2

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